Three's Company

by watevermelon

Summary:

Appearing almost out of nowhere, Akira was the sudden savior for you and your friends away from the clutches of Kamoshida. Somewhere along the lines, the admiration you had for your leader morphed into something much more real; one he surely did not reciprocate.

You knew all about the lingered looks between Akira and Makoto and sought to distract yourself, not expecting to find physical reprieve with a certain detective.

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Cracked asses aside, infiltrating Kaneshiro’s palace was a success.

Only a few days until your real life reputations were flushed completely down the drain, the Phantom Thieves had sent the calling card and successfully stolen the treasure. It was getting somehow, easier with a team as large as yourselves.

Especially because of your newest recruit…

In such a short amount of time, Makoto had made herself a steady member of the group. Her nuclear attacks and power levels were right on par with the team, despite this being her first ever mission. A part of you wondered how this could be, how much more useful would she become in only a few weeks time. 

Just at the beginning of this month, both Ryuji and Ann had been blowing up your phone, texting separately their dislike of how holier than thou she appeared. 

Constantly grilling your friend group about the Thieves, only to cower when Ann pointed out how Shiho suffered every day while Makoto turned a blind eye.

But in the span of a single palace, Makoto has proven herself and fought for her future alongside the group. Those complaints came to a stop, besides the occasional ones from Ryuji about her nagging. (And even then it was not that serious)

Makoto had slotted herself comfortably between the Phantom Thieves, your close-knit friend group, and right into Akira’s personal life.

At first you tried to think nothing of it. Your crush on Akira was simply that — just a crush. No forlorn confessions of passionate love or how you were meant to be. And yet, your eyes were often drawn to him, and somewhere along the lines, Makoto was appearing with him more and more.

You noticed Ren’s lingering looks, how they were seen, just the two of them together. 

Sometimes in Shibuya, or the movie theatre, or just hanging out in general. It was always just the two of them. And you were not the only one who noticed, even Morgana and Ryuji had started to teased them regarding their relationship.

You knew they were trying to help a fellow classmate, apparently someone named Eiko from your school was having problems with her boyfriend. It made some sense that Makoto, as student body President, was sticking her nose in their business.

But Akira?

A part of you denied their growing friendship — remembering your personal moments with Joker and how he saved you from Kamoshida’s clutches. 

Before, even without Ryuji or Ann, he would invite you over to Le Blanc simply to hangout. You remembered how much of a gentleman he was one night, the heavy downpour making your commute home difficult and how he had offered you a place to stay for the night.

But the more you saw, the more you believed.

Akira didn’t have feelings for you.

At least not the way you did for him.

And to Ann’s delight and Ryuji’s infuriatingly obvious winking, Makoto and Joker were seemingly on a way to romance.

You felt your heart almost break, you thought you were the special one to Joker. Never had you admitted these feelings out-loud, but there was no point in denying the sharp pang at watching him so obviously interested in another.

Trying your best to support him, you would outwardly smile as they obviously flirted, but remained quiet when the subject was brought up.

There were other issues to worry about, such as the upcoming Rapture at the hands of some group called Medjed. You were in contact with a small hope, a savior in the form of another, some unknown “Alibaba.”

You bid Ryuji farewell after class, apparently he was hanging around for Akira and the last thing you wanted was to be caught up with them. Instead you scurried along, taking your usual subway route back home. On almost every TV, every piece of media, was the Phantom Thieves and Medjed. 

Trying your best to ignore it seemed unfruitful, it seemed like the main topic of conversation for all of Tokyo as you waited silently for the train to stop. Getting off your connecting train, your eye caught one of the news broadcasts at Medjed’s continual demands. You lingered over to it, ordering something from a nearby bakery stand and heading to a table so you can watch the full coverage.

You must have heard this over a dozen times, how they demanded the unveiling of your own identity. And if you refused, it would mean that all of Japan would have to pay the price of your hesitance. To stay that you were stressed was an understatement.  After changing the hearts of Kamoshida and recently, Kaneshiro, it was obvious that you were fighting against the oppressors of the world.  So why were they insisting on antagonizing your group? 

“Hello.” A familiar, princely voice cut through the crowd and halted your train of thinking. “To think we have quite similar tastes.”

You knew Akechi enough, he was often just there when it came to the topic Phantom Thievery, much to Ryuji’s annoyance. Who could forget your trip to the TV station and how Akechi made his statement clear to the entire world where he stood opposite to the Thieves. Since then, he was always injecting his own brand of moral justice, which often distracted from his kind face. 

There was nothing particular about Akechi that should have set off your internal sense of danger - and yet something somehow always seemed to be off.

You knew the others had their own qualms, Ryuji complaining about him, moreso about the fact that Akechi seemed to bad mouth their group at every TV special. Makoto was not particularly fond of him either, but it seemed for more personal reasons outside their group. Akira was the one person who said he might be a good ally in the end, to which Ann agreed with a hesitant smile while Yusuke seemed indifferent.

But it was rare for the two of you to be alone, other than cordial hello’s when you saw each other at Le Blanc or in between commutes.

To have his undivided attention was even rarer.

You greeted him before pointing to your newly acquired cheesecake. “I’ve always been a fan of sweets.” 

“I see.” Akechi noted before following your previous line of sight to the TV screen. “Worried for the phantom thieves?”

There it was. 

Always about the Phantom Thieves with him - so much so that it had you on edge that he was getting close to deducing your true identities. It was not exactly like your bonds were natural from the outside, the three targets of Kamoshida and Madarame’s last remaining pupil from another school, totally not suspicious.

But it would be harder to just brush Akechi off, to walk away from the conversation without a good excuse. He was probably the smartest person you personally knew, with an even better sense of reasoning. Before a lie could even form on your tongue Akechi could easily feel if something was off.

You took a moment to think before answering, “Something to add to my repertoire, detective?’

“Consider me just a curious bystander, for now.” Akechi retorted.

“We both know you’ll always be more than that.” You muttered, “But I’m more worried about what may happen to Japan if they don’t act.”

“So you wish for the Phantom Thieves to reveal themselves?”

You narrowed your eyes at his leading question.

“I hope for the Phantom Thieves to do what they must to keep Japan safe.”

Akechi regarded you silently, surely another argumentative point that the Phantom Thieves were inherently against the true safety of Japan, but instead he wore a smile that you took to signify that his next few words would contrast brightly to his kind expression.

“Is your belief in our justice system so little that we must rely on this vigilante group?”

“Seeing how the system only benefited Kamoshida against me, yes.” You answered, “But maybe it doesn’t have to be so cut and dry. This all stems from expectations, we expect the system to work and the public expects a vigilante group to be morally gray. Branching from such meets resistance, but what if they were to work together for a better world?”

Akechi regarded you silently, having taken the seat next to you. His princely expression was marred by something else, a thoughtful look that you hadn’t seen before.

“An inquisitive deduction, unlike much of Akira’s company.” Akechi noted.

You mind wandered to Ryuji, “I’ll take that as a compliment, coming from the Detective Prince.”

You watched as his smile tightened. And while it was still in line with the cordial attitude he had before, a part of you wondered if that was the wrong thing to say.

Whatever he was going to say next was swallowed by a text-tone from his phone, catching his immediate attention. 

“Until next time.” Akechi stood from his seat and bid you farewell, gone just as quickly as he appeared.

You let out a silent puff of air you hadn’t realized you were holding, suddenly relaxed with his disappearance. Talking to Akechi felt like playing a game of russian roulette, except he was the one holding a fully loaded gun. With the exception of Akira, he had quite possibly the best deductive reasoning and the absolute last person you wanted to accidentally slip-up in front of.

Just as you were about to pack-up and head home, there was a small ding indicating the private Phantom Thieves group chat — tonight was a trip for mementos.

You said nothing about your run in with Akechi, sitting quietly in the back of the van without caring for the conversation around you. Makoto was driving the Morgana bus, Joker in the passenger seat next to her.  Yusuke continued on about something beside you, only offering a small nod in interest every so often.

The last place you wanted to be tonight was around Akira and Makoto. And yet somehow, here you were tagging along in your own personal hell.

Unless you wanted to develop a palace or a shadow of your own, you had to calm your feelings before they spiraled into something uncontrollable. Maybe it would be better to get some space, it was not Akira’s fault that you felt this way. There was no one to blame for your sullen mood, but yourself . 

Maybe next Mementos trip, you would take the night off instead. 

You had to fight the feeling that Makoto had an inkling about your feelings — your joint gaze meeting several times in the mirror, but thankfully the older woman hadn’t commented on it.

Akira texted you that night if you were feeling okay.

You didn’t answer until morning, a simple: sorry I missed this im fine. 

The next day Ann was going to visit Shiho and you volunteered to come along, honestly eager to see her progress. It was a good distraction to see your friend, a grim smile on her face as she described the school she would be transferring to. And while you were sure you could’ve stayed the whole night talking, her mother had assured the both of you out for Shiho to get her proper rest. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Ann.” You waved goodbye to your blonde friend.

“I’m actually going to drop by Le Blanc just to update Akira on Shiho’s progress, wanna come?” Ann asked with an unknowing smile.

That was the last thing you wanted to do.

But denying Ann’s request would only open up more questions that you were not mentally ready to answer.

You plastered on a smile and responded, “Sure.” 

On the train you continued to talk about Shiho’s progress and even updates about Ann’s modeling career. This continued all the way to the front of the cafe, where you silently steeled your spine.

Akira waved at the both of you from behind the counter, but your attention was grabbed from one of the customers.

“Twice in two days, this surely is my pleasure.” Akechi greeted Ann before saying this to you.

Ann walked over to the counter, a step behind as you slotted yourself next to the detective. You both patted Morgana on the head as you passed.

“And if I were to say that I’ve been a member of your fanclub in disguise?”  You joked with a smile, before seeing both Akira and Ann’s interest fly to you in question, both eager to know for obviously different reasons. 

Ann probably smelled gossip and Akira, as your leader, obviously wanted to be in the know. Akira’s surprised expression stayed for a few beats, noticed by you and the detective, before it was smothered back down. Akechi must have taken delight in taking the latter off-guard,  since he nearly taunted that fact out-loud.

“While I would be grateful for your supposed admiration, your interest is surely aesthetic-deep with our clashing views regarding the Phantom Thieves.”

You didn’t answer, instead taking the seat next to Akechi and waving to Sojiro in the back of the kitchen. Ann’s eyes gleamed with enthusiastic interest and you fought the urge to laugh at the situation. Akira tampered down his expression to his quiet, unreadable one.

“How unfortunate it is that I have to part from you now.” Akechi stated, nodding toward Akira and bidding you all a swift goodbye.

It was strange how quickly he was in and out of your lives, his words striking with the deadly accuracy of a cobra, only to retreat and fight for another day.

The moment the door chimed in closing, Ann pounced on you immediately.

“One-on-one time with Goro Akechi ?”

Your gaze jumped between the blond and silent Akira behind the counter, their serious eyes reflecting back at you. There was no way you were leaving this cafe without giving them straight answers.

“I ran into him yesterday at a bakery.”

“And he stayed and spoke to you?” She asked. 

“Yes?” You replied, unsure where this line of questioning was going.

“So what — did it turn into a date?”

“Gross!” Morgana commented from his seat, finally back with the waking world. 

“No!” You denied quickly, “He’s just really interesting to talk to.”

“Yeah, I’ll say. I’ll save the mental gymnastics for another day.” Ann replied before shaking her head to get back on track, “Wait. Do you like him?”

“What?”

“Come on — you know I won’t fault you for it!” Ann replied, moving forward to take your hands in hers. “Akechi’s very easy on the eyes.”

“Akechi is Ann’s type? This entire time?” You heard Morgana whisper to himself. 

“He talks shit about us every day.” You countered.

The blonde waved it off as she shrugged, “That’s just about the Thieves and I can see where he’s coming from. If we had made the wrong move with Kamoshida, who knows what we could have done. But Akechi doesn’t know it’s us.”

“Where are you going with this?” 

“I mean, you’re allowed to like him. The only person stopping it is yourself.”

You paused, Ann was taking this very seriously for such a short encounter with the detective. It was nothing more than an exchange of pleasantries. But, not even you could deny how handsome the detective really was.

At times you wondered what he did with those leather gloves.

Not that you would say that now .

It seemed you were silent for too long. The quiet buzz of the cafe the only sound as both teens regarded you in your internal conflict.

Hearing Akira’s voice for the first time in minutes nearly started you. But it was his question that made you nearly take a step back.

“Do you like him?”

His dark eyes regarded you so intently, hardly passing as a casual question as Akira gave you his full attention. A part of you wanted to run, leave the conversation entirely since there was no good answer for either of them.

“No, I don’t right now.” You answered.

“Right now?”

“ Right now?”

They both repeated simultaneously, Ann perking up with excitement while Akira put down the coffee grinder and placed both hands down on the counter. His demeanor almost looked like a stern dad about to counsel you.

You fought the urge to slam your head against the table, at this rate you were going to continue in circles over and over. Even now, when the detective was nowhere to be seen, he was screwing you over.

The next day you had to fight off Ann continually teasing you at lunch in the Student Council Room, followed by Ryuji’s exasperation and Makoto’s earnest surprise.

“It’s almost like fraternizing with the enemy!” Ryuji exclaimed.

“A really hot enemy.” Ann countered, causing you to flush instantly and Makoto to narrow her eyes. 

Akira regarded you silently, saying nothing.

The conversation last night weighed heavily on your mind, facing the joint grilling of both your best friend and your unrequited crush. They continued to pelt you with questions about Akechi, but you gave vague answers until you were finally allowed to retreat for the night.

You hoped this wouldn’t be a continuation.

“It may be an unnecessary risk to keep pretenses with Akechi.” Makoto stated.

“I think it’d be more suspicious if I stopped completely.” You answered.

“It could help.” Ryuji shrugged, “When ya date the poor guy and he finally gets laid, maybe he’ll back off the Phantom Thieves.”

Sputtering at the blonde’s words and actively denying it, you were eager to change the main topic of conversation. But Ann kept redirecting it back to the newest topic of your so-called love affair, even Ryuji at times teasing you for being on the detective’s good side.

You failed to notice how tightly Akira was holding onto the edge of the table. 

Throughout the rest of the week, you tried not to let their teasing get to your head — carrying out your school days as normal as you could. 

At lunch you dodged their questions and your shift in conversation came from an unlikely source.

Suddenly, the Phantom Thieves were being threatened with the entirety of Japan as hostage. Medjed’s distant warnings became serious as it declared war on your group — finding a hacker on your side would be nearly impossible. You stressed night after night as you tried to get “Alibaba” on your side.

Now your days were preoccupied with strategizing and venturing into Futaba’s palace with a new influx of strong enemies. On more than one occasion you cursed the shadow Anubis and the huge scale of skill that you were facing in her palace. Faced with blessed attacks that could kill you instantly on the spot, you resolved to exercise and train in your private time more than before.

But with keeping good grades, school during the day, and trying to make progress in the palace at night — it seemed every block of time was accounted for.

And so at the ungodly hour of five in the morning, as Ann had dubbed it, you headed out the door for a long jog before school.

Medjed. 

Japan’s reckoning.

It seemed the stakes for your infiltrations were dramatically increasing. 

Suddenly life was moving too fast, too much at once and you just wanted to stop and breathe. 

Akechi was literally the furthest subject from your mind — you hadn’t seen him in weeks. 

And yet somehow, there he was right in front of you, chilling silently in all his glory. 

You almost stilled at Akechi’s unexpected presence, seeing him on a park bench with a bike set haphazardly on the side. He nodded at you in greeting as you approached, acknowledging your presence.

“Akechi, I should’ve figured you were a morning owl.”

He smiled tamely, expression not quite reaching his eyes, before he patted the seat next to him.

“Your group has been rather elusive these days.”

“Keeping tabs on us, Detective Prince?” You tacked on the annoying title at the end, purposefully attempting to grate him like last time.

But it seemed he caught on easily, smirking into his hand and replying, “Only the ones I find truly interesting.”

You rolled your eyes and put a feigned hand over your heart, “That must have been the nicest thing you ever said to me.”

It was his turn to be exasperated then, his voice hitting an unusually low timber. “So eager for a bar set so low?”

“Well, it depends what you intend to do with that attention.”

Akechi sat straighter then, the meaning to your words hitting several connotations at once. 

“And what would you like to do?” He asked, allowing you to be the one to breach the subject.

You knew you were venturing into dangerous territory and instead evaded the question as you stood, “Maybe another time.”

Akechi smiled at you, if it could be called that. He knew exactly what you were doing, running away at first chance. Whether it was because of the newfound atmosphere or from questions regarding the Phantom Thieves — it hardly mattered. 

He was well aware of how it affected you — pocketing this information for a better setting.

“I would much rather not rely on blind chance.” Akechi stated, rifling his athletic pack and reaching out his phone.

Exchanging numbers with the very man who sought to take you down?

… It was not the dumbest thing you had ever done.

But maybe the most reckless.

---

There was no sudden declaration of feelings or dramatic shift in the way you two interacted. Your conversations were hardly scandalous — sometimes shared experiences in your high school lives or random news articles that you would discuss.

At least at the start.

But the more you spoke, the more Akechi learned how to press your buttons.

Whether you were agitated or flustered, the detective was learning it piece by piece. And even worse was how aware you were, but Akechi still found a way to incite a reaction.

And your friendship changed gradually, in small pieces from the usually cordial undertone to the undoubtedly flirtatious charge in the way you contacted each other.

15:45 You: I saw this and thought of you
Attached: uglycrepes.jpg

15:47 Akechi: If this is your way of propositioning me, then I must say that I much prefer a simpler food

15:47 You: …. nvm. 

15:47 Akechi: Maybe next time.

As much as you did not want to admit it, Akechi was the perfect distraction from your daily life. You felt like you were split into two lives — the thievery of the night and attempting to be just another student during the day. 

Not to mention that the Phantom Thieves were hitting an all time high with their popularity. With Medjed out of the way and Futaba a new member of your group, everyone was ready to finally take a breath and celebrate. 

You noticed that even after all this time, Makoto and Akira were not officially dating. But you knew what you saw — the way they were intimately together after school, your heart had already accepted what your mind assumed.

Ann had even teased them once in mementos, but to your surprise Makoto had flat out denied it.

“Akira and I are nothing but friends.”

You tried hard not to think about the strange look the brunette shot you right after. Akira remained quiet to Ann’s words, so you wondered if maybe he had feelings for Makoto that were also unrequited at the moment.

No matter.

It was not your business. 

Akira had texted you a few times during the week, asking if you wanted to come over and spend time. You made a point of answering late or being busy in some way, not wanting to linger on your leader when you were still piecing your heart back together.

But there was no ignoring him when the Thieves arranged for a celebratory beach day — eager to integrate Futaba into the group and celebrate both Kaneshiro and Medjed’s downfall.

You were riding an enthusiastic high, for finally bringing down the big baddie who had plagued many sleepless nights over the past month. And that morning, with a burst of newfound confidence, you decided to give the detective prince a little more than usual.

Snapping a picture in the mirror, of just you adorned  in your bathing suit, you smiled seductively before sending it with a small message:

Like what you see?

But the moment was pushed aside quickly as Ann and the rest dragged you into shenanigans at the beach. From a banana boat to a food stall, you were actually having a good time — the first in weeks. 

When you returned back to your phone, two new texts from the detective, you had completely forgotten what you originally sent him. 

8:55      You: Like what you see?
10:07    Akechi: Absolutely.
10:07    Akechi: I implore you to send more.

You fought the natural urge to blush, suddenly scandalized at the way he had turned the tables on you in only a few words. Gulping down your iced water quickly, you hoped it would cool you off before anyone noticed your reaction.

How the hell were you supposed to even respond??

Ann grabbed you out of your thoughts as she teased you about some boys approaching the group. She even mentioned introducing yourself to one of them, since two seemed cute. 

Futaba stuck her tongue out in obvious disinterest while Makoto narrowed her eyes. Akira turned to you then, attempting to look casual but you knew enough by now that he was intently tuned in. 

“I don’t think I’m interested.” You waved off as you turned away from the other group of teens.

“Oh right, because who could possibly compare to the ultimate detective prince?” Ann teased, to which you waved away.

Makoto shot looks between you and Akira, but said nothing.

You tried to busy yourself with your phone, trying to think of any response back to the detective. Did you want to continue this? You had started it, but if you were not comfortable, then it would simply end here. 

Where was this headed? 

You wondered, not the first time since you started texting the detective prince. Sitting there silently was only a front to how you attempted to hide your rising worry as the beach party raged around you, taking a piece of watermelon that Ann graciously offered you and texting away.

11:57 You: It’ll come at a price
11:57 Akechi: And what would that be?
11:58 You: Stop badgering the phantom thieves
11:58 Akechi: interesting how this is your main concern now of all times
11:58 Akechi: And it would take much more from you to suddenly halt my convictions

You failed to notice Akira’s eyes on you, watching silently from his seat as he watched you continue to type.

11:59 You: … is there more that I can offer?
12:00 Akechi: that depends on you
12:00 You: would you like more of this
12:00 You: or something more dangerous, detective?
12:01 Akechi: I’m intrigued at the prospect
12:01 Akechi: I leave that to your discretion

You stopped typing, entering very dangerous territory. His last statement left the ball entirely in your court, what you sent next could very well define your ongoing conversation. 

But with Makoto and Akira sharing the towel in front of you, you decided it might be okay to step away from the group for a breather. Thinking about boys made you reckless and even more so when the object of your unrequited desire was sitting with his right in front of you.

You stood and stated you were going to use the bathroom, the rest waving you off and saying they would stay behind.

But, of course, your fearless leader stood the moment you did, stating he was going to walk back to the boardwalk with you.

“There’s no need. Besides, you should stay with Makoto less some beach bum gets a little too friendly.” You replied, attempting to jest rather than tack on bitterly.

But Akira shut it down immediately.

“Makoto and I have gotten closer, but it’s not like that.”

They were subject to lots of teasing in the past, but hardly had Akira been the one to put it in its place. It was always aloof stances and quiet stares, never outright denial. Makoto usually put a stop to this kind of talk, had Akira thought that was enough for him to not?

And sure enough, Akira kept pace with you all the way back to the bathrooms, where you had a much different mission in mind just a few minutes ago.

“Oh.”

Had you read him entirely wrong? 

“Oh?” He gently urged you to continue.

“Sorry, I just assumed you two were interested in dating.”

Akira smirked as he pushed his glasses up, “I’m interested in dating.”

You almost rolled your eyes, “I meant dating each other.”

“No, I’m not exactly Makoto’s type. Neither is she mine.”

“Oh, sorry for assuming then.”

You walked together silently, stewing in your own thoughts before Akira continued, “You’re not going to ask me?”

“Ask you what?”

“What my type is.”

You laughed lightly before turning to him, “Let me guess, you and Ryuji bond over ‘bodacious babes’ with bodies and confidence like Ann.”

The complete opposite to you.

However, he did the last thing you expected.

Akira placed a light hand on your shoulder, not enough to hurt, but definitely enough pressure to grab your attention and stop you in place.

“No.”

Even with his large frames covering his face, it was hard not to cower under Akira’s smoldering gaze. He was looking at you straight-on, eyes latching onto your own as he tried to convey something much more serious than how the conversation started out.

“Ask me.”

Fortunately your text-tone rang out and dragged you from your thoughts, thankful for the much needed distraction as you pretended to laugh off his statements and headed into the nearby bathroom facility.

You paused in the single-stall contemplating hard about what you were about to do, reading over the last text he had sent before.

12:26 Akechi: Has our public defender of the Thieves backed out?
12:26 Akechi: Please, do not feel pressured.

Where was the random burst of confidence you had not twenty minutes ago?

Akira was not your boyfriend, far from it. Your feelings were unrequited and anything you harbored for him was simply your own, nothing more.

Akechi, despite being your distant enemy, was strangely confident in his flirtations with you. He relied not on flowery language, but complimenting your body as it was and even calling your earlier bluff. 

The attraction was obviously there, were you going to throw that away over Akira who hardly looked in your direction beyond friendship?

You reopened the text history on your phone.

12:28 You: I don’t know how comfortable I’d be sending something over text for you to possibly quadruplet
12:28 Akechi; I understand
12:28: Akechi; Of course, for the subject matter to be this… worrying. 
12:28 Akechi: You have my interest peaked.
12:29 You: Maybe a time and place would be better.
12:29 Akechi: I agree.

Chapter 2

Ann and Akira walked over to your shared homeroom class with Ryuji, intent on spending lunch with the both of you again. You waved them over to your seat by the window, happy to greet them but still particularly where you stood with one - namely Akira. 

Your one-on-one time at the beach ended on a strange note, never imploring on the subject of dating again less he tease you into a corner like last time. That was hardly a conversation topic you wanted to breach. Not to mention, now that you were more on edge, you tended to look in Akira’s direction. And almost every time, it seemed he was already looking at you.

After that, a part of your brain was screaming at you to avoid him.

But Akira - the smart, dashing leader of your group - thwarted you at every turn.

He was seemingly just aware of where you’d be. After all, Akira was one of your closest friends, and could easily name your favorite spots in the city. You even took to going to new locations that were outside of your comfort zone, only to see Akira somehow approaching you in the unusual streets of Akihabara.

Akira would pass off a casual wave, as if he hadn't taken the time to personally track you down, inviting you to spend time with him as Morgana stared up at you innocently with his blue, deep-set eyes.

You were unable to say no.

From the back area of the library to the crepe stand in Shinjuku, there was literally no place in Tokyo where you could escape your leader. It was almost impressive, if not agitating.

You tried physically separating from him while in the group, the Phantom Thieves exploring the depths of mementos. Waiting until everyone else had loaded up in the Morgana bus, Akira thwarted you by putting a friendly, inconspicuous hand in the small of your back and guiding you into the last row alongside him. An excuse to move seats was on the tip of your tongue, but Akira shot Makoto a look and suddenly the female was closing the doors and rushing to get the van moving. 

Trying your best to stare out the window and not in his direction hardly helped after he threw a casual arm across your headrest, draping himself all over you. You tried to keep your gaze firm toward the front of the bus, unwilling to even glance in Akira's direction. He was so nonchalant, an arm nearly touching the back of your head as he glanced in the opposite direction of you, out the window toward Mementos.

Ann shot you a look over her shoulder, surprised and just as confused as you were.

It was no surprise she brought it up in a very much Ann-way today.

“Akira gracing us with his presence today?” Ann led with a teasing question.

“Huh?” He asked back, confused.

“I saw Makoto back downstairs in the cafeteria.” She continued.

Ryuji caught on and none-too-gently elbowed his best friend, “Don’t worry, bro. We won’t take offense to you wanting to spend lunch with your girlfriend.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Riiight.” Ryuji replied, “And when are you finally going to ask her out? Afraid Sae’s gonna step on you or something?”

You laughed into your hand, only hesitating when Akira looked at you in worry , of all things.

The last thing you wanted to do was decipher and dig into a look that, which at the end of the day, meant nothing . Even if Akira was not interested in Makoto, that was hardly a reason to get your own hopes up. He never said anything, never denoted that his interest laid with you.

Instead, you picked up your phone and tried to busy yourself with it.

But Ann snatched it right out of your hands.

“You’re not out of the woods either.” The blonde stated as she dangled your phone, “You text Akechi all the time with that dopey look on your face - please tell me you are at least sleeping with Prince Charming.”

Ryuji sputtered and Akira narrowed his eyes.

“No, I’m not.” You denied before grabbing back your phone.

“Oh?” Ann leaned forward, “Then tell me your relationship is nothing like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like the kissy-face and sending each other nudes kind of deal.”

