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

Your Presence Makes Everything Better

When Goro noticed the varying levels of bewilderment across the others' face, he realized this wasn't a common occurrence. Akira, however, just looked proud.

When everyone started wandering to find a stall to check out, Akira fell in step with Goro.

"Congrats, she didn't even warm up to the rest of us that quick." Akira's pride was directed at him too, wasn't it? "Looks like you're not so bad at making friends after all."

Goro scoffed. "I doubt it's like that. She clearly cares for you, and because I seem to make you especially happy and have every intent to continue doing so, I've earned her approval."

He struggled between pulling his hand closer to himself and taking Akira's in his when their fingers brushed together, but Goro managed to act like nothing happened. "It does mean a lot, really. Not just to her, but to me, too. I'm glad you two get along, at least. Oh, and Futaba's approval is not something easily won, so don't sell yourself short."

Goro was glad they were in the back of the group so the others didn't see how close they walked. It was becoming less and less like two guys with mutual feelings dancing around a friendship that was closer than it should be after such a short time. No, it felt more like he and Akira may as well be dating already, that they both knew and were only waiting for the right time. He'd heard others his age call it the "talking stage" of a relationship, whatever that meant.

Because of how they'd looked at the two of them earlier, Goro suspected Akira's friends had realized the same. Worse, Goro worried it may not stay that way for long. He'd been putting off Akira's attempts to confess something big to him, with the excuse of work and obligations. Akira understood, at least. He never seemed angry, but Goro couldn't avoid it for long.

Takamaki led them to what was apparently her class's stand: "Maid Takoyaki" according to the sign. Goro kept his expression pleasant as best he could, even if he wasn't on TV or facing fans. He was suddenly glad he'd elected to skip his school's festival every year.

Goro decided to keep quiet as they were seated. He barely held back a scowl as the "maid" took their order. Both her attitude and the fact that they had practically nothing in regards to food were annoying. They ended up ordering, not that Goro had any intention of actually eating. 

He didn't offer any input as the discussion drifted to topics that clearly were linked to the Phantom Thieves. It would be incredibly suspicious had he not already know. He was shocked that not even Niijima was commenting on that. At least they seemed to be trying to act like it was nothing more than student gossip.

Before long, the takoyaki was placed on the table. It was Russian Takoyaki, apparently. He hadn't been paying attention when they'd ordered it. It seemed to be regular takoyaki, with one being special according to the "maid".

After she left, Sakura piped up before anyone could say speak. "Since Akechi-Kun is the festival's guest, he should get the special one."

Goro looked at her in shock, seeing she was smiling. "That really isn't necessary. Please, I don't want any sort of special treatment."

"C'mon, don't be like that!" Sakamoto grinned. "Let's just call it a celebration for your first time hanging with all of us, yeah?"

Goro still hesitated, but Akira's challenging smirk caught his eyes. "Please, Goro?" Now that was just unfair. Goro swallowed his reservations and glared at Akira.

"Fine." He picked up the red takoyaki and popped his in his mouth all at once. He regretted in before it even touched his tongue, however, automatically jumping to his feet. He chewed it quickly, ignoring the discomfort of swallowing it a bit faster than he should've.

Goro didn't quite register what everyone was saying as pained tears sprung to his eyes. His throat and mouth burned like he'd just eaten a ball of fire, and in regards to his tolerance for spice, he may as well have.

"I'll be right back." Goro choked out before walking as quick as he could towards a bathroom. It was a seemingly harmless joke, he understood. Especially because Akira had joined in, he didn't believe there'd been any sort of malicious intent.

Thankfully, the bathroom was empty as Goro stumbled to the sink and tried to get a much water down his throat as he could drink through cupped, trembling hands. It didn't help enough, anyway.

Goro braced a hand on the wall above the sink as he turned it off, coughing heavily. He felt nauseous, spicy foods did trigger that oftentimes. Before he could stagger to one of the stalls, a face appeared beside his in the mirror. He jumped initially, but almost immediately recognized it as Akira. Of course he'd followed, what had Goro expected?

"Shit, I'm so sorry, Goro!" The apology fell from Akira's lips with what Goro noticed was fear. "Are you okay? I swear none of us knew you were so bad with spice."

Goro steeled himself what little he could before wiping his face and turning to Akira. He was still in tears, lips parted as the heat slowly died down. "I know." He managed to say. "I'm not blaming you, you all were just trying to have some harmless fun."

"It's not harmless!" Goro realized Akira was on the verge of tears too. "I should've thought it through, you got hurt because of me."

Goro's brows furrowed. He placed his hands on Akira's shoulders with a frown. "I'm fine, Akira. You're right, I hate spicy foods, but it's alright. I'm not expecting you to predict every outcome, you already do what you can to ensure my safety, and I'm grateful for it."

Was...was this what he'd done to Akira? Combined with the stress of leading the Phantom Thieves, most likely. That hurt more than the takoyaki. His friend was close to breaking down over something so insignificant, clearly projecting his fear of letting someone get hurt because of him again. Even if it wasn't his fault in the first place. 

Goro hugged him tightly. "Akira, is there something going on?" He asked gently. "You're blowing this out of proportion. You know you can tell me if something is going on."

"Can I tell you later?" Akira sniffled. "We should go back. I'm sure the others want to apologize too."

After considering for a moment, Goro shook his head. "I think I'll be taking my leave, actually."

Akira pulled back, looking guilty. "Oh, okay."

Sighing, Goro wiped the tears from Akira's eyes. It was incredibly intimate, watching Akira lean into his touch without a thought. "I'm not upset, alright? I feel a bit out of place around your friends, though I'm sure it isn't intended. You'll see me again tomorrow, though. Why don't we hang out after the festival then?"

That seemed to cheer Akira up. "That sounds great, I'd love to. Can I tell you what's been on my mind then?"

Goro chuckled. "Of course. There's actually something I intended to tell you tomorrow, so that works well. There's a chance we even have the same thing in mind, in fact."

It slipped out, but it wasn't untrue. Based on how Akira had been treating the subject, he assumed his confession would either be of feelings or his identity as a Phantom Thief. Potentially both. Based on how Goro said it, Akira would likely assume his was the former. 

Once they parted ways and Goro had left the school building, he noticed the burning in his mouth had been reduced to a dull yet persistent sting. He'd completely disregarded his own pain the moment Akira had displayed his own. Interesting. He hadn't even felt nauseous anymore. Goro had thought he knew himself rather well, but Akira seemed to prove him wrong every day.