#I'ᴠᴇ ɢᴏᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴇᴘ -- I'ʟʟ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄʟᴏsᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇ (MɪɴᴀFᴜᴜ/Bʟᴜᴇʙᴇʀʀʏ Pɪᴇ Mɪɴᴀᴛᴏ x Fᴜᴜᴋᴀ)ᴠ: Tʜᴇ Fᴏᴏʟ's Nᴇᴡ Bᴇɢɪɴɴɪ

[dxfiedfxte]

Pre-Plotted Thread || @tacitusauxilium

It had been a long and painful journey, ever since that one night on the rooftop of the dorm way back last April, his life had never been the same, and for good reason. How does one try and return to living a perfectly normal life again after finding out you had powers that no one normal would ever get, fighting creatures that only you were capable of fighting, let alone literally saving the world and preventing the apocalypse from happening.

All were very good points, but the bigger question of everything was: How could he just lay here and accept his fate? -- an unfair destiny that promised him nothing but death -- and after everything he'd been through with his dear friends, only to be made a sacrificial lamb that would give up his life for the greater good. Minato knew what he'd be in for the very moment he signed that contract.

That was until he found out what the end of his fate had promised him, destined to be a heroic sacrifice and become stuck in limbo forever while he would have no but choice to watch his precious friends grow up, and live their young adult lives, maturing into adults without him. At the start, he understood his fate, but now, at this very moment, as he lays there, floating in this eternal abyss of darkness within where he would be confined to nothing more than a statue that stopped Nyx from breaking out and bringing the world to its final days -- it was a fate much worse than death. Knowing very well that he would never be able to see them again.. it broke his heart.

There was no way he'd allow this to happen, Minato couldn't stand the thought of being without his friends, being denied the chance to live his life to the fullest, high school had been a wonderful time in his life, but even he had future ambitions, things he actually wanted to do with his life, he wasn't going to accept this fate, no, he would never accept this fate.

Darkness.. all around me I can't see a thing... Everyone.. No.. it can't end like this... I WON'T let it end like this..

Millions of thoughts began to occupy his mind, so many more thoughts came to rise, filling his mind further and further with life, his calm mind becoming more and more restless with increasing thoughts before eventually, his mind could handle anymore, the distress of it all, caused a small crack to form on the statue, and upon seeing that, Igor quickly told Elizabeth to go to Minato, before his thoughts would become so great, that is would free his soul from the seal completely and render it useless, which would undoubtedly bring upon the end of days all over again.

Suddenly, a familiar voice speaks to him, shining a light down into the darkness that seemed to nearly swallow him whole, after carefully listening to the voice speak, he began to recognize whose voice it was, it was Elizabeth. It appears that the cards are working in your favor Your pleas have been heard, and you may ease your fears For it seems that fate has decided to smile upon you after all My, how exhilarating! If you truly wish to take control of your fate Then you must do away with the full extend of your power For changing fate, always comes with a price. Sacrifice your power of the wild card And your fate, and future, shall bud anew.

A golden contract appears in his hand, the paper being in his hands emitting a light that began to glow, illuminating his entire surroundings as he reached for the glowing pen, the moment he signs his name, the contract closes, and everything around him becomes a bright white, and a sparkling tarot card is suddenly pulled from his chest, the next thing he hears as the light began to surround him. I accept the contract. Take hold of your fate, and forge your own path with your heart as your guide. I look forward to seeing what happens next On this brand-new journey.

As Elizabeth's voice fades out, the bright white lights around him begin to wrap around him, and in a quick flash of white. Grey eyes slowly open, and he's met with the ceiling of a hospital he was all too familiar with, moments later, he takes a breath glad to be breathing life back into his lungs again, it worked, just when all seemed lost -- he was grateful to Elizabeth for giving him this second chance.

