#takes places a day after makoto ask ren to move into a apartment with her in the future

[symphonic-scream]

Hi sorry if you've already gotten an ask about it but I'd LOVE to hear about the okujima single parents au!! Your aus are always great!!

Hehehehehe alright lemme piece my thoughts together for this

So. Yes. The au. Let me start with Makoto's side

Without the intervention she got in canon, she did go on to be a cop. However, early on in her career, she took part in a car chase that ended with a rather horrible accident. Not only did her partner get injured, and the crook killed, but a young family had been involved. Both parents died, leaving their infant twin sons

Makoto, was in a rough place cause of that. But she was determined to outdo the harm she did with good, and sold her apartment, motorcycle, and turned in her resignation. She moved back in with her sister, and fought to gain custody of the two boys she'd inadvertently orphaned

So there she was. Raising identical twins Akira and Ren, trying to give them everything they deserved and more. She got a job as a librarian, and a service dog for PTSD! Johanna. Of course. She works just down the street from where the boys go to school, and she spends all the money she earns on them first. To the point where she's got a floor mattress and they have very nice beds

She hasn't dated, since. Well. Ever really, just a few nights out with a woman or two while she was still an officer. That all changes when she meets her sons' first grade teacher

(psst. That's Haru!)

Let's jump over to her side of things

Haru was engaged to Sugimura, just as in canon, but this time they actually were married. When Haru was 16. In part because he pressured her to do things, and it resulted in. A scandalous pregnancy

She's 17 when her daughter is born, and her has tears in her eyes as she gets to name her. The father is no where to be found, angered at news of anything other than a son. Haru traces wrinkled little features, and signs the birth certificate with shaking hands

Kotone Okumura.

Over the next two years Haru fights for divorce, aided by her father after some time. She's ecstatic the day she wins full custody of Kotone, and they even get a restraining order. Kunikazu covers all her expenses, including their apartment, Kotone's clothes and food, and Haru's night classes. It's not long before she finishes high school and gets her teaching credentials

Fast forward to the time she meets Makoto. Her daughter is 14, and she's never had any interest in the parents of her students. Nothing clued her in that this time would be different! She just called to have a meeting with Akira and Ren's mother to discuss her suspicion of. ADHD behaviour

But the most attractive woman she's seen in a long while slips into the room, a shepherd dog tied to her waist, a worried look on her face. Oh, and nothing got Haru's heart going like a properly concerned and involved parent!

They talk throughout the year, with Makoto volunteering for field trips and always picking the boys up in person at the end of the day. Haru makes sure her students know not to bother the "working puppy", and she starts stopping by the library more on her own

Kotone is super weirded out cause. She's never seen her mom show any interest in a real person before. Ever. She and her friends (the rest of the P3 crew) investigate Makoto by following her around at the library and shit

They don't get together that year. Haru is strict on herself with her rule to not get involved with her students parents. But the day Akira and Ren move up to the second grade, she's pulling Makoto aside to ask her out, leaving a lingering kiss on the edge of her lips

That night Makoto scrambles to call her sister to ask for some cash to at least get herself a box spring. Or anything to make it look like she's not waving that red flag high. Sae makes a big deal of it cause her baby sister is finally taking care of herself,,

And yeah. They date. Akira and Ren already love Haru, and tease their mom a lot. Kotone takes a bit to get used to Makoto, but having someone make her Mama so happy can't be bad at all

So. Yeah. Uhm. There's more but that's the summary lemme know what y'all think!!

[candidateofloyalty]

For the ao3 wrap ask: 22 and 25 please?

25. Free space: Recommend a fic!

I'm going for please don't take off my mask, which manages to take my favorite things about the Persona 5 protag being a silent protagonist and examine them in a fic in which he speaks regularly. The Akechi POV is also really good, capturing the feeling of being 17 and convinced you're irredeemable because you're rude and angry (and also maybe a serial killer but don't worry about that). It does have some non-violent gore but that's all part of the Palace so it's not happening to real people. Also the imagery of it rules.

22. Share a deleted scene, if you have one.

It's not really a full scene but here's the opening to a fic I started about makoharu moving in together and then totally lost track of where I was going with it (under the cut for your sanity).

AO3 Year In Review

They’d talked about living together for college, giggling and a little loopy from staying up too late, but Maruki’s nightmarish paradise had them both ready to move up the timetable. They hadn’t spoken about it directly. Haru just invited Makoto over to look at apartment listings the first chance she got.

Makoto thought that maybe she was having trouble readjusting to living alone. That was certainly something Makoto could understand - a week of having her own fake father around had been enough to rehaunt the apartment she and Sae had spent years exorcising.

By mutual agreement, they didn’t commit to anything before the 3rd. They knew Maruki wasn’t influencing the Thieves' cognitions anymore, but still, it felt like tempting fate. This was supposed to be the bridge to the future, and it needed more solid foundations than the ever-shifting Metaverse.

Of course, neither of them had fully realized the implications of a world put back to rights. Without a Goro Akechi to confess to everything in Ren's place, the leader of the Phantom Thieves was quickly swallowed up by the criminal justice system that had tried so hard to devour him in the first place. It was hard to feel like celebrating a new beginning after that.

Haru would have backed out at that point. It wasn't so long until college, really, Mako-chan. It made sense to time a lease to the academic year anyway, so Makoto wouldn't have to juggle coursework along with moving. There were a number of perfectly good reasons for her to keep drifting through the remains of her former life.

Makoto wouldn't have it. Haru had a lifetime of practice justifying her own discomfort, and even with Milady's help, old habits were hard to kill. Makoto knew that better than anyone, and if she could provide a baton pass against this one, so much the better.

And so it was that, on a cold day in late February, the two of them went to the furniture store in Kichijoji. Haru had suggested they look through catalogs, apparently unaware that there was any other way to shop for furniture, but Makoto wanted a chance to test things out and see them in context. Besides, she thought to herself. It would be good for both of them to get out for the afternoon. They'd been so focused on the campaign to get Ren released, and as important as that was, it was exhausting as well.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #469: Wholesome GroupChat Shenanigans (Persona 5 x SSBU)

Ann: You guys, it finally happened!

Makoto: What finally happened?

Ann: Lucas finally called me and Shiho "Big Sis" for the first time!! :D

Haru: Awww~

Ren: Nice.

Makoto: That's so sweet.

Ryuji: Oh yeah. I forgot the kiddo went to Shiyuba with you guys for the weekend. How's he doing?

Ann: He's doing great. Me and him are watching some T.V. while Shiho make breakfast for us.

Ann: Lucas wanted to say hi to you guys. So I'm having him join our chat.

The Precious Sunflower has joined the Chat.

Lucas: Hi guys!

Makoto: Hello, Lucas :)

Haru: Good morning sweetheart

Ren: Lil' Bro!

Ryuji: LIL' BRO!

Lucas: Big Bros! It's so good to see you guys! :D

Ren: Likewise, little man :)

Ryuji: How's the weekend with the ladies going along? They're not boring you too much there, are they lol?

Ann: >:(((

Lucas: Be nice, Ryuji. They're not boring me at all. I'm having a really great time with the both of them so far.

Makoto: That's good to hear. We're glad you three are enjoying your time together.

Ann: Tell me about it. We're planning on taking another scroll around town after we finish with Breakfast.

Ryuji: Sweet. We went to this pretty cool fireworks show in Smash Town last night.

Lucas: Wait..... There was a Fireworks Show yesterday? I didn't know that.

Ren: Yeah. I only knew about it in the last minute or two. We're supposed to go back there tonight for an Encore. Maybe you guys can come with

Lucas: Only if Ann and Shiho is okay with going too.

Ann: Anywhere you want to go is totally okay with us, kiddo. We want you to be happy and enjoy yourself :)

Lucas: Thanks, Big sis! You guys are the best! :D

Haru: Awwwwwww~

Ann: Uploaded Selfie with the Precious Sunflower.jpeg

Ren: Now that's just adorable.

Haru: Goodness. Now I know how you feel when you witness something so precious, Ann-san~

Makoto: Yeah lol. Even I have to admit that this is too cute for words.

Ryuji: You know, the more I look into this pic, I can definitely see you guys actually being related lol

Lucas: Well despite our hair color being different from one another, I wouldn't mind having someone like Ann as my big sister.

Ann: Sweetheart.....I wouldn't mind having you as my little brother too :'D

Lucas: Oh no! Did I made you cry just now?!

Ann: Aww~ Don't worry, kiddo. I'm not actually crying. It's just a emoji I just made is all lol.

Lucas: Ohhhhhhhhh....I see. Lol Sorry about that.

Ryuji: No worries, Lil' Bro. Your big sis' always get overdramatic in stuff like this.

Ann: Be very lucky that I'm at mines and Shiho's apartment right now with Lucas, Sakamoto!!! >:(((

Ryuji: Oooooooooh I'm so shaken lol

Lucas: Guys, come on. Please don't fight.

Haru: It's okay, Lucas-san. They're not actually fighting with one another.

Ann: Haru's right, kiddo. We're just messing around like we always do.

Ryuji: Yeah, man. It's all good. We promise.

Lucas: Okay. I believe you guys %100 :)

Ann: Thanks, sweetie.

Makoto: Okay. Now with all of that out of the way, I believe I have announcement to make.

Ren: Wait. Makoto. You sure you wanna do this?

Makoto: Yeah. Or at least I think I do. We do have to tell them about this eventually after all.

Ren: Well, okay. Just know that I'm right here to support you.

Makoto: I know, 'hon. Thank you :)

Ann: Alright, you two. What's up?

Ryuji: Yeah. What's the announcement?

Haru: Is it serious?

Makoto: Not necessary. But it is something I need to tell you guys.

Ann: Well don't keep us at suspense, Queen. What's the news?

Makoto: Okay. So.....Me and Ren talk about a few things last night at the Fireworks show together and......We both decided to move into apartment together in the near future!

Ann: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!!!!!

Ryuji: FOR REAL?!!!!!!!

Haru: Oh my!

Lucas: Really?!

Ren: Yep. It's the truth. We just enjoy each other's company so much that we actually wanted to move in together someday.

Makoto: When we're in our early to mid twenties and getting the hang of college. We know it'll be challenging in some areas, but as long we got each other backs, I fully believe that we can make it together.

Ann: Oh...............My............GAAAAWWWD!!!! You guyssssssss!!!! THAT'S AMAZING

Haru: That's wonderful!! I'm so happy for the both of you! :D

Ryuji: My bro's about to grow up.... I'm already so proud! :')

Lucas: That's sounds really great, you guys! Congratulations! :D

Makoto: Thank you guys so much. Truth be told, we're both kind of nervous about the whole thing.

Ren: Yeah. Neither of us want to mess it up or anything, you know?

Ann: Ah don't you two worry. Like I said before, Shiho and I live together on a apartment for the summer. So we can try giving you guys some pointers.

Ryuji: Plus, you really don't have to worry about all of that right now. We're still high schoolers, remember? We have a few more years ahead of us.

Haru: It's best to live the present life to the fullest instead of worrying what would be like in the future.

Makoto: I suppose you all are right about this. We have been thinking about this all day and everything....

Lucas: Hey, Ren, Can I ask you something?

Ren: Sure thing, Lil' Bro.

Lucas: If you and Ms. Makoto are going to move in together someday, don't you guys have to get married first?

Ren: AFGHHCGHFJNN

Makoto: JVGFGCZZGNHF

Ryuji: LMAO Ah man I knew this would happen eventually!!

Ann: Lucas, sweetie, I think you might have broken our Joker and Queen just now lol

Lucas: Sorry, Ren and Ms. Makoto! I didn't mean to break you.

Ren: It's alright, kiddo. Really. Your question just took us by surprise is all.

Makoto: Ren's right, Lucas. There's no need to apologise. And to answer your question: Couples in their twenties doesn't have to be engaged in order to move in with one another just yet.

Ren: Plus, we're wayyyyyy to young to get married now.

Makoto: That's right. Plus, I really don't think your two moms would be too happy of us doing so in our current age, Ren.

Ren: Well I know Goddess Mom would scold me to the heavens about rushing ourselves in a marriage. Not entirely sure what my Witch Mom would do though....

Makoto: It's best not to worry about that. What you DO need to worry about is that sneaky little gremlin grinning at us from a distance.

Ren: No...... Makoto, please tell me you don't mean.....

Makoto: Yup.

The Oracle has Joined the Chat

Futuba: Oh Big Brother Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen~

Ren: Oh God. What, sis?

Futuba: You and the Queen are about to move in together in the future?~

Ren: Yes.......Yes we are.

Makoto: It's the truth.............. You're gonna start teasing us nonstop, are you?

Futuba: What do you think? >:)

Ren: Crap.

Ann: Hey! No swearing in front of our Sunflower, Ren! >:(

Bonus

Lucas and Ashley Chat Message

Lucas: Hi, Ashley!

Ashley: Hello, Lucas. How are things going in Shiyuba? Has Ann and Ms. Shiho has been treating you well?

Lucas: Shiyuba is amazing so far. And Big Sis Ann and Shiho are great too.

Ashley: Already starting to call those two your big sisters, huh lol?

Lucas: Yeah. But I'm not complaining lol.

Ashley: I know you're not. I'm really happy for you, Lucas.

Lucas: Thanks. So how are things back at the mansion.

Ashley: Hectic as usual. Everyone there has already started to miss you though.

Lucas: Aww...Tell everyone I missed them too, okay?

Ashley: Got it. But.......I miss you a lot more, you know? :(

Lucas: Awwwwwww.....Ashley....I miss you a lot too. But I'm promise we'll see each other again later on today.

Ashley: Wait. Seriously?!

Lucas: Yeah. We're going to a Fireworks Show on the town's beach tonight. It's actually an Encore show since we didn't go there yesterday.

Ashley: What a coincidence lol. We're actually going there to the Encore show too.

Lucas: For real?!

Ashley: Yep. Hopefully we can see each other then?

Lucas: You got it! I love you, Ashley.

Ashley: I love you too, Lucas. And until we see each other tonight, keep having in Shiyuba for me, okay? :)

Lucas: I will! :D

@keyenuta

@26shann

@princeoflions123

@cyber-wildcat

@chompycroc

@albion-93

@miki-13

@ma-lemons

[toku-explained]

The New Swordsman of Void

Heroes' Odyssey: Zero explains how two years after Tiga defeated Gatanothor at R'ly3h, Camaerram Darramb and Hudra revived, then the battle between the dark giants and light giants, and Tiga reappearing as Tiga Dark. Battling Darranb, Tiga absorbs his power to become Tiga Tornado and defeat him, struggling with Hudra, he manages thanks to Iruma to absorb his power and evolve to Tiga Blast and defeat him. Battling Camaerra, he evolves to Mult-type to protect Rena, but Camaerra becomes Demonthor. Defeated, Tiga is granted power by the remains of the fallen giants of Light, and as Glitter Tiga defeats Demonthor. Afterwards, Zero, Z and Tiga see us off.

