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Sae Niijima
May 20, 2017. Saturday evening
Sae felt she should've seen this coming.
She has had cases with this guy before, he will always find a way to abuse his power and wealth to frame whoever he wants for whatever he wants. From what she knows now, it's similar to what happened to Akira Kurusu. Even after putting his case to justice, some people can still get around the legal system the same way as Shido.
She feels particularly awful for this case though. Akechi had been put on this case, she watched his stay overtime to continue working on this case. She should've warned him. But she didn't. And now she faces the consequences, with one miserable looking Akechi.
Sae sighed, pity filling her expression. The poor boy lost days of sleep from this case. One she knew he couldn't win.
The silence continued to stretch between them as she watched Akechi seemingly go through all five stages of grief. Perhaps not acceptance though. More like defeat.
"Akechi?" Sae broke the silence, staring at Akechi with a concerned expression.
Akechi's maroon eyes flickered up at her. He looked small. Not in a physical way, but in a way that reminded her that Akechi is only eighteen.
"It's okay." Akechi mumbled, barely audible. He cleared his throat, standing up straight.
Akechi tugged at the bottom of his peacoat, attempting a smile on his face which just broke Sae's heart more. She felt weirdly maternal for him, like he was a little brother.
"We did what we could, there isn't much we can do besides moving foward." Akechi's smile didn't reach his eyes. It almost never did.
Sae nodded, a small smile on her face.
"You did good. Don't blame this on yourself, you're an amazing detective Akechi." She nearly went to attempt to comfort Akechi physically before remembering her last attempt at that.
It was after one of his first cases he actually lost. He looked so sad she attempted to pat his shoulder, maybe even give him a small hug. But he freaked out, flinched harder than she's ever seen from a small fifteen year old kid. They never talked about it, silently moving on.
Akechi nodded, looking off to the side. There was still traces of disappointment on his face, hidden in his eyes and between his eyebrows. Akechi exhaled, meeting Sae's eyes again.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" His smile looked a little desperate, attempting to hold onto something.
Sae nodded, smiling. "Tomorrows a new day, Akechi. A new case, okay?"
Akechi nodded, his briefcase knocking onto his knee slightly.
"Goodnight, Sae-san." He gave her a—very fake—warm smile, before walking away.
Sae sighed, taking her leave too.
Sae Niijima
May 21, 2017. Sunday morning.
It was Monday morning, she got here early, hoping to talk to Akechi before assigning him a new case. One problem seemed to appear.
It's well over 30 minutes since Akechi was supposed to be here. She nervously stood nearby the door, checking her phone, attempting to call Akechi with no response. She's texted him about 20 times. It's very out of character for Akechi to be late. Let alone 30 minutes late.
One of the girls who handle the mail around her stifly walked over to her, concern showing heavily on her face.
"U-Uhm. Niijima-senpai?" her voice was timid. Dispite working with many detectives she seemed especially scared of her and Akechi.
Sae locked eyes with her, giving her a small smile. "Yes, Aika?"
Aika fiddled with her uniform for a second before speaking up. "I noticed Akechi-senpai isn't here yet..very..unlike him.." She mumbled the last part, staring at the ground.
"Yes. Do you know anything Aika?" Sae turned towards her, hoping she knew anything.
Aika nodded, looking at Sae. "Yes, I saw him last night. V-Very late at night too.." She looked concerned, a frown tugging on her lips.
Sae's eyes widened. "You saw him? When? Where?"
Aika stubbled backward, glancing around.
"It's better if I tell you in private Niijima-senpai."
Sae was confused, but cared more about knowing where Akechi was. She followed as Aika turned around to head toward the mail room. No one really entered here, since Aika was assigned to sending everyone their mail to them.
Aika turned around staring at Sae with the same frown, a crease between her eyebrows more prominent.
"Okay...I saw Akechi-senpai in Shinjuku, near Crossroads." Aika looked nervous, her hands shaking a little.
Sae was confused. Akechi lived in Kichijoji, what would he be doing in Shinjuku? Let alone at Crossroads.
"Crossroads? What was he doing?" Sae felt herself getting more anxious, who knows what could've happened to him. Especially since Aika didn't do anything, she just saw him.
Aika shifted, biting her lip, very anxious.
"Promise you won't get him in trouble..I don't want to get Akechi-senpai in trouble." She was quiet, scared, and concerning Sae even more.