[{ 🦋 }] - "...I'm alive. Then, it worked!" The second he's fully conscious, it's there when Minato finally realizes that there was someone beside him, slowly turning his head to the side, he's met with a sleeping Fuuka, who seemed to have fallen asleep holding his hand. Reaching out with his free hand, he begins to give Fuuka a gentle shake on the shoulder, her small frame making it easy to shake her enough to hopefully wake her.

[{ 🦋 }] - "Hey, Fuuka-Chan. Fuuka-Chan.. you awake?"

[dxfiedfxte-a]

@tacitusauxilium || Thread Continuation From Here🦋

“Minato…” Fuuka looked up at Minato, her hand on his shoulder, and sniffed her nose once more. “…please don’t do stuff like that for me again. …or, at least not for a long time. I…” She still felt exhausted from losing Juno–or perhaps it was the depression creeping up behind her and gripping her heart and soul. “…just get better first, and then we will talk about the future.”

reHearing a knock on the door, Fuuka carefully climbed out of the bed, not wanting to get scolded, but still held onto his hand tenderly as she could see Mitsuru’s head popping into the room. She felt her heart sinking as she knew THIS would have happened eventually. “Good afternoon, Mitsuru…” She murmured as she was about to get up, but Mitsuru spoke to Fuuka, stirring her out of her stupor, and she grabbed it gently and put it in her pocket. “…thank you.” Carefully, Fuuka eyed Minato softly, worried that he might get his butt chewed out, but she smiled softly at him and began to leave the room, really hoping that she could keep something in her stomach, not knowing what the future may hold.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to talk to Arisato first, and then you. Go get some food–you look like you need food.” She stated softly, as Fuuka eyed Minato, gripping his hand tightly, and nodded slowly.

“O-of course…” She coughed softly and removed her hand from his, giving him a small smile. “I’ll be back. I promise.” Fuuka got up from her spot, reached for her wallet, and then realized that she didn’t have any money on her at all. Mitsuru noticed Fuuka looked a bit confused and then handed her a credit card. “Use my card–I don’t mind,” Mitsuru spoke to Fuuka, stirring her out of her stupor, and she grabbed it gently and put it in her pocket. “…thank you.” Carefully, Fuuka eyed Minato softly, worried that he might get his butt chewed out, but she smiled softly at him and began to leave the room, really hoping that she could keep something in her stomach, not knowing what the future may hold for them, especially her.

Fuuka may not have realized it, but Minato did right away, that whole situation took a huge toll on her, and while she did get some minor injuries in the process, it was the mental toll that it took on her that was hurting her far more than his injuries could. Whenever something bad happens to him involving her, Fuuka was always so quick to blame herself, even when it wasn't her fault, to begin with, how could she be blamed for being tricked into luring Minato over to his shadow self?

Minato's shadow took his form, no one would have expected his shadow to appear. Regardless, he didn't care that it was a trap, there was no way in hell he was going to let anything major happen to her, even if it had nearly cost him his life, it didn't matter, he would save her over and over again if it meant he could keep waking up next to her every day, he would do anything to keep it that way.

Fuuka was special to him, there was no sunshine in his life without her. For so long he wanted to fix things between the two of them, and make up for that time when he got absorbed in the fame that the success of his show had first gained popularity those several months ago. He was blessed to have been given a second chance by Fuuka, and it paid off, the two both of them, had never been stronger.

Life was beginning to become dull, even fame and fortune couldn't bring him true happiness, and he learned that through his reunion with Fuuka, and how much happier he was being with her compared to when he was still alone, lost in his popularity before he finally matured into realizing the truth about fame, that it wasn't as great as everyone thought it was.

Going places, it was hard to be seen as another member of society, always making him out to be some all-out celebrity, when in truth, he never considered himself a celebrity, just someone who had been fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to pursue a professional career in something that he truly had a passion for. Minato loved his job, but his love for Fuuka was far much stronger.