Saber: Storious now has the books for Storious, Legeiel, Zooous as well as Omni Force, now having the power of 4 of the Five First, needing one more. Tassel promises Luna they'll meet Touma soon, but he needs a moment. Desast questions what Storious is planning. After a celebration at Northern Base, Tassel appears there. Ren wonders where Desast is. Hearing Storious intends to end the story, Desast intends to stop him so his own fun can continue, transforming into the new Falchion to battle Storious. Tassel explains to Tiuma about his past, Touma's future, the Tome and Wonder World. Viktor was an explorer, trying to find the source of all knowledge, he and 4 friends hoped to bring about a world free from things like disease and suffering. One day, Luna's ancestor appeared to him, granting him the Tome and creating Wonder World from it. He brought his friends there, and they all discussed how this was the start of achieving their goal, but then Storious, Legeiel and Zooous were seduced by it's power, each tearing out a page which became their Alter Books and made them the Megiddo. Storious, battling Desast, makes clear he's been working toward this from the very beginning. War broke out, and "Sophia" split the Tome into many pieces, ending her own existence, but the war continued, Viktor and the First Master Logos dividing the remains of the Tome between them and going their separate ways. Storious goes on about the beauty of endings, and how he's seen Legeiel, Zooous and Izaak's, and now, via Charybdis, it's Desast's turn. Touma questions why Tassel didn't use his power to end the fight, but Tassel explains he cannot affect their world as a result.p of receiving power, as Mei goes right through him. Desast finishes Charybdis, but it's like him and revives. Tassel has only been able to watch for 2000 years. He found hope when Luna appeared and chose Touma, but Izaak manipulated Kurayami 's visions to bring about the events of 15 years ago. Touma will receive power when he meets Luna again, but he will then fade from this world, no one is happy with this. Storious goads Desast by threatening Ren, leaving him open to an attack from Charybdis that partly consumes Desast's book, Desast defeats Charybdis and flees. Touma says he'll see Luna, but will change his fate and stay with everyone. Tassel decides it's time to fetch Luna, while Touma seeks Ren. Charybdis, at Storious' becking, begins moving places into Wonder World. Ren asks Touma why he's so strong, then asks if he will disappear, Touma swears not to, then heads off, Desast then appears to Ren, holding his own damaged book. Charybdis tears apart dimensional walls as Ogami and Daishinji arrive, Charybdis fights them as Storious enters Wonder World. Touma arrives, the 3 Swordsmen all dual wield to defeat it. Desast tells Ren to fight him or die, as Tassel returns home to find Luna gone, and Storious arrives.

Zenkaiger: There's spooky times afoot at the elementary school, Magine jobs the kids to investigate, followed by Kaito and Vroon. Zyuran suspects Tojitendo, but Yatsude isn't so sure. Flint and others trip over invisible objects, Zox spots the culprit, Tomei World (with some The Invisible Man designs) and starts fighting, the Zenkaigers have to come help before reaching the school, Gaon uses Zyuran as a shield, getting Zyuran and Zox's siblings turned invisible. Boccowaus doesn't care much for the plan until Gege supports it, but Barashitara and Ijirude both see this as his mood improving. Magine is upset about the fact it's likely the mysterious happenings are caused by Tojitendo, feeling the kids will be disappointed it's not a real haunting, but they decide to use Zyuran's current state to give the kids something to investigate. Zyuran causes chaos in town heading for the school, as does Tomei World, Twokaiser battles him. Magine is furious about having to disappoint the kids again. Tomei World makes the Kudakks invisible, allowing them to overpower Zox, when the Zenkaigers arrive. Magine is terrifying here. Zenkaiser uses Sun Vulcan for a Sun Vulcan Ball with Vroon and Gaon on the Kudakks, while Magine and Zyuran smash Tomei World. The Tojiru Gear flies up to the previously invisible Kudaitest, which becomes Dai Tomei World. Due to a number of invisible structures ZenkaiOh ZyuraGaon struggles, and then Zyuran is made invisible again, making Zenkaiser visible. ZenkaiOh VrooMagine takes over, joined by Twokai-Oh Riki. Zyuran splits from Gaon to attack invisibly, Dai Tomei World removes his own bandages to also be invisible. Magine's magic allows them to see him to hit him. They find the kids, who have still managed to see spooky activity in the school, Zyuran managed to do it before turning visible, but sees a real ghost while the others head to school. Stacey doesn't know what he wants anymore.

Spectre + Blades: The 2 remaining followers of Danton are determined to capture "Léon" to achieve perfect evolution, turns out they have at least 4 of "Kanon" all desperate to find him, a hooded guy watches. The real Kanon arrives from Ganma World, aiming to protect Makoto, who is doing his healer thing still. Mei and Ribtaro spot one of the Kanon clones still desperately seeking Makoto. At Daitenkuu Takeru talks with Kanon, turns out it was her who called Takeru last time, wanting to help her sisters and protect Makoto. Desast smells Kanon. The Kanon runs away from Mei and Rintaro, who find our Kanon, and all 3 run into Desast trying to make this one his sister. Kanon wants to protect her sisters, but also keep them from Makoto, believing learning of them will just hurt him more. Blades fights Desast as the followers arrive with the other Kanons, transforming into a Ganma Superior like Igor, and a Ganma Ultima Ebony. Kanon for the first time becomes Kamen Rider Kanon Spectre. Afterca bit of fighting the Ultima decides to just absorb the 3 Kanons, which sets Desast off on him, then grabs and absorbs the last, evolving I to an Evolude form, Desast leaves while Kanon is upset about failing to protect her siblings. They defeat her, intending to use her as bait, when Makoto arrives, promising to save her and her sisters, and says Danton's dream is dead. Rintaro saves Kanon, and Makoto hands him the Book Spectre Gekikou Senki, which Tassel gave him and told him what was going on. Blades use it, powers largely based on Deep Spectre, fighting with Spectre and Kanon Spectre. Blades fights the superior, the siblings the Ultima. After a moment Spectre uses Sin Spectre, pulling the other Kanons free, then lends Blades the Deep Slasher for a finisher, while brother and sister defeat the Ultima. Makoto accepts the other Kanons as his family, and Takeru and Touma arrive, Rintaro envious of the family they have but is accepted by Touma and Mei. There's still this hooded guy to worry about though.

Dogengers Nice Buddy: Before we start, a note on the AHK member's new forms. Yabai Kamen, Uzagi, Nectaris and Maid Shitsuji are all referred to as just being "new", possibly indicating their status as permanent updates. Shuraomaru's is referred to as "Cinkonka" meaning requiem, Gulf is Mode: Saber, Gallia is Mode: Judgment. Great Z attempts to block an attack with the Affect System, but realises he doesn't have the Affect System control headset, fortunately his father has retrieved it controlling the Affects as Riku fights. The Heroes unite, and the last drone teleports everyone elsewhere, then shorts out and starts to fail. Great Z receives power from the heroic lineage from Great A to himself, becoming Great 2, the Buddy pairs roll call, Metal stands to one side, everyone preps for the explosion on Ohgaman saying Dogengers, but it doesn't come until "Nice Buddy". Fukuokaliber faces Nectaris, Yamashiron splits against Uzagi, Aoiron and Daidairon restraining the shadow body, Kitaqman and El Brave face the Marou Kaijin, Kitaqman Metal battles Shuraomaru, inspired by his brother's memory, while Rookie and Ohgaman battle Yabai Kamen and Maid Shitsuji. Great 2 defeats Karamis, Yamashiron and Fukuokaliber Nice Buddy Buster their opponents, Kitaqman dual wields while El Brave physically fights the Marou Kaijin, Metal and Shuraomaru have a single stroke battle. Ohgaman throws Rookie his Buddy Buster, leading Rookie and Yabai Kamen to have a Dual Wielding duel. Ohgaman defeats Maid Shitsuji, at which point Shaberryman shows up with a gold necktie trying to explain himself, it has a reaction with the Golden Seal power in his combat form (which I think he hasn't worn until now thus season) and turns it into a giant vehicle thing with him chained to it. The Dogengers use Nice Buddy Buster alongside Great 2's finisher to defeat it and Yabai Kamen. We end as we began, a note of the Dogengers becoming celebrated for defeating Yabai Kamen, who had to make a public apology again. Hanagata tells Great 2 it's time to start his story, he already has plans with Ex which he seems not too enthused by, the Dogengers come and greet him afterwards.

[litteriae-moved]

her touch is gentle as she takes his hand, using her other hand to softly cup his face before pressing her lips to his in a chaste yet tender kiss. normally she wouldn't be so bold but she felt like she ought to thank him for being with her today & at present she can't quite think of the right words. her face is flushed when she pulls away, too embarrassed to look at him directly. "i just wanted to thank you. for standing up for me to tsukasa i mean. you didn't have to but you did. thank you."

                  the day had been long to say the least. for someone’s who supposed to be lying low and staying out of trouble he sure attracts a lot of it. truth be told, his nerves still felt on fire, skin cold and clammy from the rain that pours outside. the bar’s ambiance failed to drown it out completely, as the faint sounds of the downpour take refugee in his ears. the scent of rain enters his nose as well, and ren exhales heavily from memory. that night too, he recalls how the sky smelt of storms that day, the moment he lost it all. the expulsion, the move and separation from his family and peers, all of it continues to ring loudly constantly in his head, like an obnoxious bell. all because he stepped ignorantly into a scenario he shouldn’t of, butt his nose into a place he should’ve walked away from in the first place. such feats of bravery were unbecoming of him, yet lately — such acts of fearlessness were increasingly turning into the norm. whatever happened to the little boy who stood back and minded his own business? in the past, he would’ve of done anything within his power to defuse the situation, though, seeing her in trouble like that? his body moved before his mind could have a say, and the words ‘ your fight’s with me ’ flew right out of his mouth without a second thought. what ties these situations together is his unwillingness to move, that damned stubbornness getting him into repeated trouble, but he wasn’t going to sit back anymore and watch someone important to him potentially get hurt, or worse. it already happened once — no way in hell is it occurring again. 

                 ren didn’t consider himself a fighter, not in the slightest. but for those he cares about? he’ll become a relentless warrior if he has too. nobody’s going to lay a finger on those he holds dear, never again.

               suddenly, whether it be the sound of clanking glasses or clashing thunder, something brings him back to reality. he gets lost in thought much too often and makoto must’ve caught onto that, taking note of how her hand nonchalantly lies gently against his own. she’s always right there for him, huh? a smile forms over his lips, but before he could apologize for his absent-mindedness another hand trails upwards to his cheek, resting there, fingers tickling the ends of the hair behind his ear. all at once time freezes, dark brown eyes widen through his specs. then, before his mind could fully comprehend what was happening, her soft lips press up against his own and he swears, the hour-hands of his heart’s clock cease total function. it’s paralyzing, left completely trapped against her touch, yet there’s no place he’d rather be. if the atmosphere wasn’t successful in making him drunk this kiss ( his first one ever, in fact ) certainly did the job, as he feels his body and shoulders slack from such close contact. unable to resist temptation, he slowly closes his eyes and indulges their little intimate moment. man, since when did he become such a sucker for this? all those romance poems he would find in the past, give a read for laughs suddenly felt so very real. maybe he was truly worthy of them after all?

               however like any good book it’s over much too soon; she pulls away and he’s left sitting there, glasses slightly crooked ( maybe contacts would’ve been better for today ) and face a warm, flushed mess to match with hers. thankfully he quickly fixes them trying to regain his composure. but to no avail his heart thumps loudly in his chest, unable to take his eyes off her even if their gazes remain apart. then, her next words have his eyes widen more ( so that was the reason ) and ren can’t help but smile and chuckle bashfully:  ❛ you’re right i didn’t have too, but, i wanted too. ❜ again and again if she simply asked, and even if she hadn’t, he would without hesitation. gulping, not wanting to disrupt the conversational flow, ren quickly alters between topics.  ❛ so you were saying something earlier, about how you’d flunk a test of love. well then — ❜ his lonely hand meets with hers once more, boldly interlocking their fingers this time around, in fear that she’ll slip away. suddenly, ren feels his throat go bone-dry, all his senses heightened at once, but he presses on. a kiss like that wasn’t simply thanking an act of chivalry and so, he desperately wants, no — had to know where he currently stands: ❛ would you …. want to be my study partner? ❜

[shadowtarot]

Who is the hostage!!! Tii

Thieves in Inaba Part 66

Steam fills the area where the group crashed. Ren kicks the driver door open, coughing a bit. “That…could have gone a little bit easier.” He sighs.

A laugh is heard in the room. “Damn, you sure know how to make an entrance.” Ren knew that voice…

“Iwai?” He asks, moving past the Mona bus to see not only Untouchable’s Owner but his son as well.

“That you, Ren? Looks just like you did on that broadcast!” Kaoru smiles, looking over at the Phantoms get up.

“I take it you told him?” 

Iwai shakes his head, placing a hand in his pocket. “Na, he figured it out on his own. We actually came by because of that Meteor crash. It was just going to be a day trip but…”

Ryuji comes out. “You guys got captured?”

“Not really captured, we saw some other folks having trouble with what we thought were stray dogs. I went over to help out, only for one to nab Kaoru..” Iwai winces. “I chased the damn thing and wound up in this room where the door locked on us.”

Yu smiles, dusting himself off. “Well we can lead you both to a safe area. Just come with us.”

Heading back into the Mona bus, some of the others on board can already read the vibes Iwai gives off and are rightfully wary.

Yu makes a mental note that some of Ren’s allies must be a bit more serious then others, thinking back to Makoto’s sister. 

“The area seems kinda calm…” Chie looks around. “Normally there’s a lot of shadows in the area, but they seem to have thinned out.”

Mitsuru nods. “Perhaps they’re being killed off faster then we think?”

Minato cleans off his Evoker. “Or maybe…they have a new target in the real world.”

The Japanese Highway, Ten Minutes Until Inaba

The sky above Sae and Sho has blackened. Sho looks straight up and shakes his head. 

“Seems they sent in an Arial assault. Wolves aren’t all they have after all. This is getting exciting!”

Sae winces, from the air they have an easier time to attack them. She needed to come up with a way to loose them. 

“I’ll try to find an alternate route! Can you keep them at bay, Sho?” 

He laughs and nods. “Might be a bit tricky but just keep driving!” 

He summons his persona and sends it into the sea of flying Shadows. An explosion is seen that takes out a bunch of them, but Sho is confused.

“Nice work.” Sae nods.

“Thanks but, I didn’t even attack!”

A chopper comes into view, with Labrys in it. Sho scoffs.

“Couldn’t just leave me, huh?”

“Ay! You’re heading to Inaba too, aren’t ya?” The robot calls out. “Let us give you a lift the rest of the way.”

Sae nods, answering before Sho can. “The assistance is greatly appreciated!”

The motorcycle stops as the chopper lands, Sae drives it in to board it and they take off. Sae looks around and notices the logo.

“This is…Kirijo….” She looks impressed. “So they’re involved with Persona research as well I take it?”

Labrys studies Sae carefully. “You don’t seem like a user…but this is a crisis and you were transporting this guy to Inaba so you’re trustworthy….enough.”

Sho doesn’t seem to be too happy to be in the chopper, sitting in an area by himself and not speaking. “Just let me know when we can get back to fighting…” He closes his eyes.

Sae takes out her laptop and starts to look over what has happened. “All of Inaba is under lock down…police are out all around trying to deal with the shadows.”

Labrys nods. “Yeah, not like they’re gonna do much without the right gear though. Our friends are in the TV World right now, freeing hostages…but something bugs me about that part.”

Sho opens an eye. “And what might that be, exactly?”

“We didn’t see any shadows in big numbers until we came up to you guys.”

Sae takes notes on the observation and nods. “That is true, Sho mentioned he was getting targeted as far back as on a train. But you’re a Persona user yourself right? Why aren’t they chasing you?”

“That’s what I wana know!”

“Maybe…it has to do with what sets me apart from you. I have that stupid…Wild Card thing. Maybe they seem like I’m more worth their time?” Sho laughs.

“This is no joking matter, but if what you say is right…are they’re more Wild Cards?” Sae questions, hands placed on the table. 

Labrys gives a solid nod. “Yeah. Yu-kun is one, and Mitsuru-san had a former team member who was one as well. And recently, there was that Joker guy Ren. And that’s all we know of.”

Sae’s expression hardens. “Sho, it might be best if you don’t go into the TV then…if more than one of those wild cards are together…it might make it harder.”