Ann hitting the nail right on the head had surprised you, making you hesitate for a single second, but it was enough to get all three teens to react despite your denial.

"No way.” Ryuji stated slowly.

“I knew it!” Ann exclaimed, standing in her seat with excited arms in the air, as if cheering.

Akira grabbed your phone.

“I did notice Akechi didn't say any shit about the Thieves during that last interview, so keep it up partner.” Ryuji joked as he patted your shoulder.

“It’s not like that! I have never sent Akechi a nude before.” You defended yourself, to which Ann laughed and Ryuji shrugged, the words hardly reaching his ears.

And it was not exactly a lie.

You had never sent Akechi a photo of you in the nude over text, if the age of the internet taught you anything, it was to not send a message that you did not want unearthed years from now. You grabbed the phone back from Akira and pocketed it, silently turning to your lunch and hoping they would not pressure you further. All it would take is a little prodding on their parts and surely they could smell something further was afoot.

Under the shared looks of your three closest friends, you would surely crack.

The last time you saw Akechi, it was only a few days after the beach party. You had finally agreed on a place and time - late night on the weekend at his apartment.

The train ride there was excruciatingly quiet and you prayed to the Metaverse God’s out there that you would not run into any of your friends on the way. Tucked under your clothes was a pair of lacey lingerie, a deep crimson red that Akechi had expressed his personal preference over in passing. Before, it was only mentioned as joke, to think you would be pocketing that information for future use.

To the outside, you were just another young woman on the train.

Hardly scandalous.

And yet the walk to Akechi’s apartment had you wondering where all that prior confidence had gone.

He greeted you at the door, offering you to walk further in before you realized Akechi was leading you to his bedroom .

“Well?” He asked lightly, sitting down in one of his dark arm-chairs with an expectant finger beneath his chin.

Your gaze latched onto his leather adorned hands.

How they would feel on your skin.

You unbuttoned your shirt slowly, nothing on beneath besides the bra. His dark-chocolate eyes followed your movements, lingering on the dip between your mounds before following downward. You had a short skirt on, hoping it would be easier to slip back on if you lost your confidence along the way.

And yet somehow, capturing Akechi’s full attention this way, it was almost power inducing.

It seemed that it would take a lot to break through his composure, his princely disposition palpable even at times when he faced public scorn. No matter the occasion, Akechi seemed to wield his smile and kind words like his own personally sharpened weapons. And yet here he was, hands gripping the armrests tightly as his demeanor slipped into one of want, lust.

And it was just by looking at you.

Your remaining garments did nothing to hide your most sensitive body parts, nipples peaking through the lacey lingerie while your crotchless panties left your pussy completely bare. Akechi sat quiet, eyes raking over your entire body, lingering on obvious items of interest. You fought the urge to stretch and jiggle your ass, enjoying how captivated your audience was at just some skin.

But when the detective raised a single finger, beckoning you to come closer, you almost lost your confidence.

“We never said anything about touching.” You stated.

“I never said I would.” He countered.

You bit your lip, easily cornered and not like you could just walk away now. He was right, a very large part of you wanted to escalate this in some way. There was much more than just looking that you wanted Akechi to do to you. But at the same time, you would have much rather enjoyed your continued control and power over the detective just a little bit more.

It was no surprise that you took the few steps forward.

“Good girl.” He commended before patting his knee, imploring you to take a seat.

You turned to the side and blushed, before following his instruction.

“Look at me.”

His words were hardly harsh, simple and yet clear commands that were not up for negotiation.

Looking into his eyes made this situation all the more real to you. Here you were, your bare pussy against the material of his slacks. But the one thing you could not ignore was the strong muscle of his thighs, his social media posts of bouldering and cycling were not just for show.

Unconsciously, you clenched yourself on him, to which he immediately noticed from his growing smirk. After all, Akechi had hardly done anything to you, hadn’t even touched you, and yet there was already a wet spot on his pants beneath you. 

“Enjoying your seat?” He teased, his words light but his expression taught as he regarded you with a low tone.

“Yes.” You decided on, squeezing him again.

“Show me.”

“Take off your pants.” You replied.

Maneuvering you quickly to get rid of the aforementioned clothes, Akechi placed you back just as quickly as you were removed.

You got to work just as enthused, enjoying the feel of rubbing yourself against his bare skin. The action was so lewd, never had you got off on someone’s thigh before. And yet here you were, hands on Akechi’s shoulders to ground yourself as you increased your pace on his bare thighs. He made no movements, other than the occasional flex of this muscles beneath yours.

His hands stayed at the arm rests, unmoving as you used his body for your own pleasure. You could only imagine the sight he was looking down upon — you desperately chasing some sort of release, begging Akechi for more while he simply watched you lose yourself.

“ Please , Akechi.”

“What do you want?”

“Touch me, please.”

“ Beg me for it.”

No part of you hesitated, grabbing at one of his hands and pulling a finger to your mouth. You sucked at the gloved appendage, bringing it further and further until the knuckle touched your lips. Akechi was undoubtedly hard beneath his briefs, one of your hands wandering there to palm him through the cloth.

“I promise I’ll be good.” You pleaded best you could, earning a sharp smirk in response.

“Prove it to me.”

Placing open mouth kisses along his neck, you trailed downward and snapped open his buttoned shirt along the way. Eager hands slid at the newfound skin, lingering on his toned body before sucking new splotches. He gently guided you off his thigh, onto the floor for better access of what you would surely be receiving soon.

A part of you almost groveled ironically — you were doing most of the touching.

He had done this on purpose.

Any semblance of earlier power was because Akechi allowed it. But even now, he was always the one in control.

The thought excited you more. 

A-not-so-secret part of you envisioned being in this very spot hours ago, on your knees and eager to please the detective. His serious gaze suddenly unfocused as you sucked him dry of his reasoning.

You gave small kitten licks to the clothed material of his briefs, enjoying the sound of his labored breaths in response. But teasing would hardly help your case; pushing the clothing down and tossing it behind your shoulder without a care.

You dragged your tongue from base to tip, excited at the pulse of excitement from the young man above you. The hands at the armrests struggled in their spots, wanting nothing more than to dig in your hair and bring you closer. Deciding on giving Akechi some reprieve, you grabbed his hands and placed them on your head, giving him your silent approval.

The detective reacted immediately, carding his fingers in your hair and grounding you against him. You sucked at the head, excitement coursing through you as he shuddered. That earlier power trip was taking root again, drunk off how easy it was to make Akechi lose control.

Your hands went to the area you hadn’t reached yet, but generally you kept a slow pace to tease the poor prince. He made his displeasure known, stating your name once in a clearly chastising tone. You didn’t listen then, lapping at his cock almost innocently, like you were licking at a small ice cream cone. 

Akechi didn’t appreciate the disconnect and a part of you was expecting the strong, sudden pull onto his cock. The fingers in your hair forced you to take him deeper, his long cock disappearing down your throat until you were breathing against his stomach.  You steadied your breathing but enjoyed the shudder of his thighs around your head. He kept you there longer than expected, eyes rolling back in response as he poked at the back of your throat. It was only when you pushed at his thighs did he back off, coming off entirely to catch a few breathes.

Akechi hesitated for a moment before muttering a small, “ I’m sorry ,” surely for his loss of control.

But you were not having it — mouth back on his cock and pushing until he was deep down your throat again. He threw his head back in surprise, hips stuttering in response as you kept him deep in your mouth. His hands returned to their earlier spot, lightly tugging this time to keep you against him.

You licked along one of the veins of his cock, wondering excitedly how it would feel rubbing inside you. Taking him halfway, you hummed around him and watched as the vibrations drove Akechi closer to the edge.

It seemed he threw that earlier control out the window, hands eager to pull you onto him as his hips snapped in time with your sucks. The precise movements from earlier were forgotten in favor of wild bucking, wanting nothing more than to pick up the speed as he fucked your mouth roughly.

You tried bringing your gaze up to him, only to freeze at the completely lustful sight above you. The usually composed detective looked utterly wrecked — forehead drenched in sweat, unfocused eyes looking down at you as his hair was uncharacteristically mused. You mentally documented this moment of pure vulnerability, Akechi looked extremely sexy like this.

When his thighs started to shudder out of control, Akechi was gradually pulling you further onto his dick. He hadn’t asked before, but that hardly mattered when you started to work in tandem with him and lowered yourself further.

You wanted to see Akechi completely lose himself on your mouth alone.

The only warning you had was the soft groan from the detective above you, before there was a hot spurt in response against the roof of your neck. He gushed generously into your mouth, pulling out to dribble any remnants on your exposed chest and face.

You brought your fingers up to what was pooling on your skin, licking his cum on your fingers for the detective to watch.

He had yet to say anything, sitting back relaxed as he fought to catch his breath.

“I hope that was good enough to prove myself, detective.” You started, lips trailing his neck as you near whispered your words, the implication obvious on your lips.

This was just the beginning.

“And if I were to implore you for more?”

You pouted cutely, “How much more should I beg for you to touch me?”

Akechi expression morphed back to its earlier smirk.

You hadn’t gone home that night.

It turned out that was the wrong thing to say, since the sadist could very easily think of more ways to unfairly tease you. He had maneuvered you by his bed, lifting his leg to prop it up as he guided himself back into your mouth.

When you whined for release, basically begging as he wanted you to, he flipped you onto your stomach against his sheets.

“Think of a safe word.” He stated clearly.

“Medjed.”

He narrowed his eyes at the name but pocketed it in his mind, standing clearly before slapping harshly at your exposed ass. You froze in surprise before arching your back in untold want, the action eliciting only more desire from you. 

“You will receive more when you earn it, understood?” Akechi asked, but the demand was clear. 

“Please!”

You hadn’t earned it.

The tease of an asshole kept you on the precipice, using you for his own desire multiple times. He kept ignoring the hole where you begged him for — instead enjoying himself at your mouth, your chest, anywhere but your near throbbing pussy.

“Please, Akechi!” You were a slobbery mess on his bed, fluids coated on you but none of it your own. “I’ll do anything, please just fuck me.”

The detective smiled, a sure expression that something was amiss. He grabbed at your hips, lifting it off the bedsheet into what would surely be a mating press.

Your legs lifted into the air and you gasped with excitement as he rubbed his cock against your throbbing need.

“Anything?”

“Come inside me, please.”

“Of course.” His smile continued to grow as he dipped the tip of his dick inside you. You hardly had anything on your mind, besides the need to clench around him. “And what if I asked you to drop the Phantom Thieves?”

The fog of desire cleared for a single second, pushing you to ask back, “ What ?”, before he shoved himself balls-deep inside you.

You were near screaming on his cock, earlier teasing amounting to an endless stream of want as you absently agreed to whatever he was saying. He kept himself lodged inside you, staring at your open-mouthed drooling and unclear gaze as you clenched around him.

“Good. Now let’s continue this arrangement without concern for the Phantom Thieves.”

Akechi lifted your hips higher, bringing your knees to your chest as he leaned over you. The position was so deep , so contrasted to the lack of touches you were enduring the past hour. You fell over the edge faster than your pride would admit, not that you were exactly complaining when he unloaded himself inside you later on.

You hadn’t even realized the entire reason you came over, to somehow convince him to stop dunking on the Phantom Thieves, was cancelled out until you went home the next day. The asshole had every step of the night planned, from getting you to beg for his dick to fucking you stupid to the point of forgetting your original gripe with his complaints of the Phantom Thieves. 

Since then it was hard to even think about Akechi, nothing more than lustful passions plaguing your mind and how easily he turned the tables on you. To think you believed yourself to be in control in the beginning, Akechi was playing you the entire time.

And you wanted him to do it again. 

But you could hardly admit the truth to your fellow Shujin friends at the lunch table around you. Ann wouldn’t judge you, but you doubted the same could be said about the rest of the Thieves.

As it turns out, denying your relationship to the gang during lunch didn’t matter to the one occupant you were most worried about.

At that very last interaction with Akechi, little did you know, the detective had personally sent a video of your little tryst to Akira.

Akechi had kept you completely distracted from his other intentions that night. Mind devoid of everything, including your own name, the detective had you begging for his cock without care for the world around you.

You remembered painfully how intent Akechi was to keep you on the edge. Pulling out just as you huffed in want, teasing you only with the head of his shaft as you whined to deaf ears.

And at one point, the detective had you completely flipped on your stomach, dick pistoning out of you as you repeated Akechi’s name like a mantra. Head shoved down in the sheets, you never noticed Akechi documenting your tryst on his phone, angles ranging from his unforgiving thrusts to the delicious incline of your back outstretched out on his bed. 

The message accompanied by the video read:

Hope you had a good night, Akira.

Your leader never told you, not so much as gave you a hint that he was aware. Instead, Akira regarded you silently at the lunch table, pondering over his next move. 

Chapter 3

Maintaining your platonic relationship with Akechi was not easy — it seemed the detective was keen on popping up at every major Phantom Thief event. From Medjed to the rising popularity of the group, Akechi was very vocal about his opinion and it caused many in your group to be equally frustrated.

Ryuji had teased you one time, saying you mustn’t have been doing a good job convincing him to lay off the Phantom Thieves. Even at your outright denial, the blonde seemingly whipped out a magazine out of nowhere, suggestions listed for you to possibly try on the detective. Ann bonked him on the head quickly after, saying it was not like Akechi knew you were Phantom Thief in the first place.

You told them time and time again that your relationship was not like that — you were just friends .

Ann rolled her eyes as Ryuji snorted at your claim. They hadn’t believed you in the least, snide comments still coming in droves towards you and Akechi. However, you could not exactly blame them for taking your words with a grain of salt.  After all, it was not entirely uncommon these days to see Akechi around you in your mutual off hours.

And so the teasing continued, not-so-subtle arm jabs and constantly asking you about the detective. It was better for you not to react, which was getting more and more difficult with how often they made a point of bringing it up.

“Did you see Akechi’s interview in Akihabara?”

“Going off to your boyfriend’s after school today?”

“Why don’t you invite Akechi to come with us to the bakery in Shibuya?”

The last one was quite obviously Ann, to which you smiled before denying. She was a great friend, if not  a little nosy. But it was in small instances like this that showed she supported you in your feelings, even if the others did not.

But despite all this, both you and Akechi had settled on an entirely platonic relationship, stating that you both enjoyed the easy, physical release in the midst of your very busy schedules. 

Akechi was busy with both full-time work at school and his detective work while you had hidden an entirely different lifestyle. He hadn’t questioned why you were so busy, to which you were grateful, simply accepting that you preferred this way as well. An arrangement like this was easy to maintain, so you both mutually agreed to keep it that way at least for now. 

It was hard to convince the others that nothing more was there. You didn’t want to go into how you were basically friends with benefits to your group’s near rival(?) and so it was easier to deny any intimate relationship with the young man.

But that didn’t exactly account for the days you walked into class covered in hickies. Or worse, notably physically exhausted or sporting a limp after free days from school. The others’ reactions always varied - from laughing at your obvious disposition to casting a worried look in your direction, but never had anyone said anything out loud. 

You were thankful for that at least.

And so you continued to hide it, smiling cordially to Akechi during the day and getting absolutely pounded by night. The detective almost seemed to like teasing you in front of an oblivious audience, eyes lingering on yours and flashing a small smirk only you could decipher.

You hoped that it would truly remain a secret. 

But no matter how well you thought you could hide it, your leader was well aware of your relationship.

It also didn’t help that Akechi felt the need to constantly gloat via text to Akira. 

Every other day, without fail, he was sure to get an undesirable message from the detective. Akira was ashamed to think of how it had riled him up, seeing you absolutely wrecked at the hands of Akechi. He was not sure where he wanted to be in that video - did he want to be in Akechi’s position or did he want to enjoy himself between the both of you?

No matter where that train of thought led to, it was clear that Akira had to act soon.

Whatever feelings he had for you must have been obvious enough for the detective to pick up on it. The message was clear, that even when you were in constant contact with Akira during the day, you would return back to Akechi by the end of the night. 

If he wanted to throw his hat in, he would have to do it soon.

Akira could not exactly pinpoint when the change happened, but suddenly you were impossible to set plans with. Igor had cruelly pointed out that one of his Arcana cards had frozen, unable to progress without fixing the current situation. By this time, you were already elusive to his texts and calls, nothing short of Mementos or personally tracking you down would get you within Akira’s distance.

To think that only a few short weeks ago, you were constantly around him on your own accord. Akira was well aware of your feelings beforehand - how you would smile cutely at him or spend your free time in Le Blanc when he was behind the counter. He must have imagined a thousand different scenarios, varying from you on your knees behind the bar or against the bookshelf upstairs.

You would just flash him your dazzling expression, unaware of his hidden intentions.

He could hazard a guess that this all occurred once Makoto had joined the group; something had shifted in the way you treated him. He often felt your eyes on him, but when Akira decided to return it, you would quickly shift away and make conversation somewhere else. He tried to give you your space, to allow you time to sort out your thoughts and come to him on your own time, but you never so much as texted him back.

When the others taunted him about Makoto, he took it all in as a good jest. Nothing more to the situation, especially when the older woman was constantly denying it. That seemed like a good enough reason, but when he saw you especially quiet during this topic, he wondered if he had failed to truly smooth the conversation over.

Then one day you were joining in, teasing him about Makoto and laughing with the rest over who was surely the next couple in the group. As opposed to before, you had an easy smile on your face. The situation no longer bothered you, no longer bore a second thought in your mind.

He had lost your regard.

But their words were just as true as they claimed. Makoto was simply that - a friend. He helped her regain her confidence and was often someone she could confide in, just recently admitting to him that there was a cute third-year in the gardening club who caught her eye. And you, the one he would much rather be coupled with, was making generous efforts to keep him at an arm's length.

Your Arcana link stayed frozen, taunting Akira over what could have been.

To think that Akira’s decision to pursue you slowly would backfire in this way. And now he had reminders on nearly a daily basis. 

The very first time he received a message from Akechi, Akira had felt both confused and aroused.

He was sitting at his desk, making infiltration tools for tomorrow’s trip when a text rang out from the pretty detective. Their conversations were brief, but by no means shallow. Often, he wondered how many times Akechi was sizing him up. From their times playing billiards to shooting in the arcade, it seemed the detective was always thinking four steps ahead, watching his skills and gauging him as if for a future battle.

And somehow this felt like more of the same.

You were on your stomach, incomprehensible words mixed with the detective’s name spilling from your mouth as he captured your amorous exchange. Fingers anchored in the bed sheets, his harsh grip on your waist traveled up to your hair, pushing it further into the bed as he kept you pressed head down, ass up. The detective made a point of slowing down, receiving a keening whine in response.

Akechi drew the camera back up to include your entire backside, lingering where his cock impaled you at a leisurely pace. You wailed louder, trying to throw your hips back faster when he released his grip on your head. He allowed you for only a few seconds, just to show how absolutely addicted you were to his cock, before Akechi struck your ass with his bare palm.

“Beg me for more.”

The string of words after only raised a tent of want to the poor Fool.

There was so much in that moment that Akira wished he could do. He wanted to be the one you were begging for. Better yet, he wanted to be there, guiding your drooling mouth onto his hard cock. 

He thanked his lucky stars that Morgana was with Futaba tonight, rubbing one out to the video of you being stuffed full by another man.

Akira would make his move, soon.

And just as quickly, his patience seemed to run thin.

Seeing you helplessly begging by the detective’s cock was one thing, but it was entirely different to see evidence of your tryst to his very face.

You were both in the back of the Morgana bus, many floors down as you made the slow ascent back up to the surface. Akira’s eyes strayed to your neck, where the small telltale signs of a hickey were still there. It was right underneath your ear, a place surely even you would not be able to see.

Rather, it was a sign Akechi put there, knowing Akira would see it.

The rest of the bus was still bustling from topic to topic, most recently on the upcoming school trip and who they were thinking of for the next target.

Akira moved his hand along your thigh, watching as you silently froze in place, but made no movement to stop him. He silently thanked your costume being a leotard in the Metaverse, while flashy and stylish, made for delectably easy access. Akira kneaded the soft skin of your thigh a few times, before moving to palm the area of your crotch openly.

You gasped at the sudden movement, a hand going to his forearm in surprise, but again, not stopping him.

For so long, you had craved for Akira’s attention. You stayed up hopeless nights wondering if your feelings were in vain and desperate to move on. Often your mind remembered what it refused to accept, only for you to try and hopefully move on. Not to mention, just before, you were passionate with another man.

Should you stop Akira?

Better yet...

… Did you even want him to?

Akira dragged you out of your thoughts as he pinched at your clothed clit, eliciting a surprised mewl for you. He chuckled lightly at your response, before raising a single finger to his lips, signaling you to keep quiet.

And so you did, trying your best to keep the others oblivious to the lewd actions in the back of the bus. You felt your cunt clench over and over in anticipation, moist slick pouring out in response just to some touches. You wondered if you should be ashamed, steam filling your mind as you glanced at Joker, smirk still plastered on his face.

Joker finally pushed the material aside, dragging his clothed finger along your soaked pussy before tentatively pushing his way through. You put a hand to your mouth, trying to stop any sounds from unwantedly falling out. It was almost obvious, from the way he moved closer to you without any intentions to cover you. 

All it would take was for Ryuji or Ann to turn around, but Joker hadn’t cared at all.

His thumb played with your clit while his other digit, to the knuckles, found its way deep within you. Joker had to stop himself from kissing you where you sat, a cutely red expression hardly hidden beneath your hand. You gasped when he added another finger, the rivets of his gloves rubbing your insides delectably.

He lingered on your expression, pocketing your glazed look for another time. You started grounding your hips in time with him, eliciting a small smile from your leader. At some point he stopped moving both his fingers, enjoying the exasperated look on your face as you tried rolling against him. You just made it so easy to tease, it only made him want to do it more.

There was so much more he wanted to do with you — have you lick his fingers clean or just kiss you firmly on the lips as he sucked eagerly on your tongue.

But for now, he had to pull himself clean as the bus neared the safe area of the Shibuya station.

You unboarded the bus in a daze, the only guiding movement was Akira’s hand in the small of your back. He inconspicuously invited you back with him to Le Blanc as the group separated for their individual homes. Before you could even complete the thought of saying no, Akira had a grip on your forearm and you were on the train back with him and Futaba. 

Morgana shot you both a withering look when he followed Futaba back home. 

You worried about the implications of both your actions — did Akira think this was something platonic or a start of a relationship? 

Should you tell him about Akechi?

You waved absently at Sojiro, who sent a scandalous smile to your leader before closing the shop for the night. Akira led you quickly up to sit on his bedside, placing his bag away at the shelf before turning to you with that same earlier smirk.

“Akira, there’s something you should know.” You started before you lost your confidence, “Akechi and I….”

You trailed off only for Akira to press his lips to yours, molding together as he guided you onto your backside against his sheets. He had a firm hand on the back of your head, bringing you impossibly closer as his tongue slipped inside you quietly.

“I know.” He finally stated once he pulled away, before trailing downward and unbuttoning your school uniform. “Do you want me?”

Confused and excited, you nodded in response before stating aloud, “I’ve wanted you for a long time.”

Akira smiled as he rose back up, kissing you firmly on the lips before replying, “Me too.”

You waited for him to say more, that was surely a loaded statement, but Akira only kept placing butterfly kisses along your exposed collarbone. Confused, you threaded your fingers in his hair to get him to look back up at you, but he latched his mouth onto a beaded nipple and the moment was gone.

He sucked harshly at your sensitive mounds, giving both similar attention before Akira continued his trail downward. You almost wanted to giggle, the feather-light touches almost ticklish as you unconsciously rose your hips in response. His tongue nipped out playfully as he passed your belly button, before his mop of hair disappeared beneath your skirt.

There was no question where Akira was headed, but you were still unprepared when he sucked at your already sensitive clit. You had gone unfinished in the bus and wanted nothing more than to push off that earlier precipice.

His free hands, now not bound by his leather gloves, exposed your soaked pussy with two fingers. You shuddered as he playfully blew at the area, before licking a long strip and settling on sucking your clit again. His earlier fingers returned to your gaping hole, slowly thrusting into you until you felt his knuckles against your skin.

It was all happening so quickly, Akira wasted no time as he fucked you on his fingers. You bucked up in eager anticipation — Akira smiled playfully in response, putting a hand on your stomach to keep you from thrashing wildly.

He kept sucking at your pearl, seemingly uncaring to how you begged him to finally fuck you. You wanted more than just his touch, you wanted to feel his cock pressed against you as he came inside.

When the sudden spring inside you uncoiled, gushing out of your cunt in response, Akira lapped eagerly at your juices even as you squirmed beneath him. He later rose from his position to slot his lips against yours. You could still taste yourself on his lips, but still shoved your tongue against his in untold want.

“Please, Akira.” You were begging now, “ Please cum inside me.”

He held your cheek, a soft smile on his face as he responded. “Later.”

Later?!

And true to his word, Akira returned back to his spot before, tongue back on your clit as he seemingly tried to suck you dry. You whined and complained, tried shoving his head off, only to receive harsh sucks in response as you struggled to form a coherent sentence.

You writhed at the overstimulation, almost painful in reaction. Akira was the exact opposite to Akechi, while the detective liked to tease you to the edge, Akira wanted to keep pushing you over it.

You threw your hands up to your face, at times covering your mouth or eyes to hide your debauched expression. There was no doubt what was on your face now, drool leaking out the corner of your mouth as your untamed hair splotched across his sheets. But Akira was not having it, demanding to see your expression and to continue moaning loudly for him to hear.

He brought you to your end three times.

Three fucking times and he still was not inside you.

You were afraid that your complaints were only prolonging what you truly needed; instead, giving into Akira’s touches until he would finally fuck you. Eyes rolled back in its lustful haze, you were unaware of your Leader lifting his phone beneath your skirt to your swollen pussy. 

On display for him was your pussy clenching, begging to finally be fucked after continuous stimulation. Your moans of want were loud, surely every neighbor aware of your tryst before it had even started. Akira noted you must have realized he pulled his mouth away, from the way you kept bucking up to his face.

“Please, Akira! ” You begged, “Fill me up now .”

That was all he needed to hear, throwing the phone over his shoulder once the message was sent. 

Your move, detective.

In the next second, he was pulling you to him and sheathing himself inside you in one swift movement.

Your hips raised to his, screaming out on his cock and begging for more pressure. Not one to deny your wants, he lifted your legs to his shoulders as he continued drilling inside you.

There was no way to explain it, you were completely gone. Your arms went unsurely at your sides before he moved them around his neck, pulling you into him as pulled nearly completely out just to piston himself in completely. Your early begging was still falling from your lips, this time unsure of what you necessarily wanted.

The previous object of your desire, the one that had plagued you for months on end, had you draped across his bed to his liking. There was no coherent thought, just the wet slap of your bodies joining together filling the air. 

You were easily drunk off of Akira - everything that you had long tried to repress boiling over the surface until he was literally overpowering your coherent thoughts. There was nothing left to distract you from his gorgeous looks or his smug voice, it was all you wanted before and more as he filled you deliciously.

All you could do was lose yourself to your inhibitions, clenching your legs around his waist to somehow bring him closer as he emptied himself inside you.

Chapter 4

To say your situation with both boys was confusing would be a very severe understatement.

Akira and Akechi never made demands of exclusivity or keeping of your time to themselves individually. Nor did they make any moves to progress your relationship beyond its physical bounds.

And yet…

There were plenty of moments that crossed multiple, unseen lines that surely went beyond the title of simply platonic.

Namely with Akira. 

It was surprising how affectionate the usually silent teen could be. From lingering touches to faraway glances, oftentimes when you were in the same room as Akira he made a point of grabbing your attention. He would drape an inconspicuous arm across the back of your seat, shoulders touching as the conversation around you continued. A part of you wanted to jump in surprise at the sudden change, but Akira was being so casual that you attempted to simply go with it.

