Bond Of A Gentleman Thief

Bond of a Gentleman Thief

*Requested by: @chapik123 | AU where Arsène becomes his own being both in and out of the Metaverse.

Fandom(s): Persona 5

P5 Protagonist/Joker x Fem Reader

Arsène & Fem Reader/Phantom Thieves of Hearts

Summary: A typical relaxing day in the Phantom Thieves’ lives with Joker’s former Persona, Arsène. And as once a part of their leader, he loves you just the same.

One-Shot

Content: Fluff, romance, humour, alternate universe, playful flirting, platonic relationships, established relationship.

Warnings: None.

Main List | 𝐉𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫 | AO3

If Joker had known that the strange Shadow they were facing gave random status effects—one of which could separate a Persona from its' user, he would've taken the time to reconsider his targets. This was not what he and everyone else were expecting when they decided to do some training in Mementos.

When Noir had been hit, she was influenced by Sleep in the middle of the fight. Skull was taken by Freeze, and Panther had Paralyze. It was a prolonging battle, but just as Joker made his All-Out Attack, the Shadow somehow landed a direct blow in exchange.

"Joker!" Mona shouts as the other thieves looked at their leader in worry. Joker's chest felt tight, along with a strange headache. He had to lower himself to the ground so he wouldn't collapse from his condition.

You immediately rushed to his side and supported him as he tried to gather his bearings.

"Aki..?" you spoke softly as your brows furrowed in concern. Saying his real name showed your deep worry for him.

"I.." he trailed off, clutching his shirt and holding a hand to his forehead.

The team gathered around to check on him, all three status effects had already been removed, but they didn't know what was happening to their leader.

"I don't know what's going on! These readings don't make sense!" Oracle exclaimed.

Suddenly, Joker's mask began to light up in familiar blue flames before it went over to the rest of his body, leaving you to let him go, backing away with your teammates as the fire became larger.

"What the hell..?!" Skull says in shock.

Chains had suddenly sprouted up, and soon the large flames moved from Joker's body, towering over him instead. Arsène's black wings came out and dispersed the fire completely, leaving the Persona to fully appear.

"Arsène..?" you let out in confusion.

"But Joker didn't even take off his mask!" exclaims Mona, wide eyed. "A Persona can't just show up on its own!"

Joker's pain had now faded away, and he was able to stand up again. You went and helped him, putting his arm over your shoulders to support his weight. Joker was now facing his first Persona in the eyes, disbelieving when seeing the sight for himself.

It was after that that Akira's life took a turn. He was always able to feel Arsène at the forefront of his mind outside the Metaverse. The noiret could sense the Persona's reaction to certain things. Like when he checked out an Arsène Lupin book from the library the first time or when you'd come over to see him alone in Leblanc or out on a date around Tokyo. Akira figured that the reason for Arsène's fond reaction to you was because of his own feelings.

From what Mona and Igor had told him, Personas are the manifestation of thought that comes from deep inside a person's heart. And there wasn't a doubt that Akira’s love for you was the same, he never thought that his Personas would be kind of influenced from it.

"You're going to be late for school if you don't go now~" Arsène says lightly, fiery eyes glowing with a bit of mirth. Akira wasn't sure if he could still reach into his mind like he used to.

After what happened in Mementos two weeks ago, it came to the thieves' realization that Arsène had somehow separated himself from Akira. He could appear in the real world on his own, which startled the group greatly when they saw him show up after a flash of blue flames in Leblanc one day. Morgana needed to take a breather when it happened.

No one was sure if Arsène still counted as a Persona anymore with how materialistic he was. Luckily, to Sojiro and other civilians Arsène was invisible. They couldn't see, hear, or feel him in any way. Morgana theorized that it was most likely because of the Metaverse. Since the thieves have been there and were Persona users, it'd make sense that they'd be the only ones to notice him. Futaba thought to call Arsène a ghost for it. Ryuji went for demon, considering how the former Persona still had a connection to Akira, the noiret was probably a lifeline for his existence still.