He slams his fist down. “I’ll do whatever the hell I want, alright! Tch, me being there I can just tear through the place and-”

“Get yourself killed.” Labrys shakes her head. 

Persona Training Center

The group gets out of the Mona bus, Minato leading the way inside the building. “We’ll get you both situated while we go over where we should go in next.”

Stepping inside, Minato sees Kazushi who in turn sees him and has an expression like he’s just seen a ghost….

[queeryoungadult-blog]

Gifted to @wallywestie for the MakoHaru Gift Exchange (thank you @anunyun and @datheetjoella  for organising the event and also for the extension), I'm so sorry for posting this really late(my computer crashed and I had to wait till it got repaired orz). I went with university students MakoHaru getting together as the theme(?), I hope you'll like it. 

Natural 

On Makoto’s 20th birthday, his friends took him to a bar after college to celebrate his birthday, but instead of the cakes he’d usually gotten so far, mostly chocolate cakes- his friends knew his preference, he was presented with a small glass with some kind of silvery liquid inside.

His friends were making a big deal about it all, saying things like “Look who’s become a man” and “Makoto is a big boy now” while he gulped the bitter drink down a and thought, “I’d rather have chocolates though”.

It also seemed that alcohol made him more frank. While sober Makoto would think his words over before he said them, drunk Makoto it seemed had no such inhibitions. The first shot he took kind of made his head buzz a little and by the time he’d finished the second one, he was questioning himself why he was doing it in the first place, it felt awful. “I’m never doing this again”. He thought, sipping on his drink that he thought sounded foreign but couldn’t remember what it was called at the moment.

But that was just the start of things, the night ultimately led him to a lot of realizations, and made him think things that he’d been putting in the back of his mind, to deal with in the future.

The day had started off pretty tame. It was a Saturday which meant that he could sleep in as he wouldn’t have classes that day. When he woke up, he looked over at the desk behind his bed and it showed 09:48 in glaring red digits-not as early as his usual days but not as late either. He looked over at his phone and saw that he had 14 new text messages. He could figure what they consisted of and that made him smile.

The earliest text was from Nagisa, he’d sent it exactly at midnight, and like it was expected from the blond, it was filled with different types of emojis and also a “You’re an adult now Mako-chan” followed by crying emojis at the end. Makoto let out a chortle at that. Even if Nagisa was a university student now, he’d still be the same bubbly Nagisa that he always knew.

Ran was the second, her text came maybe a couple of seconds later than Nagisa’s because it still read midnight as well. Her text was very similar to Nagisa, with lots of emojis and a plea to visit them soon, and to bring a lot of chocolates with him. Ren’s followed shortly, asking him to come home and that he missed his big brother a lot. That incited a wave of homesickness in Makoto, something he had tried so very hard to overcome but wasn’t completely over yet.

Rin and Rei’s texts came very early in the morning, and Makoto was awed at the fact that they had woken up so early despite it being a Saturday. Rin was still in Australia but the time difference between their locations was only an hour apart so he imagined a groggy Rin waking up and sending a birthday text - three texts actually, one with the standard birthday greetings and the next with,“Don’t overwork yourself again, take care” , and the next asking him to video chat with him very soon. Makoto chuckled a little at the fact that Rin hadn’t forgotten what had happened during his first year at university when he’d exhausted himself to the point that he’d fainted (Rin had blown a fuse at that and gave Makoto a heated lecture on the importance of health after he’d recovered), and he couldn’t help but smile fondly at that. Rei’s message was a simple one too, wishing him a happy birthday and telling him to take care of his health. Rei probably was in his dorm in his university in Osaka, working hard on a sports medicine degree.

He also got one from Kou, still referring to him as ‘Makoto-senpai’. Hers had a lot of emojis too, but not as much as Nagisa’s though. She’d joined her brother in Australia after graduation and had joined a university there.

He got one more from Coach Sasabe, which he reasoned had been written by Amakata sensei if the various proverbs following the usual birthday greetings was any indication. The rest were of his university friends, wishing him a happy birthday and to not forget about the plan they had for that evening. Makoto was unaware as to what the ‘plan’ actually meant but his friends assured him that he’d have a lot of fun and it’d be his best birthday celebration ever.

He spent a few minutes thanking everyone for their wishes, then got out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. He heard another beep from his phone when he was freshening up.

There was a knock on the door, which came from just outside his bedroom, so he was pretty sure who it was since only one person aside from him had the keys to his apartment. Haru.

He quickly got out of bed to open the door. It was Haru, in casual clothes this time, Makoto had grown so used to seeing Haru in his university’s jersey, it took him aback for a second, not that he didn’t see Haru in casual clothes either. The ocean-blue eyes of his best friend were looking right at his own.

“Happy Birthday Makoto”, he said and stood up on his toes to give Makoto a little peck on the cheek.

Makoto smiled happily at that, he was already feeling a bit euphoric from all the texts he’d received and Haru just made it all the more better.

“Thank you Haru-chan”, he said, as he leaned down to give Haru a kiss on the forehead.

“I made breakfast already”, Haru started walking towards the kitchen.

“Oh, thank you Haru.” Makoto said following him. He looked down at the phone in his hand and saw that the new text was from his friend Takashi, asking him to come to the park they frequented near their university at 6 in the evening. He pulled out two chairs from underneath the table in the kitchen as Haru plated the food. Makoto had already figured that it was green curry judging by the aroma. Haru really was spoiling him today.

“Practice?”, asked Makoto as Haru was moving around near the stove. “We’re still on a holiday.” Haru answered, and Makoto remembered Haru saying that Haru had a few days off after a competition at a university nearby. “We have to go back on Monday.”, Haru continued.

“Oh.” Makoto responded, “You said you were taking me to the pool today?”

Haru made a small noise at that but didn’t expand on it and brought their breakfast over. He placed two plates on the table, pushing one towards Makoto. Makoto smiled again, “Green curry early in the morning, it really is my birthday.” He said as he let out a chuckle.

Haru hummed in acknowledgement. They had just started eating the breakfast when Makoto’s phone rang.

Makoto looked at his phone to see who it was.

“It’s mom”, he said to Haru as he picked up the call.

“Mom.” he spoke into the phone.

“Happy birthday Makoto!”, Makoto heard his mom, “Many many happy returns of the day sweetie, how have you been?”

“Thank you mom," Makoto chuckled, " and I’m alright. You called me just yesterday.”

“Yes I did.” His mother continued, “it’s just that everyone misses you at home. Ran and Ren even asked us to take a one-day trip to Tokyo just to surprise you. They have a test this week of course, so we had to refuse.”

Makoto missed them a lot too, he worried about Ran and Ren a lot especially. He was just about to open his mouth to say something when his mom asked, “So do you have any plans today?”

“Yeah”, Makoto replied, “Haru and I are going to a pool near Haru’s uni this afternoon and also to this new café that recently opened up. Then in the evening I’m meeting my friends from the university.”

“Oh, Haruka-kun”, she said, Makoto could notice a shift in tone at the mention of his name, “Is he there right now?” she asked in a tone he could only describe as playful.

“Yes”, he replied, “He made green curry for breakfast, and it’s really delicious.” He beamed at Haru who was sitting right in front of him, and Haru figuring out that they were talking about him, turned his head to the side.

Makoto laughed at that, “He really spoils you doesn’t he?” he heard his mom ask.

“He does.”

“Well I know I tell you this often but don’t trouble him too much alright sweetie.” Before Makoto could retort, she continued, “Can you pass the phone to Haruka-kun for a second?”

Makoto did as told, he gave the phone to Haru who raised his eyebrows in question. “She said she wants to talk to you”, he explained.

Haru took the phone from his hand and put it to his ear. He couldn’t hear what his mom was telling Haru but he would raise his head and look at Makoto occasionally as he answered.

“It’s alright, I don’t mind.”

“I will.”

“No, it’s alright. I don’t live that far.”

“At least once a week.”

“We will.”

Makoto resumed eating his breakfast as Haru answered the phone. He was curious as to what they were talking about but he decided not to ask. He could somewhat make out what they were talking about though.

He was almost done with breakfast and was worried that Haru’s breakfast had already gone cold when Haru returned his phone to him. He took it from his hand and found out then that the call was still on.

“Mom?”

“Wish you a happy birthday again Mako-chan”, Makoto could detect that his mom was getting emotional and he couldn’t lie, he was too. “My baby is all grown up now.”

“Mom”, he didn’t know how to respond.

“Call Ran and Ren in the afternoon if you can, they really want to talk to you. Dad too, he's sleeping right now because he just came back from a business trip and I didn't have the heart to wake him up”

“Alright mom, I will.”

“I love you sweetie, take care.”

“I love you too, mom.”

His mom hung up after quite a long pause after that. No matter how often they called each other, it was still hard to say bye. She used to call him a few times a day everyday during his first year at college but the frequency had decreased over time. They still called each other at times but not as much as before.

Haru had already finished his breakfast by the time he’d hung up the phone. Makoto hurriedly started munching down on the food and finished it. He got up to wash the dishes but Haru took the plates from his hands and said, “I’ll wash them. You dry.” Haru washed the plates as Makoto dried them side by side, like they did back in Iwatobi.

“Do you want to go for a walk, Haru?” asked Makoto as Haru was using a towel to dry his hands.

“OK.” Haru answered, “You should go change your clothes then.”

“I’ll be back in a sec.” Makoto said as he headed towards his bedroom.

Makoto grabbed a pair of jeans, his favorite black sweater and a green jacket. The days had gotten a little cooler so it was wise to carry one. When he finished changing, he saw that Haru already had his shoes on, and that he was carrying a blue jacket on his arms. Haru gave him a once-over and then went towards the door. Haru’s look had made Makoto feel a bit embarrassed, especially since he could see that the look was kind of appreciative. He could feel his ear burning up so he tried to calm down before joining Haru outside.

“Where do you want to go?”, Haru asked, as they stepped out of the building that housed his apartment.

“Hmm I was thinking of just walking around the area”, he said laughing sheepishly, “I just wanted to walk together with you for a while, and the weather’s alright too.”

Haru didn’t say anything and continued walking. The autumn season had painted the path orange and the wind had scattered the dried-up leaves from the trees all over the pavement. Their feet made a crunching sound whenever they stepped on the leaves as they walked for a while in comfortable silence until they reached a park. Makoto got to a bench and sat down and beckoned Haru to sit beside him.

“Haru, do you miss Iwatobi sometimes?”

Haru hummed in agreement.

“Tokyo’s very different to Iwatobi, isn’t it?”

“Hmm.”

“It’s just that”, Makoto said searching for words to articulate what he was thinking of, “There are so many people here, I just feel a little overwhelmed sometimes.”

“I do too”, Haru started, “It was hard to adjust at first, it gets easier with time.” He completed looking up to the sky.

Makoto was well aware of how Haru fared at the start of their university life. The first day they came to Tokyo and started looking for apartments for themselves, he could see how Haru was feeling a little overwhelmed. And also like Haru said, things got better, they worked on it together at first till they could do things on their own. Makoto still remembers how not only his mom, but Haru too was worried about him since he didn’t know how to cook for himself. He could handle most things-he’d grown with a couple of rambunctious younger twins but cooking had been such a big hurdle to him. He chuckled remembering how Haru had stayed over for an entire week at his place to teach him how to cook the most basic of food. “I should’ve done this much earlier.” He could hear Haru mutter to himself then. Haru was sort of satisfied with Makoto’s progress at the end of the week, it wasn’t as tasty as what his mom and Haru made, but Haru thought it was passable.

“You know Haru, I kinda miss going to the beach sometimes.”

“We can go to the beach here too."

"It's not the same."

"There’s Seaworld here though.”

Makoto scrunched up his face at that. “Hmm.” He continued after a pause, “I also miss Shiro-chan.” He looked at the ground wistfully.

Haru was well aware of the white cat that waited for Makoto at the bottom of the stairs back home in Iwatobi and the name Makoto had apparently given to her. Ran had laughed loudly after she found out about it saying how “Shiro” was the least creative name to give to a white cat. Makoto had a pout on his face for an entire day and the memory made Haru smile in fondness.

Haru knew Makoto had been feeling quite homesick since the morning, probably because of all the messages he’d received and also his mom’s call. He reached over to cover Makoto’s hand that he had on the bench with his own as a gesture of comfort. It had the impact it was intended to have as Makoto seemed to relax after that.

“We should head to the pool now.” Makoto said, turning to Haru.

“Hmm.” Haru responded, “What time are you meeting your friends?”

“Six.”

Haru looked like he was thinking something over. “I’ll wait for you at home.”

Makoto felt a flutter in his chest when Haru referred to his place as home. But he realized something too, “But you’ll be alone Haru.” Makoto said, conflicted.

“It’s alright, I have to look over some notes so I brought them over.”

“Oh. Okay.” He got up from the bench, “Shall we head over now?”

When Makoto saw the pool, his memories from high school came back at full speed as well. His life revolved around swimming once but because of his studies, he hadn’t been able to go for a swim in more than a month, the last time he saw the pool was a few weeks ago when he’d gone over to Haru’s practice. He missed the water, and while he didn’t have the same connection to water as Haru, the love he held for water and swimming was a part of who he was.

He went with Haru to the changing room, and to his dismay found out that the legskins he owned from back in highschool had become a little tight around the waist. Haru could see his emotions quite plainly on his face and asked, “Is it too uncomfortable?”

“No”, Makoto answered moving his legs, “But it looks like I’ve gained quite a bit of weight.” Makoto also noticed that his muscles didn’t seem as defined as before, something he hadn’t really paid much attention to before.

“Hmm”, Haru started, “Makoto still looks just as good though.”

Makoto was a bit taken aback by that, “That…that wasn’t what I was worried about.” He resumed after a pause, “I’ve been thinking about joining gym for a while, Takashi and Saya keep insisting me on it and I think it’s a good idea.”

“You can come jogging with me in the morning if you want.” Haru supplied.

“I could do that too I guess.”

As Makoto pondered, Haru proceeded over to the pool. It was larger than the one they had back in Iwatobi. Haru was also glad at the fact that unlike the one they had back in high school, this pool was open every month of the year.

They entered the pool after a few stretches, Haru diving into the water like a dolphin like he always did while Makoto entered slowly.

“I just wanted stay in the water for a while Haru”, he said smiling when the dark-headed boy raised his eyebrow in question.

Makoto was glad that they were the only two there. He didn’t know how Haru had secured the pool to themselves but he was very grateful to him for bringing him there.

Makoto looked over at Haru, who was alternating between floating on his back and gliding against the water. He looked so at peace there, Makoto felt soothed at the scene too.

“You really are best in the water Haru-chan.” Makoto said when he’s sure Haru’s within hearing distance, remembering that one time they raced back in their third year in high school.

Haru swimmed towards him and then stopped. They’re both standing with their feet on the bottom of the pool, looking at each other. If someone were to ask him in the future about it, he wouldn’t know who initiated the touch first. Because the only thing he could remember were Haru’s right hand in his shoulder, his left hand on Haru’s waist, and their lips meeting to a kiss.

They kept standing there, their lips still touching, breathing in the other. He had known Haru’s lips were soft, they had shared kisses here and there before, but it was the first time they’d kissed on the lips. Makoto’s glad he had kept insisting Haru on using a chapstick on a regular basis- “pool water is rough on the skin Haru, you need to take care of your skin” , even though he had no ulterior motives when he’d suggested it. He couldn’t remember how long they stayed like that. It felt like it was a natural progression for them, like everything else. From holding hands that started from their final year in high school, to little pecks on the cheek or forehead that began when they started university. He didn't think it was something he needed to think about too much and just accepted it as it came.