Suddenly, the teasing from Ann and Ryuji changed, pushing both you and Akira together; as well as Makoto and the newly recruited Haru.

Akira was so brazen, flirting with you regardless of your audience.

You remembered how soft he was that very first night of your joining, how he gazed down at you as he leaned upright on one arm, caressessing your skin with his other hand. Regaining your breath after riding high, you felt like a pile of bones with the bed barely registered beneath your back.

“It’s always been you.” He stated plainly, eyes piercing without the safety of his glasses. 

“Huh?” You questioned lamely.

“I haven’t looked at anyone else the way I look at you.”

“Oh.” You smiled to yourself before deciding to ask in jest, “Not even—“

“Not even Makoto.” He finished for you, already anticipating the question. Your smile stayed plastered there, even when he lowered himself to press a chaste kiss to your lips.

You carded loose hands behind his neck, lip-lock growing in intensity as he ground himself against you. Having never actually pulled out, you felt Akira slowly harden from within your stuffed pussy, already surrounded by your shared fluids dripping onto his soiled sheets.

He was insatiable .

But thankfully much more gentle during the second round, rocking himself at a gradual pace as you fought to rub tongues. You hardly had the ability to raise your legs, but Akira held them for you as he struggled to get a deeper angle.

Thoughts of that first night always made you blush. Akira would tease you if he caught you with your head in the clouds, very willing to refresh your memory with an up-close reenactment of that night.

That initial bliss of being with Akira, the very man that plagued your thoughts for literal months, made you very reckless.

Walking alongside Akira in the bustle of Shibuya, you almost wanted to scream when you ran into Akechi at random.

You were still seeing each other, albeit with less frequency due to Akechi’s busy schedule. But it was strange to see the two young men side by side, conversing like they didn’t have the shared memory of cuming inside you.

Even back to that first interaction, the very first time you spoke to Akechi after spending the night with Akira, you had a feeling he knew . 

He was rough beyond any prior measure, shoving your head down on the bed as he pulled at his tie wrapped around your forearms. Any mercy was thrown out the window, Akechi pulling your ass upward with a foot against the back of your head. His hips were like a jackhammer, pistoning straight down into you as drool leaked onto his bedsheets.

You were so close.

He pulled out to smack your ass five times, each time worse than the last.

(You were never made aware, but that was exactly how many videos Akira had sent Akechi until that point.)

“Please, Akechi.” You sobbed out, dripping cunt clenching on nothing. “Fuck me already, please!”

“Begging doesn’t work anymore.” He stated, paired with another resounding slap at the end. “Cocksleeves don’t get to make requests.”

You pushed your ass higher, hoping anything would convince Akechi to finally stop his assault on your backside. But he took the invitation differently, using the slick from your sopping pussy and prodding fingers against your ass, a place even you had never tried before.

“Akechi?!” You squeaked out in worry.

One of his hands went to rubbing your ass comfortably, whispering out a small, “Relax.”

You trusted him to treat you fairly, taking deep breaths as the previously charged atmosphere shifted to a careful one. He was able to slowly ease in a finger than two, prodding at your back entrance now as he waited patiently to adjust. 

Akechi had shifted to a strangely gentle manner, starkly different to the seemingly unstoppable rhythm he had prior. He prodded your virgin hole with soft touches as his other hand found your clit, rolling it slowly. You waited with bated breath, squirming at times when you felt him start to prod more.

“I’ve never…” You trailed off.

“Good.” Akechi interrupted, before leaning down to briefly connect your lips, “I’ll be your first.”

You were very aware of the fingers inside you, gently pushing forward and scissoring to stretch you more fully. Gasps and unsure moans spilled from your lips, making Akechi hesitate at times before he received confirmation from you to continue.

“Alright?” He asked once three fingers were buried.

You took a long breath before nodding, reaching back to put an assuring hand on his hip.

“Do you have anything that can help you be more comfortable?”

Hardly capable of formulating a sentence, you struggled to answer, “Bedside table.”

Even though he retreated at your instruction, you still openly whined as he pulled away. Akechi smirked at you then, rustling around before grabbing a bottle of lubricant and a small vibrator. 

“Good.” Akechi stated as he returned to his prior position, trailing a strangely gentle kiss against your spine, “Please try to stay relaxed.”

Bracing yourself for his movement, you closed your eyes in anticipation and bucked unconsciously in response to the head of his cock. Akechi continued peppering small kisses, rubbing comforting circles into your skin as he slowly continued.

Pushing past that first ring felt unbearable, a fissure of hot pressure and pain even as he toyed lightly with your frontside. It hardly helped when he held the active vibrator against your clit, causing you to buckle suddenly and suck more of Akechi’s cock inwards.

He held the vibrator away as you straightened upward, rolling your head back against his shoulder.

“You’re taking me so well.” Akechi praised you as you reached to grip his hand.

“More, please.”

But Akechi just clicked his tongue, “Relax, it’ll take time for you to adjust.” 

That was, of course, much easier said than done. Your inner coil had little breathing room, the pain of his cock stuffing you full easing into something strangely pleasurable. Akechi trailed kisses along your spine, whispering how well you were taking him.

The initial frenzy of roughness was gone, Akechi’s demeanor surprisingly soft as he continued gracing you with butterfly kisses. You whispered his name like a mantra, unconsciously squeezing him when his fingers at your pearl sped up. Mentally apologizing to the neighbors, you exclaimed Akechi’s name as you rolled your hips against the friction of his hand.

Much like your previous escapades, you had expected the detective to take you rigorously once he adjusted. But Akechi kept his modest pace, lips sealing against your skin gently as he rolled your pearl between teasing fingers. You were tense in every way, pussy clenching around nothing as you tightened in anticipation in the back, gaining eager moans from the man behind you.

The harder you squeezed, the faster he picked up speed. The initial strangeness of your back entrance was easily melting away under Akechi’s hold, throwing your hips back to meet him as he continued his moderate pace into you. 

Akechi bit into your shoulder harshly, holding you at the hips flat against him as a few spurts coated your inner walls. The moment he released his hold on your hips, you fell against the bed, feeling like nothing more than a pile of bones, weightless and very satiated.

He laid on his back alongside you, catching his breath in loud heaves.

You turned to him with a curious look, “What was that for?”

Akechi blinked at you once, thinking over your question, before answering. “Just wanted to try something new.”

You looked at him in question, but the detective simply reached over and pulled your body against him. Figuring the conversation was over, you slumped into his hold and nuzzled into the crook of his neck. There was a mess beneath you, but you hardly had the strength to move and chalked it up for a problem of tomorrow.

The next morning went by smoothly, none of that earlier aggression from Akechi present as you both went about your breakfast. You wondered if you had simply imagined it, just a sign of your paranoia from earlier. However, there was a notable change when Akechi pulled you aside before he made his way out, kissing you on the forehead before leaving with a small smile.

That type of strange intimacy was usual with Akira, not the closet sadist you grew to know as Akechi.

Their behavior was endlessly confusing, passing multiple boundaries without ever addressing the situation. You were afraid of shattering the phase, any words uttered bringing an end to their attention. So you simply ignored the strange flutter in your stomach when Akira lingered his hands on you in Mementos for too long or when Akechi kissed your joined hands on the train. 

Akechi was a teen celebrity for God’s sake, there was no way in hell Akira was not aware of what was happening.

But neither made a move.

Never had they voiced the situation, but both were undoubtedly smart enough to deduce exactly why you were alone with the other fairly frequently. 

Just from their words alone, you swore that they knew the entire situation. Sometimes you tried to reason that it was just your paranoia, but sometimes Akira would just be smirking at nothing and you swore the detective had a hand in it.

Strangely enough, you found yourself sitting between both boys at a circular table, at some random cafe in Kichijoji. You were enjoying some crepes, distantly listening to the two squabble over the Phantom Thieves morals and more of the usual, before Akechi turned to you with a strange glint.

One that surely spelt trouble.

“You’re eating offly slow.” He verbalized.

And true to his word, you had only taken two forkfuls of your savory food before pausing to stare into the distance. It wasn’t that you were trying to prolong it, just that you had grown bored of their unending argument. They wouldn’t see eye to eye with each other, not to mention you had your own views as well.

“I’m not as hungry as I thought I was.” You responded after a beat.

“Oh?” You saw the small tilt in Akechi’s expression, before he squashed it back down under his princely mask and turned to Akira, “I don’t think you’ve had enough. Don’t you agree? She doesn’t look nearly as stuffed as I’d prefer.”

All the warning bells were signaling off in your mind, never mind the fact that the detective turned his last statement over to your leader.

You felt Akira lightly nudge his knee against yours under the table, a teasing glint in his eye as he turned to Akechi. “I think she can take more, it’s just a matter of wanting to.”

“Right, well. Uh.” Your treacherous mind blanked for a good ten seconds, “I had a heavy lunch so I’ll just eat this later!”

“Of course.” Akechi continued, “You shouldn’t waste a single drop.”

Your mind hummed in anticipation, remembering Akechi murmur those exact words against your skin just the night before. He was being so blatant, a part of you was ready to kick off the chair and run into the street. 

But Akira’s voice held you in place.

“Maybe we can share.” Akira spoke, eyes traveling from the detective then back to you.

You pretended to have an incoming phone call, slapping some money on the table and whizzing out faster than either boy could stop you.

Being with either individually made you worried, but when together it was like they were purposefully trying to expose themselves. Always teasing words aimed at you or even each other, but never stating out loud what everyone seemed to be thinking.

And, since the universe hated you, you would have to suffer once more, Akechi was voted as the number one guest speaker to visit your school. There were a number of reasons this worried you, namely to keep the Phantom Thieves’ identities safe.

But being with Akechi in front of everyone?

Even though the others teased you about him, it was incredibly rare for them to actually interact with the detective. With the exception of Akira, you doubted any of the Thieves had even talked to him since before the summer break.

Not that you really blamed your friends, Akechi had ragged on the entire group for the past few months without fail. And now, with your group facing possible murder charges, being around a detective was probably the last thing anyone wanted.

It was only that much more of a surprise that Akechi visited Shujin Academy a day early, turning a corner and happening upon your group of friends.

You doubted it was a chance encounter.

But it was, unfortunately, a surprise for you. Of all people, you figured Akechi would have reached out in some way if he really wanted to get a gander around the school. If not you, maybe at least Akira, the other closest friend he had in the group.

Makoto crossed her arms while Futaba pouted. Yusuke was the picture perfect face of neutrality while Ann and Akira were the only amicable ones.

“Why don’t you join us, Akechi-kun?” The blonde offered, elbowing a scoffing Ryuji next to her to make some room.

You smiled distantly — Ann really was a great friend.

“Apologies, I won’t intrude on your cozy hangout. But this is quite a friend-group you have here.”

Suddenly you felt all the more self-conscious, it wouldn’t take a genius to put two-and-two together that all the people at this very table were linked to the change of hearts.

Yusuke didn’t even go to this school.

But Akechi never verbalized anything, eyes glossing over the group quickly before he continued. “But maybe I’ll take this as a deposit for my work tomorrow.”

You watched in mute horror as he snatched the forbidden food, downing it all in a few bites as the instant regret flashed across Akechi’s face. You stood the moment the detective tried to make a mad dash, a bottle of water and some Yakult in hand as you took two stairs at a time to catch-up.

“Akechi, wait!” You yelled down the stairwell, glad to see he actually paused at the landing. “Here, take this!”

You shoved the water bottle toward him and watched him quickly down it’s contents. The water helped the temperature, but the Yakult milk was better against the spiciness.

He finished all four.

“Thank you, (F/N).” 

“Of course.” You waved it off, “I’m surprised to see you here. Glad, but surprised.”

“I’m happy to have seen you today as well.”

“Do you really have to leave so soon?”

Akechi raised a brow at your innocent question, looking up and down the stairwell before he allowed his princely mask to crack into the man you knew at night. 

“That depends, what do you have to offer?”

You felt your cheeks flush red, his question laced with meaning as Akechi lowered his briefcase and took a step closer to you. A hand at your waist pulled you toward him, flipping you around so your back was against his chest as you faced the windows toward the outer fields.

There were still plenty of students milling around, different classes still setting-up for the events  tomorrow. But Akechi could not care less, a hand going up your skirt while the other harshly groped your chest through your uniform.

You slapped a hand over your mouth, not wanting to be caught by anyone lingering in the halls or below outside the window.

“And what if I wanted to enjoy my favorite cocksleeve right now?” He murmured against your ear, nipping possessively at the end.

He rubbed at your clothed core, never going further to rub against skin. You wanted to whine in frustration, throwing your hips back for any friction but only gaining taunting chuckles in response.

The two of you stayed there in your scandalized position, Akechi groping you through your uniform, uncaring of how drenched your panties were when you looked this delectable when pushed to the edge.

He had half the mind to sink you on his cock right there, to push your hands against the windowsill and let the entire school hear you.

Maybe another day.

Akechi backed off as quickly as he appeared, turning you around as his hands slowly crawled up your body and settled on your cheeks. You closed your eyes, eager to fall into his kiss as he gave you two long pecks.

A part of you wanted to simply slump against him, content to continue your earlier third-base (or strangle him for stopping), but he kissed you on the forehead before moving back to his briefcase.

“I’ll see you soon.” He stated clearly, lifting your hand in his and kissing the top of it before walking away. You waved at him dumbly, unaware of someone at the top of the stairs staring down at you until they were loudly clearing their throat. 

You knew that voice.

All that earlier mirth of seeing the detective quickly drained your system, anxiety spiking as Akira strolled down the steps to you.

“Akira!” You greeted, unable to hide your surprise.

“You were taking a while to come back, so I wanted to check-up on you to make sure you were okay.”

“Oh.” You ran a hand through your hair, hoping that it would tame whatever mess was left behind. “I’m totally fine, we should head back.”

The smirk that grew on Akita’s face was more than enough to blast huge warning bells.

“Nah.” 

He stated that so casually before stepping into your space, a hand going to your chin and pulling you into a sudden liplock. His other hand went behind your neck, bringing you impossibly closer as you rubbed tongues in the silent stairwell.

Akira trailed a hand down your waist, squeezing at the hip before flipping under your skirt where a different hand just was. And evidence of prior tryst was right there, your leader finding soaked panties and rubbing a teasing finger right along them.

Were you really going to do this?

Now? 

Here? 

Was he trying to prove something so quickly after Akechi had departed?

But your mind was turning to mush as Akira kept outlining the fabric of your panties with his finger. All your moans and gasps were quieted against his lips, sucking them into his own as he pushed further into you.

You almost lost it when he pulled your panties aside, shoving two fingers, to the knuckles, inside you.

Your reaction was immediate, trying to throw your head back in ecstasy, only for Akira to grab you by the back of your head and swallow the sounds. He had the audacity to smile, if not occupied he would probably even laugh. 

“You guys are so gross.”

The small voice was enough for your mind to grab onto and pull away, putting a good arms length between you and your leader.

“Morgana?!”

“Please leave me out of this.” The cat groaned aloud.

“I had no idea you were still in the bag.” You immediately apologized, before lightly pinching your leader in the arm. “Ugh, Akira!”

But your leader paid no mind, a goofy smile on his face and he tried lowering himself back onto you. You playfully pushed at his chest, muttering apologies to Morgana as your leader kept laughing. 

---

You would be a fool to let your guard down around Akechi, but how could you ever ignore the fond feelings that grew for the detective? You were torn between your worries as a phantom thief and the strange relationship that had blossomed over the Iast few months.

When you returned to the table with your closest friends, the tension in the air was clearly palpable. Concern that Akechi had finally deduced the truth, worry that he would expose you all tomorrow. It was written on everyone’s face and a part of you felt that you had to do something.

Later that night, as you scrolled through the various pictures of you and the detective on your phone, you brought up his chat and sent him a text. 

23:54 You: Just in case I don’t see you before the meeting tomorrow, I wanted to wish you luck.

Akechi’s text back, almost immediately, was enough to make your heart stop.

23:54 Akechi: I’m not the one who will be needing luck tomorrow.

Was that a threat?

Knowing him, it probably was. His enemy this entire time has been the Phantom Thieves and if he was even half as smart as he claimed to be, then there was hardly any doubt that he had the true identities of your entire group.

Not to mention yourself.

Would he expose you all tomorrow? Turn you into the police? Lure you into a trap just for his benefit?

You stayed up a good portion of the night, wondering all the possibilities of tomorrow. There was no question of if you were attending tomorrow, just outcomes. You would stand by your fellow Thieves, you were a team after all.

But tomorrow wasn’t just any other day with Akechi.

It was a broadcast to your entire school with the second-coming of the Detective Prince.

Would he have mercy on you after all this time? Or was this just a really long game to earn your trust and get your guard down?

You had to play tomorrow right.

The rest of the Thieves hardly looked any better when you all arrived at school the next day. Ann quickly ran to your side while Ryuji’s frustration rolled off of him in waves. Makoto had a calm poise about her, since she would be the moderator for the event after all. Haru was at her side, whispering something to her that the rest of you couldn’t hear.

“Is Akechi here already?” You asked. 

“Yes.” Makoto answered before her eyes narrowed, “Do you want to see him?”

You didn’t hesitate.

“Yes.”

And sure enough, a few hallways down and Akechi was waiting in one of the empty faculty offices, sitting at a desk while perusing through his phone.

“Hi.” You greeted first.

“(F/N).” Surprise was on his face until he squashed it down in the next second. He pocketed his phone and stood, standing a good distance away. “I’m surprised to see you.”

“I just wanted to wish you good luck. I know it’s probably not necessary, with all the TV shows you do,  this high school is probably nothing.” You mused aloud, “But I just had to see you.”

Akechi’s expression was carefully guarded. “And why is that?”

“Because I wanted to. Is it crazy to think I care about you?”

Akechi regarded you carefully, eyes combing over your face, probably to gauge your honesty, before he gestured with a raised arm for you to take a step closer. You walked into the space easily, arms wrapping around his middle as you tucked your head beneath his chin.

“Your heart is racing.”

The thought of the police and your friends had you choosing your words carefully. 

“Can you blame me?” You asked back.

He paused for a long moment before answering, “No. I can’t.”

You stayed in his embrace until there was a small knock at the door, Makoto’s voice filtering through as she stated there was only five minutes left until the event start. 

Akechi patted your head before pressing his lips to your temple.

“Relax.” Akechi stated, “I’ll make sure you’ll be unscathed.”

Huh?

His words only made you worry more, leaning back to catch his line of sight but Akechi only held you closer. Only when Makoto opened the door to get him out, surprise all over her face as caught the two of you in an embrace, did the detective let you go. 

“Even if I told you to go home, I doubt you’d heed my advice.” Akechi stated.

“Why would I leave?”

The detective took a long look at you, silence filling the air as your feigned obliviousness crumbled beneath his knowing stare. You both knew the answer to that question, but thankfully he left it completely rhetorical. 

“You should return back to your friends.”

“Okay.” You replied back plainly, looking toward the door where Makoto had disappeared from, probably to give you two a moment. In your last burst of confidence, you took a step closer to him to place a kiss on his cheek, lingering there before finally leaving.

Thankfully all the other Thieves were too preoccupied with their own worries when you rejoined the group, standing at the overhang above the audience in the auditorium.

Seeing Akechi like this should not have surprised you, you had seen his more serious detective side all the time. But sensing that undercurrent of danger in his voice, that it was aimed toward you of all people, set you off on edge.

With each question from Makoto it seemed the stakes were raised, your grip on the metal railing turning your fingers impossibly white. Akira placed a soft hand over yours, before pulling it in-between his fingers.

“We’ll be okay.” He whispered to you, gaining back only a small nod.

Ryuji and Ann continued their live commentary, their worries verbalized as if to help them process the situation.

But nothing could have prepared your group for this. 

“If the Phantom Thieves are the ones I know of, I can’t possibly imagine they would kill anyone.”

!

You swore he glanced in your direction, but it was quickly brought back to the surprise of the live audience as Makoto continued their discussion.

Ann and Ryuji looked on the verge of high-tailing over there while Yusuke’s usually calm demeanor, one that anchored you in the face of danger, was notably scared. Akira , quiet as he always was, stiffened in his spot next to you.

It was nothing short of a miracle that a phone-call had interrupted the worldwide unveiling of your secret identities. But upon hearing Akechi’s demands in a random, dingy classroom in your school, you still felt that earlier worry laced in your stomach.

How long had he known?

To think he had treated you with compassion just the day before, placing kisses on the skin of your neck when he could barely even look at you now. His firm attitude felt miles away from the man who held you in his arms, making you look away to some faraway wall as you listened to the discussion. You heard his demands just the same, cornering the Phantom Thieves into the end of their career or face the worst possible punishment. 

It was strange, but you w ere actually not surprised to find out that he had a Persona. Akechi was special in more ways than one, smart and obviously a much larger player of the game of this world than most. But to think that he had unmasked himself at one point, what was Akechi initially rebelling against? All your friends had unlocked their true form in the face of one of their worst enemy's.

What had been Akechi's?

What was his true form?

Thankfully, Akechi had no intention of returning back to the auditorium and releasing all your names. This left Makoto to handle damage control, but it was better than the alternative of him blasting your asses on stage.

“My business is concluded here as well.” Akechi stated toward your leader, before taking strides out the door. 

Everyone’s composure crumbled the moment he stepped out of the classroom, Ryuji near seething that Akechi had complete control over both the event and their after discussion. 

You gave one look toward Akira before trailing behind Akechi. Much like yesterday, albeit for severely different reasons, you followed him down the stairwell and called out his name.

You could see the wide eyes of his surprised demeanor as you caught-up to him, only for Akechi to look up and down the hallway and drag you into another empty classroom.

“If you’re here to persuade me away from stopping the Phantom Thieves, then I’ll save both of us the wasted time.” He stated without greeting, keeping a long distance between the both of you. 

“I know, which is why I won’t.” You replied back, taking a step closer. “How long have you known?”

You watched his eyes narrow in that judgmental look of his, before he answered. “I’ve had my own reservations since Madarame, you're not exactly a subtle group.”

“I figured.” You chuckled out humorlessly. “Well, there’s going to be a huge crowd looking for you. Please stay safe.”

It was Akechi’s turn to bark out a sarcastic laugh, eyes looking at you in confusion before he took a step to close the distance.

“I’ve threatened the safety of your group and you are telling me to be safe.”

“Yes, I am.” You stood your ground, raising your chin as if asking him to defy you. “You know where I stand on the Thieves’ morals. And now, that hardly changes how we’ve grown to one another.”

Akechi raised a brow at your last few words. 

And his reaction was for good reason — never had you verbalized your scandalous feelings before. Kisses and night-time escapades were simply that, nothing more than a platonic relationship. But you had grown to care deeply about Akechi, even while knowing that he was your biggest danger for months. Remembering this cracked at your resolve, had it not meant the same for him?

“Or am I wrong?” You asked.

Akechi sighed before pulling you to him, enveloping you in a quick hug. “You’re not wrong.”

“Good.” You stated back, nuzzling into the space under his neck and appreciating the low hum of acceptance. 

Enjoying the company of his arms, warm embrace a total contrast to his earlier scathing words, you stayed in silence until Akechi finally admitted. “You truly do baffle me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve given this a lot of thought over the last few days. You knew I was working on the Phantom Thieves case and you never so much as asked about it’s progress. After our first joining, I assumed you would continually attempt to stop me in my quest for the Phantom thieves. But you never tried to ward me off your path or collect intel when you had the best chance. If anything, you wished me luck with a kiss.”

“Why would I?”

“Why indeed.” Akechi stated back, a fond smile growing at the corners of his lips.

“Because I…” 

Love was too soon. 

He wouldn’t believe it and honestly neither would you. 

Like meant too little, after everything you had been through would that truly convey the depth of your feelings?

“You what?”

“I care about you more than most things.” You settled on lamely. 

He rubbed at your back before settling a kiss on your forehead. “I’m sure you do.”

You tried not to let it sting that Akechi hadn’t returned your words.

“But I understand if… information that’s come to light recently has soured your opinion of me.” You drew out, stepping away to give some space before Akechi pulled you right back.

“Don’t be foolish.” He reassured you.

And for now, this was more than enough.

Chapter 5

Notes:

hi!! sorry i have been away for like two years, i had a lot of life happen and my interest in p5 kind of went away. I wrote this around the time scramble came out and while fun, Akechi was not in it and I was just 🧍♀️🧍🧍

enjoy! I added one more chapter since I'm going to try to incorporate Maruki-arc also! (yes this has a happy ending dont worry)

Expecting otherwise would be foolish, but damn were you a bad decision maker. Being teammates with both boys made the situation much more difficult than you could have ever imagined. 

Akira said nothing when you returned back to the group, looking at you plainly as the others pelted you with questions. 

Did Akechi say anything else? Were there any more threats? Were you getting special treatment because of your relationship? 

They would never understand; the depth of Akechi’s personality and quirks was something even you were still learning. So how could they ever comprehend your intimate conversation? 

You felt as if you could trust him and left it at that.

You tried to forget the intense, far off-look Akira had back in the classroom. Whatever he and Morgana had internally realized, they were keeping it to themselves. Whether it was about you and Akechi or something else, they never indicated otherwise.

You had a strange, gut feeling that something in particular was off. There was not one single issue you could put a finger on - after all your group often butt-heads with the detective. But moreso, Akechi was always the smartest person in the room, you had no doubts that he was aware of your alter egos long before you had met Haru a few weeks ago. You wouldn’t even put it past him to have snuck up on you months ago, long before Akechi decided to indicate that he had a clue. Entering and leaving palaces in the middle of public streets and buildings — a busy road in the Shinjuku ward nonetheless — was oddly careless of your group.

There was nothing you could put your finger on. Perhaps it really was just a sinking feeling, an odd type of guilt, about the strange relationship you had between your leader and newfound teammate. 

Akira made it clear when he hadn’t outwardly commented on your return — not on your close relationship with the detective or the strange fondness Akechi seemed to have with you. He was well aware that you had, at the very least, slept with Akechi once before Akira had even made a move on you. 

But Akechi made sure to stake his claim, in the most obvious and most annoying way once he officially joined your group.

Akechi would rope you into situations that you simply did not have an excuse for. Whether it was a late lunch on the weekend, dinner dates after school, Akechi was seemingly always just there . Strange how elusive he was just before, busy with cases and his life as both a student and a detective. But now as a member of the Phantom Thieves Akechi was constantly on your tail. 

In hindsight it made sense — he was one of the most vocal opposers of your group, arguing ideals and definitely attempting to decipher your identities. There were probably long nights of lost sleep, dedicated to finding out more about the Phantom Thieves. Now that he knew each and every one of these details, it was like a cracked case. 

Akechi suddenly had a portion of his schedule split wide open.

So much so that Ann would joke about your growing harem, “ leave some for the rest of us okay!”

Which sent you and your schedule into constant worry. Akira stalked your school hours while Akechi was putting himself on the map in your life. Text messages and even showing up at your school one day, it was so obvious that it made you worry that his fangirls were going to catch on. You wondered if it was going to stop there, flirting could only go so far before feelings started to get hurt.

Ann would tease you constantly, offering her own words of encouragement here and there. But it was the far-off stares from Makoto that permeated your mind. A silent storm of thoughts and emotions that you would catch in your peripheral — unspoken but always present.

Her relationship with Akechi ran deeper and more personal than the rest; a part of you wanted to reach out to her in interest. You had seen it before, the way Makoto would purposefully turn away at the detective, even offering snarky comments when it came to him and her sister. You knew that Akechi spent a lot of time with Sae, to the point that you had seen them after work together on his private social media while Makoto ate dinner home alone.