Sae nodded, trying to let Aika get comfortable enough to tell her what happened without having to force her.
Aika swallowed, nearly audible. She stumbled with her words a few times before being able to properly say it.
"Akechi-s-senpai was...he was drinking...I-" She choked on her words, absolutely terrified.
"It's okay, tell me what happened. Don't be afraid. I won't be able to help Akechi if you don't tell me what you saw." Sae leaned foward slightly to meet the girls eyes. She patted her shoulder, rubbing it with her thumb back and forth to comfort the girl.
Aika nodded, letting out a shakey breath.
"I saw him drinking, too much. Far too much. I saw this woman guide him outside to vomit. She- uh.." Aika took a deep breath in.
"I'm not entirely sure what she said since I was a fair distance away, but Akechi seemed to deny whatever she said. I watched him stumble out of the woman's hands and attempt to walk home." Aika said it with some speed, but Sae could understand her.
Sae hummed, concidering every detail of Aika's story. "Attempted?" She paused, "Akechi attempted to walk home?"
Aika let out out a sigh, almost a small chuckle
"He didn't make it very far. He made it about 30 steps before nearly falling over." Aika shifted in her spot, more comfortable.
"The woman helped him the rest of the way, atleast from what I could tell. I had to leave, I couldn't follow them." Aika locked eyes with Sae, a small smile on her face.
Sae nodded, pleased with this explanation. Akechi sure had a lot to explain, but she was more concerned about making sure Akechi actually made it home, and who this mysterious woman was.
"Thank you, Aika. You mind giving me a copy of Akechi's house keys?" Sae smiled at Aika. She was very concerned but she didn't need to worry Aika.
Aika nodded eagerly, quickly turning around to find the spare keys they keep. They had a few incidents a few years ago where they couldn't get into an employes home, which costed their lives. Better safe than sorry.
After about a minute of rummaging through the desk drawer, Aika turned around and handed Sae a small, gold key.
"Thank you, I'll let you know soon if Akechi's okay. Don't worry, he can be reckless, but never stupid." Sae smiled warmly at Aika, giving her another pat on her shoulder before stepping back to leave.
Aika smiled, relieved. "Thank you, I hope Akechi-senpai will be here soon."
Sae nodded, then walked away with Akechi's key.
Sae was walking outside the building, headed toward the train station. That was until she saw someone she knew would be great help in this situation.
Akira Kurusu
May 21, 2017. Sunday morning.
Akira was walking to the train station, a half asleep Morgana in his bag. He had gone to run a few errands, and for a Phantom Thief that meant he's spent all morning eavesdropping on conversations. He didn't get much of any good information, boring empty work filled conversations that remind him too much of the way Akechi avoids questions in his interviews. Completed with that plastic smile he knows all too well.
Lost in thought, he didnt hear the voice behind him calling his name. He only realised once they tapped at his shoulder.
Akira turned around, to see Sae. Very unusual. They aren't enemies or anything but they rarely talk unless it's about something serious...or unless it's about Akechi.
Akira smiled at Sae, adjusting the bag on his shoulder that was drooping slightly from the weight of the sleepy cat inside.
"Hi Niijima-san!"
"Hello, Kurusu-kun." Sae's expression seemed a little concerned, she shifted her stance slightly, looking off to the side before continuing to speak.
"Have you seen Akechi at all today? Or last night?" Sae glanced back at Akira, awaiting a response.
This was a weird question, she phrased it like he went missing. No one would be stupid enough to kidnap the oh-so amazing Ace Detective Goro Akechi, as many of the interviewers introduce him as.
Although, it was weirder to specify last night. Akira rarely sees Akechi at night, evenings, sure, but just about never at night.
Akira shook his head, a little sad to disappoint Sae.
"No, haven't heard from him at all today. Why? Is something wrong?" Akira tilted his head slightly, concern slowly filling his thoughts.
I mean sure, no one would be stupid enough to kidnap a popular detective. But there surely were people who were capable of it. Like if Shido's company didn't get what they wanted so they decided to kidnap Akechi. He could be stuck in a similar interrogation room as Akira, maybe even seeing the same fate... The same needles...
Sae's voice snapped Akira out of his thoughts.
"Would you mind accompaning me to Akechi's apartment? From what I can assume you two are close, yes?" Sae smiled at him, attempting to calm him down.
