Marionette(My Strings Are Titanium, You Cannot Cut Them)

Promise Me You'll Never Leave My Side

At the sight of a fresh wave of tears welling in Akechi's eyes, Akira's hand slid from behind his head to cup the detective's cheek, careful to avoid any bruising. He knew it really didn't do anything, but as his thumb gently brushed under his lashes, Akechi's eyes fluttered shut and he leaned against Akira's hand.

"I want to tell you what's going on." Akechi admitted. "But I can't."

Akira wanted to push, wanted to learn exactly what had happened to cause all of this, but he wouldn't pry. This was enough for now, just knowing that at this moment Akechi trusted him enough to let himself be held. "That's fine. I can make you some coffee, or curry if you want. Boss taught me how recently. Or, we can stay like this."

With a chuckle that made Akira's heart skip more than a beat, Akechi opened his eyes with a tired smile. "Both sound lovely. I just need a minute longer."

Akira nodded. "No worries, take all the time you need."

Their eyes stayed connected, speaking of fondness and appreciation that neither ever learned to communicate through words. This was a bond unlike any Akira had so far, both their masks stripped away. He built friendships on what he could do for others, he'd tried the same with this. Yet, Akechi didn't want advice, assistance with his problems, or even someone to tell his worries to. All he wanted was to be near him. All Akira needed to do to help was be himself.

"You're like no one else I've met." Akira told him, and was caught a bit off guard by the laughter that met his confession.

"Isn't that my line?" Akechi smirked. "Please go on, however. What makes me so unique? You clearly don't mean my status as a detective."

Akira shook his head. "I'm not sure I can describe it. I guess, I always put up a front around people, act however I feel like they'd want me to." He sighed. "But you seem to like me best when I act more like myself."

"Once again, I could say the same.  I prefer when people are honest with me, yet I maintain a front myself. You are right, however. It's easier to let my guard down when you don't think too much before acting. Would you say this is your most authentic self?"

"My most authentic self?" Akira echoed, a confused frown stretching across his face. "I...guess? I spend so much time trying to fit what people expect of me that I sort of lost track of my true self along the way."

Akechi hummed in response, considering his words. "Well, I'd say your real feelings come across most when you act without a thought. From what I've observed, you're kind to a fault. Additionally, you're protective due to the lack of security you yourself have. It's easier to pretend you're alright when you busy yourself with others' problems instead." He smiled apologetically. "I analyze people instinctively."

Akira chuckled. "Don't worry about it, you're right. Isn't it pretty sad that you're better at asking for help than I am?"

"Definitely." Akechi agreed. "If you wanted..." He hesitated, lips curling into a frustrated frown as he looked for the correct words. "If you wanted, though I can't promise my availability at all hours of the day, I could be someone for you to voice your worries to. It's only fair, and after all I've shown to you there's no reason I'd judge you."

Akira's shoulders slumped and he shook his head. "I appreciate it, really, but-"

"But you're a hypocrite?" Akechi raised an eyebrow. "We all have our secrets, Kurusu, I've told you next to nothing of myself yet here I am."

"You're right." Akira gave in, this wasn't something worth arguing. "Will you settle for my promise to try?"

Akechi nodded, taking a slow step back, both their arms falling. "I'm grateful for the care you've shown me. You have my thanks, and my apologies for keeping you up when you have school in the morning."

Akira chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Give me a few minutes, I'll get you some food." 

He got to work, well aware of Akechi's eyes following his every move. Eventually, the man moved to sit at the bar, and not long after Akira placed a plate of curry and cup of coffee in front of him. "I hope it's up to your standards." He remarked teasingly. It earned a smile from Akechi, which was more than enough of a reward for him.

Akira leaned his head against his hand, propped up on the counter as Akechi ate. 

 "You know, I think I'm starting to understand why you have so many fans." Akira grinned proudly at the way Akechi's brows scrunched in confusion.

"Care to elaborate?"

"Nope." Akira was met with an eye roll. "I don't care that much for the stuff they like, actually. How can I appreciate your fake smile when I've seen your real one, or swoon over your interviews when you're so much more charming in a real conversation?"

"I certainly wouldn't call it charming." Akechi replied. "People prefer that version of me. You're simply an outlier."

Akira shrugged. "Maybe I am. Or, maybe you just haven't been hanging around the right people."

"You think your friends would see me as you do?" Akechi glared at him, but his gaze quickly softened. "You're an optimist, and I'm not. But Kurusu-Kun, do they even know that you choose to spend time around me?"

With a sigh, Akira shook his head. "No, and...you're probably right. They only see the person you are on TV and, well, they don't like him very much."

Soon finishing off his food, Akechi stood up. "Don't take it to heart, I don't like him much either."

Akira glanced up at him. "Do you like the real version of yourself?"

Akechi walked around the bar to stand beside him. "Since when was this a conversation on self-esteem? How would you answer?" When Akira faltered, he nodded. "It's rather difficult to like yourself much when you're constantly hearing people speak badly of you, isn't it?."

He wasn't going to cry over this. Emotions were just running high, that was all. "You know what I did." A hand covered his, and Akira almost chuckled at the way Akechi seemed so nervous trying to offer comfort.

"I believe that whatever happened, there was more to the story than what the police reported. I'll admit, I was shocked at first, but you were so willing to see past first impressions of me that it's only fair I do the same."

Akira smiled, blinking back tears, and drew Akechi into another hug. He tensed up first, but was quick to melt into the embrace. Ryuji had never cared about his record either, viewing it practically the same way, but somehow this felt different. More personal. "Thank you."

It warmed his heart, feeling how quickly Akechi had been able to feel comfortable being hugged by him, and only by him. "It's late." Akira pointed out as if it wasn't obvious. "Stay here tonight. Boss won't mind."

Akechi drew back, arms crossed, and shook his head. "I can't."

Akira frowned. "The trains aren't running anymore. I can set an alarm early so you wake up in time to head home and get ready for school."

"I..." Akechi sighed. "If I stay, then..."

Seeing how much he was struggling, Akira nodded. "I get it, you have your reasons. The offer isn't going away, but I won't force you to give me an excuse."

"Thank you." Akechi relaxed a bit. "For everything. Your kindness means the world to me." He smiled softly. "Goodnight, Kurusu-Kun."

Akira returned the smile. "I think after your second time crying in my arms at night, you can call me Akira."

In the dull light, Akira wasn't sure if he was imagining the way Akechi's face flushed. "In that case, call me Goro."

Akira smirked, grabbing the dishes to clean them so he didn't get a lecture from Boss in the morning. "Good night, Goro. Be safe, alright?"

"I'll try my best, Akira."

All he could think about as Goro left Leblanc was how he wanted to hear his friend call him by his first name again, and the feeling that he should've pushed so much harder for him to confess what was wrong.