But as the brunette stayed quiet, so did you.

And instead your relationship with both boys continually transformed. 

There was some strange, unspoken rule, that they would not interrupt their individual time with you.

Akechi had settled dinner plans with you after school one day, meeting you at the gate with Akira at your side. The two conversed in simple terms, offering short, measured replies as if their words were somehow moving invisible chess pieces only they could see. You expected Akira to question you as Akechi motioned for the two of you to leave, but your leader simply nodded and made his own way home. 

It was the look that Morgana shot you, the hard, silent stare of his bright blue eyes, that had you wary for a single moment. 

But Akechi broke your train of thought, calling out your name and ushering you along to the next destination. 

It was nerve racking to be teammates with them both, trying your best to avoid being in the same party inside the Palace or quickly making your way into the Morgana bus to sit between Ann and Haru.

You failed to notice the quiet conversation behind you, with your two objects of affection scheming in the back seats.

They were determined to change the situation, now.

---

You were not above hiding out somewhere to get some alone time, heading up to the roof alone with your study materials before Akira could get to your classroom. It was hardly a nice day to be outside, late into the fall where the windchill had you clutching onto your jacket. You went a good hour unbothered when Haru momentarily visited to water her flowers. She bid you goodbye with a smile and you enjoyed a moment of peace.

For all of five minutes.

That creampuff was a lil snitch. 

You heard Akira before you saw him, footsteps heading in your direction and the only other form of flight was the fire escape. If only this had been the Metaverse, you would jump down the ladder with little hesitation.

But alas, Akira had caught you with a palpable smirk, as if he knew he caught you. 

The jackass.

And so it was unsurprising that he pulled you along to the diner, study materials gathered up in his hands as you shared a booth with both him and Akechi. 

It was hard to focus by then.

“While Akira’s strong suit seems to be art and history, I’d be glad to fill in the blanks.” Akechi stated, that princely tone grating at your nerves. It seemed that he knew that you knew that he was using his public voice — just to annoy you further.

“That’s a good idea. Together we’d complete all the help you need.” Akira added, making you close your eyes and pinch the bridge of your nose.

There was no way in hell they didn’t know. 

And if they did know, they were being not-at-all subtle with the inferred innuendo’s and slick comments. It only confused you further. These two were some of the smartest people you know, blunt and intelligent and usually twelve-steps ahead of the rest. And for whatever reason, neither outright said anything to address the situation  — not even when you retreated with Akechi from mementos or stayed back at Le Blanc after leaving school.

You should’ve expected to be stuck in a situation such as this. 

The three of you were in the back of the Morgana bus, the vehicle now overly crowded as the Phantom Thief team continued to grow. 

Ann joked that you should sit on Akechi’s lap in the back, unaware of the true dimensions of your relationship. Of course, the detective smiled innocently and went along with her plan, spelling certain doom for you when Akira trailed into your row as well.

The depths of mementos were stifling and the ride back to the surface would surely take over an hour as you lingered around nearly the 60th floor, only just now finishing a request.

You weren’t sure if you could last the next hour on Akechi’s lap, with Akira right beside you.

To make matters worse, the detective made himself known by putting an arm around your waist, his other hand sitting idly on your thigh. It could easily pass as holding you safely in one spot, but you knew better as Akechi planted your ass firmly against him.

The others were just as cramped, more Thieves spilling into the first and second rows while the three of you sat next to a mountain of treasure. 

You tried to focus your attention elsewhere, looking out the window or towards the others, when suddenly you felt the familiar crawl of a hand down your thigh.

Glancing back at Akechi in warning, he heeded nothing and continued moving against you until his hand finally rested at your core. He maneuvered your Phantom Thief cape to cover you at the frontside, so in the case of any lingering eyes, they wouldn’t see anything from where they were sitting.

Akechi rubbed at your clothed core, much like how Akira had done that very first time. You shot a look towards your leader and fought the urge to jump away when you caught his gaze on Akechi’s hand.

But he said nothing, intently staring at the area with a small smirk on his face.

Akechi kept his actions thorough, hands rubbing at the area before pushing the material aside to rub at your bare skin more intently. You rose a hand to your mouth, desperate to keep quiet yet again. No matter how much you squirmed or turned, Akechi slowly increased his pace until you were dripping out onto his costume beneath you.

The detective kept you firm against his crotch, conscious of his hard cock pressing against your backside and inadvertently rubbing your ass against it.

You gasped when you felt his voice against your earlobe, “For now, I’ll indulge you.”

You only hoped he wouldn’t dare, not here and certainly not now, but of course Akechi would. 

There was a small bit of maneuvering behind you before you felt his tip prod against you, eliciting an instant gasp that had Akira putting a hand over your lips. You turned to your leader to see his familiar, lustful gaze mirrored back at you. 

Akechi kept himself buried inside you, unmoving as you clenched and unclenched around him. The detective was honestly, perfectly fine with living out the rest of the ride like this. There was just enough friction from the jostles of the train tracks and other potholes, naturally forcing his hips into yours and fucking you slowly.

He could only imagine how absolutely drenched you would be later, begging for his cock after being kept constantly at the edge.

But as Akira lowered his hand from your face to where you were joint together, Akechi let the situation play out. Your leader trailed his hand down beneath your cape, surprising the detective when he squeezed at the base of his cock, jostling Akechi’s hips forward and making the both of you moan.

Akira lightly chuckled before shooting a look to the rest, making sure no one had heard. He brought his hand to your front, very familiar with your body at this point and rolling your clit between his fingers.

You felt your hips shudder in response, Akechi quietly hissing behind you as you moved. To think Akechi was inside you and somehow, Akira was the one teasing you both.

Your leader continued rolling your clit before exposing your pussy to the open air further, two fingers spread in a v-position as Akechi’s cock slowly ground against you.

Akira’s hand retreated as he took a conspiratorial gaze across the bus, before nonchalantly lowering himself to the joint area and licking a single, long strip from the base of Akechi’s cock to your swollen clit, sucking you for a quick second before sitting upright.

You sunk your teeth into your lips as Akechi did the same into your shoulder. To your utter amazement, no one had noticed, the conversation carrying on towards the front of the bus.

As if to time itself perfectly, Makoto ran the bus over a particularly large track, nearly throwing you off Akechi’s lap only to get completely impaled back onto him.

You were almost ashamed at how easily you came, hips twitching as you gushed out onto your ruined costume. Akechi thrust into you a few times, your harsh grip on him slowly eating at his control. 

You barely heard Akira’s soft chuckle before dipping his hand back into your cunt, his fingers rubbing some of your slick before bringing it to his lips to taste.

Akechi gave a few more harsh thrusts despite your silent mewls at the stimulation, taking advantage of the group's distraction outside the bus.

You felt the telltale spurt of white coating your insides, digging in and stuffing you full with barely a leotard to cover your most sensitive area. And to your consternation, Akechi didn’t pull out until it was finally time to leave. You had to sit there quietly, a revolving door of pain and pleasure as Akechi stayed sheathed inside you, your mixed fluids leaking out onto the seat. 

The others didn’t even notice your slight limp.

Well. 

Morgana shot you a withering gaze, but that was neither here nor there. 

Since then it was like there was an odd snap in your dynamic. Whatever line there was before with Akechi and Akira, they both decided on ignoring it.

Meanwhile, you had no idea what to say.

They were both absolute fiends and you wanted both of them — confusedly enough.

It almost seemed like a competition to them, not that you were complaining. You weren’t exclusive with either beforehand and the hot sex only seemed to increase, if at the cost of stress of being caught by the others, by how often Akira and Akechi liked initiating despite their presence. 

They only continued to go back and forth in their silent game of chess.

Your leader had invited you over to Le Blanc with clear intentions, guiding you to your knees as he gripped your head hard against his length. Only to find out during the throes of passion that Akira had texted Akechi to meet and go to the jazz club together, just to have the detective walk in on you blowing your leader.

Of course the detective was keen on getting back at Akira, venturing over to Le Blanc early on a day he knew you said you would be over at the cafe. Sojiro had hardly blinked, it was often that Akira’s friends would come over and head upstairs.

But none with the intentions like Akechi.

He was quiet as he fucked you against Akira’s couch, the very same place that you were caught with your leader’s dick down your throat. There was no telling when Akira would come back home and so Akechi was keen on keeping you on the precipice for as long as that would take. 

Akira arrived a half hour later, hardly blinking as he approached the two of you, “So you guys want to watch a movie or…?”

And sure enough, Akechi dumped his load in you, only for the three of you to sit on his couch and watch a movie. It was hard to concentrate when you were just stuffed full, both boys acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

You needed some sort of mental reprieve from the two, both actively using you in whatever mind games they were engaged in. There was no doubt you enjoyed the passionate sex, but what was the endgame here? Were they trying to prove something?

Hardly wanting to think about it, you decided on avoiding them both for at least a little bit of time. One, to give your puss a rest; and two, to study since you were still a student.

You had gone to cafes, even the busy diner to avoid them, and it was working so far.

It lasted three days. 

You retreated to the library to study today, bidding Ryuji goodbye after class as he said he was going to the gym instead on this rainy day. You poured over a couple textbooks, Classical Japanese handing you a new ass as you reviewed your class work. By the time you got up to stretch, it was already late with most of the other library patrons having already left. 

You took your seat back in your corner cubby, a wall behind you offering you privacy, when someone took the next seat beside you.

It was Akira, pulling out a notebook with Morgana nowhere in sight.

You stared at him for a single second, before turning back to your books.

“Um. I wanted to study for one of the upcoming tests.” You stated lamely.

Akira nodded before looking over your open textbook and taking out his corresponding notes.

“Not everyone can be at the top of the class like you.” You joked, trying to alleviate his quiet tension. That must have been the wrong thing to say, since you swear there was a sudden glint in his glasses.

Of course you both knew this was unnecessary. 

You were in the top ten after all.

It was clear what you were trying to do.

And Akira would not have it, but he supposed he could play your game for now. 

“I’ll help you review.”

He pulled his seat closer, a hand going to your thigh as he tugged at your notebook.

“There’s some review questions at the end of this section. Get one wrong, receive a punishment.”

Your eyes widened in surprise and before you could even verbalize your thoughts, he was already asking the first question.

Thankfully this was something you just read, confidently spilling out an answer as Akira’s free hand rubbed circles into your thigh. The librarian checked on you both then nodding in agreement as she saw two students spend their useful time studying, completely oblivious to his hands beneath the table. 

Akira rapid-fired question after question, making your heart race quickly even when you got the answers correctly. He nodded in assent before his eyes drifted to another page, reciting the question there.

The statement wasn’t something you actually remembered, but you racked your brain for the lesson. Wasn’t it supposed to be for next week? A part of you wouldn’t be surprised if the cheeky Joker was cheating with a future question, but you had a feeling you could figure the answer out anyway.

You thought back to the fundamental lesson, only to short circuit when his hand strayed to your panties. His hand was hidden beneath your school skirt, playing with the edge but not diving beneath the material.

“I haven’t done anything for a punishment.” You asserted.

“Do you truly believe that?” He asked, a small smirk playing on his mischievous expression. “But this isn’t the punishment I had in mind.”

It was hard to concentrate after that — mind focused moreso on the lingering hand than anything about the lesson.

“Don’t know the answer?” He asked as he leaned further into your space.

“I—“ You had a quip on the tip of your tongue, swallowed by your surprised gasp as Akira purposefully dipped a hand beneath your panties.

“Sorry, that’s incorrect.”

You were about to complain when he retreated his hand entirely, grabbing something from his bag as you quietly waited for what he had in store, the loud downpour of rain the only sound between you two.

“Just something I picked up from Shinjuku.” He stated, pulling it into your line of sight before urging it into your hand.

It was a small, bullet-sized vibrator.

Akira looked at you expectedly as you held it up, looking from the object in your hand to his mischievous dark eyes.

“Do you need help?”

“Wha—“

“Here, I’ll put it for you this time.” Akira grabbed it back, leaning down to lick a long stripe of your cunt before putting the object slightly inside. He arranged your underwear back into place, giving you a soft peck on the lips as he straightened in his seat.

“Come on, let’s get dinner at the diner today.”

And sure enough, there you were on the subway with the foreign object still inside you. You wanted to squirm slightly, not sure how to feel to be in public with this.

Akira saw how notably uncomfortable you were — from your blush covered face to the fist you had bunched at the bottom of your skirt. You, headstrong and sassy teammate, so demure and shy when the device hadn’t even been turned on yet.

He couldn’t wait to ruin you.

To your absolute horror, Akechi waved the both of you over to a booth in the corner, standing to let you in and trap you in the seat against the wall. 

There was nowhere you could run and hide now, they had officially caught you. 

Akira and Akechi spoke as if nothing had happened, stating their food preferences as you sat quietly. The conversation lulled as both boys pulled out their phones, making you wonder if Akechi was even in on Akira’s earlier stunt. But as Akira stopped typing away, you felt the toy inside you slowly come to life.

You squirmed and fought the urge to rip it out, casting a worried look in Akira’s direction. But the young man only smirked, pushing his glasses up as he raised the intensity of the pulses.

The shudder in your thighs was obvious at this point, Akechi turning to your familiar disposition and then narrowing his eyes towards Joker.

“Explain.”

Akira laid his phone flat on the table, both of you looking over to see a control panel for the object inside you. You watched the detective’s eyes flit across the screen, before soon a smirk grew on his face as well.

“And so there are different settings?”

“Why don’t you try it?” Akira invited, pushing the phone toward Akechi more.

The detective turned to you, putting a hand on your thigh as he adjusted settings around haphazardly. You felt the sudden changes in intensity and rhythm — from strong, continuous vibrations to the sudden, offbeat pulses that had your pussy clenching.

“Look at your face.”

“Please…”

“Please what?” Akechi asked, “ Cocksleeves don’t get to make demands.“

You fought the urge to moan at his debauched words, closing your eyes as the object inside you increased in tempo.

“How wet do you think you are?” He continued, “Enough that I can slip my dick inside you right now?”

“Not here…” You protested weakly, eyes roaming to the crowd of families and other customers surrounding you at the diner.

“Of course not here.” Akechi drew out, “But with how you’ve been acting lately, we’re going to enjoy a long dinner right now.”

You felt your eyes widen comically in surprise, surely they were not going to make you sit here and endure this for at least another hour? But as Akira reached for a menu, one that he already knew well from many nights studying here, you figured you were in deep shit. 

“Please no.” You grasped at Akechi’s arm, leaning your head against his shoulder as you felt him increase the speed. “Please, I'll be good. Please .”

“Open your mouth.”

Without a second's hesitation you did as commanded, already knowing that he would lean down and spit past your awaiting lips.

“Good girl.” He then turned to Akira, “Coffee then we’re heading out.”

“What!”

It was your leader this time who turned to you this time, “You deserve proper punishment.”

There was no argument left to be had, a small pout on your face before both boys turned to their menus, a lingering hand on your thigh from Akechi. 

Again, never had you thought that the detective would be so forward and endearing. The poor touch-starved boy, you’d feel a bit more sympathy if he was not presently teasing you.

You felt the coil inside you build and build, tension forming as both boys stayed quiet and watched you. The steady rise and fall of your chest, how you gripped the edge of the table and forced your eyes close — both of them were well aware of how quickly you were getting to the edge.

Just as you were falling off that sweet release, Akechi tapped the screen of the phone and enjoyed the view as your face morphed into silent horror.

No amount of pride could stop your begging at this point, “Please Akechi I promise I’ll be good. I’ll do whatever you want, please .” Your sentences repeated over and over. 

Even as Akechi attempted to look strong, even he could not help but crack in resolve as you continuously begged. Akira was silent, elbows on the table as he leaned his head on his hands. His visage was notably blank, trying his best not to give off anything.

“Fuck.” Akechi muttered low, “Little minx, you’re going to be patient just as you made Akira and I wait.”

“I’m sorry, please please please….” You trailed off.

Akechi attempted to close his eyes, trying to get a reign on his own temptation. You turned to Akira instead, but you knew he was always the most mischievous man in the room. He had a finger hovering over the phone and you stilled in anticipation.

“You haven’t been good.” He stated simply, before raising the device’s vibrations to its maximum capability. 

You shuddered at the suddenness of it all, hips thrashing once in surprise and regaining Akechi’s attention. Just as quickly, Akira put it to the lowest setting, a small hum against your clit and not enough to satisfy anything.

“Akira…”

He pushed his glasses up only for them to catch the nearby light, “You’ll have to prove you can be good.”

“Yes! I will, for both of you!” You promised again. 

“Good enough for me, let’s go.” Akechi agreed quickly, grabbing your hand and rushing you out of the diner. Akira left a few bills on the table and followed along amusedly. Even if Akechi claimed to be the most level-headed, he knew his patience rapidly ran thin.

They had to usher you along, your mind nothing but a muddled mess of want and desire. It would take great clarity to even remember your name at the moment. Akechi made a poignant note about keeping you there, whispering hot words against your ear even on the subway train.

“Imagine how long I could keep you here, my little minx.” Akechi drew out, “Stuffed full with cock and nothing but the vibrator against your messy pussy.”

You wanted to moan against his words, but instead kept your eyes and mouth shut. It wasn’t a packed train, but you doubted anyone would want to hear you beg for the detective. 

Well, anyone but Akira. 

“You would squirm and beg me to just move . But you know I never would, would’ve stayed in your tight cunt and forced you on my dick all night.”

Akechi was always possessive with his impassioned words. You never gave it a second thought until Akira was standing right in front of you, listening as well. His version of talk was always so kind, bordering on two lovers giving each other sweet nothings. You wondered if this soured his view of you, enjoying Akechi’s words like a whore. 

It seemed Akira read your mind. 

“I never knew my princess could take it like a slut .” He whispered hotly, “I’ll be sure to treat you how you want to be treated.”

You felt your heart race, watching Akechi and Akira exchange heated glances, their gazes filled with intensity and desire. It was clear that they had been waiting for this moment for a long time, and now that it had finally arrived, they intended to make the most of it.

The air in Akechi's apartment was thick with desire, you had been here many times before for less than savory purposes, but none with intentions quite like this. Words were unnecessary, as the door closed behind the three of you, Akechi’s arm behind your back swinging you roughly against the door as the other hand took purchase there.

The tension that simmered just below the surface was ready to explode, this raw magnetism that defied reason. Akechi’s composed exterior had crumbled, revealing a side of him that was primal and unfiltered. Your breaths were heavy, anticipation hanging in the air like a storm about to break.

As your lips met his in a fierce kiss, it was a collision of urgency. Akechi's kiss was rough and demanding, a tumultuous storm of emotions that threatened to consume you. His grip on the doorframe tightened, his body pressed against yours with an urgency that spoke of unspoken desires finally being unleashed.

But in the shadows, Akira watched, a mixture of curiosity and desire in his eyes. 

He never knew that you liked it so rough .

Even the videos Akechi sent him in the past were rather tame compared to this.

Akira knew Akechi was a sadist, he laughed at himself for ever doubting it.

Your Leader took a step closer, the atmosphere crackling with tension. His voice was almost a low growl, an invitation tinged with challenge, “Don’t forget about me, my love.”

As Akechi's lips left yours, his breath ragged, his eyes locked onto Akira's. There was a silent understanding that passed between them, their rivalry somehow extending even here. Without a word, Akechi's hand released the doorframe, and he stepped back, giving Akira the space he sought.

Akira's lips met yours in a hungry kiss, his touch different from Akechi's—a mix of familiarity and tenderness. His fingers tangled in your hair, his kiss a storm of emotions that mirrored the intensity of the moment. Akechi's presence still lingered in the air, the memory of his rough kiss a lingering sensation against your lips.

Not that he would simply stand aside either.

Akira's kiss was a mixture of fire and tenderness, his lips a contrast to Akechi's rough intensity. His touch was a warm embrace, pulling you into a dance of shared emotions that left you breathless. As his lips moved against yours, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the sensation of his touch and the echo of Akechi's presence in the background.

But as the kiss deepened, a low growl of impatience resonated through the room. Akechi's composed facade had cracked, revealing a frustration that had been building beneath the surface. His fingers tapped against his thigh in a rhythm of anticipation, his eyes locked onto the scene before him with a hunger that matched the intensity of his desires.

Akira pulled away from the kiss, his breath heavy and his eyes dark with desire. He glanced at Akechi, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Impatient, aren't we?" he quipped, his voice laced with further challenge.

“Don’t forget why we’re here.” 

Of course, they were rivals for a reason.

Akechi continued to glare at Akira, the gesture a mixture of frustration and longing. He stepped forward, his voice a low rasp as he addressed you, "Don't think I can't match that intensity, if not exceed it."

Without waiting for a response, Akechi closed the distance between you in a matter of heartbeats. The impatience he had held back was unleashed, his fingers gripping your waist with a possessiveness that sent shivers down your spine.

As Akechi's kiss grew more fervent, a fire raged between your lips, the storm of emotions and desires reaching its peak. 

In the midst of this passionate exchange, Akira's presence remained palpable, the patient observer who had now taken a more active role. His hands found the edges of your clothes, his touch gentle yet purposeful as he began to remove it. His gaze was locked onto yours, a mix of affection and desire that left no doubt about his intentions.

As Akechi's lips left yours, his eyes met Akira's in a silent exchange that spoke volumes. Without breaking the connection, Akechi's fingers moved to the clasp of your bra, a rough urgency in his actions that mirrored the intensity of his kiss. His touch sent sparks of sensation through your body, every caress further igniting the fire that had been building within you.

With your clothes now discarded, Akira's fingers trailed along your skin, a feather-light touch that left a trail of goosebumps in its wake. His actions were deliberate, unhurried, as he removed each layer with a tenderness that contrasted with the passionate intensity of Akechi's kisses.

As Akechi's lips found yours once more, his kiss was a continuation of the symphony of emotions that had been building between the three of you. His fingers traced the exposed skin of your back, his touch a testament to the depths of his desires. Akira's presence lingered, his fingers exploring the curves of your body with a reverence that left you trembling.

Akechi returned back to your lips, kissing you with the same energy as earlier. You were lost in his touches, unaware of the teasing crawl of fingers maneuvering you against the door. The detective invaded all of your senses, lips locked even when you felt Akira’s fingers against your thighs. You could not even move to look down, one of Akechi’s hands gripping the side of your face without reserve.

You yelped out in surprise as he played with your lower pearl, rolling it between his fingers as Akechi swallowed your sounds of desire. 

It was too much and not enough all at once.

Akechi pulled back to appreciate your swollen lips, face flush like he had never seen. If he had his way, Akechi would be inside you by now. But Akira insisted you had to be savored..

.. Not that he was complaining.

You watched, in your momentary reprieve, Akira lower himself to his knees on the ground in front of you. The anticipation must have been palpable on your face, for Akechi smirked at you before moving.

His fingers were right in front of you, the command clear.

“Suck.”

Akira was on his own mission, slurping up your already sloppy pussy. His fingers followed quickly after, pumping at a steady pace.

You rocked your hips against him in want, always it deeper, harder, faster, more more more 

“She’s soaking.” Akira commented to his rival, Akechi smirking back before lowering you on all fours. 

The detective positioned himself in front of you, roughly pushing down the top of his pants to let his cock leak out.

“Not clearly enough.”

You didn’t have to be told. 

You crawled the small distance toward the detective and took his dick in your mouth with little hesitation. He threw his head back in ecstasy, loudly shouting your name as Akira continued to suck on your lower lips.

Both of your hands were steadying you on the ground, barely cognizant of your mere existence, fuck if you could even recall your name right now. 

You threw your hips back into Akira’s face, not below begging if it weren’t for the dick in your mouth. 

Akira hummed disapprovingly, “Do you really think you deserve it?”

“A whore needs to work for it.” Akechi answered for you, shoving your head further down and gleefully watching you choke.

Akira had to fight the instinctive need to chastise him, to tell Akechi to be more soft on you, when he realized a second later that you actually liked this. 

He felt your pussy clench at Akechi’s rough words, and suddenly, Akira didn’t feel so bad.

The leader lifted a wide palm in the air before a resounding smack landed on your ass, your reaction a surprised jiggle upwards. Akira appreciated the soft curve of your behind, pulling your thighs closer as he licked long strips up and down your clit.

He felt the telltale signs of your end — the shake of legs above him and the clenching of your toes beside him. Feeling particular vindictive, Akira pulled back, relishing in your soft whine as he did so, before lining up his cock at your entrance.

You were beyond ready, he reasoned, cock filling you without waiting to adjust. You were near screaming on Akechi’s dick, the detective just as loud as he used your head as nothing more than a wet hole. 

Barely able to hold yourself up, Akira grabbed your hips and forced you closer, stomach against your ass and you swore his cock was in your stomach. He pulled all the way out once, before slamming in once, twice, milking you for all you were worth.

Akira watched you tremble on his dick, cum coating him inside you as he paused to give you a momentary pause.

Akechi allowed you to get your bearings also, holding your cheek affectionately as he wanted for the moment to pass. 

You lifted yourself off Akechi and begged, “Please. Please fuck me. I’ll do anything, please please .”

“But my love.” His hand was still caressing your face, “We haven’t even cum yet.”

You groaned aloud before he guided you back to his cockhead, resuming his earlier pace and using your mouth like a tight fleshlight.

Akira decided you hadn’t deserved it either, slowly pulling his dick out, to the tip, before slamming back in full force. You were pushing back against him for more pressure, only goading him into forcing you more forward.

The action forced you further onto Akechi’s cock, making the detective moan aloud as you choked on him repeatedly. 

“Fuck, don’t stop doing that Akira.”

“With pleasure.”

Akechi loved your look of desperation. The begging was something he loved getting off on and having Akira, the one who edged you for fun, it was a match-made in hell.

You hummed around Akechi’s cock, knowing just how much the detective loved it. It didn’t take long for him to grab at your head again, forcing it down before coating your mouth white.

Swallowing what you could, you could only imagine the sorry sight Akechi saw. Bruised lips, cum dripping out your mouth, Akira behind you slowly fucking you.

“Have your fun.” 

“Huh?”

Something must have snapped in Akira, for he lifted you back up, feet not touching the ground, just to let gravity drop you on his cock. Your back was to Akira, the only sense of control you had was gripping the arm around your waist.

He maneuvered you toward the wall, lifting your leg up flat against it. 

“You like it rough?” Akira asked against the shell of your ear, “I can give you rough.”

He fucked you relentlessly, new angle reaching deeper than before. Your mind was long gone, begging for nothing as your hands flew to whatever you could reach. Up against the wall or carded in Akira’s hair, you just wanted more. 

Akira pumped into you without reprieve, balls slapping your ass as you moaned with each movement. 

“Come here.” Akira stated clearly to the other occupant. “You said you tried her ass before?”

“And?”

“And it looks like it’s free now, isn’t it?” Akira asked with a smirk, intentions clear.

They moved you around, body like a doll between your captors. You heard Akechi behind you, and despite the charged atmosphere, you trusted him in your inexperienced area. 

Akira held your leg up on his shoulder, placing sloppy kisses on your neck as he drew his hips forward and back. Akechi was slower behind you, cock slick with what you assumed was lube. 

Even with just his prodding tip, you clenched hard around Akira and you felt your leader’s legs tremble. 

“Relax, my dear.” Akechi whispered against your shoulder, slowly descending further into your ass.

A flip had switched and suddenly their roles were reversed. Akechi was gentle and patient, slowly rocking his hips to allow you to adjust. At times barely moving, as Akira’s frenzy was enough to push you back and forth between both men.

The detective reached around to squeeze your tits while Akira returned to your pearl, back to rolling it between his fingers as you struggled to remain standing.

“Please..”

“My own cocksleeve, unloyal.” Akechi bit out against your begging.