Akira nodded slowly, still worried.
"Yeah, I don't mind."
Just as Sae continued walking, leading Akira to the train station, he recited what she just said.
Close? She assumes him and Akechi are close? What could that imply? That she's taking note of their interactions? And that's the conclusion she came to? Weird.
Either way, Akira continued following Sae, the walk there silent. The train ride to Kichijoji still silent. Akira was lost in thought. Sae didn't even tell him why she was looking for Akechi, or why they were both headed to his apartment.
Akira suddenly remembered Morgana, glancing into his bag just to see it without Morgana. He got worried, assuming Morgana jumped out by accident and is now roaming the streets of Tokoyo alone.
That was until he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.
Futaba: hi kiraaaa mona is with me dont worry, he heard somethinf about u going to akechis apartment...gross....
Futaba: tell me whatever happens tho!!! i dont wanna be out of the loop next time ann gossips abt u 2
Akira sighed. Both of relief and of slight disappointment. Morgana is apparently just partially dead. Chosing what to hear and what to relay. He was quick to respond back.
Akira: yea, no....im going to his apartment with niijima-san. i wont be alone..
Futaba: with niijima? what happened? he okay? sick? dead?...again?
Akira sighed. Maybe they aren't biologically related but they certainly have a similar thought process.
Akira: not sure, niijima just asked me if ive seen him and then told me to follow her to his apartment.
Akira: she hasnt said anything about what happened. shes silent, deep in thought i assume.
Futaba: ask her!!!! i may dislike the guy but... Futaba's typinf bubbles appeared and disappeared for a few moments before finally sending.
Futaba: yk
Akira: yeah yea u got it ill update you
Futaba liked his message, leaving Akira to close his phone and glance at Sae, who was seemingly texting someone.
"You never told me why you dragged me here and wanted to know if I've seen Akechi" Akira said, sitting up slightly in his seat.
Sae look in his direction, thinking.
"I didn't?" Sae said, a confused look on her face.
Akira nodded, hoping for an explanation.
Sae hummed, looking around the train. It wasn't packed but it wasn't quite empty either. Sae looked back at Akira, a small smile on her face.
"I'll tell you when we get there, okay?"
Akira was slightly disappointed, but understood. It would probably get out fast that Akechi is—presumably—missing if they talked about it on a public train. Or possibly an even worse rumor.
Akira heard the announcement calling for the Kichijoji stop. Sae got up alongside Akira, the both of them leaving the train.
Sae Niijima
May 21, 2017. Sunday afternoon.
Sae walked with Akira, passing through neighbourhoods until she stopped infront of a two story, plain white, building. She sighed before turning to Akira.
"Okay. This is all confidential, okay? You can't tell anyone about this unless it turns out this is nothing at all and I've got it all wrong." Sae said this with the tone she typically uses before starting interrogations, she feels a little bad using it for Akira, but he needs to know how serious this is.
Akira nodded, fidgeting with the zipper of his jacket. "Yea, I understand. I mean, yeah." He had concern expressed in maybe every way possible.
Sae nodded, turning around to put in the code to the keypad. She has been in this building before, so she knew her way around.
As she entered the building and heard Akira's footsteps behind her alongside the door closing, she spoke up.
"Aika, the mail-woman for our building had seen Akechi last night. In Shinjuku, at Crossroads." She paused, realising it would be weird if Akira knew what that place was, so she specified before Akira could respond.
"It's a bar. Aika saw him, drinking with this woman. She ended up apparently bringing him home, although, I need to confirm that." Sae kept walking until she reached the end of the hallway, looking at a dark brown door with "112" on a small golden plaque near the top.
Sae reacted into her pocket, getting Akechi's spare key before turning around to Akira.
"Any questions? You got it?" Sae smiled at Akira, the key hovering infront of the lock.
Akira nodded, smiling a little more comfortably.
"Yea, I think it's all I need to know anyway. I could always ask him later."
Sae nodded, turning around to open the door. She unlocked the bottom and top locks, opening the door quietly.
Akira Kurusu
May 21, 2017. Monday afternoon.
Akira slowly followed Sae into Akechi apartment.
It was dark, besides one light coming from underneath a door. The apartment seemed a little messy, the kitchen counter half covered with papers, other half covered in empty ramen cups.
