uncoveredtruth-blog1

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

Come to think of it - it was probably cruel not to help Akechi out. “Sure.” He nodded, agreeing to taking the other to the bathhouse. The coffee shop would be closing soon, but the bath house would still be open at least. 

He leaned over, scooping Akechi up in his arms, and carrying him down the stairs. Morgana could whine all he wanted if happened to wake from his ‘cat’ (not cat) nap - He had to get Akechi all squeaky-clean after all. Sojiro shot him a look as he bridal style carried the other teen across the coffee shop, but he didn’t question it. He probably didn’t want to know. 

And since the bathhouse was so conveniently located across the street, all it took was Akira walking out and through the Alley, though he did get a few curious looks from some on lookers. Paying the 1,000 yen fee for the both of them was no big deal, especially since he held 3 jobs. (not to mention palace raiding.) He took Akechi in and sat him on the bench in the locker room where he could set his clothes. “Satisfied?”

Normally, he would’ve been against being lifted like this -- it was simply embarrassing to be seen this way. The detective prince, being carried like a bride -- what a thought! Still, it was his best means of transportation that involved no stumbling or tripping. As Sojiro came into view, he closed his eyes, waiting until they arrived at the bath house.

As he was set down on a bench, Akechi nodded slowly, fumbling with his clothes. Surely, he could at least do this much. “I’ll have to... pay you back next time,” he breathed, finally getting his tie undone. All of these movements were heavy and felt like a chore -- but he was getting through it. Honestly, he could care less about the fact that he was here with Akira.

But somehow, deep down -- he felt like he wanted to do something like this with him. That would be something he’d never admit. He managed to wiggle his clothes off and get a towel on, sighing. “...I’ll try not to slip.”

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

“Well, you have a fever.” Akira stated, as if to say ‘no shit you’re sweaty, sherlock.’ He decided that sitting on top of the other was overkill, when he couldn’t even move, and slid onto the mattress side next to him. 

He sighed, shaking his head. “There’s a bath house across the street, but shouldn’t you rest up your strength first?” Akechi did just pass out in the middle of the coffee shop, after all. Trying to do anything now just seemed like a really bad idea.

Resting seemed like a great idea... if he didn’t feel like he was grimy and caked in a layer of sweat. He could force himself to sleep, but it wouldn’t be comfortable by any means. “I would... still.” It might be easier to sleep if he felt clean, at least... though it might mean he’d have to stay the night at the cafe. What a situation...

“Could you take me there...?” Maybe if someone kept watch, then at least he might not faint somewhere unpleasant. If he refused, maybe he could... scrub himself off in the washroom. At the worst.

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

That meek push of a reaction was about what Akira had expected. Akechi definitely didn’t strike him as someone who had the strength to do a whole lot right now. 

Though Akira’s bond with Akechi was an odd one that he couldn’t quite put a finger on, he could at least say that he didn’t want the brunette going out and getting himself sicker. And he’d resort to just about any tactic to prevent it. That was the magic of friendship, after all.

“Good.” Was all he commented on the fact the other had agreed to his terms, but he stayed where he was, not moving from being on top of the other. 

Akechi lay there for some minutes or some -- and Akira didn’t budge at all. Was he really just going to stay there? It was getting warm, and he only made that weighty feeling... heavier. Let alone being sweaty in the first place... another body on him only made him hotter. Was there even a shower in LeBlanc...? He doubted it.

“Akira...” The detective opened his eyes to find the boy still there, seemingly comfortable. “There... isn’t a shower, is there...? I’m... awfully sweaty.” At least washing himself off would feel better. Still, he felt that if he took a shower, he’d probably faint. What a predicament.

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

“Mm…” He was trying to pull a fast one. Hard to pull a joke on the joker though. Nice try, detective-san. 

It seemed like Akechi wasn’t going to budge on insisting that he was perfectly healthy. (spoiler alert: he wasn’t.) The fluffy haired ravenette wasn’t about to let him walk out the door. 

Hell, he doubted Akechi would even be able to walk out the door, so instead he followed through on his promise, crawling on top of him, and plopping his frame right over Akechi’s, all the while pressing the cool rag to his forehead. “If you’re so healthy, you could always push me off and make a break for it.” He mused.

“Uh--”

He certainly couldn’t react quickly enough to Akira climbing on him. His hand lifted, but unable to do much else -- the detective stared at him wide-eyed, unsure of what to do. Why was he... on him? If anything, he thanked the fever for making his face red in the first place. Otherwise he would’ve been beet red... probably. 