“I want you both!!” You exclaimed.

“Then you can have us both.” Akira answered, gently holding the back of your head as he locked lips once more.

He swept against your tongue, hungrily devouring a path as he licked with little obstruction. A sliver of saliva connected you even after he withdrew, but that did not deter the detective from connecting your mouths right after.

Akira notably sped up, eyes shuttering closed as he leaned his forehead against your shoulder. You felt the telltale spurt of white coating your pussy, Akira not even bothering to pull out in time.

He savored your clenching before pulling back, a resounding whine as your sensitive folds felt his cum soak out. 

Akechi did not waste a second, withdrawing from your ass and lowering you back down to the floor. Your stomach was against the ground, the detective’s commanding presence above you as he raised your knee and entered you abused pussy in one flew swoop.

You cried out in surprise, but Akechi continued his hurried pace. His one arm was holding him up, the other nudging your chin upward. 

“Look at him while I’m fucking you.” 

You obeyed, eyes on Akira as he sat in commanding silence. His eyes spoke of untamed desire, dick soft from earlier as he simply watched.

“Let him know who you belong to.”

“I’m yours! Both of yours!”

“Good girl.”

He flipped you over onto your back, before slotting between your legs and fucking you with abandon. Your legs hung in the air and your moans were swallowed against his open mouth. 

You had never seen Akechi so overcome with desire, much like yourself. You absently reached for him, hands in his hair as you attempted to kiss him.

His pace lacked that earlier rhythm, sporadic as his cock pistoned different depths. You wrapped your legs around his waist, locking him into place.

Akechi could hardly care of that now, giving two, long hard pumps. “Give yourself up, to me!” 

You moaned loudly into the quiet room, thighs shaking as you came together. His cum stuffed you full and seeped out in heaps, mixed with Akira’s earlier excitement. Your breath came out in large, uneven heaves. Akechi leaned more of his weight on you, an endearing expression on his face. 

You put a gentle hand on Akechi’s cheek, cock still inside you as he gradually softened. “Thank you.”

The detective smiled, genuinely, before nuzzling a soft kiss to your forehead. “You should know that was not the plan.”

“What was the plan?” 

“Fucking you in the bedroom.” Akira answered this time. “Looks like we couldn’t even make it past the threshold.”

You chuckled at their admission before pausing, a small hesitance at your next question. “What is this?”

“This, and that’s if you want this, is a relationship. The three of us.”

You blinked from one to the other. Sure, they had shared you this one time, but you expected it to be bore out of their rivalry instead of anything else.

“The three of us?” You asked back, surprised.

“Yes, altogether.” Akechi clarified as he sat-up, taking you with him. He still had yet to pull-out.

“Really?” Your voice had both surprise and excitement. 

Akira smiled as he neared you two. “You should see Akechi when he’s on the bottom. He has this cute little—“

“Will you shut the fuck up?” Akechi interrupted, cheeks red in embarrassment as if he hadn’t fucked you into stupidity.

“Maybe next time our dear detective can be in the middle.” You joked, kissing his forehead.

But the detective, always the disaster, grabbed your chin before smashing your lips together. 

“Let’s see if you can handle it.”

Notes:

I may or may not update the final smut scene of this chapter because i wrote this in and out of hiatus - i read it a few times but I wasnt sure if the writing is consistent from beginning to end;;;

I'll probably look at it at a later time LOL

Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Summary:

its time for the PAIN

Falling into a regular routine with both boys was scarily natural.

Since that night, with all cards placed on the table, you had entrusted your heart to both Akira and Akechi. No longer plagued by thoughts of unrequited feelings, your nights sometimes ended with you snuggled between your two favorite men.

Akira would kiss you fondly on the lips, a surprising amount of tenderness behind his actions, while Akechi was keen on keeping your hands connected in some way. No matter, you would indulge them both and soar with a true happiness you hadn’t felt in a long time.

While the detective was still relatively occupied with his schedule, he made obvious efforts to keep you close — texting you an amorous morning greeting and making plans throughout the week. Deliveries of food and flowers would show up randomly at your door. So much so that his fan-club had picked up on your presence at one point, demanding answers to who you were and how you knew Akechi.

But he protected your identity with vague answers and veiled smiles, moving on the daily gossip as he posted pancakes on his social media platform.

Akechi was making a genuine effort, one that made your heart feel full. You felt love and gave love, from two other people no less.  

One day you stayed behind in school to help your club, encouraging the two boys to go on and enjoy the day without you. 

Your journey home had only a slight detour as you walked through the mall to find something quick for dinner. You hadn’t expected to hear Akira’s laughter in the distance, a flushed-red Akechi next to him wearing his glasses.

Not to mention their joined hands at the sides. 

You had so much love in your heart for them, feeling your own insides bloom with joy just at the sight of them together. It would never hurt that Akira and Akechi had a bond between them that you did not understand. You had your own relationship with each boy that was only yours. And one they shared with you.

It just felt right.

Ann had commented more than once, saying this was the happiest you looked in years. (You only felt a little tendril in your stomach turn, when you saw the concern on the other Thieves' faces. Did this make you an asshole? That the other Thieves were scared for their lives while you enjoyed life with the object of all their worries?)

The blonde was at your doorstep the next Saturday afternoon, a small celebration of sorts for one last Palace. She had a bag of snacks at her side and Makoto was only a step behind her.

“Look at that dopey look on your face.” Ann said as she greeted you at the door.

“Huh?” 

“Should I expect our illustrious leader to pop out of a closet or something?”

“Ha ha, very funny.”

“Come on, he’s always glued to your side. I was only half expecting him to be here for our sleepover.” Ann reasoned, Makoto silently nodding in agreement.

“That’s ridiculous.” You said.

“Haru texted me that she’s running a little late.” Makoto interjected before the blonde could keep going. 

“And Futaba was welcome to show up here whenever.” You replied back.

“Or perhaps, is the detective prince himself hiding somewhere James Bond-style?” Ann teased, going back to her earlier topic and spreading her arms to act out before plopping her snacks on the kitchen counter.

You watched Makoto’s visage crack slightly, a slight frown marring her face before it turned back to neutral.

“It’s true. Since your… arrangement,” Makoto paused, “I haven’t seen him around the apartment with my sister.”

“Oh?”

Makoto kept a level-tone as she unloaded her bag, “Sae has mentioned she misses sushi dinners with Akechi.”

“God, I’ve been waiting for this night!” Ann continued on, expertly navigating the awkward topic. “I’m finally going to get the juicy details about what’s been going on.”

“I tell you about my love life all the time.” You countered over your shoulder, taking out blankets from your closet.

“Yeah, like a liar!” She dropped her voice low to mock you, “‘No Ann, I totally don’t have feelings for Akechi!’ Need I remind you that that was you at the beginning of this year.”

You smiled, unable to refute her words. “Okay, so I’m a little slow about my feelings. But I... I really like Akira and Akechi. What we have feels really good.”

“Two boys absolutely head over heels for you? I bet!”

“And have you seen them together?”

“No!" Ann answered back immediately, "I’m so jealous. Tell me all about it!”

“Akechi blushes like you will not believe. It’s so cute and over simple things too! Akira will try to hold his hand and just—!”

Your joint squeals filled the air, making Makoto hold her ears in surprise.

It hadn’t ended there.

“What about…?” Ann trailed off, eyebrows raising as she shot you amused side-eye.

“Perfect.” You smiled in response, feeling a rush inside your chest just from thinking of them.

Ann mirrored your mirth and stepped around the kitchen counter to hug you, “I’m so happy for you.”

“Ann..?” You asked with a questioning smile, returning her hug as your faraway response lingered in the air.

The blonde paused for a few seconds before continuing, “A few months ago… I could only dream of the life I wanted for you, me, and Shiho. I know it’s complicated with Akechi, but what isn’t after all? Believe it or not, seeing you this happy makes me happy too.”

“Thank you, Ann. I’ve never felt more content in my life.” You hesitated in your next few words. “And.. I know Akechi is blackmailing all of us to end the Phantom Thieves. But I feel guilty that I... I feel safe around him.” 

Makoto raised an eyebrow, but Ann encouraged you to continue.

“I care about making the world a better place. But, I understand where he’s coming from too. When does it end? What if one day we make a mistake? There's two sides to this story. And who knows, Akechi is one of us now. Maybe this won’t be the end after all?”

Makoto stopped fiddling with the plastic bags as she cut in, “I’ve known Akechi for years. How he chased for case after case, long into the night with my sister and the only updates I received were from the news. The protege. The second-coming of the detective prince.”

“Makoto?”

“I will… always resent him for the time I thought he took from me. So many nights I spent alone while my sister sung him his praises . And when I see him these days, it makes it that much harder.” Makoto admitted, lips in a thin line. “Akechi looks happy, happier than I’ve ever seen him. And I know it’s because of you and Akira.”

“Makoto…” 

“Just one more thing to be jealous of, I guess.” She said with a wistful smile and you reached over to place a comforting hand on hers.

“Oh come on, Mako-chan! Didn’t I see you on the rooftop the other day… Helping a special someone with their gardening, perhaps?” Ann teased, waving her eyebrows around as you followed suit. 

“We’re rooting for you!” You continued. "Not to mention the fact that you're amazing in your own right, regardless of what your sister says."

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door, Haru waving just beyond the screen-door. 

Makoto’s eyes screamed of murder, “Don’t.”

You giggled behind your hand, but pretended to zip your lips as you opened the door for the pink-haired beauty. Later for the movie you and Ann were as subtle as bulls in a China shop, spreading out on the couch as if there was no more room, making Makoto and Haru share the smaller chaise. 

This was the life you wanted all along. 

Friends who were there for each other in life and death. And two loving boys who doted on you day and night.

What could go wrong?

.

 

.

 

.

All of it.

All of it could go crashing and burning at a moments notice.

You thought nothing of the text between you, Akira, and Futaba. There were memes of cats and Fetterman just before they asked you to come to Leblanc that night.

You felt the tendril of something, an anxiety that had always been there but never pinpointed.

It was time for the other foot to fall.

From the onset of your relationship, Akechi was always fixated in some way about the Phantom Thieves. You figured that it was because of his hard-on for justice - being a teen detective and all. 

You understood multiple times over how dangerous the power of the Phantom Thieves could be in the wrong hands. And you saw time and time again how an evil person could ruin the lives of so many innocent people.

And a large part of you was excited at the prospect of Akechi joining the group. He would be able to exact justice directly, changing the hearts of those who abused the system without having to wait for red-tape and long trials. There was also the added benefit of no longer having to hide that side of your life to Akechi.

He had even commented on your Thieves costume, whispering hotly in your ear how gorgeous you looked outside of everyday attire.

Akechi was the black-hearted prince that you grew to genuinely care for. And he made sure to make you feel just as appreciated at every turn. 

You knew what you personally saw —

His kindness when he kissed your forehead in the morning, waking you gently as the smell of fresh breakfast wafted through the room.

His care for you in-between battles, when you felt your internal reserves falling low. Akechi was always the first one at your side, making sure you were both safe and active.

His sense of humor that barked of sarcasm, saccharine sounding words sharp as cool steel.

And his love when he looked at you a second too long, tucking a bit of hair behind your ear as he said nothing but gazed between your lips and your eyes.

It was not just words or feelings, it was backed by action. Akechi was a man of action constantly and it made your heart feel almost unbearably full.

You wanted these days to last forever — kissing Akechi in the mornings, going to class hand-in-hand with Akira, sharing something new on the dessert menu and ending the days between both boys. 

And despite all of this, months of intimate moments and quiet conversations at the bedside —

Goro Akechi was a traitor.

He wanted nothing more than to kill the Phantom Thieves, you and Akira obviously included.

To think that you spent nights in his arms, light kisses pressed to your skin as the detective held you close, while he lay there thinking about your horrific demise. How many times had Akechi reached the pinnacle of his desire at the hands of your leader who he claimed to hate. 

How could you believe that?

“I know this is a lot to process.” Akira started, a comforting hand on yours. “But I’m absolutely sure of the truth. Please, what’s going through your mind now?”

His sharp eyes bore into yours, but how could you articulate the visceral pain in your heart at just the thought of these accusations. 

What the hell were you thinking?

You were already exploring Sae’s palace when you started this arrangement with both Akira and the detective. This meant that your leader already knew about his intentions to double-cross, long before he had ever joined. 

Apparently their suspicions went all the way back to the day they had first met. 

And yet Akira still made the conscious choice to get close to him. 

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you.. form an intimate relationship with him?”

Was Akira trying to reach Akechi this way? Convince him to swap sides?

Whatever the reason was, it was clearly not working.

Akechi had long decided to side with Shido.

Akira and Futaba warned you that night, evidence of his deceit from text logs and recorded conversations. You gave your leader a loaded stare, the only person who could possibly understand the depth of your inner conflict.

They warned you to stay on guard and, if possible, try to reach Akechi.

“I know this is hard. I know it’ll hurt. But please, I know he’s in there. I know we can reach him.” Akira pleaded once Futaba left, “And I know you think this too.”

Morgana was quiet as he stood to the side; did he know this entire time as well? Was that what his long stares were really about?

You held onto Akira’s shoulders, looking him square in the face as you asked. “You… feel the same way I do. Don’t you?” 

“You’re asking if I love Akechi?” He asked back.

“… Do you?”

“Yes, I do.” Akira admitted to the silent air, not a hint of hesitation in his voice. Not even when you could not even admit that to yourself. “And I think we can get him to realize that too.”

But how could you even interact with Akechi now? 

This would always loom over your head, no matter how hard you tried to act nonchalant.

As the day of Sae’s calling card drew closer, you felt yourself grow more and more stressed. So much so that Akechi had commented on it several times. He would invite you over to his apartment, as one’s boyfriend usually would, making tea and rubbing comforting circles on your back.

You took careful consideration when interacting with Akechi. When you sat in his apartment, sometimes your gaze would just draw to him as he was working. He was typing away at his phone or his laptop, gaze intent as he scanned the contents quickly.

Your stare on him was obvious and so you didn’t bother to veil yourself, reaching out a hand to push his hair behind his ear. He leaned into your touch briefly, kissing your palm before returning his attention back to his laptop.

There was no denying it anymore.

You were in deep shit.

Feelings for the detective were always a risk, but you didn’t want to run away. Each day was like a timer ticking downward and a part of you was desperate to reach out to him, to get him to change his mind. 

Nothing was over.

Not until Akechi expressly deserted any chance of joining your side.

A week before the final calling card, you were making dinner for Akechi in his apartment when you called out to him that it was done.

He answered back from the next room, walking in a few moments later and immediately moving to kiss you on the cheek. Akechi had his button-up rolled to his elbows, intently focused on his prior work but still taking the effort to stop and reach you.

The act was so entirely domestic, so fitted for a future you knew was impossible, that you were unable to stop yourself from the sudden onslaught of tears.

“Huh?” He was genuinely caught off-guard.

Akechi, unsure of your sudden turn in mood, drew you in an uncertain embrace as you openly weeped. He muttered your name fondly, asking what could be  bothering you.

“Tell me. Are you alright? Did someone hurt you?” The detective asked back, concern dripping from every word. “Is there anything I can do?”

How ironic of him to be asking — it only served to twist the knife in your heart just a little deeper.

You withdrew from the place in the nook of his chest, connecting your gazes as you answered back with your heart opened wide.

“I love you so much, Goro.” 

It was clear he hadn’t been ready for that answer, eyes widening in surprise until he all but shoved you against his chest. Akechi rubbed small circles at your back, keeping you there as he fully digested your words.

He hadn’t said them back.

But he kissed you fondly, slowly and passionately unlike when you were thrown into fits of pleasure. There was no rush to the finish line this time as Akechi enjoyed the slow drag of his tongue against yours.

You hadn’t talked about that since then.

But Akechi would often be gazing at you, eyes a thousand miles away as he stared. Was he thinking about how he’d finally kill you? Or was he regretting how attached he was to you as well?

It was to your surprise that Akechi had invited you and Akira to stay overnight at his apartment after sending out Sae’s calling card. The next day would be the end, all his plans coming to fruition with you at the other side of his gun.

There were a million things you wanted to say — 

Why?

But you never could. 

How could you shatter the illusion of something you wanted so badly?

Akechi started the night by sitting you and Akira on the couch, dinner already on its way to being delivered. You were sure your anxiety was clear on your face, but your leader’s natural smile was enough to put Akechi at ease.

“Nervous for tomorrow?” Akira asked.

“And why would you surmise that?” Akechi countered.

“It’ll be your first time fighting a cognition at full awareness.” Akira replied, “But knowing you, you’ll get the last move just to surprise us.”

“That almost sounds like a challenge.”

You didn’t doubt Akechi would get the last move in more ways than one. 

After all, the detective was equipped with Almighty moves even when he had just joined your party. Akira had later informed you that as the Black Mask user, Akechi was most likely infiltrating entire palaces single-handedly. The true depths of his powers was something you had yet to see and you wondered if tomorrow would be the day.

It seemed your prolonged silence was noticed by both men, since Akira shot you a worried look while Akechi drew closer, raising a hand to your forehead.

“You’ve been spacing out quite frequently.” The detective noted before putting a hand under his chin, “Maybe it would be better for you to stay back during tomorrow’s infiltration.”

Even Akira hadn’t been prepared for Akechi to say that, his eyes wide with unbridled surprise. 

“I don’t feel sick?” You answered back, suddenly unsure of what to say.

“And you’ve convinced me.” Akechi teased, his hand on your forehead moving to cup your cheek. “You’re welcome to stay here at my apartment until I return from the palace.”

You wondered if Akechi could hear how loud your heart was, picking up its pace as your anxiety continued to spike.

“I want to see this through.” You answered, before deciding to push it. “Besides, I doubt I’ll be able to really rest when the two most important people to me are out risking their lives.”

“I’m sure you’d feel that way. But if you were truly sick, it would hardly do any of us good if we had to continuously check on you during difficult fights.” Akechi reasoned — he was strangely keen on making you sit out.

You shot a look toward Joker, “While I’d prefer to have you on the battlefield, I’d hate to see you in a worse condition.”

Akechi titled his head, not entirely placated by Akira’s words. Thankfully, dinner chose to arrive then, distracting the three of you as you dug into the late meal. 

Your small talk was notably muted — minds all focused elsewhere. Akira excused himself for the night, stating he had his own final preparations before the infiltration. He shot you a guarded look over Akechi’s shoulder, before he bid the both of you goodnight.

A part of you wanted Akira to stay, to continue serving as a buffer, but your Leader probably had more important things to do as he drew up final plans for the next day.

Akechi turned to you then, urging you to finish your food in your unsure ‘sickness.’ How could this man, the very one doting over your health, be planning to kill you the very next day? You didn’t want to believe it, but voice recordings and text messages were more than enough proof.

Instead, you crawled closer to Akechi and caressed the side of his face. He leaned into the motion, eyes fluttering shut as you regarded him softly. The detective subtly pulled you closer, placing you in his lap on the floor.

You trailed butterfly kisses across his cheeks — would your heart ever be able to recover from the detective? If he truly tried to kill you, would you even fight back?

When Akechi reopened his eyes, he leaned forward to gently connect your lips. You leaned into the motion, angling your head to the side as your hands carded behind his neck.

“Bedroom, please.” You whispered, “I’d hate to be sore tomorrow.”

“Of course, my dearest.” He lifted you easily, one hand under your knee while the other supported your back.

In another life, your stomach would have raged with butterflies at this display of strength. He was skinny but lean, toned with muscle as he carried you easily. 

Did he develop this strength as the black-mask user?

The brunette placed you gently on your back, leaving small kisses on the side of your neck as he stood. You loosened the tie for him, unbuttoning his shirt slowly as you placed open mouth kisses down his chest.

You pulled at him slightly, Akechi taking the hint and hovering over you quietly. Your lips met once, twice, meeting back and forth as you languidly enveloped one another. 

“You…” his voice trailed off, almost sounding in pain as you pecked at his chin, your own clothes slipping off in quiet piles.

You flipped your positions, straddling his waist as you placed loving pecks along his neckline. Akechi rolled his hips against yours, taking charge as you cupped his face and lathered him in tiny kisses.

He sat-up, pulling you at the waist towards him, as if grounding you there. His breath lingered with yours, sharing this quiet intimacy you hadn’t expected. Akechi traced delicate patterns on the skin of your thigh, igniting a gentle fire that spread throughout your bodies. 

With a soft sigh, Akechi brushed his lips against yours before leaning your foreheads together and closing his eyes. 

Was he attempting to remember this moment?

Just like you were?

Akechi's hand slowly crawled upward toward your cheek, his touch gentle yet possessive, as if he never wanted to let go. You tangled your fingers in Akechi's hair, his soft tresses falling between digits as you pushed it behind his ear. 

Time slowed to a crawl — there was no tomorrow. 

No palace. 

No Phantom Thieves.

It was just the two of you tonight.

Akechi must have been thinking the same thing at that moment, tongue massaging your own both passionate and gentle.

There was only the soft rustle of the sheets, the steady rhythm of your heartbeats, and the sweet taste of each other's lips. 

“You are my future, Akechi.” You finished his earlier sentence for him. “Do you see me in yours?”

Akechi groaned, as if the pain in his heart was enough to hurt him physically. Had he suffered these last few days? Did he cry when he was alone, like you had? Agonized over what it would be like to forever say goodbye to someone you loved?

He connected your lips more roughly, pulling you at the waist toward him as he guided you down on the bed. Fingers prodded at your clit with knowing tenderness, an expert on your body without having to break your liplock.

You spurned him on, throwing your hips upward as he moved to pump digits into you. 

“Yes! Akechi, yes yes yes.” You trailed off, enjoying the feel of his long fingers, hoping to soon replace them with something more veiny.

“Look at me, dearest.” He guided you back, a hand on your chin as he forced your gazes to meet.

“Tell me, do you belong to me?” When teasing you, he often used his princely voice. But this one was more inquisitive, less guarded.

“Yes!” 

“Always?”

With a new resolve, you grabbed the hand on your chin. Slowly, almost teasingly, your swollen lips parted and enveloped his fingers deeper and deeper. Much like that first night, that first time you slept with Akechi and started it all, you sucked at his fingers in want. 

The sensation sent a jolt of electricity coursing through the detective’s body, his heartbeat quickening with each gentle suck and swirl of your tongue.

“Always.” You finally said between loud swallows.

Akechi’s eyes dropped low, before he muttered a final “ Fuck.”

He pulled back and raised your legs, slapping your clit with his throbbing cock. 

“Please—!”

As if mesmerized by the sight, Akechi lined himself up and barely pushed in the tip, watching your lower lips spasm at finally feeling something. 

“Please what?”

“Fuck me!” You near begged.

Akechi pushed in an inch more, making your toes curl in anticipation. You almost screamed when he pulled back, only slightly pushing in and out the head of his cock.

“No.”

You whined out, “No?” 

The brunette pushed in little by little, just a bit more before pulling all the way back. It was strange, gentle thrusts as he watched your pussy contract, like it was begging for you.

He kept you at that precipice, crying out for more more more !

“Let me savor you, my love.”

You felt tears prick at the corner of your eyes for another reason entirely, never before hearing that term of endearment before. He held your legs up behind the knees, gaze still locked with how your pussy swallowed up every few inches of his cock.

With each drag of his cock he gained a little more speed, losing a bit more patience as your lower lips gripped his veiny dick. His forehead was still leaned against yours, his stare less lustful and more loving than you could ever recall.

Each thrust went deeper and harder until you finally got your wish, meeting his hips flush against yours and moaning heavenward at finally being stuffed full.

It was as if something unsaid had broken. 

Akechi reeled backward entirely before snapping his hips forward, the sadism you were used to locking into place as he drove an unforgiving pace. Your breasts rubbed raw against his chest, before the detective roughly grabbed and kneaded one. He refused to break eye contact, even as he slotted his lips around a dark nipple.

Even if your eyes slipped unfocused, he would grab your chin and force you back.  

“Look at me.”

The loud squelch of fluids was impossible to ignore, cum dripping down your thighs as he fucked rough thrusts into you. 

“Look at me taking you.”

You always loved his view, his toned muscles flexing as he held himself about you. A leg thrown over his shoulder as he fought to get a deeper angle.

“Look at me treating you like this.”

What?

"I don't deserve you."

His voice was barely a whisper, barely audible among your debauched movements. But you heard it all the same.

“I want you.” You said in response. “I want you forever.”

Akechi’s face pinched together, eyebrows scrunched as a pained expression marred his face. You unconsciously squeezed him tightly inside you.

“Pick this.”

He groaned, but you were unsure if it was from his increased pace or your words. 

“Pick me.”

The bed rocked against the wall, echoing with each movement in the otherwise silent dialogue.

“… Why do you want me?” His voice hitched as he asked. 

You wrapped your hands around his neck, all your remaining strength in connecting your gazes and being as honest as you could be. 

“Because I love you!”

He buried his face in your shoulder, thrusts unforgiving as your skin bounced off one another. You put one hand in his hair, roughly pulling at the roots as he pumped his hard cock into you.

“Ahh—!” You moaned into the air, the coil inside you popping with little warning. Your pussy grasped at his cock, milking him with little remorse as he slowed in speed.

Your shared fluids leaked out, but Akechi kept you plugged as he stayed silent above you. 

The silence drew out as you both caught your breath, so many unspoken words between you before Akechi’s voice promulgated the air. “Did you really mean that?”

“Yes, always.” You said candidly, brushing aside his hair as he laid atop you, head next to you.

You rose to kiss his nose, putting a hand on his cheek as you repeated yourself. “I love you so much, Goro Akechi.”

His eyes narrowed not unkindly, but more to gauge the honesty of your words. 

There were too many secrets. Too much that could never be said aloud.

So you continued with the truth. 

“You tried so hard in the beginning to put on the mask of the righteous prince. I’ve seen past that. I know you better than that. ” You paused, hand lingering against his hair as you continued to caress him lightly. “But I don’t care. I love everything about you, Goro.”

One of his hands rose to lay on top of your own, squeezing it lightly before pulling you closer. His kisses were feather light and strangely soft, almost wistful.

Everything about tonight has that feel — like it was the end. Like you were both trying to remember everything.

When he drew away, you tried to snuggle into his side, to not break this moment, but Akechi scooted off the bed entirely. Your body exhausted both mentally and physically, you simply closed your eyes and waited for his return, half your body laid across his side of the bed.

But you were never aware of Akechi returning.

In fact, you swore you felt something against your nose, before suddenly your tired world went completely dark. 

.

.

.

One blink. 

 

Another. 

 

You swore you went over to Akechi’s at night. 

 

So how come when you awake, it was still nighttime, with the detective nowhere to be found?

 

You shot up in surprise, hands flying to your phone to see the time. 

 

November 19th. 

 

You had slept for an entire day, all the way up to the next night. 

 

Swiping between apps, you saw numerous texts from Akira and the other Thieves about your disappearance. Your leader had texted you separately, demanding an immediate response if you were truly okay.

Akechi had put them in a bind, with the calling card already received they had to infiltrate today, even when one member was apparently missing.

You could only imagine where everyone was by now. Had they confronted Shadow Sae? Has Akechi already turned on the group?

You didn’t want to stick around and find out. 

How stupid of you to let your guard down!

But for Akechi to forcibly keep you from entering Sae’s palace — had he not wanted you to get caught? 

Your mind remembered the fond, loving gaze he had for you. The unsaid pain the brunette had at your words of endearment. He had to feel something. Was he trying to protect you?

You rushed home and texted people along the way, your messages laying unreceived as they were busy somewhere in the Metaverse.