It seemed that time had stopped for a while. His heart on the other hand beat like he’d just ran a mile. He couldn’t put a name to what he was feeling at the moment, it was exhilarating as it was soothing, and it made him feel at peace, and he knew that it was all because of Haru.

They parted reluctantly. Haru kept his look down as he asked, “Don’t you want to swim too?”

“I think I will.” He responded, as he got on his back to swim, thankful to his muscles for not being too rigid to swim the way they did before. He could only see the roof of the pool-room right then instead of the open skies he’d see when he swam back at school but he couldn’t quite contain the elation he was feeling at his heart. After they’d swam for a while, Makoto got out of the water. He didn’t feel like disturbing Haru and his swimming, but he still had to.

“Haru, we should get going.”

Haru swam towards him and after he reached the edge, grabbed the hand being offered to him, as he pulled himself out of the water. “Yeah.”

“Speaking of which”, Makoto asked, “how did you get the pool to yourself?” As they headed towards the changing room.

“A teammate of mine owns the place. Or rather his family does.”

“He sounds nice.”

“He is”, Haru responded, “except when it comes to practice. He can be a demon then.”

Makoto let out a laugh at that, then remembered something, "Wait, it's Saturday, so shouldn't the pool be packed right now. Don't tell me you paid for it Haru. It would've cost you a fortune." Makoto panicked.

"Calm down, Makoto. Shinoda owed me a favor. I covered for him when he went to meet with his girlfriend once, this was his way of paying me back."

"But then his family would've been mad at him Haru." Makoto was still agitated at having inconvenienced somebody else for his sake.

"He seems like a spoiled child. And he said something about maintenance too", he replied, "If his parents had rejected his request, then we wouldn't be here in the first place."

"Haru", he whined, "What if it had been denied ."

"Then I'd think of something else."

Makoto looked at him disapprovingly but then his lips broke into a laugh.

"I would though. I only brought you here after he said it was alright and gave me the key."

Makoto smiled at the thought, he really was being spoilt by Haru.

"We need to get going." Haru said and led Makoto towards the exit.

The café they had wanted to visit was not that far from the pool so they made it there quite fast. The interior of the café had a very minimalistic feel to it, but looked quite inviting, Makoto already liked it. It also looked like they had delicious-looking cakes, and that just made everything better.

“I thought that we could go to a cat café, but we went there just two weeks ago. And one of my teammates said that they have really delicious chocolate cakes.” Haru explained.

“We can go there sometime soon, this place is quite nice too.” Makoto said smiling.

He called Ran and Ren while waiting for the food to arrive. They wished him a happy birthday again and then he could hear them arguing on who got to wish him first. He didn’t have the heart to tell him that it was Nagisa. As the call progressed his eyes became misty with tears as Ran and Ren asked him to come home soon and that they missed him terribly. They’d written the same thing on their text but hearing them say it made him quite emotional. Their dad took the phone afterwards and asked him how he was doing. He apologized for being late to wish him a happy birthday but Makoto knew that his dad must've been really tired after his trip from his talk with his mother and that he needed rest. His dad told him not to worry too much about everyone back home and to come visit them over the summer, and to call him if he ever needed anything. When he was done with a call, Haru could see that he was on the verge of crying. He stayed silent as Makoto composed himself and then reached out to hold the green-eyed boy’s hand on his own. Makoto gave him a little smile.

“I’m going to be like this a lot, aren’t I?”, he said, “On my birthdays, during festivals, whenever I see something that reminds me of Iwatobi.”

“Hmm.” Haru said, “It’s normal, isn’t it?” He knew that leaving Iwatobi had had a larger impact on Makoto than it did on him. It must have been hard for him to go from living together with his family to living alone, especially when he was so attached to them.

Makoto didn’t answer but Haru felt like the grren-eyed boy felt better than he did before.

The chocolate cake there was indeed delicious, and Makoto joked that it was a good thing that the café was quite a long way from his own university, or he’d become a regular customer there.

“I can bring them to you when I come over”, Haru said in between taking sips of his tea.

Makoto smiled goofily at that, Haru did love spoiling him.

After they’d come out of the café, they took a little walk around the place. Haru told Makoto what his teammates told him about the shops nearby, and also about this particular ramen shop that had the best noodles in town, which Haru said was true because he had tasted it himself. They made plans on visiting the shop the next week, if nothing important came up- they both had their studies and practice to think of too. They had to part at the train station, Haru going to Makoto’s place and Makoto going to his university to meet his friends for the apparent “plan”.

“Call me if you need anything”, Haru offered.

“Alright”, he responded, “I’ll come back as early as I can.”

“Hmm.”

They hadn’t moved an inch towards their platforms. They were in a standstill when Makoto’s phone rang. It was Takashi and when he picked it up, even Haru was startled at the loud voice coming from the phone, loud enough for even Haru to hear.

“HEY MAKOTO? WHERE ARE YOU?”

“At the station.” He answered, “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Oh, okay. We’re already here. Well except for Mika but she said she’d be here soon. Come to the park, alright Makoto?” He said and then hung up.

Makoto found Haru looking at him curiously when the call ended.

“So um”, Makoto started, “See you at home Haru.”

Haru hummed in acknowledgement and then they parted ways.

Makoto didn’t like the plan at all if he was going to tell the truth.

His friends took him to a ramen stall after they met him, it was kind of funny to him because he’d just been talking about ramen with Haru earlier. They also took him out to a sushi shop after that. It was the last place they led him to, that made him feel a little apprehensive.

Not a little, very.

They were standing in front of a bar, Makoto could see the name of the bar on a board on the side in flourished English letters. He couldn’t make out the words and looked at it in confusion.

“It’s called Future Fish, weird name huh?”, Saya said as she laughed loudly.

“When I first came here, I thought it was a sushi shop or something.” Kazuhiko shared, and joined the laughter.

It looked like the bartender knew most of his friends there. Out of the seven of them, only him and a girl who went by the name Natsuki had never stepped into the place before. He could see why, they were still underage then.

Another friend of his, Mika said, “Natsuki turned 20 recently too, but we couldn’t celebrate then because of that test we had last week, so it’s going to be a double celebration today.”

“Yeah”, Seiji shouted, “Makoto and Natsuki are going to become proper adults today.”

Makoto knew what they meant by it. He had known that a lot of people celebrated their 20th birthday and their first step towards official adulthood with alcohol. It wasn’t the first time he’d be tasting alcohol though, he knew what beer tasted like, courtesy a certain energetic blond underclassman of his. He only had a sip then and if he had to say, he wasn’t a fan of the taste.

Takashi had gone up to the bartender when they all went to the table at the furthest corner of the bar. He came back with two short glasses, with some kind of silvery liquid in it.

“This one’s for the first-timers.” Takashi said loudly and placed one of the glasses near Makoto and the other near Natsuki. Natsuki had a resigned look on her face, she looked over at Makoto and then gulped the liquid down in one gulp.

“Go! Natsuki!” his friends cheered at that.

“Makoto, you too”, he felt Kazuhiko nudge him. “Come on.”

“I don’t know about this guys.” Makoto said anxious.

“It’s alright Makoto, we won’t let you get too drunk. Just enough to get you loosened up you see.”, Saya provided.

He looked down at his drink, then at his friends. He then took the glass up to his lips and took a sip, then winced at the taste. “Yes chocolates are better.” Then chugged it down with his eyes closed.

“Our Makoto is all grown up now”, he heard Takashi say, reminiscent of the talk he had with his mother earlier in the day. Takashi then pretended to cry and wiped fake tears from under his eyes with his hands. His whole group of friends let out a loud laughter at that and Makoto didn’t know if it was the drink or his friends’ exuberance, but he was indeed feeling a little lighter than before.

Makoto didn't know how many shots he'd taken until the conversation they were having veered into a different course.

“You know, Makoto”, Natsuki said, her speech a little slurred, “if I hadn’t known about your love-life and all, I would have snatched you up long ago. You are just my type. It’s a shame.”

Makoto didn’t know how to respond to that. Makoto could see that Natsuki had more empty glasses under her than he did and could see that she was kinda drunk already.

“Tachibana the heartbreaker”, Takashi said dramatically, “which reminds me Makoto, you don’t even need alcohol, you’re already one, aren’t ya?” He said moving his eyebrows up and down suggestively.

He was right about one thing, Makoto thought, he didn’t need alcohol to be an adult. But he couldn’t make out what he was implying.

The confused look on his face prompted more laughter from his friends. “Oh come on Makoto, when’s the wedding?”

“Wedding?”

“Makoto, don’t play coy. You two are practically married already.”

Makoto continued to look confused at that.

“He’s talking about your boyfriend Tachibana”, Seiji supplied, “that swimmer dude, he even brings him a bento sometimes can you guys believe it? You two are like the sappiest couple in existence.”

“You’re loved, Makoto”, Takashi said nodding his head, “I wish my girlfriend brought bento for me too sometimes.” He continued, looking over at Saya.

“Get a maid then”, Saya responded, without missing a beat. The group broke into laughter at that.

“Aww, babe”, Takashi said, feigning hurt. That made Saya laugh too, and she leaned over to kiss him on the cheek.

“Oh get that sappy shit out of here.” Kazuhiko complained, “Tachibana, looks like you’ve got competition.” He said turning to Makoto.

But Makoto had been rendered so utterly dumbfounded that he hadn’t registered anything after Seiji’s last comment.

“Haru is not my boyfriend.”

Mika laughed at that, “Oh right, Haru!”, she said remembering his name, “Makoto, don’t be shy. We’re your friends.”

“I’m not lying. We’re just close friends.”

Everyone went silent and looked at Makoto like he’d grown another head at that.

“You’re kidding!” Natsuki exclaimed.

Makoto remained quiet. His sight was a little hazy, probably because of the drinks he’d had. He was processing the fact that his friends had believed till now that he had been dating his childhood best friend, in his confusion, he downed another shot.

He’d just asked for another one when Seiji stopped him, “I think you’ve had too much to drink Makoto.”

“I feel fine”, Makoto started, apparently more affected by his friends’ words than the alcohol in his system, “Why do you think Haru and me are dating?”

Takashi was scratching his head at this, “I can’t believe it, I don’t know how to describe the way you look at each other. You look like you guys are in love.”

“I do love Haru”, Makoto said frankly, not embarrassed to admit it, “he’s my best friend. We’ve known each other since we were kids and we’ve always been together ever since. I mean until now.” He said as he looked a little forlorn. College had really thrown a wedge at that status.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” said a frustrated Takashi.

“It’s the way you act around each other too, like remember that time a few months ago, when he came along with us to that horror movie premiere once. He held your hand throughout the movie because you were scared. He also looked at us a little disapprovingly for our choice with the movie”, Natsuki chimed in, “You were so cute that day”, then mumbled in a low volume, “I seriously thought you were taken.”

“Natsuki!” Mika looked at her sternly.

“Yeah, yeah.” She responded.

“Haru has always been kinda protective”, he then said proudly, “He really cares about his friends.”

“Oh I give up” Takashi said, flinging his hands into the air. “This is frustrating.”

Saya had a thoughtful look on her face, “Well for one thing I remember seeing him kiss you last semester, right before the finals.”

To be quite honest, Makoto couldn’t remember that day particularly. Their ritual of kissing each other on the forehead or cheek had started in their very first year at college, so there were many days that he’d been kissed by Haru. But he did remember one small detail though.

“On the cheek!” he exclaimed, “For good luck.”

“Makoto”, Seiji started, “I don’t know how you did things back in your hometown, but friends don’t do that.”

“But we only started doing that after we came to Tokyo”, he said pondering over things in his mind, “We only held hands back in Iwatobi.”

Kazuhiko let out a long sigh at that. He couldn’t help but notice that alcohol made Makoto a lot more honest, not that he thought Makoto used to lie to them, just that he liked keeping certain things to himself, like things related to Haru. They knew only a few things about Haru, that the two had been friends since they were toddlers, that he was a swimmer training for the Olympics, and a few snippets of their lives back home that didn’t really give much information. It was mostly him gushing after one of Haru’s swimming events or him looking like a happy puppy when Haru came to visit him at their university. Apart from that, there was another thing everyone in the group knew about Haru.

“I think we should call his friend up”, he started, “Makoto looks kinda disoriented.”

Makoto’s head rose up at that, “I feel fine, and I don’t want to bother Haru, he must be studying right now. He works so hard.” He said, saying the latter part of the sentence with palpable fondness.

He did seem a little drunk though. Not so much that he wouldn’t be able to stand at all, but enough to not be able to walk in a straight line if such a situation arrived.

Kazuhiko couldn’t take it much longer. He remembered the time they’d gone to the movies with Haru, where Makoto had been scared half to death. Makoto had gone to the bathroom when his usually quiet friend who rarely interacted with them came up to them and handed out his phone number to each of them, and told them to ‘call if anything happens to Makoto’.

He had the number saved under ‘Makoto’s boyfriend’ and he let out a little chuckle at that. He called the number until it was picked up at the fourth ring. Haru’s monotone voice could be heard on the other end of the line, asking him who it was.

“It’s Makoto’s friend from college. You see we kinda got him in a mess”, Kazuhiko said sheepishly, “ Can you come pick him up?”

“What happened?” said the voice.

“Nothing that serious”, he explained, “he uh, he’s kinda drank a little. Not much, but we just wanted him to reach home safely.” He continued after a while, “We can drop him off if you’re busy though. It’s just that I thought it was better to let you know.”

“I’ll be there. Where should I come to?”

Kazuhiko was giving him the directions to the place, unaware of Makoto looking at him intently. When he hung up the phone, he was immediately inquired.

“Was that Haru?”

“Yeah” Kazuhiko responded.

“Why do you have his number?” Makoto asked, with a confused look in his face again.

“All of us have his number Makoto”, Saya chimed in at that. “He gave them to us. He told us to call him if anything happens to you.”

“Oh.” Makoto seemed to think something over in his head, “that’s fair.” Makoto smiled a little at that, “Haru-chan calls me a worrywart but he is one himself too.”

Makoto was then asked to say how they normally do when they’re together, and he replied honestly. He told them how they play video games sometimes, or go for a walk, or the pool, or just laze around at one of their apartments. He then told him about how he spent the day with Haru, all with a big smile on his face.

“That sounds like a date!”, Takashi exclaimed, “oh my god.”

“But we’ve always been doing that.” Makoto protested.

His friends were looking at his expressions intently, wondering how anyone could be so oblivious. Natsuki interjected again, “So you guys haven’t confessed yet?”

It seemed like Makoto’s face would be forever etched into an expression of confusion if this continued.

“Or kissed?”

“It’s for lu…” Makoto started but was quickly interrupted by Natsuki.

“On the lips?”

“Natsuki!” Mika exclaimed again but then turned around to look at Makoto, where everyone’s attention was directed towards at the moment.

She found him blushing up to his ears at that.

“So you have?” Natsuki continued.

Makoto opened his mouth then closed them again, then said in a quiet voice, “Only once.”

“Hmm, and…” Seiji joined in too, he had a feeling Makoto would expand on it, he’d never seen his friend that open and honest before.

“It was…” Makoto couldn’t put his thoughts into words and paused for a while, “It was different.”

“Different how?” Takashi pressed on, curious.

“I don’t know, it just is.” He said as he turned his head to the side. After that action though, he remembered, “Haru does the same when he’s embarrassed too.” It looked like he was picking up some of Haru’s habits and for some odd reason, he felt a flutter in his chest.

“Think about it Makoto” Saya said. She’d always thought of him as a younger brother despite being the same age as him. “How is it different?”

Makoto knew that the giddiness he’d been feeling since the afternoon had resulted from the kiss. It had stayed in the back of his mind in his friend’s company but the fluttery feeling had never completely left his chest and remembering it brought the feeling back full force.

