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Akira hadn't thought seeing him in person would affect him as much as it does. After all, he's had two months to mentally prepare himself for this moment.

And yet, the sight of Goro Akechi, alive and in the flesh, perfectly put-together and looking like he was made to sit under the studio lighting, makes him feel... some kind of way. Unsettled, for sure, knowing what he knows now. Then again, there's a part of him that hasn't stopped feeling unsettled since he first (well, perhaps first isn't accurate) jolted awake to find himself on the train to Yongen-Jaya again. In one piece. Not bleeding out on the ground with a megalomaniacal pseudo-god bearing down on him. And, most importantly, as the only one with any recollection of all they'd been through.

It doesn't take Akira long to come to the most logical conclusion: That somewhere along the line, he screwed up. Somehow, it hadn't been enough, and now he has an opportunity to fix it—which would be a lot easier if he were to have some notion of what, specifically, he needs to fix, or even if this is a one-time deal.

At first, he tries copying his previous motions as closely as possible. People always talk about their regrets like they would change them in a heartbeat, given the chance, but the thought of altering the timeline as he knows it is overwhelming. The more Akira steps away from his previous path, the less accurate his existing knowledge may become, the bigger the chance that he may miss something important from the first time around.

That reasoning goes out the window pretty quickly. Akira finds that he can't watch Shiho Suzui jump off that building again, can't go through hearing that agony in Ann's voice a second time when he can so easily prevent it. So he stops her. It's what the Phantom Thieves would do. And things change... but not in a way that affects the flow of events in any profound way. Ann still stumbles after them into the Metaverse and finds the conviction to awaken her persona, somehow. He's not sure how it works out, but it does. What Akira does know is that fate is what you make of it. If he believes in his teammates, they'll end up where they need to be.

But for all of that, he still wavers as they're leaving the recording area. Up until now, the decisions to change things have been easy. Akechi, on the other hand... where to start? Is it even salvageable? Akira's not certain, but when he thinks of their last meeting in Shido's palace, Akechi's remark about the possibility of them meeting a few years earlier, the sounds of gunshots echoing from the other side of the bulkhead—he can't not try. It's not years, but maybe this handful of months will be enough.

Akira lets Ann go ahead with a nod, sliding his hands into his pockets as he tries to maintain his usual casual demeanor. Any moment now...

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"Glad you like it." It's hard not to be pleased when someone derives joy from something he's made—even Akechi, whose sincerity he often finds himself questioning. Akira would like to believe his expression is genuine. It lights up his face more than that made-for-television smile, anyway.

There's no doubt that Sojiro would have some choice words for him if he returned to find a mess on the counter, so Akira starts to tidy up where he just finished working, carding through the myriad of thoughts in his head. Normally he's content to let the other person set the pace of their relationship, to listen and offer whatever's needed, but this situation calls for a more active role.

"I'm curious about something, too," Akira speaks up after a few beats of silence, gathering up the things that need to go into the sink.

The lull in conversation as Akira start to clean up feels natural. Akechi doesn't try to fill it. He minds his own business for the time being, enjoying the coffee and reflecting that he really will have to come here more often. Interesting conversation and good coffee? Either of those on their own can be tricky to find. Both of them together is a rare treat.

The sudden interruption catches Akechi by surprise, but like usual he's quick to recover.

"Ask away. I'm curious to know what someone like you gets curious about." It's another one of his lame little jokes, though a bit more subtle than the usual ones.

Akira moves the things in his grasp to the sink before he continues his thought, wiping his palms on his apron as he steps back over to the counter.

"Do you ever take a break? You said this is your free time, but you're spending it talking about the case with me. Not that I mind," Akira amends, instinctively sliding his hands into his pockets. He takes care to make sure his tone doesn't sound judgmental—because it isn't, really. It's something he's genuinely wondered before: What in the world does Goro Akechi do for fun? For all that Akira feels that he'd come to understand about him in those final couple of months, there's still a lot about Akechi that's a mystery to him, and maybe that's a good jumping-off point.

Well that's... blunt, and once again unexpected. Akechi can't help but chuckle.

"This isn't relaxing to you?" He sounds like he's joking, but not entirely like he's joking. "It's true that I'm usually preoccupied with school and assisting the police..." And since he doesn't have any friends his age (or at all) and most adults don't want to hear about school, he defaults to his job.

Still, it's not like that's all he does.

"I like to find hidden gems and interesting new restaurants." Obviously, given that he's here. "And if I can, I'll spend my free afternoons at rock climbing gyms." Maybe he can be the one to surprise Akira this time.

It's not relaxing, would be his first thought, as would be probably anyone's in the same situation. There is something inherently not at all relaxing about having a conversation alone in a room with your attempted murderer.