Ann was the first to call you — letting you know that the original plan was in motion. Futaba called you also the moment she was out and you had to calm your erratic heart from trying to confront one in particular. You saw the others in passing, but it was hard to meet their eyes when all you wanted to know was that Akechi was okay.

What happened when it all went down?

The others had varying experiences of running away from the police before Joker knowingly got himself captured. Apparently, Akechi hadn't stopped any of them when they split up. In fact, Ann told you in secret that he had opened a sudden door for her to escape from, which was why she was the first out of the Metaverse.

Why?

Why?

And why did it all happen anyway?

Akechi had called you once, but after seeing the news reports of the Leader of the Phantom Thieves captured, you didn’t even want to have that conversation with him. How could you face him, knowing that you were both wearing opposing masks?

So it was surprising to see him at your doorstep two days later, a pensive look on his face.

“Are you busy at the moment?” He asked after a quick greeting.

You closed your eyes, mulling over your decision before opening the door to your apartment. “Never, for you.”

“Thank you.” He answered, a genuine smile on his face.

Akechi took a single step into your apartment and waited for you to close the door, before reaching for your cheeks to place a thoughtful kiss. He lingered on your lips before pulling you closer by the back of your head. Even when his tongue shot out to slide against the crease of your lips, you answered in kind eagerly.

Your heart belonged to him for a long time.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Akechi finally stated when he drew back for a breath.

This was, after all, the first time he was seeing you after Sae’s palace.

You paused before thinking very carefully about your next words.

“I love you, Goro.”

It seemed to strike a chord, since he sighed deeply before leaning his head down against your shoulder. You stayed there, quietly anchoring him as thoughts ravaged his mind.

His hands moved with uncertainty, like he was thinking without regard to holding himself physically. Instead you wrapped an arm around his neck and another at his waist, pulling him close to remind him that you were not going anywhere.

“Please, make the right choice.” You pleaded, voice low as you continued to rub circles into his skin.

Akechi said nothing in response, the only indicator that he was still with you was the short rise and fall of his chest. It was a long while of standing in each other’s embrace, but you did not draw away. Not now, when there was more than met the eye.

The detective huffed carefully before straightening, looking you in the eyes before stating clearly. “Bring everyone to Le Blanc in four days.”

He left without another word.

You thought carefully about his request, bringing it up to the group and receiving unsure cries in response. Morgana worried that this could be another trap, one in case he was thwarted by Akira in the first place. It was an honest concern, Akechi was the type to play 4D chess with twenty moves ahead of all his opponents. 

But when Futaba showed up to you in tears, you wondered where it all went wrong.

The messages were never received by Sae. 

News outlets reported of the suicide of the Leader of the Phantom Thieves.

With the entire plan out the window and your futures undecided, Akechi may be the only lifeline you all had left. If you stayed and met with more law enforcement four days from now, it would only be inevitable as they would surely track you down in the days to come. Leaving the country was impossible and the Metaverse was not an option since Akechi could easily, easily overpower you all without Akira.

Meeting him was your only choice.

Ryuji paced the cafe while the girls sat across two booths, anxiety openly displayed on everyone’s faces. Sojiro had coffee brewed for the group, but hardly anyone could even afford to properly breathe in such stifling air. 

The sudden chime broke the silence, Akechi stumbling into Le Blanc with a few curses, your leader strewn across his shoulder with Sae only a pace behind. 

The group jumped immediately, Ryuji guiding the injured teen to a booth seat while everyone rose to their feet to greet him.

"For real?!"

"How is he here?" Makoto asked more concisely.

Akechi paused, standing at the head of the table as he sat Akira in a booth seat. "I snuck into the investigation room during Sae’s interrogation. I was already familiar with the guard. But, what I found was worse than I imagined. Be careful with him, they drugged him to the point that he lacked a single memory."

"What?!" Your group exclaimed loudly.

"Imagine my surprise when I came all that way to apologize. And Akira did not even remember my name." Akechi detailed, before explaining further. Apparently Akira struggled to remember everything, even back to the very first day he moved to Tokyo.

Akira leaned onto your shoulder, "I could never forget you two."

"What happened after?" Makoto asked, the one coherent thinker in the mess of emotions.

"There's a doctor I know that has a private clinic nearby. Thankfully nothing else was in my system. And we were able to flush it out over the last few days."

You trailed a ghost of a hand over his skin, saddened at the splotches of red, yellow, and purple that marred it. What had they done to your leader?

You reached over to Akechi at the head of the table, the detective now silent as the others asked questions toward Akira. You grabbed his hand and squeezing it lightly in gratitude.

“Akechi…” Morgana was the first to address him directly. “Not that I’m not grateful, but why?”

You could finally place the emotion that was so frequently on his face recently.

Conflicted. 

With himself? The future? You had no clue. But all you wanted to do was give him little pushes in the right direction.

“Please, Akechi.” You comforted him, “I will always stay by your side.”

“Alright. Let me tell you the honest truth about me and that bastard, Masayoshi Shido.”

Notes:

;-;

writing akira is always so hard cause he's this potentially sassy / silent protag? he's dependable but I feel like everyone has their own experience playing as him. let me know what you think!

i am so so so so sorry for the late updates but I started playing persona 3 reload and my persona love has led me back to here LOL this fic is going all the way to the end of Maruki's true ending :)

Chapter 7

Summary:

I AM BACK FROM THE DEAD

Akechi held your gaze for a few notable beats, sighing deeply before gesturing for the entire group to take a seat. 

This would not be easy — not for the group nor for him. 

You reached for his hand again under the table, reassuring him with a squeeze that he returned, even if he did not look at you. 

“Masoyoshi Shido is my biological father.”

Akechi explained every gruesome detail to the group. How he was blessed with access to the Metaverse as a child, taken advantage of by the people in power as he pulled the trigger behind Shido’s commands.

His first kill — Wakaba Ishiki.

His multiple personas, able to make the palace host go entirely psychotic under his power. The targets on his list ranged from criminals to unsuspecting business rivals, whoever paid more money under Shido’s umbrella. And the eventual plan to use the Phantom Thieves to bring Shido to the highest position in Japan, gaining popularity that would propel Shido to become prime minister.

How Akechi wanted to kill Shido at the height of his power. 

The Thieves were generally quiet as he recounted the major events, only small gasps of surprise and hurt at certain moments. Ann took to biting her lip constantly while there were often curses from Ryuji. Yusuke had an inquisitive look on his face that you could not read. You hadn’t moved your hand, still grasping Akechi’s to comfort him while he struggled through his words.

You glanced over at Futaba, haunched over the seat with eyes dead set on the table, unable to even look in Akechi's direction as he recounted each gruesome tale. Haru stayed notably silent, getting up from her seat and taking a step outside at some point, Makoto following quickly behind her.

Akechi paused when they left the cafe, unsure if he was still welcome to continue speaking. But Ann, bless her soul, put a hand on his shoulder and rubbed it in a comforting motion.

“There are times I wonder what I would have done, if it weren’t for Akira and all of you.” Ann admitted, “I thought about Shiho’s face, her entire life changed overnight. I remember how I felt with Kamoshida begging on the ground.”

How could anyone forget?

The very first time your group brought up returning to the Metaverse, before even realizing it was Kamoshida’s palace, Morgana warned you of the dangers of potentially killing him.

How Ryuji, Ann, and even you waved it off — claiming to want nothing but revenge for his crimes.

You weren’t murderers—just high school students seeking justice. After everything Kamoshida had put the three of you through, he deserved every ounce of retribution. The school year had been a nightmare because of him, and you were tired of watching him get away with it.

Kamoshida got away with assaulting Ryuji, destroying his friendships along with any future he had in track, all because of his stupid pride. He relentlessly harassed Ann, isolating her from everyone else and spreading vile rumors. And you, one of Ann’s closest friends, had been pulled into his twisted games, nearly used as a pawn in his attempts to manipulate and blackmail her. When that did not work, he harassed you daily over your spot on the volleyball team.

A washed up volleyball player ruined your lives with the little amount of power he had. 

It was frustrating.

You wanted to get him back for everything he did.

And when the moment of truth arrived…

Ann held a fireball up in the air and your gun stayed on Kamoshida’s shadow. Ryuji was quiet, watching his two closest friends struggle with someone's life in their hands.

Kamoshida was crying, begging for his life. 

Defenseless.

Just like victims.

All you saw was red.

But all you heard was Akira’s voice. 

Your leader pleaded with you to make the right choice. The only way to make things right was to make Kamoshida pay for the rest of his days. It was not fair for you two to act as judge, jury, and executioner — even if you knew for a fact that he was guilty, were even victims to some of his crimes.

Kamoshida was a rapist.

A pedophile. 

A liar. 

You would never admit it to anyone, but you wanted him dead.

He deserved it. 

How many times had the system failed you?

The people in power either turned a blind eye or shielded those like Kamoshida. It gnawed at you—what if he never confessed? Worse, what if he did, but it led to a trial where an indifferent jury handed him a light sentence, barely a slap on the wrist? The thought was unbearable.

Why be disappointed down the line when you could have exacted justice instantly?

Akira. 

The one person who had been fucked by life constantly. The one who had every right to want to burn everything down . And the one person who was pleading with you to not stoop to Kamoshida’s level. 

Ann paused for quite some time, recalling the memory just as you were. 

“… I almost did it, y’know? And it wasn’t for money, not because my life was on the line — I almost ended him right there just because of how furious I was.”

She grimaced as she looked down, before returning back to Akechi. “I can’t imagine being without all of you, not to mention if I was a child.”

Akechi frowned, expecting to be cast aside immediately, told to never return to the cafe again. 

“It’s probably best if we continue this another time.” Akira stated, ever the leader trying to placate the mood. “It’s been an exhausting day.”

Ann and Ryuji stood immediately, ready to help Akira upstairs if needed. But he waved them away, the two hesitating a few seconds as they lingered on Akechi. Sae was quiet for most of the conversation, only speaking to offer Akechi a safe place to stay while he continued to lay low. 

Futaba stayed behind.

You followed Akira up the stairs and waited for Akechi to follow, listening to the small mumble of their voices as it carried to your leader’s room.

“I don’t forgive you.” She stuttered out in a low tone. “I can’t.”

“I am truly sorry. I can’t imagine… there would be any way to forgive me.” Akechi stated, “But I understand if you never want to see me again.”

“Will you stop with that?” Futaba asked, annoyed as she clicked her tongue. “I can’t forgive you for what you did. I don’t think I ever will at that. But I… understand.”

The surprise in Akechi’s voice was palpable, “You do?”

“If you disobeyed Shido’s orders, do you think he would’ve let you live?” Futaba asked instead.

“No.” He didn’t hesitate.

“And I’m sure he would’ve found someone else to finish the job anyway… You were cornered and alone. But now you have us. And we need to get back at the people who did this to all of us.” Futaba started with a newfound maturity in her words. “And then you can grovel some more.”

They spoke more after that, but you gave them their privacy and busied yourself with arranging Akira on his bed. He wasn’t unable to, but still severely injured that you felt you had to do these menial tasks. Even as Akira swaddled himself into his bed, you tucked at the blanket corners before readying two futons on the floor.

“I’m glad you’re both okay.” You stated as you paused at his shelf.

“I’m glad we were able to reach him in time.” Akira added, reaching out a hand in your direction.

You took a step closer, pulling the hand to your lips and planting a light kiss there.

“He chose us.” You said, more to yourself. 

“And we’ll bring a stop to Shido’s evil deeds. We’ll protect him.” Akira added.

His clothing was still stained with blood; his wounded body bore the weight of his sacrifice. You had extensively disagreed with that part of the plan, of Akira getting captured knowing how corrupt the system would treat him for a second time.

You could hardly stand to see him suffer any longer.

Without a word, you gently placed your hand on his cheek, the warmth of your touch a contrast to the cold, air of the attic. Akira's breath hitched, and he closed his eyes, allowing himself to momentarily surrender to the comfort you offered.

Leaning in slowly, you pressed your lips against his, your kiss soft and tender. It was a kiss filled with understanding, with the unspoken promise that you would always be there for him, no matter what lay ahead. Your lips moved together in a gentle rhythm, conveying the relief and comfort you wanted him to feel. You could tell Akira was exhausted, his movements sluggish as you pulled away. Tucking him in again, you gave him a little peck on the forehead, telling him to finally rest. 

Akechi returned after a long time, silent as he went about the attic and tucked himself into the futon next to yours. He was hesitant in his actions, gauging how the two of you would react now that you were fully aware of his past. 

Would you be disgusted? 

Demand to break off your relationship?

But you reached out to him first, with a gentle touch, lingering on his cheek as you tucked a lock of hair behind his ear. You motioned for him to bring his futon closer to yours, snuggling into his side.

You were sure that the two boys had spoken extensively before Akira was brought here — they always had this weird connection that bordered the line of rivals and soul-mates. 

Only now, tucked in a futon between them, did you realize how true it was. 

“Akechi.” You started, catching his attention easily in the silent room.

The detective was silent as he turned to you, eyes watery as he struggled to speak.

“I’m sorry for lying to you.” He spoke. 

“I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through.” You replied. “But we’re going to take Shido down, together. And we’re going to do this the right way.”

Akechi was silent for a long moment. “And after, would you still… want me around?”

You drew out a long sigh, wrapping an arm around his middle and tucking yourself into his chest. “Of course, always.”

You felt his chest relax as if letting go of a deep sigh of relief. 

“I love you. That hasn’t changed.” You muttered into his shirt, words barely muffled as you spoke.

“I fear… I may never deserve either of you.”

“That doesn’t change how much we love you, Akechi. I cannot imagine my future, my life without you.” You reassured him. 

But there was still a conflicted look on his face. And you realized the secondary worry, the one from before, was probably haunting his mind.

“I can’t… What you’ve done in the past, those were terrible, truly terrible crimes. But we know you were forced to do them.” You said. “I can’t give you forgiveness, only Futaba and Haru can. And I don't know if that's something they'll ever be able to give you. But what matters is how much you try to earn it.”

“I will.” His voice was resolute.

Your heart swelled at the sound of Akechi's resolute tone. He was safe, and he was here with you. All the cards were on the table now, and despite everything, Akechi had chosen you—your side. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, you were simply happy to have the detective in your arms. As you nestled closer into his chest, the rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing lulled you to sleep, with Akira’s soft snoring in the background.

Sleep didn’t come as easily for Akechi. His mind raced, the future now uncertain. Shido and his men were surely already trying to hunt him down. The last thing Akechi wanted was to put you in danger, and that thought alone kept him awake, holding you close as if to shield you from the threats that lay ahead.

LeBlanc was not a good location since the arrested and supposedly dead leader of the Phantom Thieves was already housed here. Staying with Sae brought so many risks on her and the group, not to mention she was still close to the case.

The one saving grace about Shido’s apathy was that he was not aware of anything about Akechi’s personal life. From his friends to his favorite bakeries in the city, this was knowledge Shido would not take a second glance at. 

And thankfully, that kept you off the radar this entire time.

Akechi was able to stay with you at your apartment, provided he rarely, if ever, left the building.

Though you felt bad that Akechi’s freedom was gone, you couldn’t help the small twinge of guilt over how much you enjoyed having him around. Now that everything was out in the open, it was like a weight had lifted from his shoulders. It was almost surprising to wake up in the morning and find Akechi still snuggled close to you, refusing to rise because he could afford a few more hours of rest.

When you returned home one day, the sight that greeted you was heartwarming. Akechi and Akira sat on your couch, talking in low, intimate voices. They were close—knees pressed together, as if the conversation itself drew them nearer. It was a quiet, tender moment, and you couldn't help but smile at how comfortable and at ease they seemed with each other, despite everything.

You were slowly getting used to seeing Akechi simply lounging around. 

Before his world was always moving so fast both as a full-time student and a detective (and secret persona user). Now, it had become normal to find him lounging on your couch, watching Jeopardy with an amused expression, or casually flipping through the newspaper at your kitchen island. Sometimes, you’d catch him in the kitchen, cooking dinner with your cute pink apron tied around his waist, a small smile on as if he was beginning to settle into this quieter, more peaceful life. 

The change was almost surreal, but seeing him like this made your home feel fuller—happier.

You would wrap your arms around his middle and reassure Akechi constantly.

“I love you. Thank you for choosing us.”

Most times Akechi struggled to say it back, the words catching in his throat. Knowing him, it was because a million thoughts were swirling in his head. He was constantly battling the belief that he didn’t deserve any of this—any of you. Despite that, he knew deep down that he loved you. He wanted to cherish all the love and patience you gave him, to hold onto it tightly. But the weight of his past—the terrible things he had done—kept gnawing at him. In the quiet corners of his mind, a voice still screamed that he didn’t deserve either you or Akira, no matter how much he longed to.

But that did not stop you or Akira from reminding him of the truth.

With Akira also needing to lay low, your leader seemed to be a permanent fixture in your apartment. More often than not, the two of them were likely discussing the next moves for the Phantom Thieves, as maps and odd tools now regularly cluttered your living room. 

Yet, more frequently, you’d walk in to find Akechi curled into Akira’s side, your leader’s hand gently tracing soft circles on his back, whispering words of love and reassurance. This was the most vulnerable you had ever seen Akechi—his guard completely down, fragile in a way that made your heart ache. It was clear it would take time for him to fully accept the love you and Akira so freely offered.

There were no more masks to hide behind, no lies left to shield him. What you and Akira gave him now were your truest, most sincere hearts, but it would take time for Akechi to believe he was worthy of it.

And this was not just for you and Akira -- Akechi was baring himself to all his relationships whether he wanted to or not. His brilliant intellect was true to form, but the detective had always been more than the princely persona he projected to gain approval. He was snarky, sarcastic, and possessed a sharp wit that stood in stark contrast to the polished image he’d carefully crafted. This version of him—the real Akechi—was finally coming to light. And he wasn’t going to change that for anyone. 

This was who he truly was, no longer hiding behind a mask to make others like him.

Thankfully, the other Thieves were also very aware of this newfound crossroads.

“Even if you dunked on the Thieves all the time, it was just on orders.” Ryuji joked one day, “Besides you’re one of us now. A fellow outcast.”

“I like this real you - it definitely feels more authentic than that princely smile you tried to pass off.” Ann commented, not unkindly.

Ann would bring sweet treats and magazines, usually Ryuji in tow as they hung out in your apartment. Futaba would arrive almost daily with Yusuke a step behind her with new comics or DVD’s. This was the most you had ever seen Sae before, dropping in from time to time with takeout dinner in hand or even case files to get Akechi’s opinion.

You often found yourself wondering why Ann and Ryuji, in particular, were making such a big effort. But as you observed their interactions, it became clear that their motivations were a complex mix of emotions. They carried sadness for Akechi, recognizing the long-term abuse he had endured, yes; but it was their unwavering loyalty to Akira that truly shaped their perspective.

They would surely follow Akira to the ends of the world. 

This bond allowed them to see Akechi for who he really was, beyond his past and the masks he wore. Their compassion and understanding provided a safe space for him, helping to break down the walls he had built around himself.

As for the others…

You could never really understand what Yusuke was thinking, the one truly enigmatic member of your group. You wondered multiple times if he was dropping by your apartment simply because it guaranteed him a full meal. But then you would see him and Akechi talking at great lengths about art and decided perhaps even Yusuke was unsure how to handle Akechi.

Haru could hardly bear to be in the same room as him.

A part of you felt incredibly guilty, your ride-or-die group was cracked at the seams. No matter how much you wished it weren’t true, the friendships you once shared would never be the same again. 

Makoto was almost the same as when you first met her — all snide comments and anger that was bubbling right at the surface. Every encounter at school was laced with passive-aggressiveness; she shot glares over your head and stared at you and Ann from a distance, her disdain palpable. Sleepovers and hangouts at the mall felt like distant memories, replaced by an awkward tension. She could hardly look in your direction without a sneer twisting her lips, the warmth of your past friendship now a bitter reminder of what once was.

And while you understood her anger — the man who killed her crush’s father was right in front of her — you saw no viable solution to the problem. You would never let her cast out Akechi and she would never leave the Phantom Thieves. 

And so you let the problem fester. 

To think that Makoto had spoken kindly about your relationship. And now neither third-year could glance in your direction.

You were happy with what you could get.

One afternoon, Ann and Futaba dropped by with a stack of Featherman DVDs, eager to spend some quality time together. Yusuke tagged along as well, his eyes lighting up at the mention of dinner—he could never resist a home-cooked meal. You felt a surge of gratitude for them all, especially for Futaba. She had been displaying surprising levels of maturity lately, far beyond what you thought she was capable of. It warmed your heart to see her growing, and you found yourself wanting to bless their souls over and over again for being such wonderful friends during this tumultuous time.

“No no no no! The Pink Featherman was the best one and if you say otherwise, you’re wrong.” You heard Futaba arguing from the other room.

“I am partial toward the color balance of the blue one.” Yusuke replied.

Futaba sputtered, “They’re all the same!” 

You and Ann were cooking in the kitchen, or really you were cooking while giving the blonde basic instructions, but the both of you were passively listening as Futaba and Akechi argued. 

“How disappointing, I thought you would’ve been cultured enough to know the Black one was the best one.” Akechi sighed.

“Sorry not everyone is emo like you.” Futaba playfully snided.

You saw Akechi put a mocking, offended hand over his heart.  You rolled your eyes at their antics, turning your attention back to the stove.

“I’m glad they’re getting along so well.” Ann started. 

“Me too.”

“Honestly… When we left LeBlanc that day, I didn’t know if we were ever going to be a team again. I remember stepping outside to go home and Ryujii and I both looked at each other for two longs minutes, unable to really say anything. But there was one thing we agreed on, no matter what happened. We would be there." Ann explained. "And honestly, Ryuji and I both thought it would just be us five at the end.”

“Five?”

“You, Akechi, and Akira of course. And Ryuji and I would follow you guys to the end of the world.”

“You forgot Morgana.”

“Oopsie, don’t tell him I said that!” She winked at you. 

You smiled before thinking really about what she said. “But… Really? Even after everything that’s happened?”

Ann put down her bowl and approached you, a kind smile on her face. “Yes. Akira saved me from the worst part of my life. And then he stopped me from making the worst decision of my life. And you — you’re one of my best friends.”

“Ann…” You wrapped your arms around her middle, in a tight hug.

“I can’t say I’m totally fine with Akechi. It’s like, it’s still hitting me with everything that happened. What he did in the past. But then I see him sit down and watch movies with us. Or he’ll text me about cakes and modeling recruiters.  Or I see him kiss you on the cheek and make you the happiest I’ve ever seen you.”

She crossed her arms and drifted into her thoughts.

“And then I remember what he did. To those people on the subway. To Futaba's mom, Haru's dad. It's like my brain is refusing to connect the two people together. I don't know how to react sometimes." Ann continued. "He’s the victim we couldn’t save. And now that he’s on our side, we shouldn’t abandon him either.”

“He needs our help.”

“I know. I keep reminding myself, what if this were Shiho? What if she had made those same choices? Well, I’d do anything to have her back in my life. And I hope you’d be able to support me too.” Ann continued, “And Akechi is not so bad at shopping and modeling. It’s actually almost frustrating how effortless it is that he keeps his figure.”

“Thank you, Ann.” You replied, “I can’t imagine how hard this is for the group, but I won’t let Akechi go. I can’t.”

“And you won’t have to. At least not with me. You have my support.”

You had no idea how much you needed to hear those words. It felt like a lifeline, one you hadn’t expected. Ann smiled brightly as she hugged you tightly again, her warmth enveloping you. She then brought a bowl of snacks out to the living room, her presence a comforting reminder that you didn’t have to face this alone.

You followed her out just for a moment — seeing Futaba and Akechi haunched over the living room couch talking.

“You… you know about the limited edition box set only behind the scenes special?”

“And you don’t?” Akechi had a smirk as he asked. 

She narrowed her eyes behind those thick glasses, an arm raised in anger. “I’ve only seen it cracked at one pixel per month! 

“That’s too bad the VHS tape is back at my apartment.”

“Tape? Ugh, okay boomer.”

You turned from your place in the doorway back to the kitchen, smiling to yourself. It might not be perfect, it was definitely still raw and new, but at least they were trying. 

 

---

 

“Our next target — this will be the big one guys.” Morgana stated, as the group sat in different places at LeBlanc.

You and Akechi were in a booth, Ryuji and Ann across from you as they sat turned toward the bar. Akira and Morgana took point for the meeting, leaning against the bar while Morgana sat on it. Futaba was next to Ann in the next booth over, Yusuke at her side. Haru was sitting in a booth in the opposite corner, Makoto standing next to her with her arms crossed. 

“Masoyoshi Shido.” Akira stated.

“He will be… very personal. For all of us.” Morgana continued.

Your eyes glanced around the room. To think one man had hurt you all without even knowing your names. He stole Wakaba’s research and took her life. Ordered Haru’s father to die. And Akechi, his crimes against his son were innumerable.

“Do we have any clues to his keywords?” Morgana asked, trying to keep the conversation on point.

It was clear who that question was aimed toward. 

Akechi replied, “Yes, I can take us to his Palace.”

“Have you been there before?”

“Yes, but I did not get far. Truthfully, the shadows in his Palace are stronger than I had ever encountered before.”

“Wow, and that’s saying something.” Makoto bit out sarcastically, loud enough for even you to hear. You narrowed your eyes and fought down the urge to be petty and say something back.

Ann spoke next, clearly trying to redirect. “Then we should spend a day preparing, try to hone new skills while we can.”

“I won’t say no to Mementos.” Morgana replied. 

“I’m always down for some training!” Ryuji added.

You nodded and Akechi chimed in, “Agreed. There’s no such thing as too much training.”

“Attaboy!” Ryuji gave him a light smile in return.

“Ooo, me too! I know I’m on the verge of leveling up. I have this new skill in mind.” Futaba excitedly said.

Yusuke agreed, “I believe I am on the cusp of something also.” 

Morgana turned to the girls, “Haru? Makoto?”

“I think it’s clear at this point that what we say doesn’t really matter.” Makoto bit back.

Your eyes widened at her words and it almost felt like the entire room dropped ten degrees colder. Makoto had not said anything to you personally about Akechi - you wondered if she did toward Akira. And knowing Akira, there was no way he was going to let Akechi go either.

Haru tugged at her long-sleeve to stop and then spoke. “I don’t think I can join tomorrow for Mementos. But feel free to go without me.”

Makoto crossed her arms, but said nothing this time.

You knew this couldn’t be the end of it. While you understood that Haru and Futaba had every right to be angry, it was getting under your skin how personally Makoto was taking Akechi’s presence. For once, Akechi wasn’t responsible for how Sae treated her. But that hardly seemed to matter when Makoto spent her nights alone, eating leftovers while her sister took Akechi out to lavish dinners with political leaders.

He had the life that Makoto wanted.

The life she coveted.

Solving crimes with her sister—the same sister taking him out of school to solve crimes and connect with other teen celebrities. 

While Makoto herself had to live in Sae’s shadow. 

And now, even after Akechi’s worst crimes were aired, it hadn’t stopped his dream life.

Even after knowing about his crimes, his murders, and the way he had framed others, Sae still spoke to Akechi every day. She actively sought him out, encouraging him to confide in her, truly the only adult figure in his life willing to listen to him. Despite everything he had done, there was a genuine connection between them and it seemed like Sae wanted to guide him toward redemption.

Even with Akechi hitting rock-bottom, it had not stopped Sae from reaching out to Akechi.

You could only imagine how that fact would boil Makoto’s blood.

Haru and Makoto left shortly after the plans to go to Mementos were solidified. Your group was hoping to get another ten to twelve floors down in a single night, but it was doable with Akechi now fully onboard with both his personas. Ann shot you an unsaid look over her shoulder as she stood and Akira moved to Akechi’s side. You saw your leader squeeze Akechi’s hand in reassurance and held his other hand in solidarity. 