Having Arsène around wasn't a bad thing, he never showed up during class or out in the open when Akira and Morgana went out on errands. But he would pop up occasionally when Phantom Thief business would be discussed or to just have a leisure hangout. Plus, he helped the Wildcard in increasing his Charm and Kindness. You enjoyed his flirting and doting either way.

What turned out to be a random team up with Akira's Persona had become a unique and fitting dynamic friendship with everyone.

"Okay, so Operation Babe Hunt was a fail, but this time we have a shot!" Ryuji said enthusiastically. It was the weekend, so the group came together to spend time in Shibuya. The girls went off to do some window shopping, which included bringing a reluctant you along with.

"But why am I here? I already have a girlfriend." Akira reminded blankly. Though he knew you wouldn't take Ryuji's dating search seriously.

"I know." the blond groaned. "What's with our leader having all the luck?"

"Is this really something important enough that we have to do again?" asked Yusuke, uninterested. "I would've much preferred going to see any art supplies that can be sold here."

"I don't understand why I'm here either." Akechi added with arms crossed, hiding his irritation behind a smile. "If you haven't noticed, I have some paperwork to get to."

"Oh come on!" Ryuji says, eyes begging. "You can't just leave me on my own, this is a group effort." he turns to Akira. "Besides, since you already have a girl, you could be the wingman."

Akira's face doesn't change, "Why not just ask Arsène?"

The Persona appears as soon as his name was mentioned, startling Ryuji. "To catch a woman's attention should begin with a gentleman's behaviour.”

"That's asking a lot for Ryuji." Morgana comments, sticking his head out of Akira's bag.

"Like you have any room to talk." retorts Ryuji. "For a so called gentleman yourself, you can't seem to turn the cat charm on Ann."

The feline gave a fierce glare, ears pointed up. "I'd be better than a brute."

"You—"

"Let's settle down, yes?"Arsène interrupted calmly, flapping his wings forward in between Akira and Ryuji. "There's no need for such a dispute."

"You can finish your petty little fight out of the public eye." Akechi stated bluntly. "It would make things much easier for us to not be stared at like freak shows."

Ryuji just stared at the male, annoyed. "I figured the Detective Prince would be a total chick magnet, but thinking about it now, it was probably a bad idea."

"I would think that Arsène's opinion on gaining a relationship would be a preferred choice." Yusuke inputs thoughtfully. "His assistance has helped (Y/N) and our leader's own romance grow further."

Akira's body slightly jolts as he turns to the artist a little frazzled. Yusuke had admired the love between you when you both revealed to your friends that you were dating. He even made a few painting of you and Akira modelling for him as inspiration. Of course Arsène came to see them, including the process. Together they were an unique pair. They bonded with their formal speech, and the perspectives Arsène gave him in art.

"We're not in the 20th century." Ryuji declined. He wasn't about to have Akira's old Persona/demon coach him in the ways of getting a girl. The two came into banter over Ryuji's habits, like slouching and way of speaking, though not seriously butting heads.

"You wound me, monsieur." chuckled Arsène. "Ladies still do find chivalry to be an attractive trait."

"Ugh..." The blond's face remained flat when gazing at the demon levitating above them.

"This is going to take a while.." Akira says to the other males as they watched Arsène and Ryuji bicker back and forth again.

"You looked like you had a fun time." you say amusedly, standing in his room.

"That's one word to describe it." your boyfriend sighed, lying on his bed, face free of his fake spectacles.

Your friends had gone out to gather their things for a studying session. As the first to arrive, you went to meet with Akira.

You give a small sympathetic smile as you walked up to him, taking a seat while placing his head on your lap. Akira held a look of contentment and softness at you. Your hand moved to run through his soft messy black tresses, you found a love for touching his fluffy hair.