So when she got up to lay on the bed with him, Minato didn't hesitate to slowly shift a bit to the opposite side, allowing her more space to put her body fully on the bed, carefully adjusting as she gently rested her head on his shoulder, reaching up to slowly rest a hand on her back, listening as she confided his worries to him, and her concerns were definitely understandable, who would have thought Fuuka would lose the ability to use her Persona, it didn't make sense, for what reason did it happen? The worry was clear in her expression, he could see it in her deep blue eyes, and honestly, Minato couldn't help but be evenly concerned.

[{ 🦋 }] - "Hey, easy Fuuka, I know you're scared to tell her everything, but she needs to know, you don't need to be so worried, I don't think Mitsuru will be mad at you, because you didn't do anything wrong. If anything, my guess is that she'll want to know more details about my shadow, which means she's probably going to talk to me first since I'm awake."

Mitsuru was the head of the Shadow Operatives, but at the same time, she was still a close mutual friend of the couple's, just like everyone else in the reserve unit, and while Mitsuru was serious when it came down to talking business because she knew them on such a personal level, he had a hard time believing that she would be angry at Fuuka for something that was just out of their hands, as for what happened to Juno, that was something that neither of them could have seen coming, and he was pretty sure the older woman would feel the same.

The index fingers of his free hand continued to gently brush her hair, while the hand on her back caressed her gently, rubbing softly with his thumb as she expressed her thoughts on his near-death experience in lieu of saving her life.

[{ 🦋 }] - "No promises, I did what I did because I love you Fuuka, and I'd do it a million times over if it means I can keep you here with me."

Leaning his head slightly a bit forward, Minato plants a soft kiss on her forehead before shifting back to look at her.

[{ 🦋 }} - "But we are definitely talking about the future once this is all sorted out because, after all of this, you and I, are taking a vacation, I think we'll need it." He adds, giving her a warm smile.

All the access stress was really getting to her now, and at that moment, Minato wanted to do nothing more than give her all the answers to provide her with the sense of relief that she clearly was in desperate need of. Yet, he couldn't, he didn't know why either, who really would know? He hated the fact that was unable to ease all her worries. Only time would tell what happened next, he only hoped he could recover quick enough for whatever it was, hopefully, they would get the answers they needed soon.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and immediately, Minato knew who it was, Mitsuru, and low and behold, in she walked the moment Fuuka got off the bed to open the door, the redhead's booted heels clicked on the floor as she made her way towards them before stopping in place, looking their way the moment she stops in place, Minato felt Fuuka's hand tighten her grip on his, just slightly, he could tell she was on edge, so his thumb rubbed the back of her hand gently for added comfort as the redhead began to speak, this time shifting her focus to Fuuka, suggesting she eat, which was probably a good idea, with how exhausted and stressed she was, he doubted that Fuuka even ate, he appreciated Mitsuru for thinking of Fuuka's well being, proof that she wasn't mad with her in Minato's eyes, especially when she let her horror her card.

Watching the tealnette let go of his hand and move towards the door, his gaze followed her as she stopped to look back at him, giving her a smile and nod in return.

[{ 🦋 }] - "I know you will. Go grab some food, I'll be waiting right here for you."

Grey eyes watched his lover leave the room and close the door behind her, with Fuuka out of the room and getting herself a much-needed meal, Minato shifted his focus towards Mitsuru, preparing to give her all the information she needed.

[{ 🦋 }] - "Hey Mitsuru-San, you probably have a lot of questions, so then, where should I begin?"

[dxfiedfxte]

Tag dump part 1 Just ignore this post But enjoy Minato sarcastically sipping an extra large soda

[dxfiedfxte-a]

hey Minato, how's Fuuka doing?

The mention of Fuuka brought an immediate smile to his lips. Life with Fuuka had been nothing but special, he found life so much more exciting with her by his side. And not only that but being greeted every day when he returned home with that beautiful smile she always had -- the smile that he loved to see so much, it was like he was living in a dream. 