“Let’s head home too?” You asked toward Akechi.

Surprisingly it was Ryuji this time, who cut in. “Give us a second, would ya?” 

You raised a brow and walked out with the blonde, but even Yusuke and Futaba stayed behind.

You watched in the window as Ryuji put a comforting hand on Akechi’s shoulder, stumbling through his words as he spoke.

((“It’s not somethin’ any of us can understand. I mean, I don’t think we’d even want to understand.” Ryuji started, Akechi listening along as he spoke.))

“Ryuji asked me the other day how I felt about Akechi.” You turned toward Ann at her words, “I told him what I told you and he seemed to agree. You know him, I think he’s… Struggling with how he feels. What he should say.”

Ryuji was animated as he spoke, large gestures with a sheepish smile sprinkling in-between. He even acted out punching at some point, Futaba nodding alongside him.

“I love you guys. So much.” Your voice was barely a whisper, but you truly meant it.

“I love you too!” Ann smiled back, pulling you into her arms and tightly squeezing.

You cherished your friends deeply. While you never expected them to love Akechi the way you did, their treatment of him was far better than you had anticipated. You had braced yourself for a reaction like Makoto's, where they would cast him aside without a second thought. Instead, the fact that some of your closest friends were making this much effort to accept him filled your heart with gratitude. It was a reminder of the strength of your bond, and it gave you hope that, in time, Akechi could find a place among them.

“Sorry, am I interrupting something?” A voice broke out, pulling you from your thoughts.

You turned to the familiar tone. “Sae? Did something happen?”

“I went over to your apartment and no one was there, I thought I would find you here. Although I hope I’m not interrupting.” She explained.

“If you don’t mind waiting a little longer, Akechi and them seem to be having some type of heart to heart.”

Sae glanced through the window, Futaba now animatedly talking as she mimicked a bomb explosion with her hands.

“Ah. Well, I’m glad to have caught you all. I have good news for Akechi, but I’d like to tell him privately first.”

“Of course. Of course.” You muttered, a sheepish hand coming up to your neck.

The air was already freezing, and while you wanted to wait for the others, it didn’t seem like they were anywhere close to wrapping up. You and Ann exchanged a glance, a shared understanding sparking between you before you both burst out laughing, clearly thinking the same thing.

Sae turned to you with a questioning stare, but instead you asked. “Would you be okay with walking Akechi back to my apartment?”

“Not at all.” Sae smiled back. 

You and Ann left LeBlanc shortly after, exchanging cheerful waves as you parted ways. Fortunately, your home was just a few short blocks away. You attempted to stay awake, distracting yourself with homework and household chores, but as an hour slipped by, there were still no signs of Akechi's return. It wasn’t until much later, when you were already nestled under the covers, that Akechi finally came home, a small smile gracing his lips. However, he said nothing as he climbed into bed beside you, settling in for the night without a word.

While you were curious about what had happened, you didn’t want to pry into the private affairs. Even during the day, you found yourself jittery in your seat at school, your thoughts racing with unanswered questions. The only relief came from the anticipation of being able to punch something in Mementos, channeling your restless energy into the battles that awaited you there.

You did not envy Akira’s position as leader, especially not now when creating teams could lead to yet another argument.

Haru and Makoto were a match-set in the Metaverse, there was no team without the other. Not to mention you refused to not be paired with Akechi.

And it was not like anyone else was especially fighting you to be on his team either.

As you sat in the Morgana bus, an unshakeable feeling settled over you—a sense that something was off. It was hard to describe, but the overall atmosphere felt more ominous than usual. Enemies appeared to be at much higher levels than what Akira and Morgana had anticipated. The walls around you were not just grimy; they were slick with a dripping liquid that added to the tension, making you feel constantly on edge.

Or was it truly Mementos that hard everyone on edge?

Now that Akechi was not hiding behind his princely demeanor the group had front-row seats to his absolutely unhinged alter persona, Loki. It had a strange affect on Akechi, he seemed more savage, more blood-thirsty somehow.

You glanced at Akechi, casually walking back to your side after having taken down six enemies by himself .

A silent reminder that if he chose to turn and fight you all, well it would be difficult to see who’d win if not for Akira on your side.

“Must you scream out every ability in your arsenal?” Makoto complained toward the young detective, arms crossed in annoyance. 

“It doesn’t hurt to get in the spirit of things, no?”

“It’s repulsive.”

“At least it gets the job done. Or perhaps would you like more assistance after not preparing for tonight yourself?” He motioned toward his pack, undoubtedly referring to Makoto’s lack of spirit points.

She turned away and muttered under her breath. “…As if I’d ever ask help from you.”

Ann grimaced while Yusuke looked away, having little to say about their petty squabbles. You wondered if Makoto would ever have her complete fill at yelling at Akechi. Would she be like this around him every time? The thought was unsettling; if this continued, it would make navigating Mementos and Shido’s palace unbearable for everyone involved. 

It hardly helped that it seemed Akechi enjoyed getting on her nerves. You had asked him before about his point of view on the tension, long before he outed the truth of his past, but he simply stated Makoto needed thicker skin.

“Shall we head down to the next floor?” Akechi asked, earning a nod in agreement from Futaba and Ryuji. 

“Let’s do this!” Morgana agreed, enthusiastic to get some progress on his history. 

“Aye aye—!” Ann joined in before getting cut off.

“Can’t you tell some of us are tired?” Makoto spat out. 

“Perhaps you should ask yourself why the majority of the group is ready to move on?” Akechi asked. “How disappointing. You’d think at this point that you’d be better at managing your abilities.”

“My apologies, unlike you not everyone was clearing out Palaces alone on a daily basis.”

“I can’t imagine anyone had a childhood quite like mine.” Akechi fired back, making even Akira’s neutral face break into a frown.

“Come on Makoto, let’s move on.” Futaba attempted to redirect the conversation. 

“No, in fact I see no reason why I should continue since you seem perfectly capable without me.”

“Will you stop being a drama queen and at least wait until we’re in a safe area?” Akechi snapped, his veiled patience already gone.

“As if anywhere near you is safe.” Makoto murmured, the only other sound being chains in the distance.

“And what would you prefer I do? Cry and whine and be just as pathetic as you are when the world doesn’t go my way?”

Yusuke walked to stand at your side. He was hard to read and you worried this was only painting Akechi more in a negative light. You glanced at the blue-haired teen quickly and saw the notebook in his hands.

He was sketching the moment. 

Of course he was.

You turned your attention back to Makoto, who stood with her hands on her hips, nagging at Akechi over what seemed like trivial matters. Akechi, in response, fired back with witty remarks, showing no desire to deescalate the situation. 

Should you intervene?

Akira was already a step ahead of you. “Let’s cool down and re-group.”

Makoto ignored him, “All those speeches about justice and you’re just another liar.”

“Justice? And what justice do I owe you? The fact that your sister found an orphan like me better company than her own bratty sister?”

“You—!”

“Enough! None of this is helping.” Ann yelled, this time.

“Akechi, please stop making this worse. Makoto, you need to cool off.” You finally cut in, chastising the both of them.

Makoto turned to glare at you. “Of course you would take his side. I should have known the moment--”

Akechi stilled and interrupted her, “Shut up.”

The brunette narrowed her eyes at him, stepping closer. “Don’t tell me what to do.”

“If you value your life, you’d listen to me.”

Makoto lifted her fists, to which you raised your weapon as well. “Is that a threat?”

“We need to find the way to the next floor, now.” Akechi ordered before turning to Futaba, “Do you sense any shadows on this floor?” 

“Hmm, honestly watching you two argue felt like a TV drama and not in a good way.” Futaba murmured, “I only see one shadow left on this floor.”

“Akechi-kun?” Ann asked. 

“Shit. Do you hear that?” He asked toward Akira this time.

Chains.

A giant shadow phased through a corner toward your group and your knees locked in fear at the sight. It carried a gigantic scythe, wielding two long-barrel revolvers. Its face was shrouded in a blood-stained cloth sack, with only one white eye exposed to see its surroundings. The chains you heard earlier were adorned across its left and right shoulders, forming a cross.

Akechi grabbed your arm and started running. Morgana had the wheels turning already and Akechi practically hurled you into the open door of the van. 

Ryuji scrambled in behind you, his voice rising in panic. “What the hell is that?!”

Without hesitation, you reached out a hand to Ann, pulling her inside just as the door swung shut. Akira was now at the wheel, Akechi settled in the passenger seat, and everyone else crowded by the back window. You could see the Reaper closing in, its massive form relentless as it chased the bus down.

Akechi explained, “It’s called the Reaper. We’ve been idling around too long, that catches his attention here. He’s a protector of sorts in Mementos.”

“Weaknesses?” Akira asked this time.

“I can’t scan him!” Futaba answered back.

“None, but no repel nor null either. Last I remember, it also had Almighty moves.”

“Futaba, can we get a read on the layout?”

“Um—!” She scrambled under the pressure.

“Come on, do it already!” Makoto yelled out.

“Do not scream at her. This is a bad situation, we’ll figure it out.” Akechi cut in to alleviate her nerves. “If it comes to it I believe we can fight it. The Reaper is a heavy hitter though, we’ll need strong attacks and the ability to withstand some.”

Akira shared looks with you and Ryuji, “Get ready to turn.”

You and the blond shared a look before nodding, “Say the word leader and we’ll grind him to dust!”

Akira tapped the dashboard, signaling Morgana to execute a sharp 180-degree turn, positioning the bus toward the approaching Reaper and attacking. You quickly fell into the lineup alongside Akira, Akechi, and Ryuji, each of you boosting one another's abilities immediately.

With a collective determination, you launched your strongest attacks, each blow fueled by adrenaline. However, you quickly discovered that this particular shadow possessed an immense amount of defense, significantly reducing the damage you dealt regardless of if it was a weakness or not. 

Each attack the Reaper unleashed was colossal and true fear gripped you when you recognized its ominous call for an Almighty move—one you had only witnessed once before from Akechi. Brilliant light enveloped each of your teammates, rays piercing through the air and striking you repeatedly. You felt your health plummet as the blinding assault took its toll, leaving you with dangerously low health. 

“No, our story is not over!” You yelled out toward no one, stubborn holding onto whatever health you had left.

You fell to your knees, pain radiating from multiple parts of your body as your dazed mind failed to hold on. You could hear Futaba yelling in your ear, but you could not make out the words, unable to understand that you were one hit away from saying goodbye forever.

“Get her out of here now!” Akechi screamed toward your leader, Akira swapping you with Yusuke the moment you could.

“That was too close.” Ann said, her voice laced with concern as she laid you across the middle seats of the Morgana bus. 

Your head rested in her lap, and you felt the warmth of her healing powers gradually working to mend your injuries. Despite the soothing sensation, you remained acutely aware of the soreness that lingered in several places on your body. It was only now sinking in just how narrowly you had escaped that last attack; it had come alarmingly close to finishing you off.

The blond raised a hand to her mouth, the look on her face both shock and surprise. You struggled to sit-up and watched the battle and realized what she, and almost everyone else, was now looking at.

Akechi summoned Loki with a fierce battle cry, his voice echoing through the disgusting tunnels of Mementos as he unleashed a torrent of critical damage against the Reaper. He looked almost feral, fully embracing the power within him as he executed the very same Almighty move that had just nearly claimed your life.

In that moment, you could envision how this unrestrained version of Akechi, devoid of any chill and not holding back, could easily conquer Palaces on his own. His strength was overwhelming, a savage force that pushed the boundaries of what you had witnessed before. It was both exhilarating and terrifying to see him tap into such raw power, channeling his anger and determination into every strike against the formidable foe.

Akechi and Akira were somehow regenerating health and spirit points on every turn, staying on the front lines even as Morgana and Ann switched in throughout the battle. Even now, fully healed up, Akira and Akechi refused to let you return to the battle.

When Akira finally landed the last blow and the Reaper dissipated, the moment was bittersweet; it hardly felt like a win. The battle had drained everyone—spirit points were critically low, and exhaustion etched deep lines of fatigue across your teammates' faces. You could sense that this encounter had taken a far greater toll than any other shadow in Mementos ever had.

With everyone feeling sore and worn out, there was no way you could press on. It was clear that retreating and regrouping was the only viable option. As you glanced around at your weary companions, you knew it was time to find a safe place to recover before heading back.

The others shuffled into the back of the Morgana van, their sluggish movement palpable as they hovered on the edge of consciousness. The aftermath of the battle weighed heavily on you all; you were now heading back to the entrance, ten levels short of the progress you had hoped to achieve. 

It was a disappointing setback, but survival came first.

“Perhaps tomorrow there will be no unnecessary detours.” Makoto had the guile to try to get the last word in.

Akira and Akechi had just fought on the front lines for nearly sixty grueling turns. Yusuke was completely drained of his spirit points, while Ann’s weakness was targeted over and over again until she was repeatedly frozen. Morgana had exhausted every last ounce of power he had tirelessly healing the group in a desperate attempt to keep everyone standing. The near brush with death you experienced weighed heavily on your mind and it didn't escape your notice that Makoto was the only one who hadn’t been called into action during that fight; she was already running low on spirit points before the battle even began.

You very nearly snarled at her audacity.

“Makoto, please shut the fuck up.” You said loudly.

“Excuse me?” 

“As someone who actually had to pull their weight today, can we just have some peace and quiet?”

She sputtered in surprise at your boldness, but the silence that followed was telling. Part of you almost wanted her to confront you right then and there; your ire had reached its limit, and your patience was wearing thin from her incessant nagging. It was infuriating, especially knowing that her stubbornness was partly to blame for not moving on to the next level sooner.

The atmosphere was heavy with silence as your group exited Mementos, each member trudging off in different directions with little more than bare goodbyes. You found yourself seated between Akira and Akechi in the empty subway car, with Futaba sitting on Akira’s left. The quiet stretched on as you all waited for your stop, the day’s events weighing down the air. 

“She… thanks for that. Earlier.” Futaba muttered low toward Akechi.

“For what in particular?” He asked, eyes closed as he leaned his head against your shoulder.

“Everyone was kind of yelling at me to scan the floor and I just couldn’t focus. And you told me it was okay. And you got everyone off my case.” Futaba struggled to explain, emotions hardly being her strong suit.

“No need for thanks,” Akechi replied, his tone steady and reassuring. “Yelling at you wouldn’t solve the issue. I know you can usually handle yourself, but that was an exceptionally tough situation and everyone was getting caught up in the chaos.”

Futaba nodded, but it was clear she had more on her mind. “That um… Is Loki your only other persona?”

“Yes. I only have Robin Hood and Loki.”

“Oh.”

You waited for Futaba to continue, but she fell silent, her curiosity satisfied for the time being. You listened to the rhythmic clatter of the train tracks and hoped that tomorrow would bring a better day—perhaps another visit to Mementos where you could finally make some real progress and reclaim the momentum you had lost. 

Akechi clutched you tighter than usual, and to your surprise, Akira followed you both home, while Morgana trailed behind Futaba back to her place. The three of you moved quietly around the apartment, changing into pajamas and settling into bed. Nestled between the two boys, the atmosphere was thick with an unmistakable tension, a mixture of exhaustion and simmering anger.

“That was closer than you realize.” Akira murmured against your back, his breath warm against your neck. Akechi was wrapped around your front, an almost protective koala-like embrace.

“What was?” You asked, your curiosity piqued.

“Almost losing you.” Akechi replied instead.

“I would never allow her to fall.” Akira shot back, a hint of defiance in his tone.

“And yet you almost did.” Akechi countered, his frustration evident.

“Akechi .”

“Do not try to placate me with words.” Akechi snapped, the anger palpable in his voice. “We both know that the only reason she is still alive is because she was too stubborn to die.”

“What are you talking about?” You interjected, confusion swirling in your mind.

Akechi took a deep breath to explain. “Your health actually did dip below zero, but you still held on.”

“And how is that possible?” You tilted your head, trying to grasp the concept.

“It’s hard to explain, but us Wild Cards see the world differently. We gain certain perks through our personas and the strength of our friendships. You and I, our relationship is at its max.” Akira stated clearly, his arm around your middle tightening at his last word. “That unlocks certain actions, like follow-up attacks or negotiating with Shadows.”

“Or a chance at withstanding fatal attacks.” Akechi added.

“A... fatal attack?” 

It was finally sinking in. Your brush was death was even closer than you first thought. If not for the chance, the ability you did not know you even had, the night would be completely different.

“She’s here and she’s okay.” Akira said, but you were sure those reassuring words were not for you.

Both boys lay silent, but you could feel their presence; they were wide awake, holding you close as if anchoring themselves to you. You gently clutched Akechi's hair as he nestled into your neck, seeking comfort, while Akira maintained his embrace from behind, grounding you in a protective cocoon.

Akechi's voice came out muffled against your skin. “I lost too much. I can’t lose you too. I would lose myself before I lost you.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” You whispered back, pulling him impossibly closer as he nuzzle in quietly.

You drifted into a sound sleep, comfortably swaddled between the two men you cherished most. You thought you heard Akira and Akechi murmuring to each other at some point during the night, but exhaustion weighed heavily on your eyelids, and you surrendered to slumber.

When you finally awoke, the morning light filtered through the curtains, illuminating the room. Akira looked weary, as if he hadn’t managed to get any rest at all. He was gently tucking Akechi deeper into the blankets, a soft kiss landing on his forehead. Quietly, you slipped out of bed and began getting ready for school, the events of the previous day lingering in your mind.

It was clear everyone else was still thinking about what happened in Mementos. When your little group gathered in your classroom to eat, Ann brought up the situation immediately.

“Geez, what was all that about yesterday?”

You could see Morgana’s frown, today he was in your backpack.

“Man, it’s like Makoto's always had it out for him, you know? Even way before all the, uh, y’know... stuff went down.”

You added on. “From what I know, Sae and Akechi got along really well. They solved cases together all the time, but that often led to Sae neglecting her sister.”

“That’s rough. But honestly, that doesn’t really seem like his fault?” Ryuji chimed in.

“I don’t know. I can’t understand why Sae would choose Akechi like that over her own sister. And knowing him, I wouldn’t be surprised if he rubbed it in Makoto’s face, either.” You replied, your familiarity with your boyfriend’s tendencies coloring your words.

“Totally. I’ve seen them both at their most passive-aggressive and I can only imagine the kind of verbal lashing Akechi would dish out to her." Ann replied, shaking her head. “Honestly, what do we even do if that happens again? I don’t want to think about going up against that Shadow one more time.”

“I’ll talk about it with Akira, he’ll probably know better.” You offered.

“Akechi… I don’t know how to explain this.” Ryuji cut in instead.

You raised a brow and Ann paused also, setting down her lunch to listen.

“Personally speaking, I can’t forgive the guy. I mean, if you and Akira hadn’t… Would he have killed all of us?” Ryuji paused. “But then I think about what he’s been through and why he acts like this now. I can't imagine if I had to..." Ryuji hesitated again, a pained look on his face as he struggled to think about the what if's. "But right now there are way bigger fish to fry and they need to pay for what they did to us.”

“Thanks for being honest with me, Ryuji.” You shot him an earnest smile.

“Yeah, for sure. I mean, I don’t know… I didn’t have anything to say yesterday, and it’s been eating at me all night. I really don’t agree with Makoto, not at all. But, I don’t know. I kinda want to understand Akechi better, you know? Just… whatever.”

Ryuji stumbled over his words, but you felt a rush of happiness knowing he was opening up to you. You placed your hand gently on top of his, and the blond blushed at the contact, a sheepish smile creeping onto his face as he exchanged glances with you and Ann. You quickly shifted the conversation to lighter topics, enjoying the small break in lunch.

The rest of the day flew by in a haze, your group chat lighting up with notifications as Futaba sent a picture from your apartment. You assumed she was there with the others, and a pang of jealousy hit you, wishing you could join them for the day. Your relationship with Futaba was not incredibly deep and you sensed that after the train ride last night, she had more on her mind. It seemed likely she was waiting for a chance to talk with Akira and Akechi in private, away from you - not that you took it personally.

You scrolled through the messages during quiet moments in class, piecing together the plan for a trip to Mementos that night to make up for the setbacks from yesterday. As soon as the bell rang, Ryuji and you jumped out of your seats, excitement buzzing as you raced to gather your things for the upcoming trip to the Metaverse. Just as you were about to leave the classroom, a voice called out to you from the doorway, catching you off guard.

“Can I speak with you privately?” Makoto had her books in hand, looking at you.

“Sure.” You turned to Ryuji who was already at the door. ”Can you let Ann know she can go on ahead without me?”

Ryuji glanced at Makoto twice, before nodding and texting away on his phone. 

As soon as he left you turned toward her, the classroom surprisingly empty as the door shut behind him. “What’s up?”

Makoto took a step toward you and spoke. “You owe me an apology.”

You barked out a feined laugh. “Are you insane? I don’t owe you shit.”

“You yelled at me when I was right.”

“Confidence may be good for you Makoto, but it looks like you’re still that pretentious asshole from before.”

She rolled her eyes at you. “Name calling, how mature.”

“Mature? You’re the one who decided to argue over nothing so we could be sitting ducks for the Reaper!” You pointed out. “Gee, maybe you should thank your teammates for saving your ass.”

“Teammates? Is that what we’re calling it?"

Your exasperation was bleeding into your voice. “What the fuck are you on about?”

“You are associating with a murderer!”

“Yes. I know, Makoto. I’m not acting like he’s perfect, but I’m not ignoring the fact that he’s a victim too.”

“Oh stop it.”

“What Makoto? Think you’re the only one with dead parents? Akechi was raised by a sex worker who committed suicide and the only adult he had left took advantage of him!” You could feel yourself getting more and more angry.

Makoto was matching your energy, getting louder and louder. “Just a few weeks ago he killed Haru’s dad!”

“On whose orders?”

She threw her hands up. “Don’t act like he’s a victim!”

The door slammed open and closed, another voice joining the argument. “Makoto would know all about ignoring victims.”

You turned to see Ann, hands on her waist and glared armed toward the class president.

Makoto seethed out. “Excuse me?”

“Have you already forgotten how you tried to blame the two of us for how Kamoshida used to treat us? Or is victim blaming something you already forgot because you’re so perfect.” Ann bit out, words dripping with just as much spite as the brunette. “You chose to have a good letter of recommendation over our lives.”

Makoto looked down, unable to refute those pointed words. “I’ll never forget what Kamoshida did to you two and Shiho.”

“Oh yeah? Then how come you’ve never even visited her in the hospital?”

Makoto frowned and crossed her arms, “This isn’t about me.”

You countered. “Yes it is. You made it about yourself when you put all of us all in danger over nothing. Akechi is trying his best to do the right thing. Yelling at him every chance you get won’t solve anything.”

“I don’t see why he even deserves to be here.”

“He needs to take responsibility and make things right. This means taking down Shido the right way.” You replied.

“He’s a victim we couldn’t save. And if the tables were turned, I can’t imagine what I would’ve done.” Ann added.

“I would never be like Akechi.” Makoto spat out. 

Ann pretended to think as she put a finger on her chin. “That’s true. Without us, you would’ve gotten caught by the Mafia and blackmailed into being a prostitute.”

You glanced at the blonde, only realizing now that the conversation had shifted focus—this was no longer about Akechi, at least not for Ann.

How many problems were lingering just under the surface among your teammates? You had come to terms with Makoto months ago, acknowledging that she felt powerless against Kamoshida. 

But was that the whole truth? 

She could have secretly recorded the situation and reported it, her word as the Class President was definitely more credible than yours. Not to mention her own sister worked with the Police Department! Instead, Makoto knew what was happening, yet chose to remain silent while you endured Kamoshida’s torment for an entire school year. Even worse, she had been perched on her high horse, acting as if everything at Shibuya was just perfect.

How long had Ann been holding onto this? 

How much resentment had she built up toward the brunette because of it?

“Useless, just like yesterday.” Ann bit out, anger dripping with each word.

Makoto shook her head and turned, leaving the classroom when she realized there was nothing she could say to refute her words. 

Ann looked at you, her face dropping to that of exhaustion and sadness. “That was really mean of me.”

“No, this had to get aired out eventually.” You stepped toward her and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I had no idea you were still thinking about these things.” 

“You have no idea how much it’s just been sitting there in the back of my mind. Ever since we found out that Makoto kept quiet about it like everyone else, it only got worse when I found out it was for her own benefit. I was so disturbed and angry. And when she didn’t even tell us the truth, we had to find out through Kaneshiro of all people!” Ann explained, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “I guess I’ve just been pushing it aside, pretending it didn’t bother me.”

You wrapped your arms around the blonde in a comforting hug, letting her know she wasn’t alone and that her feelings were completely valid. Your ragtag group was exactly that—an assembly of teens with larger-than-life goals, yet you rarely paused to confront the elephants in the room.

“When Makoto started acting that way again, just like she did when she was defending Kamoshida, but this time toward Akechi, it brought back all those memories.” Your best friend admitted.

You rubbed her shoulder in comforting circles. “I’m so sorry, Ann.”

“You didn’t do anything.” The blond laughed lightly, “It just sucks… This is how things are going to be from now on, aren’t they?”

“Us until the end, right?”

Ann smiled, “Hell yeah.”

Thankfully, the rest of the day passed without further tension, Makoto not waiting outside to spring you with more accusations. You and Ann had been craving a break after that, thinking about cooling off at a dessert shop with ice cream or pastries, but the looming Mementos trip kept you on track. With that in mind, you both parted ways, heading home to gear up for another dive into the Metaverse.

You walked home to your apartment and were not surprised to see Akira, Akechi, Futaba, and Morgana already there. They were talking in low voices and you dropped your backpack on the ground before walking up to them. 

Akira only took a second to see the look on your face before he stood up alongside you. “Hey, something happened today?”

“Makoto…”

Akechi scanned you up and down, making sure you were okay. And while he doubted Makoto would ever have the spine to do something, one could never be too sure.

You detailed. “She confronted me after class, said I owed her an apology for yesterday. We ended up yelling at each other and it got really personal between us two and Ann.”

“Yeah, after yesterday... can’t say I’m shocked,” Futaba muttered, adjusting her glasses.

Morgana blinked in surprise. “Ann was there too?”

“Yeah.” You did not want to air out the entire conversation to the group, since it was something clearly still very personal to the blonde. “We all went our separate ways at the end.”

Akechi stood and explained further. “The other day Sae dropped by LeBlanc. She proposed a plan for what happens after we capture Shido. Part of it includes her… becoming my primary guardian. If I was willing.”

“Oh.” You breathed out, the realization sinking in.  “Her anger may never end after this.”

“I was surprised Sae even proposed the idea, knowing her sister’s hatred for me. However, I’m not exactly in a position to decline the offer either.”

You furrowed your brows, curiosity getting the better of you. You heard about their strained relationship but never this badly, there had to be a reason. “Why does she hate you so much?”

“It could be several things, but most of it I attribute to my relationship with her sister.”

“And knowing you, you didn’t exactly help Makoto process these feelings either.” You noted.

“I was doing her a favor, toughening her up for the world, I suppose.” Akechi had a hint of a smirk as he shrugged, clearly uninterested in the young girl’s feelings.

“But why would Sae like you more than her own sister?” Futaba frowned, arms crossed. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Akechi said unbothered, “I have a few theories of my own, but I believe their relationship was strained from the start since Sae felt the burden of being both her sole provider and guardian. And Makoto, or at least the Makoto I’ve known for years, was passive and failed to meet any of her sister’s expectations.”

Akira frowned slightly and you shared the sentiment. Makoto's situation was never easy, and hearing it laid out so bluntly hurt. Their relationships were too complex, all victims to unfortunate scenarios. How could their relationship be if they hadn’t lost their parents? What of Akechi, also?