Akira glides his own hand into yours before lacing your fingers together. Turning your intertwined hand to where he was faced with the back of your palm, the noiret pressed an affectionate kiss to it. A light blush rose to your cheeks at the gesture.

"Always the romantic, huh?" you said, heart fluttering.

"For my Treasure, definitely." he responds, tons nonchalant, the casual debonair that he was.

You lean down close enough to where your noses lightly touched. Akira's other hand came to cup your cheek, encouraging you further to his lips. Just as you two were about to kiss, a familiar presence came to his room.

"Of course, he has some help along the way, chérie." Arsène spoke, humour in his fiery eyes as he disrupted the moment.

Akira groaned quietly as his head plopped back to your lap. "It's nice to see you again, Arsène." you greet calmly, with a faint regaled smile.

He bowed with a hand to his chest, "It is always a pleasure to be graced by your arrival, chère rosé."

The noiret eyes the demon sharply, "Hey, there's only one phantom thief in her life you know."

The entity only lets out a laugh, "Ah, there is no need for agression, you are my creator after all. My adoration for our dame voleuse is from your own heart, I assure you." with the flap of his wings, Arsène is in front of you and Akira. He takes his clawed hand and holds your human one, fragile and all flesh. He delivers his own kiss to it, where the flames behind his piercing smile gave you a gentle brush.

"No Trésor could compare." cooed Arsène.

You give an expression of amusement, you were used to Arsène's natural cunning and flirtatious behavior. He showed the most personality out of all of Akira's Personas. When Arsène brought this side of him to the team the first few times, they weren't sure if he was serious or playful.

Ann was taken aback by it, replying with dry responses to his words before getting used to how it was just who he was. She helped settle the demon down from his eccentrics. He and Haru became close over their dark tones that hid behind kind demeanours. Makoto gave lighthearted debates over law with him. Futaba adored the former Persona, in both fascination and personal likeness. She wanted to broaden his views of modern life. And Arsène displayed a more softer side towards the youngest member, they made a mischievous pair.

But of course, there was you. You were the Wildcard's lover, the object of his affection. Arsène wondered if you knew just how strongly the boy felt for you. You were sweet to the ones closest to you, whether it was noticeable or not. A formidable and reliable Persona user who always had her teammates' back. Akira has never loved anyone in the past as much as he loves you now. And you shared the same feelings, it wasn’t exaggeration for you to claim that no one could beat Akira in your love life.

Arsène naturally held some of Akira's love for you when he separated from him. Which meant that no matter the bonds he had with the girls, which are genuine to him, the demon would always be devoted to you. He shared Akira's romanticism, proving a close resemblance to the Arsène Lupin from the books with his gentlemanly manners. The former Persona's charm was filled with honest adoration. You took it in fondness for him, finding light humour in his antics as well, including his teasing to the noiret for doing so. You'd even play along to Arsène's jest, which made him consider you a femme fatale in those moments. It allured both him and Akira upon this side of you.

"That can be debatable." the noiret says impassively, narrowly gazing at Arsène.

"There's never a dull moment with you two." you muse, shaking your head.

Soon Morgana came in, his paws lightly pattering against the stairs as he made his way up. "Hey Joker, Akechi's here. He says he wants to talk to you about something. He seems.. disgruntled." the feline's face showed a look of pleasant surprise when noticing you. "Oh, Lady (Y/N)! I didn't realize you were here so soon."

"Hey, Mona." you slightly wave. Akira reluctantly sits up, away from your lap. He scratches his head, feeling exasperated over the double interruptions.

"Akechi never misses a cue, huh?" Akira replies dryly, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

A small laugh escapes you when seeing Akira's pout. To make your boyfriend's mood better, you give a kiss to his cheek. "We can spend time together later. You should go see what Akechi wants, you know how he is with you."

Akira's lips make a line, looking only half unmotivated to go, but his steel eyes soften for you as he stands up and adjusts his clothes a bit. You turn to Morgana with inviting arms, to which he happily accepts, scampering into your embrace.