“It felt natural”, he said, and continued, not really answering the question, "like everything we do."

Saya was about to ask him again when she saw a familiar figure walking towards them. It was the very person they were talking about.

“Makoto”, Haru said, looking at Makoto with narrowed eyes, scrutinizing him, “You’re drunk.”

“No, I’m not”, Makoto responded, unable to hide his happiness at seeing Haru, but also realized something then, “Haru-chan you didn’t have to come get me. You should be home studying. I can get home by myself.” He said as he got up hurriedly, but that left him a little too dizzy and he sat back down.

Makoto didn’t have to look at Haru to know that he was concerned, “I just got a little dizzy because I got up really fast.”

“Do you need any help getting to the station?”Seiji offered. “I think he can walk but just in case.”

Haru looked at him, then at Makoto and answered, “Yes, thank you.”

His friends were still offering to accompany them the whole way back home but Makoto looked like he was a little more sober than before, so Haru thanked them for their offer but said that he could handle it from there and they left. They sat in the almost empty train, he was thankful that in Tokyo, trains ran late into the night unlike back in Iwatobi. Makoto looked really drowsy and he almost fell asleep on the train but Haru woke him up and led them towards his apartment. He was glad that they had chosen apartments not that far from the station. They got there without Makoto falling over anything and just as he stepped into his bedroom, he flopped himself down on the bed.

“Makoto.”

“Hmm.” Came a muffled sound as he was lying face down on top of his blankets.

Haru let out a long sigh at that. “You need to change your clothes, and brush your teeth. Your breath stinks of alcohol.

Makoto got up reluctantly after that. He got changed into his pajamas and went to brush his teeth. After that, he dove straight into the bed again and Haru didn’t object this time, instead he tucked him into the bed.

“I’ll go take a shower.”

“Hmm”, Makoto responded as he drifted away into the land of dreams.

When Haru came back, Makoto had already fallen asleep. Even when not completely sober, he had left quite a bit of space on the double bed and Haru knew the reason behind it. “I don’t have another futon Haru but I’m not letting you sleep on the floor either.”Makoto had once announced loudly, “We can just share the bed like we used to, the bed is bigger than the one I had in Iwatobi so we both can fit.” Makoto had declared.

Haru smiled at the memory and gave Makoto a kiss on his forehead. He was really worried when he’d gotten the call from Makoto’s friend. Makoto didn’t know how relieved Haru felt that it wasn’t anything serious. He was still going to have a talk with him after he woke up though.

“You gave me such a fright today, Makoto, don’t ever do that again.”He said as he lied next to him and fell asleep a little while later.

Makoto woke up the next morning with a splitting headache and a sleeping Haru in his arms. It wasn’t really that different from the other days Haru stayed over but the memories of yesterday came flooding to his head and he tried to bolt out of bed when he remembered everything that happened the evening before but ended up falling on the floor. Haru was woken up by his actions and he looked groggily at him, “Makoto, why are you on the floor?” he asked, his voice laced with sleep.

“Uh, I just got tangled in the sheets.” He answered, as he felt heat riding to his cheeks.

“How are you feeling?” Haru inquired, letting out a big yawn.

“My head hurts bad.” Makoto admitted. Haru reached to the desk on the side of the bed at that and opened one of the drawers. “I had a feeling that would be the case.” He handed a pill to Makoto, “Aspirin. I’ll get you water.” He said as he got out of bed.

“Haru, you don’t ha…”

“Stay here.”

With that, Haru was out the door.

Makoto got up to freshen himself up in the bathroom. He looked at himself and saw how horrible he looked in the mirror. “I need to take a shower.” He thought to himself.

He came back into the bedroom after brushing his teeth and saw that Haru had already fetched him a glass of water and also a bowl of food. “Eat something before you take the medicine. I heated up yesterday’s leftovers.”

“Thank you, Haru.” Makoto said as he took both the glass and bowl from Haru’s hands.

He ate the curry, downed the pill and the water and sat on the bed for a while, collecting his thoughts. He remembered what his friends had said the evening before, and looked over at Haru, who raised his eyebrow in question.

It wasn’t a new thing for Makoto to find Haru’s every actions adorable.

He then got up and moved to the closet. He took out some clothes to change into after shower and was about to go to the bathroom when Haru stopped him. “Rest for a while.” Haru said and beckoned him towards the bed. He did as told and sat back down.

“Do you have classes today?” Haru asked as he sat down beside him.

“No, it’s Sunday.”

Haru had a frown on his face and Makoto knew why. “Nothing bad happened Haru. I’m fine. The headache will go away soon.” He tried to reassure Haru.

It didn’t look like Haru was completely convinced but he wasn’t protesting either, “What about your practice Haru?”

“Holiday.”

“Oh right.” Makoto remembered.

There was an awkward silence after that. Makoto knew Haru had something that he wanted to say, so he said in a questioning tone, “Haru?”

Haru looked at Makoto then took a deep breath, “Makoto, I kind of get why your friends took you to a bar yesterday.” He looked like he was struggling to find words to say, “I’ve heard it is a normal thing to do once you turn 20 but”, he said as he turned to look back at Makoto, “I just want you to be safe. So be careful the next time, okay?”

Makoto could see a plethora of emotions in Haru’s expressive blue eyes and his heart hurt knowing he was the cause of Haru’s worries. He wanted to say that there probably would never be a next time and that Haru needn’t worry. Makoto remembered how Haru looked when he had fainted from exhaustion days before the finals of his first semester and had sworn to himself to never cause Haru to look so crestfallen again, but it looked like he couldn’t keep that promise.

“I prefer chocolates to liquor.” He said, voicing out his exact thought from the evening before.

Haru widened his eyes at that, confused. Makoto continued, “It was so bitter Haru. I should’ve learnt my lesson back when Nagisa brought beer on that sleepover we had at your house. I just thought it’d be a little different because it didn’t look the same.”

Makoto could see that Haru was amused by the reasoning and he went on with honesty, “It felt awful Haru. My head felt like I’d just been on a really fast merry-go-round and I don’t like not being able to control my limbs the way I want to. You know how clumsy I already am.”

Haru looked like he was thinking about it and then responded as he nodded his head, “True.”

In other days, Makoto would’ve acted offended when Haru would call him clumsy, but right now he was glad knowing that it helped Haru feel lighter. He resumed,

“Looks like alcohol is not my kind of thing.”

Haru hummed in agreement, “Not mine either.”

Makoto looked at Haru questioningly at that.

“One of us learnt back in high school.” He answered the unasked question, “My classmates tried to do something similar on my 20th birthday too, but I said I was planning on spending the day with you.”

Makoto was surprised at that, Haru hadn’t told him about it before. The butterflies in his stomach that he felt when Haru related the latter part of the sentence was something he knew he had to think of soon.

Haru continued knowing Makoto was curious about it, “They told me the next day that they planned on taking me to a bar. I would’ve rejected them anyway. I don’t like the taste and coach would’ve been angry at me if I did go.”

Haru stared at Makoto for a while in silence till he spoke again, “Makoto”, he started, “I know how considerate you are and”, he took another pause, “if you do want to go drinking but you’re worried about making me worried, you don’t have to stop yourself okay? It’s just that I don’t want anything bad happening to you. I know your friends will look out for you but please be careful.” He finished and by the end of it, he had his head down looking down at his hands.

That took Makoto by surprise. They both had a habit of being a little too considerate about the other, forgoing something they liked because they didn’t want to worry the other- he remembered how Rin had sat him down once and talked to him about it. He had promised to himself that he wouldn’t hold Haru back and realized that Haru had thought of the same.

That was not the case at the time though.

“Haru”, he started, “I don’t think I’m missing out on anything by not going drinking with my friends. We can always have fun in other ways. We can go to a karaoke bar, or to that cat café you found, or just go roam around to look for the best ramen in the city.” He knew what he needed to say, “Haru, you aren’t holding me back on anything.”

Haru’s eyes widened at that. Makoto went up to him and enveloped him into a hug. “You don’t have to worry Haru really. I’m not going to go drinking ever, because I don’t like it. You can just take me to the café we went to today whenever my friends go out drinking. If you’re free of course.”

Haru made a small noise in acknowledgement. He then pulled back a little and asked after he looked like he’d remembered something, “How’s your head?”

“Much better”, Makoto replied, “I should go take a shower now. I stink.” He said scrunching up his face.

“I’ll go make breakfast then.” Haru pulled out of the hug and slowly got up.

“But I wanted to cook for you.”

“No. You shower.” Haru said sternly. “You stink.”

Makoto acted offended at that even though he’d himself said the same thing just a few seconds ago. Makoto could see Haru smile at that. He was glad Haru had stopped worrying for now.

What his friends said the day before was still on his mind, but he decided to put it off for later to just enjoy Haru’s company for now.

The next day, he was met with the somewhat-guilty faces of his friends at his university. Apart from Natsuki who wasn’t looking at him and was rubbing her temples with her fingers, everyone else was watching him intently, as if they were expecting a scolding. Makoto didn’t know how to start telling them that he was alright. They apologized to him and Makoto tried to reassure them that it was alright.

“We really should’ve stuck with a chocolate cake, huh?” Saya asked. “That was our first plan. You love it, and Natsuki does too.”

“Yeah, that would’ve been better”, came Natsuki’s reply who was rubbing her temples with her fingers, it looked like she was having a bad headache.

“It’s just that”, Takashi started, “You’re 20 now, and a lot of people can’t wait to get their first sip of alcohol when they reach adulthood you see. I thought you’d be ecstatic. We must have made you uncomfortable with all the questions too.”

Makoto already knew that his friends didn’t mean anything bad when they planned on taking him to the bar. Plus it wasn’t like he couldn’t have rejected the offer had he been completely against it, and he told them just that. Makoto felt like it was just a rite of passage of some kind and gone along with it, not to mention his father had already given him a long lecture on college traditions and how to handle himself in such situations even before he had joined university. It wasn’t really the liquor that he minded either.

That seemed to have eased them out of their worries a little. “Man that disapproving look on your friend’s face was so piercing.” Seiji said, giving a small laugh.

Their classes were just about to begin when Saya came to him and said, with a hand on his shoulder, “Makoto, I know it’s your relationship and all and I shouldn’t really meddle, but”, she gave him a smile and continued, “Give it a thought alright?” and moved to her desk. Makoto knew what she meant by it.

So Makoto did. He had never thought his and Haru’s relationship was one he had to think about before. They had known each other nearly all their lives, went to school together, did everything together. But what his friends said made him rethink everything, especially all the things that had started since they joined university. They were sort of right in a way. He did think his and Haru’s relationship was a little different from the others. He treated Haru a little differently than he did his other friends and that he’d credited to having known him the longest. Haru’d hold his hand when he felt that Makoto was frightened or Makoto held his just to let Haru know he was there right beside him, it was a way for them to comfort each other. He was a rather affectionate person and didn’t really shy away from showing it, but he didn’t show it to others the way he did with Haru.

The new or rather, relatively new developments in their relationship hadn’t really fazed him either. They’d always share a bed when they slept over at each other’s place back in Iwatobi, which continued in Tokyo as well- the thing that differed though, was that now even when one of them found out that they’d been spooning the other, they didn’t move away. Makoto smiled when he thought about it, the way when Haru nuzzled closer when Makoto would try to get into a more comfortable position, was absolutely adorable.

Haru also seemed more comfortable with hugs now, whose frequency had increased as well. Makoto felt warmer just remebering the hugs they'd shared ever since they started university.

He remembered how the little pecks on the cheek thing started as well. Haru had stayed over at his place the day before a swimming event that was going to be held in another prefecture. Makoto had kind of gotten used to not being able to see Haru everyday but they’d somehow manage to visit at least once a week. But now Haru would be gone for more than two weeks and Makoto had already started feeling a little lonely before Haru had even left his apartment. He was still groggy from sleep and he found Haru putting on his shoes when he woke up and went to the front door. Haru turned to look at him, “There are leftovers in the fridge, heat it up and eat it”, he said gesturing towards the kitchen. And before he knew what he was doing, he had pulled Haru in his arms in a hug.

Haru had gone still in his arms and Makoto realized what he’d done a little after Haru called out to him, “Makoto?”

Makoto quickly let him go and noticed that Haru was looking at him intently. But then Haru stepped towards him and kissed him on the cheek, just a light touch of his lips. Makoto was frozen still as Haru looked up at him and said, “You can call me if you want to talk. I keep my phone with me now.” He said as he turned his head to the side.

Makoto’s brain couldn’t process what had just happened, he could feel blood going to his cheeks after Haru’s kiss but before he could open his mouth to ask Haru what just happened he heard a soft, “Bye”, and with that he was out the door.

Makoto’s heart felt aflutter the entire day that day.

When Haru came back after the event, he gave Makoto a kiss on the cheek again as if it was the most natural thing to do. Makoto had two weeks to think about that gesture of Haru’s, and seeing how he didn’t seem that bothered by it, came to accept it as just another addition to their evolving friendship.

The kisses grew more frequent after that. Sometimes Haru’d kiss him on the cheek when he was doing his college assignments, or when he was stressing over his exams and needed to calm down, or when he was missing Iwatobi and everyone there. He had also started doing the same to Haru, preferably on the forehead-before a competition, when Haru spoiled him by making him a dish he liked or when Haru was acting particularly cute. “Easier to reach.” Makoto said teasingly once to Haru who then proceeded to pout the entire day.

The pecks meant a lot of things to them, “Good luck”, “You can do it.” “You need to rest.” “I missed you.”

“And then there was that kiss.”

Makoto’s head was filled with questions for an entire week. He’d pondered over his emotions and feelings regarding Haru. He knew he loved Haru, and Haru knew that Makoto loved him too, he thought as he remembered that day back in middle school. He also knew that it would be better if he talked about it with Haru, he knew hiding it would make him act differently and that Haru would notice it right way and he didn’t want to repeat what happened back in middle school and high school.

He picked up his phone and called Haru.

It was already the next Saturday afternoon by the time they get to meet up again, at Haru’s apartment this time. Haru had told him that his coach was making all of them practice hard so he'd only be free on the weekend. Makoto knocked on the door and after a short while, it was opened by Haru. He looked like he’d just woken up. “Haru?”, he questioned.

“Practice.” He answered and Makoto understood what he meant by that.

“It’s Saturday?”

“Yeah.” He provided no explanation.

Haru headed towards the bedroom and Makoto followed after that.

“So?”, Haru said questioningly.

“Hmm?” Makoto didn’t understand what Haru was asking for.

“You look like you have something to say.” Haru explained. He let out a yawn.

Makoto opened his mouth then closed it again, he didn’t know how to begin. He didn’t know how he should broach the subject.

Haru let out another yawn as he waited for Makoto to speak.

Makoto stood up then, “I do want to talk to you about something, but I think you need some food in you first.”

Haru jolted up at that, “You’re going to be making breakfast?”

“Haru”, he said in a whiny tone, “I can cook. Not as good as you of course but I’ll manage. And I know just how you like your mackerel.” He said with a smile.

Haru watched as Makoto disappeared towards the kitchen. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Makoto’s abilities, he taught him after all. It was just that he’d always be a little worried about leaving Makoto alone with a stove, he vividly remembers that day he almost caused a fire the first day he tried to grill mackerel. Thankfully there had been no such incidents ever since but he still liked to be careful.

When Makoto calls him from the kitchen to get breakfast, Haru had already brushed his teeth and freshened up. Haru sat down on the chair and looked at the food on the plate, it looked good.

He broke off a piece of mackerel lying on top of the rice and put it in his mouth. “It’s good”, he says after swallowing.