Life had been interesting already due to his choice of profession, but ever since he and Fuuka reunited and became a couple, life had truly never been better. Because of her, he always looked forward to going home after a long day’s work. In the past, he remembered returning home to an empty home, he was so glad those days were over and that Fuuka was with him in this new walk of life, and with her next to him, he didn’t have a single worry about the future, she was his reason for fighting, his resolve, his heart, and soul were all in Fuuka, he loved her so much.

[{ 🦋 }] - “Fuuka has been doing great. She’s been working from our home a lot ever since she took her leave from the Shadow Operatives. But things have been great here. So me and Fuuka are still going strong, and honestly, life couldn’t get any better than how it is now.”

[dxfiedfxte-a]

❓ (tacitusauxilium) [Not them, but really want to see this. Would've sent this earlier, but I couldn't find the ask button for SO long.]

Send ❓  and my muse will answer all questions honestly. || No Longer Accepting

Look @tacitusauxilium people didn’t forget about our two blueberries <3

Does my muse trust yours?  

[{ 🦋 }] - “Absolutely, I trust Fuuka with my life.”

Does my muse dislike yours?

[{ 🦋 }] - “I would never dislike her. I love her.”

Would my muse kill someone for yours?

[{ 🦋 }] - “If she was in danger and there was no other option, I’d easily do what I need to keep her safe.”

Would my muse kill your muse?

[{ 🦋 }] - “I don’t like this question. Why are you still asking? No, I would never do that.” 

Would my muse save yours?

[{ 🦋 }] - “In a heartbeat.”

Does my muse find your muse attractive?

[{ 🦋 }] - “Fuuka has always been beautiful, she became even more gorgeous with time and still has that amazing smile of hers that I’ve always loved.”

Is my muse disgusted by yours?

[{ 🦋 }] - “Why would I ever be disgusted with her? She’s my girlfriend.”

would my muse go on a date with your muse?  

[{ 🦋 }] - “We’ve gone on many dates already, but we always have fun together so I’d take her out anytime, as long as both our work schedules work, even if they don't I can just take a day off.”

would my muse kiss yours?  

[{ 🦋 }] - “We already have, lots. And honestly, I could kiss her over and over again.”

would my muse betray yours?  

[{ 🦋 }] - “No, I would never do such a horrible thing.”

my muse’s favorite thing about yours is ____

He smiles at the question, there was a lot to love about her, he could go on and on about everything he loved about the tealnette High Priestess.

[{ 🦋 }] - “Fuuka has always been the person I’ve spent most of my high school days with, there is a lot I love about her. I’ve already mentioned her smile, so one of the other many things about her I love. Well, she always knows how to cheer me up. Whenever I feel down, she can always lift me right back up again. Aside from her smile, I love that the most about her.”

the thing my muse dislikes about yours is_____

[{ 🦋 }] - “When you love someone, you love them for both their strong points and their flaws. you accept them for who they are as a whole. So I don’t dislike a single thing about her.”

[dxfiedfxte-a]

Name: Fuuka Yamagishi

Age: 19

Do you like to cuddle?: Yes!

Can we make-out?: Yes!

A night in or dinner out?: A night in sounds great!

Ice cream or chocolate covered strawberries?: Chocolate covered strawberries with whipped cream on the side.

What makes you a good Valentine?: I am a great listener and love to make you feel good after a long night. And I give really good back massages. :D

Would you cook for me?: I would really like that.

Would you let me cook for you?: If you have a death wish, that is. Otherwise, not yet.

Valentines Day Application || Still Accepting until Valentines Day.

@tacitusauxilium

Those few years ago when he first returned to Tatsumi Port Island, Minato could feel the ghosts of his past the moment he got off the train. In truth, he never wanted to come back here, but he didn't have much of a choice, he was lucky that a distant relative of his had given him money to come here so he could go to school, but it wasn't out of the kindness of their heart, Minato knew that it was just so they could get him out of their house, none of his other relatives gave a damn about him, his parents were his only family, and it had been so long since they tragically left this world, something that he'd never forget, he wanted to, but it would always be there. So when he was back in Iwadotai City, Minato had never planned to make friends with anyone, what was the point? Or so he thought. It would take some time, bit eventually, he had finally warmed up to everyone in the dorm.