"A friendship like theirs wouldn't be without settling oppositions." remarks Arsène. The rivalry between those two boys was basically the foundation of their relationship.

"That's an understatement." you sigh.

The noiret puts his glasses back on, moving towards you, he holds his hand out. You take it, both gazing at each other sweetly. It left you to carry Morgana with one arm as you both made it downstairs; Arsène following behind.

Akechi was seated at the bar as Sojiro stood behind it, going over his daily task. When seeing you all, the older man gestured his head to the detective.

"I'll leave you guys to talk, I'm closing up so make sure everything is clean and tidy after your friends are gone. Don't forget to lock up." and after a few minutes, Sojiro flipped the door sign closed and left.

"Pardon the intrusion." spoke Akechi, holding an easygoing smile. "I hope I didn't disrupt you two."

"Did you come for some coffee before going about the evening?" Akira plainly asked the brunette with a raised brow. The noiret wonders if interrupting his time with you was what the detective hoped for.

Akechi chuckles lightly in response, "Leblanc's coffee is more so a bonus. I was thinking of having one made by you as repayment for bringing me along with your friend's shenanigans."

You sweat drop, expression blank as you feel Akechi's mild chagrin. Morgana only gave the detective a wary look, hopping onto one of the stool seats.

Akira turns to you with the shake of his head before letting go of your hand to move behind the bar. Putting on his green apron, he began to prepare Akechi's drink.

"A penny for your thoughts, detective?" Arsène inquires amusedly.

Said teen regarded the former Persona carefully. ".. I'm merely expecting a beverage in return for wasting my afternoon in witnessing your lecture to Sakamoto."

"The boy has much to learn if he wants to reach a lady's heart." Arsène simply states.

"I'm sure Ryuji will figure it out eventually." you muse, the back of your hand resting under your chin on the counter.

"Who knows when that's gonna come." Morgana comments slyly.

"Here you are." Akira places the warm cup in front of Akechi.

"You have my thanks." the brunette nods.

"Hey!" Ryuji greets, coming inside, with the others following behind him.

“Sojiro texted to let us know the café was still open.” notified Futaba, waving her phone. As she and Yusuke didn’t attend the same school like everyone else, they had no involvement with the homework.

“We should keep everything to a minimum, we wouldn’t want to inconvenience him for trusting us here without his supervision.” Makoto advised.

Ryuji raises a brow at Akechi, “I think none of us were expecting see you twice today.”

The brunette gives a tight grin, “I just came for some compensation from your leader after the hours you’ve made me give up.”

“Hey, I didn’t drag you along outta force!”

“That defence is rather weak.”

“Why don’t we get started, yeah?” you offer, defusing a future argument.

“You guys can take a seat.” said Akira, following your lead. “Do you want anything?”

“A coffee does sound nice, thank you.” Haru nods appreciatively.

“I for one only came for the café’s beverages.” Yusuke bluntly said.

Futaba nudges him with her elbow, “Just sit down and help, all right, Inari?”

“That name is always unnecessary!”

“Guess we have to study now…” Ann sighed.

After delivering everyone’s orders, the group gathered at one of the tables with open books and paper. You and Akira naturally sat together. Arsène went to look around, levitating above you all.

“Thieves aren’t thieves without knowledge.” the demon muses. “Anything can become useful.”

“You say it like it’s easy..” Ryuji slightly slouched.

“Arsène makes a valid point.” agreed Morgana, as both different beings that originated in the same reality, they got along well. “Studying has proven a great strength for the Metaverse.”

“Um, how do you do question 7 again?” asked Ann, looking over her textbook.

“Here, I can teach you.” Makoto says, turning to help the blonde.

“Thanks.”

“For a high school student yourself, you show no indication of it.” Arsène notes to Akechi.

“I make sure to balance both school and detective work is all.” the young male answered.

