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

Farther Apart Than Ever

Akira just felt so drained. He was even considering cancelling hanging out with Goro, and generally he was willing to drop most anything to spend time with him. He'd actually managed to convince Morgana once to let him go out after hours in the Metaverse!

He, Morgana, and Futaba had left the festival early with the hope of discussing what had gone down. They were confronted by Sojiro the moment they walked into LeBlanc, however, because of the calling card he'd found in Futaba's room. Now, he knew that both of them(and Morgana) were Phantom Thieves.

It was an immense weight off Akira's shoulders, but it left him exhausted. Both Goro and Sojiro knew he was a Phantom Thief now, and he was so glad not to have to lie anymore, but he'd rather just sleep for the next twelve hours and not deal with anything more stressful than plugging his phone in tonight.

He didn't have the chance to even decide, though. As he and Futaba were upstairs letting the others know what had happened, the door to LeBlanc chimed. It would've been rude to cancel last minute, anyway.

Futaba tapped him on the shoulder, frowning. "You gonna be okay? You look blegh."

Akira chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry, I'll live. I'll text you if I need an out, got it?"

With a nod, Futaba spun to face him while walking back towards the stairs. "Noted!"

"Kid, your friend is here!" Sojiro called from downstairs. Akira took a deep breath and prepared himself mentally.

He and Futaba headed downstairs, and he saw Goro sitting at the counter looking just as weary as he felt. With a quiet sigh, he sat on the stool beside him. "Hey."

Goro had been staring down at his lap, a distant look in his eyes. He jumped slightly, head snapping up to look at Akira. His expression softened into one of concern and something that was hidden before Akira could place it.

"You look tired." Goro stated cautiously. He seemed on edge.

Akira crossed his arms, turning his body to face more toward Goro. "Have you looked in a mirror lately?" He quipped lightly, but it seemed to deflate him even more. He leaned forward some, frowning. "Goro, what's wrong?"

Goro shook his head. "I'd prefer not to talk about it, if that's alright." He tugged idly at the end of his coat-sleeve. "Are you alright?"

With a glance to make sure Sojiro was still busy getting food ready, Akira shrugged. "Boss knows I'm a Phantom Thief now. Futaba, too." He spoke quietly enough that Sojiro wouldn't hear. "He's not mad, but it was a tough conversation. He just wants us to be safe."

"You're lucky to have someone who cares so much." Goro mumbled. "I see why you're so tired now."

Akira wanted to say that no, he wasn't lucky. He'd found some amazing people in Tokyo, but he'd have to leave them in less than half a year. He'd have to go back to a house where he was hardly even acknowledged, a town that was probably glad he was gone.

Before he could say a word, Sojiro set plates of curry in front of him and Goro before bringing Futaba's to the booth she was curled in the corner of, intently staring at her phone.

Goro looked at his plate in surprise before turning to Sojiro. "Thank you. How much do I-"

"Kid." Sojiro cut him off with a sigh. "You're Akira's friend, and you look like you need it. If you still feel like you owe something, just keep taking care of him and making him happy. I can always tell when he's been hanging out with you, cause he comes home smiling a lot brighter." He cast a glance toward Akira, smiling. "Anyway, the both of you look exhausted. There's a bathhouse down the road if you just feel like relaxing after you eat."