If anything, Akechi tried. His hand grasped Akira’s shoulder, but pushing him off felt a lot more difficult than it should’ve been. He wasn’t normally this weak. “...it’s fine, I’ll... wait some more, then.” However, he wasn’t sure how well he could take being so close to him.Instead, he closed his eyes.

If he didn’t have to look at his face inches away, maybe his heart would stop racing. 

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

Akira promptly stood up as Akechi tried to push himself to leave, placing a hand on his shoulder, and using the other to scoop up the rag and press is to his forehead. “Not in a state like that, you don’t.” 

He let out a long, drawn out breath. “Look, if I have to sit on you to make sure that you won’t leave and push yourself until you’re seriously, and irreversibly ill then I will.” He absolutely intended on it too. Maybe he should sit on him anyway….

Akechi blinked as the cloth was pressed against his forehead -- it really felt quite nice. It was keeping the heat haze away even for just a few moments. A sigh was expelled as the heat was kept at bay, slumping his shoulders. There was something he needed to do... at least, he knew that, but the fever was making it hard to remember...

“You don’t have to sit on me,” he smiled, hoping that it would reassure him. Maybe if he acted well enough, he could get away with it? He could’ve sworn it was something involving Sae... “The nap helped... but I should sleep in my own home... right?” Although he managed to get the words out, his voice sounded breathless and hoarse.

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

It was only the small groan from the detective’s lips that made Akira look up from his book. It seemed like Akechi was stirring, but he still looked pretty darn disoriented. Judging from how badly his fever was affecting him, that was no surprise. 

“My room.” He answered, closing his book and setting it on the storage shelf behind him. “I live in Le Blanc’s attic.” He let out a sigh.

“Though I guess that’s not all that important. You passed out in the middle of the coffee shop. Should you really be pushing yourself to talk right now?”

The attic... now that he thought about it, there was a set of stairs going up in the cafe. He hadn’t expected it to be anything other than a storage, but a room...? How odd. Living in LeBlanc sounded quite nice though -- surely, it would smell good at every hour of the day. 

“N-no, I...” As he attempted to say he was fine, the detective sat up and winced. He clearly was not fine -- the cloth on his forehead promptly slid off onto his lap. “...what time is it?”, he asked, holding his forehead. It felt like it was throbbing endlessly.

“I believe I... had business--to attend to.”

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

It was just another day of tidying up the shop with Sojiro as Akira heard a loud thunk at one of the booths. He bolted his head up to find a familiar regular and pretty boy junior detective slumped over one of the booths.

He rushed over to see that in his unconscious state, he seemed to be panting. Well that wasn’t good…. Akira put a hand to his forehead, and as he suspected - Akechi was burning up. “Sorry, Sojiro - I’m gonna have to take him upstairs and look after him. He’s burning up.” 

As his guardian asked if he should call Takemi - the local doctor - The teen insisted that he could to that himself if he needed to, but he wasn’t sure if Akechi really wanted that kind of attention. Besides - he had the stuff to take care of something like that on him here. Even if the blue haired back street technician would be delighted to hear from her ‘guinea pig.’ 

He scooped up Akechi into his arms with an ease of strength that certainly didn’t match the way he looked, and took him upstairs where Morgana hopped off of his bed, giving him a questioning look. “Ugh, him?” The feline muttered in disgust. 

“He has a fever.” Akira responded. “I’m just making sure he’s alright.” 

“And what if he finds out about your secret Identity? Did you think this through at all? What kind of phantom thief invites his arch enemy into their base of operation?” Morgana’s tail twitched in annoyance. 

“What secret identity?” The ravenette said with a wink. “You worry too much.”

Morgana let out a groan. “Well if you need me I’ll be taking a nap.” The feline huffed, sauntering over to the corner and curling up by the potted plant. 

Akira carried the feverish Akechi over to his bed, lying him down. He got up, running back downstairs for a few supplies before returning to put a cold rag on the other’s forehead, in hopes of helping with the fever. ‘guess I’ll just have to wait until he wakes up.’ He thought, pulling out a chair and flipping through one of the books he’d rented from the school library. ‘The legend of Zorro’ at Morgana’s insistence. 

Akechi felt like he was floating -- why was he floating -- no, he felt someone’s arms... who was that? Who was there, again...? Sojiro... Akira? No, Akira wouldn’t... 

It was taking too much effort to work out the situation in his mind. Soon enough, he found himself lying on something soft, then a cool feeling on his forehead -- oh, that was nice -- and right after that, he fell right to sleep. It took at least an hour before he stirred, eyes fluttering open. Things were blurry for a moment, trying to focus on his surroundings. Somewhere not too familiar... but he stared at Akira for a bit, noticing that he was reading. Did he... bring me here?