Not quite what Akira would imagine. Akechi's kitchen looked more like Futaba's room...besides all the anime figures. It was pretty empty, not much decoration desides a few law books lying around. Akira and Sae shuffled deeper inside, staring at the three different doors in the hallway. The one in the middle having a light streaming from the bottom of the door.
Akira glanced over at Sae, who was staring at the middle door before quickly glancing around to the other doors before landing her eyes on Akira.
"I'm going to check the place for any alcohol, or sign of Akechi being here. You mind checking these rooms?" Sae shifted her weight onto her right leg, giving Akira a small smile.
"Tell me if you find anything—or anyone." Sae let out a small laugh under her breath. She seemed to be less worried, but Akira couldn't figure out why. Opting to listen to her instructions instead.
Once he heard Sae's heels getting further away he decided to open the left door, which was completely dark. He felt around the wall until he flicked on a light switch.
It was an office, similar to the one he's seen in the building he works at. There was a wooden desk in the middle, piles of papers in folders stacked on the left. A smaller pile on the right.
Akira stepped in a little further, he has no intent to snoop around, but it wouldn't hurt to take a look around.
He glanced around the room, his eyes getting caught on a massive board on the left wall. It was almost cartoonishly detective behaviour. There were pictures of various people's pictures with red strings tying them together. He took a small mental note of it, not that he would be up to anything anymore, but its better to be safe. Besides, maybe it'll come up later.
He exited the room, turning off the light.
He stared at the door infront of it, walking toward it before hearing a sound coming from the middle room. A sound anyone would recognise, especially Akira since he's been working at the Crossroads bar for a few months now. He would've told Sae, but it probably would've got him in trouble.
He walked toward the middle door, wincing slightly at the sounds of—presumably—Akechi dry heaving. He would've told Sae first, but he better make sure it's actually Akechi and that he doesn't end up choking and dyinf in the minute it'll take for Akira to find Sae.
He opened the door to obviously see none other than the meant-to-be perfect ace detective out of breath and shivering next to his toliet.
"You alright there, Akechi?" Akira slowly walking toward him, who aparently barely noticed him.
Akechi let out a shakey breath, shifting slightly toward Akira. He looked awful.
Not even in a rude way, Akira's seen a few people get sick from drinking too much from his time workinh at Crossroads, and thats exactly what happened here.
Akechi's blazer was unbuttoned, one of his sleeves slowly slipping off his shoulder as Akechi turned toward Akira. His eyes dilated and glassy.
"'Kira..?" Akechi's voice was hoarse, he was still out of breath. He shivered again and his eyes followed Akira.
Akira crouched down to Akechi's level, meeting his eyes. He took another glance at Akechi, noting how he really needed to get him a different pair of clothes.
"You okay?" Akira tried again, hoping Akechi could actually process his words.
There were a few seconds of silence, then Akira heard the sound of Sae's familiar heels walking toward the bathroom.
Just as he turned around he heard Akechi shuffling again, switching his gaze over to Akechi, he watched as he slowly shuffled closer, before giving Akira a small smile and hugged him. It was barely a hug, Akechi just lazily hung his arms over Akira's shoulders, resting his head on the side of Akira's neck. He could feel Akechi's breath.
Sae's voice is what snapped him out of his shock.
"Oh. There he is." Sae stared down at them, giving Akira a stranger look.
"Is he okay? I heard him dry heaving from a few feet away. Although, these walls do seem to be pretty thin." Sae walked closer to them, walking around Akira to get to Akechi. She crouched down, patting Akechi's shoulder gently.
"Akechi? You there?" Sae turned her head slightly, attempting to meet his eyes. With no success or answer she looked at Akira.
"You figured anything out?" She looked a little concerned, glancing over to where Akechi vomitted earlier, possibly hours ago.
Akira shifted slightly, somehow making Akechi cling harder onto him. He shivered slightly as Akechi let out another shakey breath.
"I think he's sick. And drunk, still very drunk. I dont think he slept at all." Akira brought up one of his hands to push his glasses back up and then started rubbing his back in an attempt to make him get up.
Akechi sighed again, instead of getting up he melted deeper into Akira.
In defeat he sighed, getting into a more comfortable position, feeling Akechi curl up deeper between Akira. He heard Sae snicker next to him, she sat down on the floor properly, bring up a hand to brush through Akechi's very matted hair.