“See, I told you, I can make at least mackerel. I’m not good at making other things that well but grilled mackerel I can manage”, he said proudly, “If only you’d let me cook when you came over. I'm not going to start a fire.”

“I like cooking for you.” He said nonchalantly.

“I want to cook for you too you know.”

Haru looked thoughtful at that, they let a comfortable silence take over a while before Haru spoke again, “I’m a little overprotective, aren’t I?”

Makoto could see that Haru had been thinking about it for a while now. “I am too. You say that I’m a worrywart.”

There was another pause for a while. They resumed eating their breakfast and Makoto picked up the plates and took it to the sink. Haru washed the plates and Makoto dried them, like they always did.

Haru sat back at the chair after they were done and beckoned Makoto towards him.

“What did you want to talk about?”

Makoto sat down and tried to collect his thoughts. He let out a long sigh and finally spoke.

“Haru, what do you think of us?”

Makoto noticed Haru looking at him questioningly, “I mean our relationship.”

“We’re Haru and Makoto.”

Makoto chuckles at that, it was such a Haru-like answer.

“Takashi and the others seem to think that our friendship is strange.”

“Strange how?” Haru inquired.

Makoto thought to himself that it was better to just be honest, he lets out a huff and answers, “They say friends don’t kiss each other.”

Haru looked unbothered by that revelation, “Then we’re friends who kiss.”

“Haru”, Makoto supplied, “friends don’t do that.”

Haru looked at Makoto incredulously at that, “But we do.”

A silence resumed again, but this time it wasn’t the same as before.

Haru spoke after what felt like eternity, “I like kissing you. Like how we kissed at the pool. It feels good. ”

Makoto’s breath stopped at that.

“We should do that again”, Haru said, looking up at Makoto through his lashes.

“Haru!” He whined, and goddamnit Haru shouldn’t look at him like that.

He let out a long sigh and continued, “Haru, you don’t understa…” but was interrupted by Haru.

“I do Makoto, it’s just that”, Haru looked around for words, “we’re just how we are. What others say about our relationship doesn’t matter.”

“Haru?”, Makoto asked, knowing that the blue-eyed boy wasn’t done yet.

Haru stayed silent for a while and then spoke, “My teammates told me something like that, they asked me if we were dating.”

“Oh” was Makoto’s only response.

“I asked them what they meant by that”, he said, “they told me what dating entails and well, it seems that we’ve been doing this dating thing all our lives.”

Makoto looked at Haru’s face and laughed-it was the way Haru said it. “I was confused because that is just how we are.” Haru continued.

Makoto’s laugh turned into a wide smile, “It’s just natural huh?”

Haru hummed in agreement, “I did think about it though”, he said in a serious tone, “Even back in high school, I realized that you were a little different from everyone else.”

“Different?” Makoto asks.

Haru looked like he was searching for words, “I don’t do things that I do with you with others. And you mean a lot to me.” Makoto felt a little surprised at that, and was about to say something back when Haru continued.

“You are my childhood friend, my teammate and something else too, something I don’t know how to describe it. I care about you a lot Makoto.” He said narrowing his eyes and thinking hard, “ I also worry about you a lot. You gave me such a big fright when you fainted last year, I felt like my heart would stop. And then your friend called saying that they got you in a mess. I didn’t know what to do.”

Haru paused and a dark shadow passed over his face. “You were always there and I believed that that is how it would always be. And then there was that storm.”

Makoto knew which storm he was talking about, Haru had saved him that night. “It’s meaningless without you”, Makoto had told Haru.

“I almost lost you that day, and that made me realize how important your existence is to me”, Haru said as he looked down, fiddling with his fingers, “And then when you said you were going to Tokyo in our third year, I didn’t know how to react.”

Makoto had known that Haru still felt guilty about what he said during that fight, but right then he could see clearly how much that incident had affected Haru.

“Haru…”

Haru let out a long sigh and continued, “When I told Rin that I was going to Tokyo, he said that he had a feeling I would do that. Then he gave me a long lecture on codependency.”

“He did that with me too, when I told him about the time we came to look for apartments for the first time.”, Makoto sighed again, “Rin would be so disappointed, I’m still so dependent on you.” Haru stared at him for a while.

“I am too”, Haru started, “Rin does have a point and he wants what's best for us, but I still want you in my life. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.”

Makoto gave a little smile at that, “I want to be with you too Haru. We can both work on ourselves and still find a way to stay together, can’t we?”

He could spot a small smile on Haru’s face at that. He continued, “And we don’t have to call ourselves by any label if you don’t feel like it.” He said and got up to get two glasses of water.

Haru looked like he was thinking it over, “I think I’d like calling you my boyfriend.”

Makoto was glad he hadn’t taken a gulp of water yet because he was sure he would’ve choked then.

“You’re cute, and I don’t want anyone to hit on you.” Haru said, Makoto could tell that he was being teased.

“You’re the cute one Haru”, he said truthfully, “You don’t know how you make me feel when you act all adorable.”

“Hmm” Haru said, “Do tell.”

Makoto widened his eyes and looked at Haru, then burst out laughing.

He could see Haru smiling too and that made his heart light and full. Haru didn’t know what an effect his smile had on Makoto. His smiles were rare but Makoto was sure that anyone who witnessed it would fall in love with him instantly.

“Wait, but what if”, Makoto started, looking a little anxious and Haru knew immediately what he meant.

“There was a rumor going around that I was dating a man once”, Haru revealed, “A few people started avoiding me after that.” He said without any inflection in his voice.

Makoto was about to speak when Haru continued, “It doesn’t bother me though. Plus the coach and my teammates constantly tease me about you. And you happened to give them your number and told them to call you if anything happens to me.”

“You did too.” Makoto retorted.

“I did, but I didn’t know then you had done the same too.”

“We’re worrywarts, aren’t we?”

Haru agreed. He got up and walked up to Makoto, who was still seated in his chair. He leaned down and then brought his lips to Makoto’s.

Makoto was a little surprised at first but then he started kissing him back. They stayed like that for a while, with lips pressed against each other’s.

“Can we take it to my room?”

Makoto felt his blood rushing to his face and ears at the invitation, but he followed as Haru led him towards the room, his head in a mess.

“We can take it slow Makoto. Like we always have”, Haru said, and the words helped calm Makoto’s jittery nerves.

“But I think I’d still like to continue kissing.” he continued and Makoto felt his heart rate speed up again.

“Haru, you’re going to give me a heart attack.”

Haru was already impatient by then and pulled Makoto into the bed. Makoto yelped and landed on the edge of the bed.

“Is it alright?”, he heard Haru ask.

Makoto took a deep breath, and nodded. Haru slowly crawled over and sat on his lap, then raised his head to meet Makoto’s lips again.

They pressed their lips together and stayed still for a while. Makoto felt like he could stay like that forever. After that Haru started moving his lips over Makoto’s.

And then Haru opened his mouth and Makoto felt his heart lurch to his threat.

He could feel Haru’s breath on his, and he opened his own lips too. Makoto felt his heart beating out of his chest. A shudder ran through his body when Haru ran his tongue over his lips lightly.

It seems that Haru felt the shudder too, as he pulled apart and looked at him. Makoto looked at Haru’s usually pale face blushing pink and couldn’t help the words coming out of his mouth, “I love you.”

He looked at Haru in trepidation as soon as the words came out, he saw Haru widen his eyes and started fearing the worst.

Haru kissed him on the cheek then, “Calm down.”,it seemed to say, “You’re overthinking again.”

“I love you Makoto.” He heard Haru say and he could swear his heart stopped then. “I think I always have.”

Makoto then pulled Haru to his chest and gave him a tight hug, resting his head on his shoulders and breathing him in. He could feel Haru doing the same too.

The hug loosened but they stayed there with their heads on the other’s shoulder, then Haru broke the silence.

“We should’ve done this sooner.”

Makoto chuckled at that, “Yeah.” he managed to say.

“Makoto”, Haru pulled apart and looked up at him, “Do you want to do… more?”

He knew what Haru meant and while he did want it too, he didn’t think his heart would be able to take it at the moment.

“I do”, Makoto replied honestly, “But with time, is that alright Haru?”

Haru leaned to rest his head on Makoto’s shoulders again, “Yeah, we can take our time.”

They stayed silent until Makoto spoke, “So we’re boyfriends now?”

“Yeah”, came Haru’s reply and Makoto beamed.

They told Makoto’s parents first and they’re both taken aback when Makoto’s mom exclaimed, “It took you guys so long” and started dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. Haru’s dad and mom too said that “it was only expected” and that “they made a good pair.”

Makoto held his breath both times they were calling their parents, knowing in his heart that they wouldn’t object but dreading it anyway. Haru had been holding his hand before the call had even started and didn’t seem like he’d be letting go anytime soon, and Makoto was very grateful for that.

Nagisa, Rei, Rin and Kou’s responses all responded with disbelief and frustration, and the sentence, “You mean you guys weren’t already dating” being said repeatedly. Apparently, Rin and Nagisa believed that they had started dating after they moved to Tokyo while Rei and Kou thought they’d been dating since high school. They found it funny seeing Rin look exasperated muttering to himself while Kou laughed out loud on the same screen.

Takashi pulled him into a hug the moment Makoto told his friends about it. He let Makoto go and then slapped him lightly on the back. “You made me lose the bet Tachibana.”

“Bet?” Makoto was confused.

“We kinda bet on when you two would get together”, Seiji said as he laughed, “Saya won.”

“I had it on 2 weeks”, Mika complained, “I was so, so close.”

Makoto was a little stupefied at that. “You guys believed we would end up dating?”

The whole group looked at Makoto like he’d grown another head at that. Takashi sighed and retorted, “It was only a matter of time Makoto.”

Makoto remembered at that time how Haru said that people had started to avoid him after the rumor saying that he was dating a man had started. He’d been hurt that Haru was being treated like that, but Haru had told him that his teammates were alright with it, and that had made Makoto a lot relieved.

He had a feeling he knew the answer, but he asked it anyway, “And you guys are alright with it? With me dating a man?” It felt weird for him to say that, he loved Haru because he was Haru, not because he was a man. He had never really thought about dating a man, he had never thought about dating period.

Makoto raised his eyes to see a smiling Saya, “Of course we are. We just want you to be happy.”

“You’re being an idiot Makoto”, Natsuki piped up, “Why would we think of you any different just because you’re dating a man?”

Seiji lightly slapped Makoto on the back, “We had always thought that you were dating that Haru guy anyway, Don’t you think that if we did treat you differently, we’d have done so way earlier?”

Makoto looked at everyone’s faces at that, and seeing their expressions he breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. The tension in his shoulders dissipated as he thought that yes, he truly did have the most loving family and caring friends anyone in the world could ask for.

“Oh and Makoto”, Takashi interrupted the silence that had taken over, “if you want any tips on your relationship, you can always come to big bro over here alright?” Makoto was ready to thank him and accept his offer until Takashi finished what he was saying, “I get the feeling you’re gonna need a lot of help on a…certain front. I may not know exactly about how everything goes but I know where to look it up.”, he continued while nodding his head.

Makoto’s face and ears turned scarlet as the whole group burst into laughter at the sight.

Makoto wouldn’t say that there was a drastic change after he and Haru had announced to their friends and families that they were dating. They continued as before, staying at the other’s apartments during holidays, going on walks “dates” together, and sleeping on the same bed together. The only thing that did change was the frequency of the kisses they shared, and seeing Haru flushing red from exertion of a different kind. He’d always thought Haru was beautiful but a pink-cheeked Haru with pupils blown wide always managed to take his breath away.

His friends bought him some sex-ed books shortly after he’d told them about him and Haru dating, “It’s your birthday gift.” Takashi said, “You didn’t like our surprise but this is sure to come in handy.” He had said. Makoto showed the books to Haru with red ears who just sat down and started turning the pages of one intently right after. “It’s important”, Haru said when Makoto covered his face with his hands out of embarrassment and continued, “they didn’t teach this in school.”

He knew what Haru was talking about. Back in high school, they were taught about sex, but only between a man and a woman, so the books, which covered every base, did seem useful. Haru turned the pages until he reached the chapter on relationships between men then proceeded to read it out loud and Makoto groaned loud in embarrassment again. Makoto heard a small sound at that and knew Haru had let out a chuckle, the thought made his chest feel warmer. He knew Haru was teasing him but he also knew Haru was happy and that in turn made him happy.

“Oh this explains it”, Haru said out loud, he’d started reading the book quietly after a while so Makoto got startled when the dark-headed boy suddenly spoke. Makoto looked at him questioningly.

Haru paused to collect his thoughts, “this section here is about dreams”, he said and showed which part he was talking about to Makoto, who did turn red again at the pictures but looked on as he felt that Haru was going to tell him something important, “I had those too, but there weren’t any women in it like they told us at school. Most times I was in the water.”

Makoto couldn’t help but chuckle at that, “That Is so Haru-like” , he thought and realized how he used the phrase to describe the smaller boy’s actions.

Haru frowned but he didn’t look too pissed off, “I wasn’t finished”, he slightly pushed Makoto on the shoulders and Makoto felt giddy at how Haru had grown comfortable enough to touch him so casually. Haru continued, “I also saw a hand sometimes, or a body”, he looked at Makoto straight in the eyes, “larger than mine.”

Makoto couldn’t process what Haru was saying right away, he continued, “and he’d touch me all over”, he continued looking at a stupefied Makoto, “then I’d see a green-eyed boy smile with his head tilted to the side.”

That finally got Makoto to understand what Haru was saying and he felt that his veins would burst with all the blood rushing to his face at once. Haru sighed and said with no actual bite in it, “Idiot.”

Makoto was still rendered speechless by that. Haru resumed talking, “I just thought it was normal. You were always the closest person to me after all.”

That brought Makoto back to his senses. He wanted to tell Haru about his own thoughts back in high school too, “I thought the same too” He managed to say.

“So you’ve thought of me too.” Makoto felt like his face and ears would be permanently dyed pink at this rate. He nodded with his face behind his palms, feeling like his heart would burst at the implication that Haru had masturbated at the thought of him.

“I looked up some videos on the internet a few weeks ago. I’m glad that this book has instructions on preparations.”Haru spoke nonchalantly, “I think it’d hurt otherwise.”

Makoto knew what Haru was referring to, he had skimmed through the books as he made his way to Haru’s apartment. They had only touched themselves over the boxers so far and he was a little overwhelmed by all the things that were mentioned in them.

Haru had been looking at the brown-haired boy and he could make out what Makoto was thinking about, “We can take our time.”

Makoto looked at Haru letting go of the breath he was holding. Haru continued, “I want us both to be comfortable before doing anything.” He said as he crawled over to Makoto’s lap and hugged him, resting his head on Makoto's shoulders. Makoto immediately felt at ease.

They stayed in silence for a while until Haru broke it, “Makoto, we should look for a larger apartment.”

Makoto had been thinking of saying the same to Haru for quite a while now, “Yeah. It’d save us so much rent.”

“One with a big bath.” Haru supplied, and ‘Haru-like’ popped in Makoto’s head again.

“And one that allows pets.” Makoto added.

“Yeah. You cried when you had to give that kitten you rescued away.”

“I didn’t want to let her go.” The green-eyed boy whined.

“Hmm.”

They stayed in the other’s embrace, feeling their worries and troubles slowly fade away to nothingness, mind and heart at peace. 

[leonalmalsy]

Gift of the Magi - A Ryuann fic

Third year student Ann Takamaki couldn't believe what she was reading. Even after a third careful read through, the words almost seem to taunt her.

Shujin Academy Fundraiser

Shujin is raising money to fund our extracurricular activities. Join us May 5th. There will be games and food.