“And putting Persona user in the mix doesn’t always make things easy.” Arsène gestures to Akira. “Take my creator for instance, he has a habit of self-neglect with so many things on his plate.”

The noiret narrows his eyes at his former Persona, stoic.

“But of course our autre moitié and confidants always bring him back to his senses.” a tiny blush sweeps Akira’s face at the sentence as you brush a lock of his curly hair gently. A smile graces your lips, feeling shy at another of Arsène’s casual declaration of love for you. His French pet names are evident for one.

Akira gives your thigh a light squeeze from under the table, tracing your knee with his thumb. The noiret’s gaze is open and honest to you behind his spectacles.

“Perhaps you need to learn how to slow down from work.” inputs Arsène. In hindsight, he acted as a parent/guardian in some ways.

“I’m perfectly able, I find time to be more worthwhile in what I do now.” Akechi would be described as the cliche stubborn and distant child. Though Arsène doesn’t mind it.

“I’m not sure if I find their dynamic more interesting than Arsène and Ryuji’s.” you chuckle.

“I think so, too.” Morgana licked his paw.

“We aren’t that interestin’!” objected Ryuji.

“Deny all you want, you two give us quite the show.” Futaba replies, humoured.

“It is hard not to watch.” Haru joins in, a small giggle escaping her.

“Your personalities clash in a unique setting.” Yusuke notes to her. “Something pleasant on the outside that actually hides shared desire for danger. Quite frightening.”

“Arsène’s need to analyze for any loophole of the law fits with that as well.” sighs Makoto. She goes to stare at Akira after. “He gets it from someone.”

“Only the less obvious person would be it.” Ann laughs.

“But that’s what makes me fascinating, no?”

You lean to your boyfriend’s shoulder, “We’re an intriguing bunch, huh?”

Akira slides his hand to yours, “Yeah, but we make it work.”

#𝟭 𝗙𝗮𝗻-𝗮𝗿𝘁/𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸

𝐌𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 ‘𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 || 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲’.

On Wattpad, AO3, and Quotev.

This is the first artwork I have made public as an example to what the Reader would dress like, with me as an example. I was skeptical on whether or not to post it here since I was not too into the results, but I figured why not. Maybe over time my skills will improve; making digital art is different compared to paper to me.

i’m now an arsene stan bc of you SOBBING. I want a thief to pick me up from my balcony and whisk me away into the night.

Really? I’m glad my writing was able to do so. I honestly never expected to influence someone’s interest in a character, especially Arsène, whether it’s Persona 5 or the original source material by Maurice Leblanc. Arsène has always been a sort of underrated character in both fandoms.

In the beginning I thought to just make a P5 Joker x Reader centric blog because I loved the franchise. And he was a character who I was confident enough to write about, despite being controlled by the player, he does have his own personality and characteristics. There was also the fact that I wasn’t really into a lot of other fandoms/characters that didn’t catch my interest or motivation. It wasn’t until other writers from Tumblr and AO3 wrote about Arsène and Sataneal that changed my mind. They’re much better at writing those two than I am (including being especially slow in updating).

The thought of a love story with a thief who lives in a more different and adventurous world is kinda cliché but also a compelling fantasy.

𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝟲/𝟭𝟮/𝟮𝟰

[ 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 ]

Wattpad | AO3 | Quotev

Regarding Requests [ ʀᴜʟᴇs ]

[ 𝘅 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 (𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 | 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹) ]

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𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 – To Be Released

| 𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙊𝙉𝘼 5

𝐏𝟓 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭/𝐉𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫

| 𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙊𝙉𝘼 3

𝐏𝟑 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭

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𝐙𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢

| 𝐑𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 Books - Rick Riordan |

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧

| 𝗗𝗖 |

𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲

𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞/𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐧

𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐝

𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐳 𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Fandom(s): Persona 5

P5 Protagonist/Joker x Fem Reader

Summary: Akira always knows the way to your heart, he proves just that by doing something to cheer you up from a bad day.