"Its alright, let him sleep a little. Your right, he absolutely hasn't slept, I can tell." Sae's voice was quieter, gentle. As if Akechi were family or something.
Akira nodded, continuing to rub into Akechi's back. Dispite Akechi being sick and drunk, this is the most peaceful he has ever seen him. Hearing his breathing slowly even out to both Sae's and Akira's touch.
"Aren't you upset at him? For drinking below the age requirement?" Akira brought up quietly, glancing over at Sae who was still raking her fingers through Akechi's hair. She seemed to be thinking quite heavily on how to respond. After a few seconds she spoke up.
"A little. It'll be decided what I do once I get the full story. Neither one of us are sure how this happened. We're going to have to head to Crossroad for answers later." Sae said in the calmest tone, like she wasn't weighing the punishments of the poor eighteen year old who was quietly asleep in Akira's arms.
Akira hummed in agreement, turning his attention back to the sleeping Akechi infront of him.
"When is 'later' going to be?" Akira joked lightly, he knew it would be a while until Akechi had the strength to get up, or to get him fixed for proper sleep.
"Eventually. I'll give him about 30 minutes in your arms, after that we're going to have to get him and his bathroom cleaned up." Sae sighed, stoping her hand to glance around the bathroom.
Sae Niijima
May 21, 2017. Monday afternoon.
Akechi whined quietly, turning his head over to Sae.
"Sis?" Akechi's voice was small, it reminded Sae of Makoto when she was sick as a kid. She was a little more shocked when she processed that Akechi called her "Sis".
Sae looked back at Akechi with slightly wider eyes, sputtering for a second before shifting slightly.
"Y-yea? You okay Akechi?" She tried, pretending she wasn't caught off guard by Akechi's nickname.
"Are you mad at me? I'm...." Akechi's shoulder's got a little stiffer as he let his arms slide to Akira's sides, lingering there. His words were small and slurred. "I'm sorry Sis...I..." She heard a small sniffle come from Akechi. She watched as tears formed in his deep maroon eyes.
Sae seemed to immediately get hurt in the heart from Akechi's words. She brought up her hand, brushing his bangs out of his eyes. They were slightly damp with sweat, he really must be sick.
"It's alright Akechi. I swear, I'm not upset with you. You were upset about the case, I understand." She comforted Akechi, who was leaning into her touch. He closed his eyes and sighing before shaking his head. Of course, even while sick he was stubborn.
Akechi opened his eyes halfway, meeting her gaze. "No...not..." Akechi sniffled, probably attemtping to gather his thoughts to his best attempt. She felt bad for him, as much as she wanted to cut him off right there she knew it would only upset him more. He truely must be guilty about drinking underage, which would make sense because he is all about "justice".
Akechi let out a shakey breath before continuing. "Not about this...a..about everything else..." His words were slow, slurring at the end. Sae was confused, opting to check just how sick he was.
Sae put her hand under Akechi's bangs, flinching for a second from the heat before putting them on his cheek, which was still warm. She mumbled under her breath, towards Akira in the hopes he would make the mental note. "Warm. Very warm."
Akechi continued, talking to Sae through long breaks. "I'm an awful...partner...I'm s-so...sorry..." Akechi lowered his head slightly, only really supported by Sae's hand. He looked so defenseless, she truely wondered how he even made it home.
"You shouldn't be forced to work with me..."
It was silent besides the sounds of Akechi's heavy breathing between sentences.
"I'm...selfish a-and....I don't think of how...how it would affect you..." Akechi shifted slightly, leaning on both Sae's hand and on Akira's body. She watched as Akira got more concerned, watching Akechi's face.
"Atleast not as much as I should...I betrayed you...and...'nd 'Kira..." Akechi's words slowed down more, slurring together again.
Sae listened, dispite Akechi's words being barely audible.
"I see." Sae said quietly, nodding and rubbing her thumb below Akechi's eye, rubbing off any left over tear marks.
"'m tired, Sis." Akechi spoke quietly, leaning into her touch more. As he closed his eyes, a small tear fell down onto Sae's finger.
Sae nodded, smiling gently. She glanced up at Akira, who was holding onto Akechi.
"I know you are. Akira can help you get to bed, don't worry, you'll be okay." Sae smiled at Akira, who gave her a defeated look.
She's had to clean up drunken messes like these before, not that she does it often but she knows how to get Akechi to finially calm down.