Minato grew cherish his friends dearly as a whole group, they all meant so much to him, they had essentially become the family he always wanted to have again, ever since he day his parents were lost, life was black in white for him, void of any color or life. But his friends, changed that. While he loved all of his friends, there was one person in particular from the group, that Minato had formed a special bond with, and that person, was Fuuka Yamagishi. Something about her just drew him to her, whenever they spent time together, he felt like he could just relax with her, even the silent bits in between, weren't awkward, not at all, they were peaceful, with Fuuka, he could finally have peace and quiet, all the while still having good company with him. The more they spent time together, the closer they would get to each other.

And that was the majority of his high school years, he spent all his free time with Fuuka, and it was all, time well spent, she had become so important to him, that she pretty much had a piece of his heart wherever she went. 

When it came to Valentines Day, Minato never really cared for it , mostly because he had been very busy, as had everyone these days. So Valentines Day, sounded like a great chance for a date, especially with his busy schedule coming up the week after. Minato didn't really have anyone for that day, so when he found this application for him, he was pleasantly surprised, but happy when he saw Fuuka's name on the top, it was something he was definitely hoping for. The moment he saw her name, he got to reading. Even though most of the answers given by her were short, it was just fine, a simple yes or no, was all he really needed. Just being with Fuuka alone, was more than enough for him, especially since it gave him another chance to be with her. 

He’d honestly do anything to take back the time wasted after graduation, where he distanced himself from her, albeit unintentially of course, but he was lost and in need of motivation, It turns out, she was all the motivation he needed. A Valentines Date with Fuuka, sounded amazing, immediately he began to think of different locations to take her, places they could go, restaurants and diners they could eat at, and many more.

[{ 🦋 }] - “Cuddles and a Make-out? I think we have a definite winner already.”

[{ 🦋 }] - “Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me if its a night in or out, just being with you, is more than enough Fuuka.”

Fuuka was indeed a great listener, just like he was himself, something they had in common. Reading the part where she mentions she loved to make him feel good after a long night, brings a little smirk to his lips for a moment. He liked the sound of that a lot, especially with how draining some investigations were on him particularly the ones where multiple spirits used some of his energy to help manifest. So coming home to Fuuka after a long busy late night, sounded perfect, and the back massages, were a big bonus point, he did enjoy those.

[{ 🦋 }] - “I have lots of long exhausting late nights, so coming back to that, would be the best. I might be drained, but when it comes to you, I have endless amounts of energy!”

Minato remembered how terrible her cooking had been, it still wasn’t the best, but at least it didn’t have the capacity to kill someone anymore, Regardless, Minato knew his way well around a kitchen, and he’d be happy to cook for her.

[{ 🦋 }] - “Haha, don’t worry. I don’t mind cooking for us. I can even teach you too!”

All of this, was making out to be the perfect Valentine’s date, he just couldn’t wait to spent time with her again, he cherished every single moment they spent together, Fuuka, was the missing piece in his life, she made everything better by just being there next to him. She really meant the world to him.

[{ 🦋 }] - “There’s no one else I’d rather spent Valentine’s day with, than you Fuuka. I’m already looking forward to it, this will be the best date we’ve ever had.”

[dxfiedfxte-a]

✦✦✦ - Fuuka 

Fuuka continued to watch the movie with him, keeping to herself, and biting the inside of her cheek. Granted, she only wanted to put the movie on to get herself distracted from how high they were in the sky. Her free hand was playing with the ends of her shirt, knowing that while they are alone, with no cameras, no paparazzi, and some silence minus the engines roaring outside of the window, perhaps she could ask for one or two more things? Fuuka reached for the remote, becoming a bit daring and nervous as she felt her palms sweating, and turned to Minato. “I’m sorry I paused the movie, but I want to ask you something. And trust me, Junpei nor Yukari gave me the idea.”