Don't miss our auction, where students can win a date with our third year beauties.

Ann's perfectly manicured nails ripped apart the flyer in a rage.

"How can they do this?" The twin tailed woman huffed. "I never agreed to this." With a stomp of her feet, she resolved to see the principal.

The new principal was a tall and lanky man, unlike their former principal. He had a look of a man struggling to tread water, which wasn’t far off the mark. After the disgrace of Kamoshida and the sudden death of the previous principal Kobayakaba, the new guy was simply overwhelmed by the negative press that Shujin had been receiving. There have been rumors that people have seen him duck into his office any time a police car whizzed by. Clearly, he wasn’t the best person for the job. How could such a man come up with this idea?

Ann knocked on the door of the prinicipal’s office. A meek “Come in” was the response.

“Sir, I’m sorry to bother you.” Ann said in her softest voice, even though she was a torrent of rage on the inside.

“Not at all. My doors are always open to the students of Shujin.” The principal’s words didn’t convince her that he really meant what he said.

“I just read the flyer for the fundraiser.” The blonde acknowledged.

“I am glad that you brought that up.” The principal took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow with it. In Ann’s eyes, it made him look smaller than he actually was. “This school’s reputation has been going downhill since last year. Kamoshida-sensei’s perversions tainted the Volleyball team. Then there is the matter of both Suzui-san’s attempted suicide and my predecessor’s sudden suicide. And there have been rumors that the so-called Phantom Thieves were actually students in this school. The benefactors who helped pay for tuition are threatening to withhold their money. Without them, we may have to seek out alternate sources of income.”

Ann’s rage softened. Being part of the Phantom Thieves last year was the best year of her life. But it did come with some baggage. She remembered having to endure Kamoshida’s perverted advances and Shiho’s attempted suicide. And even though they had nothing to do with it, Principal Kobayakawa was killed in their name. So was Haru’s dad. Shujin had been engrossed in scandal ever since.

“I know I am asking a lot of the third year students but without funding, Shujin may have to close many of its extracurricular activities." He continued, unaware of the guilt bubbling up in Ann. "If we cut them, less money will come from benefactors. It will lead to a downward spiral."

Ann bit her bottom lip. The guilt trip combined with the pathetic sounding voice of the principal created a potent combination that wore on her resolve not to participate in the fundraiser.

"Takamaki-san, I understand your reservation about being auctioned off. But think of the money that you could bring to the school? Would you deprive your fellow students of the funds they need in order to thrive?”

The guilt came in waves now. Ann’s face made a powerful grimace. She knew where this was going. This feeling was just like the time she had to pretend to pose nude for Yusuke’s painting.

“Okay. Fine.” She spat acidly. The new principal didn't bother to read her mood. Instead, he thanked her profusely for agreeing to the auction.

After leaving the office, Ann was more pissed than when she went in. She couldn't get out of this situation because of her guilt. Terrible thoughts swirled in her head. Who was going to win her? Were they going to expect something from her? Would this make the rumors about her and Kamoshida worse?

"I need to find another way out." She thought out loud. "If only I was a Phantom Thief again."

That's when it hit her. There was another way out. She could only hope that he didn't leave for the day.

As it happened, he was behind the school, running. Ryuji Sakamoto, middle school friend, ex-track star, dyed blond, and phantom thief. The two of them had spent an amazing year with an amazing group of people. At times, it all felt like a dream.

Unfortunately, the Phantom Thieves didn't meet up as frequently as they used to. Makoto was accepted by a prestigious college and spent much of her time studying. Haru was working to improve Okumura Food's image. Ren and Morgana moved back to Ren's hometown. Yusuke is still going to Kosei but he'll go days without contacting them and then show up later, hungry. Futaba was going to a different high school than Shujin in order to open herself up to people other than the Phantom Thieves. This left her with Ryuji.

After the Phantom Thieves, Ryuji continued training his body, especially his legs. Although he would never regain his former speed thanks to Kamoshida and he would never rejoin the track team, the bleached blond reasoned that it was still no excuse to break routine. Of late, he made a habit of roping Mishima into his workout. And as he finished his set, there was the blue haired youth, wheezing towards the finish line.

"Sakamoto. I can't anymore." Mishima wheezed out every word as he collapsed on the grass.

"That was a good run, Mishima." Ryuji smiled as he chugged a liter of ice cold water while tossing another to the guy on the floor.

"Good? It was torture." The blue haired youth coughed as he guzzled down the water like he hadn't had it in forever. "And you do this for fun?"

"Com'n." Ryuji laughed. "If you're serious about getting into shape, then you can't do this half-assed."

"You're one to talk, Ryuji." Ann retorted, announcing her presence.

Ryuji grimaced. "Did you come all this way to mock us?" His voice was quite blase. He was used to her comments by now and was too tired to come up with one of his own. Oh...wait. "You know, you could stand to lose a couple of kilograms yourself. Otherwise, that brown haired model is going to take the number one spot."

Watching her flustered face made it all worth it. He cracked up laughing.

"That is never going to happen. Mika-san is going to have to settle for second place." She seethed. "To think I wanted to come to you with my problem."

The dyes blond youth stopped laughing. "Sorry. I'm good. Tell me."

Ann pursed her lips. "Fine. But let's go somewhere else."

"Fine with me." Ryuji shrugged his shoulders. He looked at Mishima's prostrate form. "You gonna be good, Mishima?"

"Chest on fire. Death close." He wheezed out every word.

Ryuji motioned with his head for Ann to follow him. They walked a bit so that they were behind the school.

"What's up?" He asked.

"Have you read the flyers about a fundraiser?" Ann asked.

"What about it?" Ryuji had seen them posting something about a fundraiser. But that didn't really catch his interest. So he paid it no mind.

"Did you read the part about third year girls being auctioned off?" She couldn't keep the rage out of her voice.

"F'real?" He exclaimed. "Why?"

"The principal said that because of the Phantom Thieves, benefactors are not investing in the school." Ann explained. "So the third year girls are going to be auctioned off to date their highest bidder."

A perverted grin started to creep across his face. "Is that how it's going to be?" Ryuji could just imagine it. A date with one of the third year girls. He could almost imagine it. She would have a hot body and call him Sakamoto-sama or Sakamoto-senpai.

"Get your mind out of the gutter, Ryuji." The blonde demanded, stamping on his foot. "This is serious. I'm gonna be on that auction."

"If you don't want to be in the auction, just tell the principal." The dyed blond youth stretched his limbs, only stopping when he heard that satisfying pop. "I heard he's a real pushover."

"That's the thing. He guilt-tripped me into doing it by using our year as Phantom Thieves against me." Ann couldn't keep the frustration out of her voice. "He said that it's thanks to them that benefactors haven't been giving money. The school could go broke."

Ryuji saw the look of desperation on her face. "What do you need me to do?"

"I need you to buy me."

I need you to buy me. That's what she said that day. Ryuji had agreed, mostly because she was his friend. How could he abandon her in her time of need? But he couldn't help but feel weird. Why come to him? He wasn't loaded and he didn't have a high paying job like Ren did. He made enough money to help ease his mom's burden and to have extra on the side. She must have been really desperate.

The auction was taking place in the gym while the rest of the fundraiser was being hosted in the auditorium. In truth, Ryuji wanted to see everything the fundraiser had to offer but he didn't know when Ann's turn was going to be so he had no choice but to stay in the gym.

"Hope I have enough." He grumbled after taking a seat.

Nine girls came and went before Ann came on stage. Unlike the other girls who dolled themselves up, Ann was in her school uniform. She crossed her arms and gave off an aura of "leave me alone".

"Next up is Ann Takamaki," the MC announced in a flourish. “A part-time model whose naturally blonde hair lights up any room.”

Ann blushed. Hearing the announcer describe her like that threw her off-guard.

“How about a twirl, Ann-chan?” The announcer cooed.

Ann set her glare at the MC. He must have caught it because he immediately looked away. “Well, what are my starting bids for Ann?”

500 yen, someone yelled out.

600

700

900

1200

Ann was stunned. The offers steadily rose, easily clearing 2,000 yen. From there, the increments increased by 500. She was barely registering the numbers, instead, trying to find Ryuji in the crowd.

4500

5000

5200

Her eyes scanned the room, looking for bleached blond hair. How difficult could it be to find him? A horrid thought crossed her mind. What if he abandoned her? She clenched her fist. She would make him pay if he did.

“7000 yen-” the announcer cried “-going once”

“8000 yen.”

Ann’s head whipped around sharply to where the voice originated. Sure enough, it was Ryuji, standing on his chair and yelling out his bid.

“Sakamoto’s bidding on Takamaki?” Perhaps that was meant as a whisper but Ann heard it loud and clear.

“Why should a punk like him date a pretty girl like Takamaki?” Another yelled.

“8250″

“8500″ Ryuji yelled in response.

Ann’s eyes widened. The bidding was much higher than she expected. At first, she was worried that Ryuji wouldn’t help her at all. Now she was worried that Ryuji wouldn’t have enough to win. Something akin to a gut punch made her stomach flip. She got the feeling that if Ryuji didn’t win, he would feel massively guilty, like he would be letting her down. Her eyes began to water. She wanted to tell Ryuji that it was okay, that he didn’t need to waste his money on her. But the words didn’t come,

8600

8700

8800

Back and forth they went in increments of one hundred until

“9500″ Ryuji yelled.

“Going once, going twice,”

“10,000″ the student who Ryuji was in a bidding war with announced triumphantly.

“10,000?” The announcer gasped incredulously. “10,000 going once”

Ann couldn’t bear to look Ryuji in the eye. She didn’t want to see his dismayed face.

“Going twice.”

“12,800.” Ryuji bellowed, holding the money in his hand.

An audible gasp emptied the air in the auditorium.

“12,800. Going once, going twice, sold to the blond guy still standing on his seat.”

Ann nearly burst into tears. It took all her strength to stay on her feet. Ryuji had come through for her.

Ann and Ryuji walked to the train station after the fundraiser was over. Neither said anything. Ann couldn’t express into words just how grateful she was. Ryuji had gone above and beyond to help her out.

“Thanks, Ryuji.” Her voice had cracked a bit due to her gratitude.

“Huh,” Ryuji snapped his attention to his friend. “Oh, it was nothing.”

“It was not nothing,” Ann told him, stamping her foot to get his attention. “I know I kinda sprung that on you last minute but you pulled through for me. So thanks.”

“Come on,” Ryuji scratched the back of his head. His cheeks started to stain pink. “You’re my friend. We’ve been through so much together. Of course, I’d help you if I can.”

That made Ann smile. It was just like Ryuji to make everything so simple. But that’s one of the things she liked about him.

“I have an idea,” The twin tailed girl spoke. “How about you and me hang out this Sunday? I’ll take you to my favorite crepes place.”

Ryuji stretched out his limbs. “Sure. I’ve got no plans that day.”

“Then it’s settled.” Ann pumped her fist in excitement. “You’re gonna love this place. I swear, you’ll be a sweets junkie at first bite.”

Sunday came. Ryuji walked down Central Street, looking for his friend. Thanks to her unique looks, he didn’t have to look hard. She was standing in front of the movie theaters. 

Ryuji waved at the blonde. “Sorry. Were you waiting long?”

Ann shook her head. “I just got here myself. Now let’s go. These crepes are going to rock your world.”

Ryuji faked a grimace as Ann dragged him towards their destination. Inwardly, he smiled. It was great that things haven’t changed that much since their days as Phantom Thieves.

Ann didn’t lie when she said the sweets in this place were out of this world. Even though he wasn’t a sweets person, the crepes were made to perfection. Each bite was a cacophony of flavors that complemented each other. Ryuji could see why Ann loved these things. He was in flavor town. Ann herself had polished off eight of them before they were done.

“Crepes are love. Crepes are life.” Ann sighed as they left.

Ryuji scratched the back of his head. “How can you eat so much sugary sweets and not gain so much weight?”

“Maybe my metabolism is just that great,” the blonde laughed.

A wicked grin crossed the ex-runner’s face. “Or maybe it just goes to your breasts.”

“WHAT?” She screeched.

“I can see it now,” Ryuji leered playfully. “Every crepe adds one centimeter to your bust size.”

Ann took a swipe at him. However, Ryuji had anticipated this and dodged her attack.

“Get back here and take your punishment.” Ann yelled, shaking fist and chasing after her friend.

Ryuji just laughed and ran away from her, watching as she chased him.

Ann and Ryuji spent the day hanging out in Shibuya, enjoying some of the sights and sounds of the city. Ryuji introduced Ann to the joys of the arcade and Ann took Ryuji to the underground mall to window shop. Near the end of the day, their travels led them to a sneaker store. Ryuji had stopped to stare.

“I didn’t know you were that into sneakers,” Ann said.

“You can’t be a good runner if you don’t have good sneakers,” Ryuji explained. “Arch support and cushioning are important for speed.”

Ann didn’t know that. She could understand shoes for fashion and for comfort. But a shoe for speed, that was something else entirely. It was quite eye-opening to step through the looking glass and see Ryuji’s world.

“Ahh, Ryuji-chan” a woman’s voice called to him. “You’ve come.”

A middle-aged woman stepped out of the store and greeted him. She was somewhat plain, a dusting of gray hair and wrinkles here and there. But her overall cheerful demeanor made her shine bright.

“Obaa-san,” Ryuji greeted in a friendly manner. “I didn’t know you were working today.”

 The store owner noticed that Ryuji wasn’t alone. “Oh, hello. Are you Ryuji-chan’s girlfriend?”

Both teenagers blushed at the implication. “N-n-no. We’re just friends,” Ryuji insisted.

The store owner gave them a wan smile. It was almost like she didn’t believe them. However, she let that go for the moment. It wouldn’t do to give her favorite customer the third degree.

“So what brings you in, Ryuji-chan? Are you here to buy the sneakers you’ve put on reserve?” She motioned to sneakers that were out on the display window.

Ann couldn’t stop her eyes from following to where the sneakers were. She read the tag. It was Assassin brand sneakers, a simple pair of white sneakers with red laces and black soles. Apparently they were sneakers popular with runners. Even knowing little about sneakers, she knew that these Assassin sneakers were very good. Then she read the price tag. It was 12,800 yen. The number struck her as familiar but she couldn’t place why it was.

“About that,” Ryuji started. “I don’t have the money this week. Can you hold it in reserve for another week while I scrap together the money?” He ended his request by clasping his hands together in an imploring manner.

The store manager looked at him in sadness. “I’m sorry, Ryuji-chan,” she apologized. “But you know our policy. We can only reserve sneakers for four weeks, no more, even for you. I’m really sorry.”

Ryuji hung his head in defeat. “I understand.”

As the bleached blond walked towards the back to look at other sneakers, a realization came to Ann. She knew now why the price tag was so familiar. It was the same amount of money Ryuji used to win her lot in the auction. It hit her all at once. Ryuji had been saving up enough money to buy a pair of rare sneakers he wanted. And along comes Ann Takamaki, without any consideration of Ryuji’s feelings, and demands that he use his hard-earned money on her. A sickening feeling bubbled in her stomach as it dawned on her. She had used Ryuji in the same way that she herself didn’t liked to be used. And she felt guilty because of it.

“Miss, are you okay,” the shopkeeper asked.

Ann snapped out of her self-loathing party to pay attention to her surroundings. “Sorry. I was out of it.” Her light-blue eyes turned towards Ryuji. He was examining another pair of sneakers, feeling the weight and texture of it.