She put her other hand to Akechi's other cheek, holding him up as she asked him a question.
"You able to get up? You can't sleep here, you'll wake up in even worse pain." She smiled at him, snickering quietly before adding onto her sentence, "And you'll make Akira's posture worse."
Akira opened his mouth to defend himself, but cut off by Akechi.
"mm...His posture's bad enough." He pushed himself off of Sae's hands and Akira's body. He sat there for a second, before nodding and looking at Akira.
"I have...I have extra clothes in my closet, for you." Sae was just as confused as Akira, both in stunned silence. Sae glanced at Akira, who's face was dusted pink.
"W- What do you mean?" Akira was flustered, sitting up slightly and adjusting his bangs.
Sae giggled quietly, she always had a small hunch they were together, from multiple different evidences.
"Alright then, you can go with Akira, just give me your blazer." Sae sat up, waiting for Akechi to give her his blazer, which was stained with both his own mess and alcohol. As much as she wanted to just make Akechi take a whole shower, she knew she shouldn't, since he was still drunk and he hadn't slept in four days.
Akechi stayed sitting there, until he moved his left arm to tug on Akira's jacket. Taking the hint, Akira slid off Akechi's blazer from him, helping him take off the sleeves. Akira handed it to Sae, who grabbed it and got up. She felt a little bad making Akira help Akechi to bed, and probably stay there the whole night. They were close though, she was sure Akira wouldn't mind.
Akira Kurusu
May 21, 2017. Monday Evening.
Akira helped Akechi get up, giving Sae an annoyed look while he left the bathroom with a tired and drunken Akechi in his arms. Akechi was most definitely far too weak to get up, making Akira carry him bridal style to his bedroom.
Akira open the door with a little struggle, once he got in he stood there stunned for a few seconds. He glanced around, looking at the 5 different Featherman posters, and a few figures on a messy desk. His room seemed to be practically a bedroom stuck in time from when he was a kid. The only difference was probably the massive stack of homework on his desk.
Akechi had told him a few times in passing of him being into Featherman as a kid. No mention of how he was clearly still into the show, it reminded Akira heavily of Futaba.
Akechi stirred slightly in Akira's arms. He clung onto Akira's shoulders, rather lazily, his lack of strength.
It snapped Akira from his thoughts, he walked in deeper, closing the door behind him with his foot. He walked toward Akechi's bed, which was a twin sized bed. He put Akechi on his bed, which was neatly made, not a spec on the bedsheets, like it was a showroom bed.
Akechi moved to face the wall, quietly mumbling, barely audible to Akira. "I have clothes in that closet, take whatever you want."
Akira hummed in acknowledgment, walking toward his closet.
Akechi's closet is about what Akira thought it would be, a neat wooden closet with about 3 different pairs of his school uniform and a few different sweaters and coats. He recognised all of them, Akechi's outfits tended to be more seasonal.
He crouched down to a little drawer im the bottom, where he had regular pairs of T-Shirts and sweatpants. It atleast let Akira know Akechi actually sleeps here.
He picked up a pair of clothes, standing up and walking back toward Akechi. He nudged Akechi, who was staring blankly at the ceiling now. Akechi slowly ripped his gaze from the ceiling to Akira, then to the clothes in his hand.
"You need help changing?" Akira said, staring at the now zoning out Akechi. He was staring behind Akira, his gaze so far away.
Akechi was silent, he slowly lifted his hands to put them ontop of the clothes Akira had in his hands. He wasn't even sure if Akechi was thinking or just insanely tired and drunk.
Akechi lingered there for a second, before slowly shaking his head. He parted his lips, but still silent for a few more seconds.
"...I can't." Akechi's voice was slightly raspy, his eyes focusing on Akira until he went back to staring at nothing.
Akira nodded, putting the clothes down on the corner of his bed. He helped pull Akechi back up, who was practically a zombie now.
They were silent as Akira took off Akechi's button up to pull on his long T- Shirt. Staying silent as he did the same with his pants. Akechi yawned by the end, leaning on Akira, who was left standing next to the bed. Akira stood there for a second, unknowing of what to do.
After almost a minute of silence, Akechi pulls himself off of Akira and crawls to the side of the bed, his knee bumping into the wall. He lets himself huff at his lays down—or more like, falls down—onto the mattress.