She turned her body towards him, her knees in the couch, and her hands on her lap. It had been a while since they were alone, including the day or two she had of rest after the events that happened in Inaba the second time around. “Perhaps we could just have us time? I mean, I am perfectly fine with the movie and everything, but…” Fuuka placed a hand on his arm, her eyes and head lowered, as she felt a bit embarrassed and her cheeks turned a bit red. She didn’t know what was making her a hot anxious mess in front of her lover. “…maybe we could have a little fun before we land? J-just something small and something…clean-ish? I just want to be intimate before we don’t have the time at all?” Fuuka moved her head up slowly, her eyes eyeing his face meticulously, worried she might have just startled him with her small declaration.

[{ 🦋 }] - “I mean, I’d cry over a spilled full course meal, but not a movie.” He jokes, movies could definitely be emotional, especially if its displayed very well in the scene, but to cry because of a movie? It would need to be a pretty sad one to make him cry, he was so used to horror movies, and other scary-themed things involving the occult or the paranormal, so movies with sad moments didn’t really affect him much, if ever.

Minato had heard about this movie before, but never seen it for himself, he was more drawn to horror, anime or action movies, or documentaries about ghosts and other paranormal phenomena or beings, romances ones, weren’t the type he’d usually watch often, at least not by himself anyway. As it began, he settled in next to her, he began to watch the movie with her. So far, he was able to follow it, and it was a bit enjoyable too, though if he were by himself, he probably wouldn’t be as invested as he was in it right now here with her.

When she says his name, he listens intently to her words, a soft statement that he completely agreed with it, during their high school days, they were already put up with a situation where they could have potentially lost their memories, and to possibly have that happen again at all in the future, he couldn’t imagine it, he cherished all the memories he made, they were all too precious to let go of, at any age, especially the many more special moments he would be creating with Fuuka now that they were here, together again at last, and spending quality time with each other, something he definitely wanted to do more.

[{ 🦋 }] - “Yeah, me neither. We already could have lost our memories once, I don’t wanna go through something like that again.”

In the end, he still had no regrets on his decision to spare Ryoji and keep all their memories, that choice, had gotten them past the fall and this far down the road, because of that, they were able to be here right now, together a few years after graduation, and looking towards the future, he was blessed to have been given the chance to live on, given control of his own destiny thanks to the contract Elizabeth had formed with him.

His six Persona limit was something he was perfectly fine with, a small price to pay to continue living his life, no longer held down by the chains of his original fate that had predicted his demise, his sacrifice, the same fate that would have prevented him from being here. He couldn’t imagine the thought of not being able to grow up with his friends, especially Fuuka. Returning his attention back to the movie, he was only able to watch for about five more minutes before Fuuka suddenly pauses the movie. He was surprised, but didn’t really care , maybe she didn’t want to watch a movie after all, which was fine with him, as long as he was with her, it didn’t matter what they did.

So that was it, she wanted to spend more time being close with him. and since the two had complete privacy, why not have some fun? A chuckle as he turns to face her, grey hues focusing on Fuuka and her request, well, he was up for that, Minato pulled Fuuka onto his lap, his hands resting firmly around her hips, curiosity in his gaze.

[{ 🦋 }] - “Fun huh? Okay, what did you have in mind?”

[dxfiedfxte]

✦✦✦- Fuuka

From that day on, Fuuka came back every single day, right after school. She held his hand every single day, clinging onto any and all hope she had left. Though, the thought of him dying, again, was something she couldn’t get pass. If he died again, would she even want to continue living? Every day, she made sure to tell Minato about how school went, no matter if he heard her. However, on day 30, Fuuka felt herself become more exhausted from the constant train fare to see him. She might be eating less, wanting to save money for the fare, but knew that if she ate, she would possibly miss seeing him awake. She couldn’t afford that.