One-shot

Content: Fluff, romance, comfort, established relationship.

Warnings: None.

Main List | 𝐉𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫 | AO3

It was a slow day for Leblanc as the sun began to set. Akira has been helping Sojiro with the customers for the most part since it was a Saturday. For once in a long while Akira’s schedule was cleared, with no plans made he pretty much had the time to himself. No homework, no phantom thievery, no social link rank ups. He decided that he wanted to spend his rare day off with you, his girlfriend.

Considering that you two still had some things to do, you both decided to meet up once the cafe was closed for the day. As the last customer headed out the door, you entered with slowness in your steps, carrying a small bag of essentials. You’ve spent many nights at Leblanc many times already, occasionally borrowing Akira’s shirts that were a little big on you for comfort wear. But you still needed your own clothes. He looked up from his task work to see you, his usual calm expression changing to one of softness and adoration. Which he only ever showed to you.

“Hello, Treasure.” he greets once you took a seat at the counter. Reaching a hand out to rub one side of your cheek.

“Hi, Aki.” you say quietly, immediately leaning into his warm touch with eyes closed, looking content.

“Hey, no PDA in the cafe while we’re still open.” Sojiro scolds playfully. He could never really find it in himself to actually say no to you two. You were pretty much his number one regular, and he grew to be quite fond of Akira. Sojiro always thought that you two worked well with each other, not that he’d say it out loud.

Akira reluctantly moves his hand away, going ahead to make you a cup of your favourite drink. You rest your elbow against the counter, leaning your head on an open palm. Eyes slowly closed with a peaceful expression on your face. The aroma of coffee in the air is comforting, especially with the calming atmosphere in the small establishment now that the customers all left.

“I’m closing up shop. Make sure to keep your mischief behind closed doors.” the man said before finishing up his duties and taking his leave.

“Oh, Lady (Y/N), are you spending the night?” asks Morgana, coming down from the stairs. Jumping onto the counter, he then slides into your lap, giving a purr of approval when you scratched behind his ear.

“Yeah,” you answer. “Is that okay with you, Morgana? I remember when that old mattress used to be cramped with all three of us together.”

It was no secret that you actually hated Akira’s makeshift bed. If it should even be called that. It was just a single sized mattress with two large crates holding it up. The frizzy haired male’s blanket wasn’t even all that thick enough for a chilly winter. When you came to his room for the first time, your attention could only be trained on how poor his sleeping conditions were. You didn’t hold back from telling your lover that it wasn’t good for him to continue slumbering on it for nights on end.

Akira understood what you meant, it wasn’t the greatest thing to sleep on but decent enough. He really doesn’t get tons of rest anyways because of all his dream trips to the Velvet Room.

If there was one pet peeve Akira could only list out about you regarding anyone, is that you hated slouchers. He did have an instinctive habit of lowering his posture as trying to avoid any attention the other students were always giving him. But after bonding with you, Akira soon learned to straighten his back better. It was just one of the things that you’ve helped him out with. Whether it was big or small, the two of you were always able to balance each other well, taking notes of any bad habits.

You especially didn’t hold back from talking to Sojiro about Akira’s bed issue. Holding a dissatisfied expression strong enough to make even the older man nervous. Futaba even chimed in, supporting your opinion on the matter. A week later, the young wildcard finally got a functional and real bed to sleep in with Sojiro’s permission, along with you and the phantom thieves’ help. Though Haru mostly stepped up to the plate as a token of gratitude for helping her.

“You don’t need Morgana’s permission for that, love.” Akira says lightly, handing you the drink he finished making. Which caused Morgana to give the teen a small look of annoyance, to which the male responded with a tease of a smile.

“Can’t you two behave?” you ask with a slight hint of amusement in your voice.

Akira had taken notice of the light bags under your eyes that seemed to dim down, your movements were more sluggish. A frown seemed to be more permanent on your lips. His brows furrowed at the thought, his mind tracing back to anything else you’ve been off about.