And yet... despite knowing that, Akira does find part of himself at ease. The same part that legitimately wants to know more about Akechi, the same part that saw the parallels between them, the same part that felt a brief glimmer of hope right after their last battle.

His eyebrows notch up slightly at the last bit of information. "Hm," Akira sounds out, glancing over Akechi as if trying to imagine him rock climbing. Despite his initial surprise, it's easier than expected. "I've heard rock climbing is as much about strategy and technique as about strength... so I think I could see it."

Akechi's ready to be doubted, so the conclusion Akira eventually comes to just delights him.

"You heard correctly. Though when you say it like that, I can't help but feel like you think it doesn't suit me." Not that he sounds the least bit upset by that implication. Akechi knows how he looks, and he wouldn't guess someone like him would have a hobby like that, either. "You might enjoy it yourself, if you're ever curious enough to try."

"I think it suits you," Akira clarifies, but he doesn't elaborate any more than that. He'd have a hard time explaining that while other people might see him as the type to stick to mental exercises, Akira has witnessed Akechi in battle, both at his side and as his opponent, and knows the extent of his strength.

"I'll give it a try sometime." It would be a good non-Phantom Thieves conversation topic at least, and Akira's always up for trying out new things. "Maybe I'll request some beginner tips from you." The suggestion comes with a small smile.

"I'd be delighted to lend a hand." And he's even being honest when he says that.

The rest of his visit passes comfortably enough, with Akechi making mild conversation and not drifting back towards subjects as heavy as the Phantom Thieves. He departs with a promise to drop in again soon, and for the rest of the July he makes a point of stopping by as often as he can manage. Which is really only once a week, but still.

Medjed declaring war on the Phantom Thieves catches his interest, but he doesn't let it worry him. They'll be gone soon either way; the groundwork to murder Okumura and have the Phantom Thieves take the fall has already been laid. Akechi isn't happy about it, but he's not unhappy either, and it doesn't take long for him to decide it's fine. Okumura is just as corrupt as the rest of them, after all, and Akechi thinks he'll probably have targeted him after the fact anyway.

With his pursuit of the Phantom Thieves de-prioritized for the moment he's able to shift his focus back to more mundane cases. Which turns itself into an opportunity to reach out to Akira again. Akechi doesn't think twice before jumping on the opportunity.

It's an uncomfortably warm autumn evening when Akechi enters Leblanc and takes his usual seat at the bar. Akira isn't in yet, but since Akechi will actually order more than a single cup of coffee Sojiro doesn't mind him settling in to wait. So Akechi does exactly that, ordering a cup of coffee, opening his briefcase, and getting right to reviewing the information he's already gathered.

He may have pushed it too hard today, Akira admits to himself as he approaches Leblanc, exhaustion weighing heavy on his frame. At his insistence, they had continued on in Futaba's Palace, fatigued but spurred on by the information they discovered inside. The date of the supposed cleanse still looms safe distance in the future, but it's impossible to drag out the infiltration when he knows that Futaba is suffering by herself.

And, well, he misses her. If one thing is for sure, it's that this ordeal has made Akira realize exactly how much his life changes over his months in Tokyo. Being thrust back to the beginning, being alone again, dyes everything in stark contrast.

Akira is watching a stream of messages pop up in the group chat as he shoulders open the door the rest of the way, glancing up to return Sojiro's customary greeting, and it's when he does so that he catches sight of a familiar figure in the usual spot. A half-smile rises to the surface on its own.

"Hey." He casts a quick look over Akechi and to the papers on the counter. It looks like work, Akira notes with a small pang of disappointment. If Akechi is busy, the polite thing to do would be to leave him to it, no interruptions...

But he probably should butt in.

There's been progress during their visits, but it's slow, and Akira still doesn't feel like he's much closer to getting through to him. If anything, he can feel himself softening to Akechi's presence, the wariness melting away as he gets more accustomed to picking out which expressions are genuine and when he's simply putting on a front.

Letting the door shut behind him, Akira continues into the cafe and gives a nod towards the documents. "Phantom Thieves?"

Akechi's not the greatest as self-reflection, but just how much he's come to enjoy Akira's company isn't lost on him. He'd never thought he'd be in a situation where just seeing someone would be enough to improve his mood, but that's exactly what happens when he looks over and sees Akira walk through the door.

"Not this time." He's not surprised that Akira immediately assumes it's related to the Phantom Thieves, at least. They're practically all Akechi has worked on lately. "But it is something I was hoping to get your opinion on." After a brief pause, Akechi adds: "If you're not too busy, that is." He's getting back fairly late, and he already seems a little tired. Akechi won't be shocked if he needs to dip out.