But, Fuuka was only resting her eyes for a minute. ...which turned into an hour. Her fingers clung softly around Minato’s warm, resting hand. Fuuka didn’t sense Minato awakening for the first time in months. It was possibly the first time in months that Fuuka was able to fall asleep WITHOUT medicine in her system. Of course, when she felt Minato shaking her, Fuuka mumbled weakly. “...let me rest...please...”

It took Fuuka a moment to realize that someone was calling out to her, and then she shot her head up quickly, her eyes darting around the room. Until she laid her eyes onto Minato’s gentle eyes. A light gasp escaped her lips, her bottom lip trembling. Fuuka opened her mouth, unable to form words, unable to speak, as she had to guide through the sorrow she felt for months. She closed her eyes tightly, the tears cascading off of her cheeks and onto the bed below.

“Minato!” She sobbed loudly, covering her face, trying to hide how ugly she was crying, right in front of her lover. Fuuka felt her hands getting covered in gross snot and tears that wouldn’t stop flowing. Fuuka thought the god above was torturing her. That this was just a dream, that you only get maybe one day with him--and yet, she was turning a blind eye to all of this. For now, she tried her hardest to choke back the sobs and tried her best to stop crying.

Now that he was awake again, it was time to try and see just how long he was in a coma, at this moment, he was very lost in time. Minato had many questions that needed answers, but that would have to wait for now as Minato saw his loving girlfriend in tears, based on how much she was crying, it was safe to assume that he had probably been out of commission for quite some time.

Looking down at her hand over his, explained the warmth he felt in his hand, even while he was still in the abyss of darkness that was previously his fated end, and now, a brand new beginning, a brand new day. He wasn't sure exactly how long he'd been here, but one thing was certain, Minato was fully prepared to finally enjoy his life, at last, he was free from the heavy chains of fate that nearly kept him in eternal darkness. Sure, he saved the world from an end, though the consequences of his actions, being stuck in shadows forever -- just weren't worth it. How could anyone live, watching their friends grow up in the hereafter? It was much too painful to bear.

Now that he was completely awake, he said nothing, Minato just remained silent, and instead just put his arms around Fuuka, pulling her close into a warm and very long overdue embrace, not letting go of her for even a second, he refused to let go of her. The first time they had hugged each other in a while.

The warmth of her small frame against him, the tight deathlock of a grip she had as she clung to him wasn't just a very special moment, it was also the final confirmation that he was here again, feeling her gentle touch --- an important reminder, that he was truly alive. Somehow, he managed to do the impossible, Minato had escaped the fate that had been handed to him, something that no other guest in the Velvet Room had probably ever done.

Fuuka was one of the main reasons he had fought so hard to come back, he had even hoped to spend the rest of his life with her someday. For now, he was going to enjoy this moment and relish it, this lovely feeling of having the one person that meant the whole world to him, hugging him tightly, holding him close to her again, showing just how much she loved him, just like he loved her. Within this heartwarming reunion, Minato leaned in to gently whisper in her ear, still keeping the tealnette firmly in his arms while being sure not to hurt her in the process.

[{ 🦋 }] - "...There's no way I was going to let the reaper keep us apart. There's no happily ever after without you Fuuka, you're my everything.."

It didn't matter if he lost the ability to harbor a new Persona if it meant he could be here back in her arms again, Minato would do it a million times over again just to be with her, he meant every word he said, happily ever after was impossible without her being right by his side. Life would never be as bright without Fuuka Yamagishi.

Whenever she was next to him, he felt like he could take on the world. He was counting his lucky stars to have been given this once-in-a-lifetime chance to rewrite his own fate. In the long run, being stuck with six Persona was a very small price to pay if it meant he got another chance to live. Several moments later, after everything was all said and done, he'd finally lean back a bit, still keeping his arms on her shoulders though, having his arms on her like this again almost felt unreal, though he was sure Fuuka wouldn't mind, besides, he wasn't going to just let her go completely, at least not in this tender moment.

[{ 🦋 }] - "...How long was I out?"