“Mmn...” The detective wanted to sit up, but he felt too heavy, like something was weighing him down. So was he sick...? He hadn’t noticed, not until now. There was some all nighters pulled, getting caught in the rain yesterday... maybe that was why.

“Akira... where...?” He wanted to finish his sentence, but it felt difficult. It was already enough trying to stay awake.

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

@multifarious-muses

It felt like he was walking in a daze. His mind was hazy, wondering why his concentration kept falling out of place. He couldn’t think about just one thing, or rather -- he felt like he couldn’t think properly at all. Maybe just lack of sleep...?

Akechi was finishing up the rest of his coffee at the booth before he suddenly slumped forward, feeling his body fail on him. What... what’s wrong with me? And in that instant, his head hit the booth as he lay there half unconscious.

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

“You mean dating?” The question left Akira’s mouth in a tone far too casual for what he was implying. He sighed, twirling a curly lock of hair around one of his fingers as he studied the other’s expression. “Are you saying you want to date me?” 

Now he really couldn’t look him in the eye. “Hm--” Just stay calm, don’t freak out -- that’s what he kept telling himself, but it didn’t dismiss the blush. This wasn;t really how any of it was supposed to come out. “I’d... have to think about that.” One more swig of coffee and he was already standing.

“I should probably get going.”

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multifarious-muses.

“Oh yeah?” Akira couldn’t hide the smirk that was creeping onto his face. It seemed like his dear detective-san had efficiently backed himself into a corner, since he insisted on everything leaving his mouth being something nice to say. 

A cloak of kindness was a double-edged sword. And Akira just got to pick where to point the sharpest end. The barista in training let out a snort, adjusting his glasses and meeting the gaze of the furiously red brunette sitting across from him. “As long as you don’t show up in any shirts that have my face printed on them. That kind of stuff is pretty weird.” 

Oh, great. This was one hell of a situation he’d gotten himself into. Akechi started downing the coffee, he needed to make a break for it. That is, until he grimaced at Akira’s comment. “O-of course not, that would be crude!” And a bit creepy. He’d seen one of his fans do it before... it was weird.

“Besides, wearing a picture of someone you like doesn’t compare to--” Oh no. He stopped himself at the worst possible time. Akechi stuttered, realizing he’d just made a grave mistake.

Time to go through with it.

“--the... real thing.”

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

“Fangirls? Not really…” He admitted. He wasn’t very popular at his school. Must be the criminal record or something… go figure. ‘Phan-girls’ however were an entirely different story. But people like that had no idea what any of the phantom thieves even looked like. so that was definitely out of the question too.

“Fanboys, well…” He let out a sigh, his grey eyed gaze fluttering up to Akechi. “It sounds like you would count as one of those, Akechi-kun. After all, you sure come to visit me plenty.”

Surprisingly, no fangirls. He exhaled -- a sigh of relief -- wait, why? Well, it did come as a surprise... as much as he didn’t want to admit it, Akira was definitely attractive. At least, enough.

Wait, did he just consider him his own follower? That wasn’t the case -- it was for the coffee, the coffee was great! It was nice to see him sometimes, but... certainly not that...! “Er-- I’m definitely a regular, but...” Oh no, here comes the red cheeks. He can’t hide those.

“I suppose so...?” Wait, no. No, you’re not an Akira fanboy--!

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

Well he certainly wasn’t expecting the compliment back in retaliation, but it was - needless to say - a pleasant surprise. “Thanks~” A perfectly sly smile slid onto the fluffy haired barista’s face. 

The blush on the face of the detective in front of him was exactly what he had longed to see over this entire exchange, and the exchanged prior. Why he longed to see it, he couldn’t quite place just yet. But there was something about that little sneak peak of Akechi’s genuine emotion that game him a pleasure he couldn’t put a finger on.

The question now was to call him out on the fact that he was staring with an embarrassed expression into his coffee or not? The answer to that was obvious. “I thought you’d be used to flirting by now with all of your hoards of fangirls.” 

A little smile appeared as he glanced up at the other, taking a sip of his coffee which had approximately a 80:20 cream-to-coffee ratio. Say goodbye to the coffee lovin’. “I’m not sure if girls screaming my name is on the same level of being complimented,” he laughed, finally making eye contact with Akira. Okay, shit. Kind of difficult. He looks away for a moment.

“Don’t you get your own fair share of fangirls? A handsome barista like yourself would really attract some.” It was an attempt to continue conversation, but instead he flirted again. He was seriously considering chugging the coffee and leaving soon after. A good cry would help.