The detective continued. “Meanwhile, at the same time in life, I’m an orphan who is more accomplished and self-sufficient than Makoto. So it was only natural with our shared ambitions that Sae and I got along so well.”

“You can be such an asshole sometimes.” Futaba commented, arms crossed. 

To which Akechi only smiled. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, he’s lucky he’s cute.” Akira commented, words not matching the comforting hand he put on top of Akechi’s.

“For the sake of this team, I’m begging you to keep the asshole comments to a minimum.” You joked.

Akechi raised an eyebrow. “Too late for that, I’m afraid.”

“What do you mean?”

“We were discussing this a little before you got home.” Morgana started this time. “These two were talking about how they see the Metaverse and apparently they get some sort of extra powers depending on their friendships.”

“Wild Cards see and interact with the Metaverse differently.” Akira clarified. “You’ve experienced it yourself. The other day, you survived an otherwise fatal blow.”

You nodded, recalling the moment. “Yeah, you mentioned something about that.”

“Correct. However, there are other perks.” Akechi replied. 

“From how they explained it, think of it like exp bonuses and level-up powers!” Futaba added, since that helped her visualize their words. In her hands she was playing with what looked like a deck of Tarot cards.

“Okay, so how is it too late?” You nodded along, showing you were following their explanations.

Akira grimaced and everyone seemed to share the same look. “My relationships are represented by Arcana cards. And recently one of them… broke.”

You frowned and took a step closer, “How does it break?”

“There’s no definitive reason, but I have seen some of them freeze or reverse if something happens in my relationship with someone. But to break, I fear it’ll take a lot more to repair it.”

Futaba held up a specific tarot card, “The Priestess-broken!”

You frowned and asked. “What can we do?”

Akira glanced at you then Akechi, saying nothing. 

Honestly, what could you do? Your friendship was irreparable, even the gods of the Metaverse could see that now. Even though your friendships were sudden, you figured it would be your team until the very end. Now, it was hard to even be in the same room as some of your so-called teammates. Your best bet would be to hope and pray you did not have to resort to physical violence. 

“We will go to Mementos tonight and train harder than we ever have. If we’re going to defeat Shido, it’s going to take all we can.” Morgana cut in this time.

Futaba nodded grimly, turning to Akechi. “The man who ruined both our lives... We take him down together.”

The others nodded in agreement and split up to prepare for the trip to Mementos. Despite being a dead man, Akira had apparently spent time gathering supplies around town, stocking up on essentials after yesterday's trip cut short. At some point, Makoto had texted that she would not be joining today. And it was to your surprise that Haru informed you all that she was going to be present without her.

This round of Mementos went smoother than the last, though the atmosphere remained heavy. The memory of the Reaper encounter from the previous day still loomed large. The group tried to fill the silence with light conversation, but the weight of what had almost happened kept things subdued. Every faint sound caused everyone to tense up, ears tuned for the clanking of chains.

You tried not to dwell on the memory, but even you found yourself glancing out the back window every few minutes to make sure no shadow was following. Even in battle, you found yourself conserving energy just on the off chance that you might need it for some big battle down the line.

Eventually, your journey ended at a closed barrier, an immovable wall that stopped you from descending any further. Morgana tapped it, but the gate remained sealed shut. No more progress for today. At least the team had gained a few levels, strengthening for what was to come.

But this only confirmed one thing—the next time you ventured into the Metaverse, it would be in Shido’s Palace.

Akira dismissed the group and it was decided that they would meet in front of the National Diet Building in two days, giving one day for each person to prepare both physically and mentally. 

You decided to stick to your schedule - staying at home and thinking up scenarios was never really your style anyway. When you returned home from school, Futaba and Morgana were, as usual, sprawled out on your couch. They were in the middle of a heated two-player fighting game, with Futaba gleefully thrashing Morgana’s character while the little cat tried to maneuver the controller with his paws. Akechi had his arms crossed, a newspaper in one hand as he passively watched their battle. Futaba’s warm cackle was loud even above the video game noises.

"That hardly seems fair." You noted with an amused smile.

“Welcome home.” Akechi greeted, placing a soft kiss on your forehead before returning his attention back.

“It’s joint exercise!” Futaba yelled out excitedly, to which Morgana’s cute little cat face just frowned deeper.

Akechi lifted Morgana with little preamble, ignoring the tiny meows of protest, and settled him onto his lap. He placed Morgana’s paws back on the joysticks and began pressing the buttons himself.

“Wait, this is supposed to be one vs one! That’s cheating!”

You went about the kitchen, tidying up some of the lingering bags and snacks before opening your fridge and thinking about what you had in your kitchen to cook for dinner. Akira would drop by in a few hours - what he did out and about in town all day had you curious, but as the leader of your group probably just about everything. Futaba was a little picky and so you always had dinosaur nuggets just in case. And Morgana, he was a cat. 

Unsurprisingly, it was Akechi who would be the hardest to decide for. He had such a refined palette for being a terrible cook. 

As you sifted through some easy recipes, there was a sudden knock on the door.

You and Akechi exchanged a glance. It wasn’t Akira—you gave him his very own key weeks ago. And you would usually hear Ann and Ryuji through the door before they bothered to knock. Yusuke would always let you know ahead of time and Futaba was already here. Was it one of Shido’s men, looking for Akechi?

Curious, you walked over to the peephole, only to be met with a surprising sight—one of the last people you expected to see. 

You took a deep sigh and tried putting on a relaxed smile, after all, she was your friend. Tension and all, you wanted to preserve whatever you had left between each other.

“Haru, welcome. Come on in.” You greeted.

The third-year acknowledged you with a nod as she stepped inside, her fancy, thick winter coat standing in stark contrast to the simplicity of your apartment. You fought the urge to powerclean as much as possible in the ten seconds she was standing there.

She started, no malice or anger in her face. “Hello, I won’t take long. Akechi, could I have a moment of your time?"

Akechi stood up, gently placing Morgana back on the couch as Futaba glanced between you and the pair. You subtly shook your head, signaling her to stay put. Whatever Haru needed to say was between her and Akechi.

The detective followed Haru into the bedroom, closing the door behind them. Once inside, the third-year let out a deep sigh, the tension leaving her shoulders.

"I’ve been thinking about this carefully the last few days," she began, her voice steady but with an underlying sadness. "Shido ordered the death of my father. He orchestrated everything—silencing him because my father wanted out. But my father… he wasn’t innocent either. How many jobs did he give you, Akechi? How many of his business rivals did he order you to… assassinate?"

Akechi opened his mouth, but Haru quickly raised her hand.

"Please don’t answer that. I’m not sure my heart could take it. My father was a willing participant in Shido’s conspiracy, and he was cut loose the moment he became inconvenient. If it hadn’t been you… someone else would’ve done it."

Akechi turned his gaze to the side, unable to refute her words but clearly grappling with the weight of them.

"You’re not an outright villain," Haru continued, her tone softening slightly. "When we needed you, you chose the Phantom Thieves. But then you say you’re not one of us. You’ve done terrible things, things I can never forgive, but I know you were forced into this. You’re a victim too. So, how am I supposed to treat you?"

Akechi bowed his head, his voice quiet. "I am truly sorry."

"Akira told me how you tried to warn us, how you looked at him, hesitated—warning him of the dangers ahead. Warning him not to continue down certain paths." Haru paused. “I… I do not know how to act around you. I cannot forgive you. I cannot sit here in this apartment and watch you smile and kiss Akira. But I do know that you’re a victim in this too.”

"You’re more mature, patient, and kind than I deserve, Haru." Akechi said quietly, sincere in his tone.

Haru offered a small, bittersweet smile. "We need to take Shido down together, the right way."

Akechi nodded. "Agreed. I know working with me might be difficult, but I’m counting on you until we’ve reached our mutual goal."

Haru’s smile widened just a bit. "As long as you’re fighting alongside us, we’re happy to have you."

Back in the living room, you and Futaba were barely keeping the tension under the surface. Futaba paused the game and was jittering her knee up and down. You placed a gentle had on her thigh, but that hardly stopped her nervous movement.

“What if they’re fighting in there?!” She whispered, her voice full of concern but failing to hide the disbelief.

"They'll be fine." You assured her calmly, though you couldn't deny the flicker of worry yourself. "They need this. They both do." 

Morgana, sensing the mood, placed a comforting paw on the young woman’s thigh also.

“Ugh, I know...” Futaba groaned, leaning back against the couch, clearly frustrated with the unknown.

"You seem pretty worried about Akechi.” You observed, raising a questioning brow.

She hesitated, fiddling with the controller in her lap. "He's… we have more in common than I thought. Shido took both our moms. And for the longest time, we were both blamed for it. The bullying was so bad… I can't believe I made it this far." Her voice was softer now, reflective. "Akechi… he opened up to me a little about Shido’s abuse."

You listened quietly, knowing about both of their shared pain.

"I'm glad we both made it." She continued, her gaze dropping to the floor. "And now, we have a chance to bring him to justice. For our moms… for everything."

Her words hung in the air for a moment, a quiet resolve settling between you both.

It was clear Futaba’s mind was a million miles away and you tried your best to reassure her in the silence. A few minutes later, Haru opened the door, and before she could even step out, Futaba shot up from the couch, eyes darting between her and Akechi. Haru simply smiled, her usual calm demeanor intact despite the thick air of the room. You stepped forward, offering her a warm invitation.

“Want to stay for dinner? Not sure what I’m cooking yet, but I’m sure we can make it work.”

Haru’s eyes flicked over to Futaba, watching as the young girl gravitated toward Akechi like a worried ward. She couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Futaba's mercy, never expecting those two to have any semblance of a friendship after all that happened. Her heart could not handle it, she was glad that someone else could.

“No, I have to get back home.” She declined, still polite as ever. “Thank you, though.” 

You lingered with her by the door, as Haru put back on her expensive coat and scarf. You tried your best to smile and convey any bit of happiness. And Haru, always so patient and kind, returned your smile even as she left the apartment.

Futaba, ever the blunt one, wasted no time. “So… how’d it go?”

“Better than expected.” Akechi said vaguely, “I imagine we’ll see her tomorrow in front of the Diet building.”

Futaba let out a small sigh of relief but stayed close to Akechi, still watching him carefully. You could sense a fragile peace settling in, at least for now.

No one was looking forward to fighting in Shido’s Palace. Bringing him to justice yes, but facing the hardest enemies in your life no. Akechi kept his descriptions vague, since he said multiple times that they had to just experience the shock of his Palace. Ryuji begged the detective for anything but Akechi simply shrugged. He and Akira spoke at length nights leading up to this moment. Apparently there were some hard-stops in Akechi’s personal progression of Shido’s palace. And there were some notable boss-level Shadow that guarded certain hallways.

The next day, as expected, you found yourselves in front of the imposing Diet Building. Every member of the Phantom Thieves stood in a circle, silently bracing for what was to come. This was hardly your first Palace as a group, but what lay on the other side felt like a cathartic enemy that you would struggle to overcome. The unexpected and the worst person in all your lives lay on the other side. Akechi stood at your right, expression somber. Whatever lay ahead, you knew you wouldn't leave his side.

The world morphed around you, but the Diet Building was still somehow still right in front of you. You heard the crash of waves and looked over to your left and right, realizing that the entire Palace was sat atop a giant luxury cruiseliner.

“What the hell?” Ann muttered, her voice barely above a whisper as everyone stared in disbelief.

Together, the group moved to the front railing of the ship, gazing out over the ruins of Japan swallowed by water. The sight was equal parts surreal and unsettling.

Haru’s soft voice broke the silence. “Even if this entire country may sink, he alone will survive. That’s what this cognition is about, huh?”

Enormous skyscrapers surrounding the Diet Building appeared to be littered across the ocean's surface, some half-submerged while others had been completely crushed by the weight of the colossal cruiser. The contrast was stark: the towering structures of a once-thriving city now reduced to mere remnants of their former glory.

Above, the sky was painted in twilight hues—deep purples and fading oranges—creating an unsettling backdrop against the chaos. Distant fireworks erupted in bright bursts of color, illuminating the horizon and adding a macabre sense of celebration to the scene. It felt profoundly ironic, as if Shido's twisted perception of victory echoed in the explosive displays above, celebrating a world drowning in despair.

“This is bullshit!” Ryuji snapped, clenching his fists. “A country that kids can be proud of? My ass! It's completely sunk in his head!”

Ann crossed her arms, glaring out at the wreckage. “This is beyond ridiculous.”

“If a guy like this stands above everyone, we’re seriously done for!” Ryuji continued.

You glanced over at Akechi, who wasn’t standing with the group. He remained at the front of the ship, eyes fixated on the towering statues of Shido that loomed over the Palace. His expression was dark, unreadable.

Yusuke noticed, asking quietly, “You’ve seen this before, haven’t you?”

Akechi didn’t turn, but his response was laced with barely-contained venom. “Yes. And each time I’ve wanted to throw Shido over this very railing.”

You walked over to him, squeezing his hand in silent support. He gave you a glance, his shoulders relaxing slightly at your touch.

Haru’s voice, calm but firm, carried through the air. “Whether it be for glory or simply a reward, my father died because of someone like this. We will take Shido down the right way, together.”

Makoto glanced at her fellow third-year, quiet this time. 

“We have to be careful this time around.” Morgana interjected. “This will be completely different from past Palaces.”

“We’re gonna take his treasure,” Ryuji said, determination hardening his voice.

Akira nodded, a subtle but powerful acknowledgment of their collective strength. “And we’re doing it together, as the Phantom Thieves.”

One by one, everyone nodded back, their resolve steeling in the face of the daunting task ahead. Shido’s reign of terror was nearing its end, and they were ready to face whatever horrors his Palace had in store. 

Together.

Your clothes did not change as you entered the Ship, you wondered if Shido's ego would even allow him to see you all as threats. To think that entering the Palace would be this much of an inconvenience, boarding explicitly stated to be ‘members only.’

Shadows resembling security guards adorned in suits, special assault teams, and guard dogs patrolled the hallways. It was harder to get in since apparently, in real life, Shido screened his connections rigorously to ensure absolute obedience. He never was deceived by outward appearances, and the cognitions of the passengers indicated that he knew everyone within the ship well enough to know every small detail about them. 

It was almost disgusting that traces of anything other than his elite connections did not exist within the cruiser, since the commonfolk or peasants had no right to even exist upon his ship. 

There was only one good thing about those ugly, Shido statues.

You glanced back at Akechi, who stood at the rear of the group with his arms crossed, observing the scene with a mix of disdain as Akira took charge. Just then, Akira stepped forward into a shadowy hallway and, without warning, disappeared. Panic surged through the group, exclamations of fear and confusion until a small squeak squeak filled the air — a mouse who was suddenly wearing Joker’s mask.

“No way.” Ann said with her hands covering her mouth in excitement.

“Oh my god, look at him!” Futaba squealed, the mouse looking somehow both adorable and utterly bewildered.

“Uhhh… Akira? New super power or something?” Ryuji asked, scratching his head in confusion.

Akechi rolled his eyes at the scene unfolding before him, his patience waning as he gently nudged you toward the hallway. You felt a burst of smoke surround you, and when it cleared, the world around you had shifted dramatically.

As you looked up, everything felt overwhelmingly large. You turned to see mouse-Akira next to you, his tiny form adorned with the iconic mask, and you couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Akira snorted, or at least the best way a mouse could snort, as he looked at your little paws. Morgana looked horrified, would he  turn into a mouse too?

“There are Shido statues that turn everyone into a mouse when they’re active. We can traverse through here to find them, but we would all have to go.”

“Wait, what? I don’t want to turn into a mouse!” Ann protested, her voice rising in panic.

“Same, I’m not a furry!” Futaba added.

Akechi sighed, shaking his head in exasperation before he and Makoto took the lead into the hallway. One by one, the rest of you followed suit, all transforming into little mice with different masks, each adorably out of place.

Seeing mouse-Akechi was so cute and on impulse walked up to him, leaning in to give him a gentle kiss on the nose. His eyes widened in surprise and you could see a blush creeping up his cheeks, even on such a tiny face. He struggled to refocus, trying to push the flustered reaction down as he turned back to the task at hand.

Even Akira was being odd, as if they were all forgetting how dangerous Shido’s Palace really was.  Akechi sighed as Akira attempted to grab his cheeks with his own grubby little mouse paws. You both cooed at the detective and you heard Ann’s little squeaky laugh. 

“Focus, everyone,” he said, attempting to sound authoritative despite his diminutive form. “We need to find those statues and take back control of this Palace. Stick together, and let’s move.”

Being with Akechi in Shido’s Palace felt strangely exhilarating. While you had all faced challenges together in Sae’s Palace, much of that experience had been shrouded in layers upon layers of deception. Akira holding back his true power in front of Akechi and the detective doing the same. Looking back, Akechi could have easily done that arena battle in Sae’s Palace. But he stayed surprisingly quiet as if he really did want to observe.

Now, as you traversed the gaudy yet grotesque halls of Shido’s cruise-liner, Akechi seemed to shed the weight of his past persona, allowing a different side of him to emerge.

He moved fluidly, easily switching between Loki and Robin Hood, with a confidence paired with newfound freedom. His words were less polished, more straightforward—a stark contrast to the overly charming Detective Prince everyone was used to. The gruffness in his voice was lined with a raw intensity that was refreshing.

And Akira and Akechi working truly as a team?

They were unstoppable.

Akira had just downed a group of five Shadows, guns poised as you stopped them in a hold-up. Akechi was taking point in negotiating with them this time.

Like usual, the Shadow was blabbering on and on about nothing. You were sick of the yapping, having done this negotiating for the fifth time in a row. But it was clear both Akira and Akechi were clearly looking for some specific from the Shadows. 

One of the Shadow’s had not been cowering in fear, simply resigned when it suddenly turned and asked out of nowhere. “Can you sacrifice yourself in order to demonstrate your adoration of our Father?"

Akechi’s eyes narrowed at the question. “I hate him.”

The Shadow simply nodded, before melting down and slithering in Akechi’s direction. Akechi grunted in fear and you raised your gun, but Akira held a hand up to stop you, having experienced this himself many times before. The Shadow flew into Akechi’s mask, pushing him back with a small recoil. The detective looked incredibly surprised and confused as it stayed in his mask, similar to how Akira could collect Shadow’s for his use too.

“What the hell was that?” Ryuji questioned.

Akira raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Can you collect more shadows?”

“You’ve had more this entire time?” Makoto’s voice dripped with suspicion, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

“No, I’ve only ever had Loki and Robin Hood.” Akechi replied, disbelief written on his face. He tentatively touched his mask, as if searching for answers within himself. “I’ve tried to collect more in the past after hearing that our Leader could, but I could never hold onto them.”

“Hold on?” Morgana asked this time.

“I could try to absorb them, but they would never stockpile if you will.” He described.

“Which Persona is it?” Akira asked, curiosity piqued.

Akechi was quiet as he had an open palm on his chest, as if reaching inside for the information somewhere. “Kingu—of the Aeon Arcana.”

Akira’s eyes widened in surprise, and both him and Akechi exchanged glances, then turned to you. You blinked, confusion furrowing your brow. Were you linked to this new ability somehow?

Ryuji broke the silence first, a smile creeping onto his face. “Well, that’s convenient. The fight of our lives and you get a power-up. I’ll take it!”

Ann chimed in, nodding enthusiastically, while Futaba threw her arms up in exaggerated frustration. “So unfair! When can I get a power-up like that?”

Makoto shot the detective a sidelong glance, sarcasm dripping from her words. “Always the prodigy, aren’t you?”

“Let’s call it a day at the next Safe Room.” Morgana directed toward Akira. “We made a lot of progress today.”

Akira nodded in agreement, glancing back at Akechi, who had moved closer to your side. You still didn’t quite understand the implications of his new ability, but agreed.

Akira, paired with Futaba and Morgana, followed you home, the air buzzing with curiosity. As soon as they stepped inside, Akira dramatically collapsed onto your couch, letting out a theatrical groan. Futaba wasted no time, bouncing into the bean bag chair and immediately bombarding Akechi with questions about his new ability.

“Come on, nothing for this power? Not even a UI change or a quest indicator?” She exclaimed, her voice a whirlwind of enthusiasm.

Akechi, still processing the events of the day, furrowed his brow in thought. “No, not that I can remember. Again, I’ve tried in the past to gain more Shadows, but they would leave the moment I tried.”

“Why only Loki and Robin Hood, though?” Futaba pressed, her eyes shining with intrigue.

“Since Akira’s Personas are linked to his relationships, perhaps it’s because he has been forming genuine bonds with his friends recently.” Morgana replied, his cat voice serious as he pondered the connection.

You glanced over at Akira, who had closed his eyes and was pretending to sleep, but you could tell he was listening intently. He always did know more than he let on.

“If it’s built off our genuine relationships, then I’m surprised I had two to begin with,” Akechi mused, a hint of self-reflection in his voice.

“Honestly, I’m not surprised at all,” Futaba replied, her expression thoughtful. “It makes sense for your character arc—one for the Detective Prince and one for who you really are. Since you never trusted anyone, you got one Persona for your lies and the other for your hate.”

Akechi’s gaze shifted away, as if he were processing her words. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it. But I never imagined that forming these bonds would lead to something like this.”

Morgana chimed in, sitting upright with newfound interest. “It’s a testament to how much you’ve changed, Akechi. The more you open up, the stronger you become.”

“Yeah, exactly!” Futaba said, her excitement palpable. “It’s like you’re evolving into this whole new Akechi. Just wait until you see what else you can do!”

“You said the Persona was from the Aeon Arcana? What does that mean?” You decided to ask, since they had that weird reaction earlier. 

And once again, Akira and Akechi glanced at one another before jointly turning toward you.

How suspicious. 

Akechi blushed lightly, a faint pink dusting his cheeks, but it was Akira who answered, “It’s yours. Your Arcana. And your relationship is at the highest level it could be.”

“That’s…!”

“No way! He got a power-up from the power of love!” Futaba gasped, her eyes wide. “Or is it the shounen main character power-up? So unfair!”

You glanced toward Akechi, and a soft smile spread across his face, one that melted away any tension lingering in the air.

“Oop.” Futaba suddenly glanced at her phone. “And that’s Dad—gotta go!”

Morgana glanced between the three of you and yelled, clearly not wanting to be left behind. “Wait, take me with you!”

Akira remained lounging on the couch, a relaxed expression on his face as Akechi stepped closer to you. As Akechi leaned in, he gently kissed the side of your face. The warmth of his lips sent a delightful shiver racing down your spine, igniting a flutter within you. It felt both tender and protective, holding your hands after with a firm but gentle grip.

“I fear there will never be enough words to describe how grateful I am for both of you,” he said earnestly.

“And to think there’s a physical manifestation of how much I love you.” You replied, your voice soft yet filled with conviction. You met his gaze, warmth seeping through as a smile broke across your face. “I love you, Goro.”

“I know.” He replied, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips, both confidence and appreciation in his expression. 

Akira sat up on the couch, a thoughtful look crossing his visage as he regarded the two of you. “The next time we go in, let’s try again with other Personas. I wonder how much you've unlocked.”

You turned toward your leader. “Jealous he hasn’t unlocked your Arcana?”

Akira rolled his eyes before lowering himself to kiss Akechi’s forehead. “Absolutely seething.”

Akechi offered. “We can always test it tomorrow.”

“Then let’s leave that thought to tomorrow.” Akira punctuated, before grabbing Akechi’s hand and leading him back to the couch.

You stayed standing in your spot by the kitchen counter, watching as Akira placed the detective on his back, kissing the skin of his neck before traveling further south.

You heard Akechi groan at the unbridled attention, all of you surely sensitive since it had been a while since you were last intimate. Akira unbuttoned his shirt and pants, uncaring of you as an audience as he stripped Akechi of his clothes. Akechi attempted to cover his eyes with his hands, but Akira gathered his wrists and held them upward.

“I love you, Goro Akechi.” Akira murmured against his skin, a hint of a smile at the corner of his lips.

You stood, walking over to join them as Akira lifted Akechi to a sitting position. Akira kissed his naked shoulder blades while you sat behind him, pushing his hair to the side and kissing his neck. The growing blush on Akechi’s face was so cute and it only made you lick at his skin more. It was rare for him to be in the middle, the center of attention. But honestly you kind of really liked it. 

“You were so cute today as a little mouse.” You commented.

“Have you wanted me ever since then?” He shot at you.

“I always want you.”

Akechi moaned at your words and Akira took that to kiss him on the lips properly. His mouth swallowed his and their tongues rubbed together obscenely, you were almost jealous of how passionate Joker was.

“Let’s show him how much we appreciate him.”

With little effort Akira turned Akechi in his lap, the detective’s front facing you now. You placed butterfly kisses all around his chest and relished in the soft moans he let out. Akechi threw your shirt away and grasped your tits through your bra. 

But Akira’s command was clear. 

“Suck.” 

You lowered yourself down toward Akechi and peeled back his last remaining clothing. You tossed his boxers aside and placed your hands on his thighs, licking the hot pink tip of his cock. Akechi threw his head heavenward, resting against Joker’s shoulder. You took in more, inch by inch, slowly disappearing his dick behind your lips.

Akira smiled at you, “I know you can take more. My greedy little slut.”

His hand went to the back of your head, carding fingers into your hair before lowering you more fully. You groaned and the vibration of the movement made Akechi sob and moan.

“So good for me.” Akira stated, happy just to see the detective get sucked off.

There was a sound of something opening and closing, a small container you spied out of Akira’s pocket. You were amazed at his audacity—had he brought lube into the Metaverse earlier? Akechi seemed to have the same thought, his narrowed eyes looking at the bottle. Akira dashed the thoughts away, the teen’s expression melting as your leader toyed with Akechi’s tight hole.

Akechi almost lifted off the couch, if not for your mouth keeping him in place as Joker slowly tapped his cock against the detective. You could feel Akechi’s entire body tense and move as Akira pushed in further. The detective moaned loudly as Akira slowly trust in his eager cock. You wanted to give the poor detective some reprieve and moved to sit-up, but Akira grabbed the back of your head again and pulled you forward back onto him.

You moaned at the movement and Akechi instinctively thrust into your mouth at the vibration. The three of you were locked in a scandulous train, Akira started thrusting into the detective from behind and each time Akechi would pull your head closer. The poor boy was getting stimulated by both sides, moaning loudly to the room as you moved together. Akechi struggled w with where to put his hands, one wrapping around Akira from behind and the other roughly grabbing your hair.

You picked up speed, sucking harder and faster. Akira spotted your enthusiasm with a smirk, moving faster in tandem. Akechi both pulled and pushed you away, crying out at the over-stimulation. You knew what was coming soon, from the way his eyes squeezed closed and his breathing got more ragged. You backed up an inch from his dick just before Akechi screamed in pleasure, white cum coating your face and chest.

“Oh shit! Fuck!"

You smiled and leaned back on your knees. “Feel good?”

Akechi’s breath came out in small huffs. “Amazing.”

Akira looked satiated as well, a wave of satisfaction surrounding him. He stood next, getting a few tissues to help clean off anything remaining on you. Akechi pulled you closer to him, placing soft kisses along the side of your face. And, ever the valiant leader, Akira moved behind you to place sweet kisses along your back. It looked like he was preparing to thoroughly ravish you next—you marveled his stamina.

“I love you both. With my entire heart.” Akechi whispered out low.

You smiled at his genuine words, heart swelling at how much he entrusted to you both. His heart and soul, there was no going back for any of you now. Your leader leaned over to kiss the side of his head fully, Akechi nuzzling into the motion.

“I'll love you now and forever.”

Notes:

oopsie daises