It comes as a pleasant surprise that Akechi is asking for his opinion on a case other than the Phantom Thieves. Maybe things are going a bit better than Akira thought, if Akechi is seeking him out for input on his other work as well.

"I'm not busy." His tiredness has already subsided a bit, inexplicably. Akira slides his phone back into his pocket and claims the seat next to Akechi's, setting his bag on the floor to allow his passenger to slink off to the attic if he so desires. (Although, Morgana may want to listen in—he seems to be under the impression that these ongoing interactions are Akira's attempt to mine information on the investigation. He hasn't bothered correcting him; it's easier that way.)

Leaning forward, he folds his arms across the counter and peers over at Akechi. "Kurusu Consulting Service, open for business," Akira jokes lightly, prompting him to continue.

The news is good all on its own, and the joke just makes it better. There's no stopping Akechi's amused smile.

"I hope your hourly rate isn't too steep."

There's no stopping is unfunny jokes, either, but as usual he's quick to move on. His expression grows somber as he slips his papers back into his briefcase.

"I was reviewing the previous Phantom Thieves cases when I stumbled across some unsettling rumors about a man named Akio Kawanabe. Exploiting the artists he sponsors, demanding money to host their exhibits, accepting kickbacks from scholarships..." Pretty routine stuff, but especially alarming for one particular reason. "He and Madarame were fellow students, and remained colleagues in the professional world for some time after graduation."

Ah. That's one of the genuine ones. Akira can't help but feel a flutter of satisfaction when he draws a real smile out of Akechi.

But the feeling is short-lived. Akechi starts expounding the details of the case, and the name immediately sets off a blip on Akira's mental radar. Kawanabe...

That's right. The artist who offered to sponsor Yusuke. He doesn't seem at all like someone with ill intentions, but Madarame's front had been extremely convincing as well, so they can't discount the possibility. The thought of Yusuke being preyed on the same kind of person twice makes him feel sick, although Akira doubts he would just take it a second time.

"That's... troubling," he murmurs, propping his chin up in a palm. "He approached a friend of mine about sponsorship." There's no use hiding it, not when he knows that if Akechi digs into the details of Kawanabe's activities, it'll come up eventually. If it hasn't already, that is.

Akira already knows about him, huh? That makes things easier.

"Yusuke Kitagawa, I presume?" That's a name that's been on Akechi's radar for some time now. Partly due to his connection to Madarame, and partly due to his friendship with Akira. "Looking at the flow of money and established patterns, I believe there's a strong possibility that Kitagawa-kun is next on his radar. However..." Akechi sits back in his chair, frowning. "I lack any sort of proof, and I'm too well-known to easily gather more." He glances back to Akira again. "That's where I was hoping you might help."

Akira confirms his guess with a nod. No surprise that Akechi has already looked into things. Ace detective and all.

What's there to consider? It's Yusuke. Akira has to check in on this. On top of that, doing a favor for Akechi will surely win him some points. And, quite honestly, the thought of helping to bust a criminal the old-fashioned way is... kind of awesome. Not as grandiose as pulling heists in the Metaverse, for sure, but there's definitely an appeal to assisting Akechi with his detective work.

So there's only a brief moment of silence before he fixes Akechi with a resolved look and asks, "What do you need me to do?"

That's exactly the answer Akechi was hoping for - and though he's relieved to hear it this time he isn't surprised. Somehow he knew that would be his answer; now that it's been given he can't think of any other response that would have made sense.

"Ostensibly there's no connection between the two, but someone investigating the Phantom Thieves then looking into Madarame's associates is too obvious." He opens his briefcase agian, this time withdrawing a small folder. "The moment he realizes I'm nearby he'll know to cover his tracks. But you..." He slides Akira an amused smile. "... are just a normal high school student and friend of Yusuke Kitagawa. There's not a single suspicious thing about your presence." He offers the folder to Akira, though he doesn't explain it's contents yet. "I'm not asking you to put yourself in danger. But I'd like you to share any unusual observations you make about Kawanabe's actions the next time the two of you meet."

This is along the lines of what he expected Akechi to ask of him. Something not particularly risky, just simple reconnaissance—although it is a little amusing to hear Akechi imply that Akira might have reservations if it were dangerous. If only he knew.

"Sounds easy enough. You'll get the information you need just from that?" Akira questions as he accepts the folder. He's curious about the contents, opening the cover enough peer inside, though he glances to Akechi for the go-ahead before he gives it more than a cursory glance.

Akechi nods to give Akira the go-ahead to open the folder. Inside are a few sheets of paper covered with names, pictures, and conclusions, all linked together by arrows labeled with dates, percentages, and yen amounts.