Akechi stares at Akira, his expression isn't readable. Akira continues to stand there, fidgeting with his jacket. He just stared at Akechi, who was staring back.
"What's wrong?" Akechi's voice was small, his expression turned more hurt.
Akira felt his stomach turn, he felt this was wrong. There was nothing wrong with *Akechi*, but more the act of being in the same bed as him, whos still drunk.
He felt his thoughts continue to spiral. What if Akechi got too touchy? What if he woke up and was disgusted at Akira for laying next to him, and he shoves him away and kicks him out? What if he never sees him again because he's so grossed out? What if—
Snapping him out of his thoughts, he's covered in the warmth of Akechi's poor sick body.
Akechi's...hugging Akira....
Akira blinks, standing there like a deer in headlights until Akechi squeezes him a little.
Akira brings his arms up, hugging Akechi back. He feels Akechi relax in his arms, his breath warm. It smells slightly of alcohol, but also slightly of coffee.
"You're thinking too loud..." Akechi's mumbles quietly, barely audible since he's snuggled into Akira's neck.
It's silent as Akira processes everything. He glances down at the mess of brown hair that's snuggled into his neck and shoulder. He can feel Akechi's heartbeat, his breath, his body.
"Sorry." Is all Akira can manage, hesitantly brushing through Akechi's hair with his right hand.
Akechi hums, melting more against Akira's neck. He sighs in content, before raising his head slightly.
"Can we go to bed? I'm really tired." Akechi's voice is slow, covered in sleep.
Akira pulls away to look at Akechi, before smiling and nodding.
"Yeah, I'll...go put on a pair of clothes of yours," Akira glances at Akechi's closet, debating for a second how he's going to change. "Lay down, I'll be back."
Akechi tilts his head at Akira, his gaze going toward the right, in the direction of the bathroom.
"Just change here..." Akechi's offer stunning Akira. "Sis is cleaning....I won't look" Akechi giggles quietly, before falling back into the bed.
Akira watches as Akechi goes under the covers, turning to look at the wall. He really was serious.
Akira debates it, Akechi is looking away, and he can't go into the bathroom while Sae's cleaning. Akira decides to quickly get a pair of clothes and change into them. He neatly folds his clothes, laying them down next to Akechi's bed. He tries to crawl into the bed without waking up Akechi, failing miserably as Akechi turns around. He giggles quietly as Akira lays down, staring back at him. Akechi brings Akira closer, covering the both of them with the blanket lazily. He cuddles deeper into Akira, shifting until he finially gets comfortable. He sighs into Akira's chest, clutching onto Akira's shirt. Akira hugs Akechi back, the both of them melting into the mattress. He feels content and happy. He'll deal with the rest of this tomorrow, what matters is Akechi is safe, and in his arms. He feels himself drift to sleep, being comforted by Akechi's quiet snores and he falls asleep in seconds.
Sae Niijima
May 21, 2017. Monday night.
Sae finishes cleaning up Akechi's bathroom, putting his dirty clothes in a laundry bin. She still needs to get the rest of it, she noticed the same mess on his white button up and black pants.
She got up, sighing as she leaves the room and standing infront of Akechi's bedroom. It's quiet in there, only the silent fan being audible.
She quietly opens the door, peaking in.
Her heart melts slightly at the sight. She stares for a second, looking at Akira and Akechi tangled into eachother, the both of them quietly snoring.
She looks down, seeing the pile of Akechi's work clothes waiting neatly for her. She thanks Akira in her mind, she definitely owes him for taking care of Akechi.
She grabs the clothes, taking another moment to watching the two teens.
More than anything, she's glad Akechi finally met someone who truely cares. Akira might be a bit awkward, and a nerd, and a bit bad at making jokes, but that aparently is exactly Akechi's type. The guy he almost killed many times, but also the guy he would talk about for hours over sushi without Sae even mentioning him.
She feels herself smiling, turning around to leave.
Akechi's most definitely on the right path now, and thats all that matters to her. Maybe he isn't perfect by all means, but he's starting to open up. To finially have a happy ending for the same poor fifteen year old kid that walked into her office nearly four years ago now. She gets to watch Akechi finially live the life he should've ages ago, but atleast he gets it now, a month before his nineteen birthday.
No matter what happens now, Akechi will have multiple places to call home.
Her own house, and in Akira's arms.