During school when you and the noiret were able to spend some time together, which was rare considering the meet ups with the others, you’d lay your head on his shoulder for a short nap. He had no complaints, happy to share these moments with you, no matter how ordinary it was. But you looked so drained and downtrodden for the past few days. Your eyes were a bit hollow, body tense until you’re in close range of Akira’s presence. Despite his obvious worry, he was nevertheless happy that you were more at ease and honest of your feelings with him.

The two of you never really needed to talk in order to understand what was going in your lives. Physical contact was the strongest love language in your relationship. There was never a moment where you didn’t know the troubles going on in your lives, even when apart.

It seems strange to have that knowledge when it came to experiencing romance for the first time. Everything was new and unfamiliar. That’s usually what sparked the saying that first love doesn’t usually last. But when it came to you and Akira, it all felt natural, working like a blend of colours.

Finishing his final task for the day, the frizzy haired male took off his apron and walked around the counter to stand beside you. He quickly thought of a plan set in his mind to make you feel better. Morgana jumped off your lap, letting you rise to your feet. Your cup now empty and put away.

Akira gave you a soft smile as you leaned your body onto his arm, placing a cheek to his shoulder. Ignoring Morgana’s complaint of acting like lovebirds in front of him, the noiret pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead.

“Come on, Treasure. I have something for you.” Akira said softly.

Looking slightly confused, you nevertheless agreed, going up to the attic once Akira turned off the lights, taking yoour bag with you. Morgana trailing not so far behind.

“What is it?” you ask, looking around the room before his face.

“You’ll see.” is all he responds with, a hint of mischief in his tone.

“I’ll leave you two alone for now.” said Morgana before giving his leader a stern look. “You can do whatever you want, but I’m coming back for curfew, got it?” he empathized before making his way back downstairs.

Akira lets out a sigh, “He’s always so strict.”

One side at the edge of your lips moved upwards in form of a small half smile. “Well someone has to keep an eye on you.” you replied lightly. “Morgana’s responsible is all.”

The frizzy haired male looks to your face now, gray eyes twinkling behind those false spectacles of his. “Why would I have him to do that when you’re here instead?” Akira says, tone a bit flirty. He held up your hand that he still held in his grasp up to his mouth, laying a kiss against the back of your palm.

Your cheeks dusted a bit pink, finding it hard to look at his face. Akira was a true trickster, no doubt. To many others, he was calm and rational, keeping an expression that was hard to tell what he was feeling. But he knew how to read others and communicate with a variety of people. Though Akira may not seem like it, his leadership skills always showed at an appropriate time. In Mementos however, his personality took a shift. His Joker side came out, confident and suave with a level head no matter the situation. He was also more flirty, which is always directed towards you, in or out of the Metaverse. He really was like Arsène in many ways.

It told you enough that Akira was as comfortable around you as you were to him. And that fact brought butterflies in your stomach every time.

Akira lets go of your hand once the two of you stood in the middle of the attic. He takes your bag for you, putting it beside his bed. When he was reached near his desk, he removes his glasses, placing them on top. The noiret then fishes out his phone, turning it on he starts scrolling through it, seemingly looking for something.

You tilt your head, brows furrowed at your boyfriend’s actions, but decided to let him do whatever he had planned.

It only took a moment, but once Akira found what he was looking for, his let out a small smile. A slow song began to play out loud from his phone, surprising you slightly. It was soft and mellow, creating a relaxing atmosphere over the silence of the room.

The noiret then turns and walks over to you. Standing directly in front of you, you could see Akira’s face more clearly now that those black frames were gone. There was a loving expression on him, gray eyes twinkling as the smile on his lips stayed.

With an open hand reaching out to you, his other forearm went behind his back. Akira gave a slight bow, where his forehead almost touched yours. His attention only on you, observing the small confusion you held at his gesture.

“Care for a dance, Treasure?” he asks.