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

Akira finished cleaning the other’s coat before taking the towel and setting it on the Le Blanc counter space. He slid back into the booth side opposing Akechi, knowing full well that they were currently the only two on the coffee shop, and that Sojiro didn’t really care if he wasn’t re-polishing cups as long as he wasn’t being the ‘hooligan’ everyone sought him out to be.

He couldn’t help but tease the brunette across from him. There was something about the other, his clearly self restricted reactions - that the ravenette couldn’t get enough of. “You know, you’re pretty cute when you’re thankful.” He commented whimsically, going back to the chinpalming blank stare he was holding only moments prior.

The compliment was uncalled for, but it certainly made his heart stutter. Akechi was used to being called cute by his following, yet it was quite different when it was Akira. He wasn’t too sure why, but he made an attempt to compose himself and shoot right back at him.

“And you’re quite the charmer yourself too.” Well, he really was. But it didn’t mean Akechi internally regretted ever saying that with a wink. This was just flirting, wasn’t it? It was flirting. His cheeks reddened after he made a meager attempt at complimenting him. Time to pour creamer into the coffee. And stare down at the coffee, because he probably won’t be able to look at Akira for the next week without regret.

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

Well that certainly didn’t take long. Akechi didn’t seem to take well to the ‘love’ that Akira put into the coffee at all. Ah well…. bummer. The teen slid out of the booth, grabbing a carafe of creamer and bringing it back, setting it next to Akechi’s coffee cup. 

He proceeded to take a rag, wiping down the table, and leaning over the poor detective-san - lightly dabbing his clothes to get the coffee off of it. “Guess coffee with extra love isn’t your cup of tea.”  He remarked, his fingers surprisingly gentle as he carefully cleaned the other’s coat. 

Oh, he was ready to douse that coffee in cream. Just as he was about to pour some in after the booth was wiped down, Akira was already dabbing his coat with the rag. He hadn’t expected him to do so -- at least, not so close to him -- but here he was.

“Oh-” But he didn’t push him away, he was being gentle. “No, I suppose not. I appreciate the sentiment, otherwise...” Was it love, or just messing with him?

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

The teen slid a hand up, resting his chin on it as he studied the other as he continued.. “I like them too.” His tone was even. Calm. “But mostly because of how much they’ve helped people.” 

He traced his free hand’s finger in an idle circle along the booth top. “So the coffee– tastes pretty good right? I put some extra love into it.” 

Akechi listened as he spoke about the Phantom Thieves. There were a lot of people who believed in them -- after all, they really did help people... but it wasn’t something that could just happen. It was too... unruly.

As he asked, he spit his coffee back into the cup with a sputter. He may have gotten it on the booth... and himself. “I--think it needs some milk.”

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

Akira scooped up the currency, pocketing it temporarily into his apron as he made his way back to the counter to finish brewing Akechi’s request. “One refill coming right up.” He stated, taking a few minuted to prepare the other’s drink. 

Not long after ringing it in, and inserting the yen into the cash register, he came back with a piping hot fresh cup of coffee. He set it in front of the detective, and then took it upon himself to slide into the booth across from the poor, unsuspecting brunette.

“A mystery novel…” He observed, his grey eyes curiously scanning the cover from behind his (not needed, and totally for fashion purpose only.) lenses. “You must really like mysteries, Akechi-kun.” A pause, “Too bad you can’t solve the mystery of the phantom thieves.” A bold statement, but he’d made such brash moves around the junior detective before. It could almost be expected. 

His brows furrowed for a moment. It was a simple sentence that made him tick, but he took in a deep breath and exhaled. Just stay calm, take it with stride. Criticism came along with his fame -- he had to be ready to get some.

“Oh, I do like them. The Phantom Thieves have been very interesting thus far,” he responded calmly, dismissing any thoughts of ‘how dare you’ in the back of his mind. “I can assure you, I’m working on it.”

[uncoveredtruth-blog1]

multifarious-muses.

The fluffy haired ravenette looked up from the coffee cup he was polishing as he heard an all too familiar voice call out to him. Sojiro had left him in charge for a bit while he went on of his infamous cigarette runs, but it’s not like he particularly minded. Making coffee had started becoming a pretty relaxing hobby. 

He started to grind the beans silently, before the coffee was ready, and he slid the cup right in front of the junior detective, spinning the empty one idly around his fingers. “That’d be ‘I’m going to need a refill, please’ for 100 yen.” He remarked, pushing up his glasses with a straight-faced expression.

The detective blinked before reaching into his pocket to find some change. Where was Sojiro when he wanted him? He wasn’t nearly as sassy as Akira. At least, not like this...

“Here, 100 yen.” He slid it over to the young barista, seemingly unfazed. Akechi blinked, before remembering Akira’s quite... earnest request. “...a refill, please.”