"That's the idea." Akechi leans a little closer, pointing out the various players and explaining their connections. "If you follow the flow of the money there should be a discernible end point. But instead it just vanishes." And money doesn't do that. It has to go somewhere. "I'm close to having the full picture but there's still pieces I'm missing. If we can find those pieces then everything will fall into place."

He finds himself momentarily distracted when Akechi comes closer, acutely aware of his presence for some reason. It's easy enough to chalk it up to a lingering sense of caution around him. Rightly so, Akira reminds himself before refocusing on the documents inside. Flipping through them, he skims the information while mentally filing away the explanations that Akechi gives him.

"I see..." It sounds pretty cut-and-dry at first, but Akira sees now that this will probably involve him asking the right questions. It's unlikely Kawanabe would let anything important slip without prompting.

Akira flips the folder shut and sets it on the counter, and some of Joker's confidence slips into his voice when he speaks. "I'll get you what you need."

Maybe Akechi should find that unhesitating confidence off-putting - this is a case that's been giving him trouble, after all - but instead all he feels is relief. Just an hour ago he'd felt hopelessly stuck. Now he thinks there might be a chance.

"I'll be counting on you." Which might seem unfounded considering they haven't talked that much, but... "You have a way of drawing people towards you."

The faith Akechi puts in him brings a smile to Akira's lips, even moreso than the seeming compliment he drops after. Most people would probably question his confidence, but Akechi just accepts it, like he understands that when Akira sets his mind on something, he won't settle for anything less than the desired result.

"You think so?" He reaches up to brush his fingers through his unruly fringe. Sometimes Akira wonders if that's really the case, and it's not just that he's the one being drawn in. People in need of help seem to be a weakness for him, after all. Akechi might as well be Exhibit A. Akira's not sure he knows anyone right now who needs his intervention more than Akechi does.

"I know it." Now it's Akechi's turn to sound confident. "I don't know anyone with the sort of social circle you keep - or who carries a cat around in their bag." Morgana alone merits comment, honestly.

As does Akira's ability to not be constantly covered in cat hair, actually. Akechi would ask for advice if he had a pet.

"And that applies to me as well, of course." His tone is a little softer now. Not affectionate, but just a little bit fond instead of merely amused. "I've never met anyone quite as easy to talk to."

Without missing a beat, Akira deadpans, "He's my emotional support animal," but a cheeky grin soon threatens to break through, giving him away. He has to give Akechi that one, at least. Even he realizes that the cat thing is pretty weird.

His expression softens around the edges as Akechi continues. The statement brings back memories of previous time, one now lost, where he'd expressed a similar sentiment to Akira. His only response had been a quiet nod, still skeptical of Akechi's intentions. It feels so far in the past now, almost like a dream. Akira is grateful for the second chance to give a real reply.

"You can talk to me about anything, you know," he offers, making sure to keep his tone light. "Doesn't just have to be work."

The last time around (not that Akechi realizes it) he'd been willing to divulge information about himself and his past without much prompting. As he said, Akira is uncommonly easy to speak with. But now that the invitation has been extended he doesn't take the opportunity. It feels more like it's not his idea when someone else offers.

"One day there might be something besides work." But despite the joking reply there's something contemplative in Akechi's voice and expression. He's never actually had anyone he could just talk to. Maybe it'll be nice.

But for now, it's late and it's probably time to go. Akechi closes his briefcase again, though he doesn't stand to leave just yet.

"I don't think you'll need any help with this - but if you do, give me a call. Even if I'm in an interview I'll call back as soon as I'm done."

It's understandable that Akechi doesn't spill his thoughts at the proposal. There's no way it would be that easy, after all. Besides, Akira should be pleased enough with their conversation this evening. Small steps and all of that.

But the aforementioned conversation seems to be winding down now, so he nods his acknowledgement, promising to contact Akechi if he needs a hand (or rather, once he has the information they need, ideally) before soon seeing him out the door.

The first move Akira makes is offer to accompany Yusuke the next time he sees Kawanabe. After that, he just has to wait... and consider how he's going to bring up the data Akechi gave him in a casual conversation.

A few days later finds him in the middle of one of his usual rituals: his weekly tour of the Tokyo vending machines. Even after months in the Metaverse, there are things about it Akira doesn't think he'll ever understand—like why soft drinks seem to give them an unnatural burst of energy when there. Maybe it's a cognition thing? Who knows. They're cheap, and if he hits the machines on the right day, Akira can grab everyone's favorites.

He slides a can of Joylent into the extra bag he's brought along and steps away from the vending machine along the side of Central Street, pulling out his journal to peek at the list he keeps. Next is... the arcade.

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