Staring at your lover’s offer for a second, you accept, placing your own hand on top of his. A sudden shyness overtaking you when he pulls you closer. Akira moves your arms to wrap his shoulders while he held onto your waist.

The two of you danced slowly in sync to the gentle flow of the song. His cheek rested on top of your head as your ear was pressed to his chest, paying close attention to his heartbeat. Akira’s embrace was warm and inviting as it always was.

Your eyes closed at the tender moment shared between you. By this point the night was beginning to set, a soft light shining on you and Akira from the window. The scenery made it even more tranquil and everything sweet that left you wanting to melt. If you could only do anything forever with him, this would be it.

Akira then gives you a twirl, which transitions to a dip. Staring into each other’s eyes, love is reflected between them, faces soft and unburdened.

“I love you, Treasure.” Akira whispers.

“I love you, Wildcard.” you say back.

He brings you back up, reaching one hand to rub the back of your head as the other rested on your lower back. Akira leans his forehead to touch yours, this was the part where you felt nothing but contentment.

Morgana pops his head up to check in after a while. When he saw the small waltz you two were doing, he couldn’t help but look relaxed. He kept his distance to not ruin the moment, choosing to wait until the dance was over to come in.

“You really know how to get to my heart, huh?” you said with a small giggle.

Akira smiles pleasantly, gaze holding the playfulness of his phantom thief counterpart as he admired the sky light. “Of course, what thief would I be if I didn’t know my Treasure?” Your lips soon connect, moving slow yet passionate, attention solely on each other as everything faded into the background.

“When you need me I’ll be there. Okay?” says Akira when you two pull back to take a breath. “You don’t have to hold back when you’re with me, no matter how ugly it is.”

You look at him in wonder for a moment, understanding that he referred to the bad times you’ve been feeling lately. Akira really was something else. Your eyes soon became glassy, a deep exhale coming out as you throw your arms around his neck to pull him closer. Akira reciprocates it just as strongly. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted from your being, letting you be completely open with him.

“I won’t.” you assure before the two of you continued with your dance, basking in each other’s touch through the night.

𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝

Fandom(s): Persona 5

P5 Protagonist/Joker x GN Reader

Summary: You suddenly wake up in fear of being in one of the Shadows’ violent attacks again. Luckily, his presence is there to ground you.

Drabble

Content: Fluff, comfort, established relationship.

Warnings: None.

Main List | 𝐉𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫 | AO3

There’s a tremble in your shoulders that he noticed. Your hands were gripping the blanket in such a strong hood your knuckles turned white. Akira’s brows scrunched with concern as he observed more of your actions.

The two of you were at your place for a relaxing day to spend together. You spent time watching a few movies, playing video games, talking, going through the group chat in discussion of the Phantom Thieves’ next heist.

Late afternoon came by when the two of you took a nap together, lying on your bed in a cuddle.

It was peaceful at for the past 20 minutes until Akira woke up hazily to see you. Your breathing was deep, your body couldn’t help but turn over many times.

He reached a hand to brush your hair to soothe you. It already dawned on him that you were having a nightmare. And he already had a feeling on what it was.

“Treasure...” Akira’s smooth voice gently calls out.

That single word was enough to jolt you awake. Startled, you immediately sit back up and dart your eyes around the room for any suspicious movements, face in a slight panic with your body still trembling.

Your lover didn’t hesitate to embrace you, chin resting on the top of your head.

“It’s only me, (Y/N)... No one else, okay?” Akira rarely ever calls you your name unless he felt the need to.

Rubbing a hand down your back, he made sure not to linger on the healed scar for too long.

Your body seemed to ease better once you realized it was only him, and relaxed despite the small tears threatening to fall.

“Just listen to my heartbeat, Treasure. And you’ll know it’s real.” he whispered.

Feeling Akira like this, you’re met from fear to peace.

“T-thank y-you..” you manage to whimper out.

His only response back is a kiss on your forehead.