“I’ve known Ryuji-chan ever since he started doing track,” the shopkeeper told her. “He is brash and impulsive and not so quick on the uptake.” Ann couldn’t help but smile at the words. “But despite all of that, he has a good heart. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yeah, he does,” Ann agreed. The shopkeeper had no idea. Ryuji helped her with Kamoshida, had defended countless times a Phantom Thief. Hell, he nearly died saving them in Shido’s Palace. And now, he spent the money he would have had to buy the sneakers he wanted but instead, he spent it to spare her from being bought by someone else to do gods know what by gods know who.

The two watched Ryuji compare sneakers.

“So, tell me the truth. Are you Ryuji-chan’s girlfriend?”

Ann flushed magnificently. The contrast between her red face, blonde hair, and blue eyes was something to behold. “No,” she squeaked, unable to control the volume of her voice. “We’re just good friends.”

The shopkeeper made a sound, indicating that she wasn’t sure that was the case but she didn’t say anything else beyond that. Thankfully, Ryuji sauntered up to them, preventing things from becoming more awkward.

“Welp, I’m finished. Ann, you ready to go?” He asked.

Ann’s guilt started to double back on her. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

“Thanks for stopping by, Ryuji-chan,” the shopkeeper waved goodbye as the two teens left her store. “Say hello to your mother for me. Please come again.”

The train ride back was quite silent, unbearably so. Ann was in a pool of self-pity for using Ryuji without any consideration. As for Ryuji, he was trying to figure out what was going on with Ann. Finally, they had come to their stop. Ann and Ryuji hopped off the train and headed into the street. This intersection was where they had to go their separate ways.

“Well,” Ryuji turned towards the direction of his apartment, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Ann. Today was really fun.”

As Ryuji walked away, Ann couldn’t help but shout at him to wait. Ryuji turned around to see his friend’s face filled with determination, like she wanted to tell him something important.

“Huh? What’s wrong?” Ryuji asked.

“I’m sorry,” Ann cried out.

The bleached blond furrowed his eyebrows. “For what?”

“I didn’t know you were saving your money for something else.” Ann’s guilt came back as a tidal wave. “I bothered you with my problem, never thinking that you had your own thing going on.”

“Ann...”

“I used you. And now, you can’t afford to buy the sneakers you wanted, simply because I made you spend your money on me.” Tears had come unbidden and started to stream down her face. Ann bowed her head so that Ryuji didn’t see her crying. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her cry.

“Ann, listen to me.” Before Ann realized it, Ryuji had closed the distance between the two of them. “You didn’t make me spend my money. I spent it to help you.”

“But...”

“Ann,” he said in a voice that would brook no other rebuttals. “You asked for my help. I helped you. You’re my friend and that’s more important to me than any sneaker that has ever or will ever come out.”

Ann was stunned by his frank admission. He helped her simply because they were friends. It remind her of the shopkeeper’s words. He has a good heart. Truer words were never spoken. The fact that he would lose out on something he wanted just to help her solidify the fact that underneath his headstrong attitude was an amazing person. Sure, she may deride his somewhat perverted nature and may mock his intelligence once in a while, the fact remains that Ann was very lucky to have Ryuji Sakamoto as a friend.

“Ryuji.” Ann whispered. “Thanks. For everything.”

Ryuji grinned. “No problem.”

As Ryuji was about turn away to go home, Ann called out to him once more. “Can you do me one more favor?”

“Hmm, what’s up?”

A dusting of pink tinged her cheeks. “Can you close your eyes for a minute?”

“Huh? Why?” Ryuji didn’t understand why Ann was requesting this.

“Please?” Her voice came out more earnest than she expected.

Ann’s request threw him off. So he did as she asked and closed his eyes.

Years later, if you had asked Ann what compelled her to do what she was about to do now, she wouldn’t be able to give you a clear answer. But her body moved on its own. Lo and behold, Ann’s lips pressed against the corner of Ryuji’s lips. That’s not what she meant to do. It was suppose to be a kiss on the cheek. How did that happen? Did she close her eyes just before the kiss? But she couldn’t take it back now.

As for Ryuji, once he felt the pressure from Ann’s lips, his eyes shot open. Ann was kissing him. ANN. TAKAMAKI. WAS. KISSING. HIM. On the list of things that could happen to him, this was not one of them. And before he could react, she pulled away.

“See you tomorrow,” Ann quickly shot out before she sprinted away.

“Ann, wait.” Ryuji sprinted after her. There was no way that he could let her go away without giving him a chance to speak. Thankfully, he was still much faster than his fellow Phantom Thief so he caught up with her instantly and grabbed her arm.

Ann didn’t turn around but neither did she struggle to break free. “You don’t have to say anything,” she said in an even tone that betrayed nothing. “I just wanted to thank you. That was the best way how.”

“Ann, listen, I.” The kiss flustered Ryuji to the point that he didn’t know what to say. That was a first for him.

Ann wanted to see the look on Ryuji’s face but she was too embarrassed. But she was sure it was rather silly.

“Next week,” the bleached blond started. “If you’re free, you wanna hang out? You know, just you and me.”

Was she hearing right? “Are you asking me out on a date?” Ann still didn’t look at him. She wasn’t sure she could handle it right now.

“It doesn’t have to be a date,” he offered, letting go of her hand and waving his own in a frantic manner. “It could just be two friends hanging out.”

Ann waited a beat. “I’m going to see Shiho next week.”

“Oh.” Ryuji was deflated. He turned to walk away, not wanting to make things more awkward than it was.

“But, I’ll be free the week after that,” she offered. “We can go then.”

Ryuji turned around and saw that Ann was finally looking at him. She was smiling. That made him smile.

“Alright then,” Ryuji grinned. “See you at school tomorrow.”

“Yeah”

It was strange. Who would have thought that a school fundraiser could lead to something like this? Neither Ann nor Ryuji expected that this event could bring them closer. And yet, it did. And soon after, the two of them started dating. Who would have guessed? Perhaps it’s not surprising that two former Phantom Thieves still in the same school would deepen their relationship. But it was a welcomed surprise.

More than half a year had passed and their relationship was only getting stronger. Christmas came and the Phantom Thieves got together, spending their holiday at Leblanc. It was a small but wonderful celebration.

A small plastic tree was set up on top of one of the booths. The gang had left their presents for each other under it. Ryuji saw a rectangular box with his name on it. Getting greedy, he grabbed and shook its contents.

“Oooh, I wonder what Santa-san left me,” he chuckled.

“You still believe in Santa? Lame,” Futaba cackled.

“You’re just not into the holiday spirit.” The bleached blond accentuated that statement by sticking out his tongue. “I’m gonna open it.”

With little preamble, Ryuji tore into the present. It was a sneaker box. When he opened it, his mouth stood agape. There it was, the Assassin sneakers that he had wanted from months ago. Only one person knew about that.

“Ann?” He didn’t trust himself to speak. “How did you...”

Ann gave her boyfriend a saucy wink. “You forget that I’m a part-time model. After that day, I got in contact with people to get that pair.” She told him of just how difficult it was to get it. “The hardest part was getting a pair in your size. But the shopkeeper helped me with that.”

Ryuji immediately hugged Ann tightly. “You’re the best girlfriend a guy could ask for.” He kissed her temple to punctuate that.

Ann fake-struggled to get out of his embrace. “Let go. You’re embarrassing me.”

Ryuji just laughed and hugged her tighter.

[ask-the-phan-site]

Phan Cam: Skull’s Debut

>D-4 Productions in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. KUROFUNE, including its newest part-time member had just finished practice for the day and would later perform that night.

Good work today, everyone.

Yes. Including you. We knew it was no mistake having you join us.

Thanks. But mostly have Harry to thank for this.

Yuto: True. But it was you who won our interest. Harry was just the guy who introduced you to us.

Ryuji: Fair enough. I’m just so happy to be here...

And still a little worried you know that me and my friends are the Phantom Thieves.

Yuto: You didn’t exactly hide it. You were practically wearing your Phantom Thief outfits while dancing.

Ryuji: Futaba told online that we were just cosplayin’. But I guess it didn’t take long for you guys to figure it out.

Keigo: Well, the places you were dancing were a little to elaborate to be done on a set.

True dat!

>Then suddenly, the door of the practice room opened.

Oh, sorry! We thought you were done.

Keigo: We are. Sorry for the wait.

That’s okay. That just shows how dedicated you are.

Oh, you must be Ryuji Sakamoto.

Ryuji: I am. So glad to be meetin’ you, DearDream.

>He shook their hands.

We saw your performance on New Years Eve. Including that beat boxing number you did. That was actually great.

Ryuji: You really liked it?

Well, it’s not something you find in the idol world very often. You’re probably one of the first to use beat boxing.

Ryuji: That’s something, I guess.

Kanade: Either way, you were great. I guess we better be ready for what you guys have in store tonight.

Ryuji: Well, I have been working on a new song, but I doubt it will be as great as what you guys have planned.

Keigo: Don’t sell your self short just yet. We haven’t even showed it yet.

???: But we’ve heard it’s a real heart taker.

Hey, you made it.

Like we told you, we’d be back.

We wouldn’t miss your debut for the world.

I wouldn’t miss it either. It will be a grand display tonight.

Itsuki: You must be Ryuji san’s friends. And Akechi, too. I’m sure it will be.

>We introduced ourselves.

Ryuji: Are the girls here, too?

No. They’re getting ready for the concert. We were just in the neighborhood and thought we’d just drop in and wish you luck like any good classmate would.

Really? I thought you wanted to know what it’s like to be in an idol agency building.

That’s enough out of you.

>We couldn’t help but laugh.

Keigo: By the way, congratulations to you, Akechi kun. You, Makoto chan, and Haru chan.

Akechi: Thank you very much.

Junya: Congratulations on what?

Akechi: Me and two of our friends took our college entrance exams a couple of weeks ago. (In reality, it was in January, but one of the admins writing this didn’t know that.) We just got our results... We got in.

Kanade: That’s great. Have you decided which college you’re going to?

Akechi: We’re all going to Tokyo University. Me and Makoto san are going into Law. Of course, I wouldn’t mind giving Science a try. And Haru san is going into Agriculture and Economics.

Yuto: That’s good. Those look like the best subjects for you three.

Mishima: I bet you four would be great at Todai (Tokyo University).

Yuto: Four?

Mishima: I mean, you are an idol. You must go to such a prestigious learning facility like that.

Yuto: You wish. I go to a community college.

Oh. I’m sorry.

Chizuru: Just be more careful about everything you find on the Internet.

Akechi: That reminds me. Next week, I’ll be moving out of the institution.

Ren: You mean that loft?

Akechi: Well, it’s more of a small apartment, but it’s closer to campus, so it’s no problem.

Keigo: What’s the apartment like?

Akechi: Yusuke was the one who told me about it.

Yusuke: I was just doing some people watching when I first spotted it. I was captured by its beauty. The vine covered building made with Japanese and European styles. It was almost...

It is almost otherworldly.

Chizuru: (interested) I see. I bet the people living there must be like that.

Akechi: I wouldn’t know. I haven’t met them yet and I haven’s even gone inside yet. But from what I’ve heard...

They’re quite the spirited bunch.

Ren: You had already left for idol training, so we thought we would check the place out. We still haven’t been inside, but I can definitely feel that kind of vibe. We were on our way back when we noticed that Ikebukuro was on the way, so we thought we’d drop by.

Ryuji: That’s great of you. Though, you coulda just texted me.

Ren: We thought this would be better... And Mishima wanted to look inside of here.

Okay, you already pointed it out.

Shin: It’s alright. You just wanted to know what it’s like inside the world of idols.

Mishima: Really, you understand?

Thanks.

Keigo: So, we’ll be seeing you guys there?

You bet. We’re just going to go home and change.

Ryuji: Ya know, I still don’t know why you’re in yer Shujin uniform when you don’t go there anymore.

Ren: ... It felt more natural.

Akechi: It’s no surprise. You’ve been going there since your probation.

Yuto: Probation?

Ren: It’s a long story. I’ll tell you another time.

Ryuji: Right. See you guys later.

>With that, we leave.

Ryuji: I better go, too. I promised my mom I’d take her to the concert.

Kanade: Same here. My mom and younger brother want to be there as well. We’re performing together.

>With that, they depart for now.

>The Sakamoto residence. Ryuji and his mother were getting ready for the concert.

I am so proud of you, Ryu kun. Your debut concert will be spectacular, I just know it.

Ryuji: Thanks, Mom...

But can you not call me that when we get there?

Mrs. Sakamoto: Oh, you’re not fun.

>They were just about to open the door when...

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Mrs. Sakamoto: I wonder who that could be at this time.

>She opened the door... Her jaw dropped.

Mrs. Sakamoto: Alex?

Hello, Hana chan.

What the hell are you doin’ here!?

Paine: I was going to pay you all a visit, but it looks like you were just leaving.

Mrs. Sakamoto: To Ikebukuro

Paine: Of course, I completely forgot that it’s Ryu kun’s debut concert tonight.

Ryuji: So what are you gonna do about it? Crash it and cause trouble like you always do?

Paine: Not tonight. I’ve already had quite the day. Tokyo’s as confusing as always. However, a J-pop concert doesn’t sound like a bad way to end it.

>The two were speechless.

Paine: Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone know the trouble about us.

Ryuji: ...

Alright. But you better behave yourself... He’s here.

Paine: Very well. I’ll be sure to behave as you please.

>With that, they leave for the concert.

>The Dream Festival Stadium, Ikebukuro. Ryuji had us come backstage.

Looks like the idol life is doing well for you.

And a new song to boot? That’s amazing.

Ryuji: Thanks. I so needed to see you guys.

Why are you asking it like that? Did something happen?

Ryuji: It’s... It’s nothin’. But I’ll tell ya soon enough.

As long as you’re alright. Just remember, we’re here for you.

Ryuji: By the way, I invited some other friends to come over to the concert. You should join them in the stands.

Your old tack teammates? I guess they would want to support you on your debut.

Ryuji: Yeah, Takeishi and Nakaoka would. They’re already here, but no, I wasn’t talking about them. The friends I was talkin’ about are from overseas. They’re with my mom now. But I havta warn ya...

They’re as crazy as me.

If that’s true, this will be an interesting transition.

Keigo: I agree. After what Ryuji san told us, I wonder they’re like.

Guess we’ll soon find out. DearDream is almost done with they’re performance. You guys are on next.

Yuto: Right. We’ll see you guys after the show.

>With that, we take our leave to the stands.

>We arrive up at the stands to find Mrs. Sakamoto... With five people around our age.

Whoa! Aren’t you...

Friends of your friend? Pretty much.

Mrs. Sakamoto: I’m so glad you could make it, Axel kun. And I’m also glad to be meeting your friends as well.

Thanks, Mrs. Sakamoto. After all... This would be good time to know what Axel was like when he was young.

(this was the only picture I could find, sorry Zach) You know, I could totally become an idol if I wanted to. I can sing and dance.

Yeah. You remind us everyday, dude... Especially since we can hear you all the way from the shower. (begins laughing)

>Hawk glares at Shark, but the rest of us were laughing as well.

I can see what Ryuji meant.

Well, you get used to it after a while.

How long is that? A hundred years?

Lioness: Ugh, did your bag just meowed?

Ren: ... It’s a toy.

Lioness: You went with that, didn’t you?

>It looks like I’m in a corner. Hopefully my level of Charm will get me out of this... But I have a feeling that Axel guy would beat me up if I did.

>Meanwhile, backstage, DearDream had just finished their song.

Kanade: Good luck, Ryuji san. Show them your talent.

Ryuji: Thanks.

>Ryuji was a bit nervous.

Keigo: It’s alright, Ryuji san.

...

Yuto: Look, I know your heart is racing. You’re worried that something will go wrong. I can’t promise nothing will go wrong, but only you can find a way to raise up to the occasion and set sail to the future. And with that song you wrote, it will be a show no one will forget.

You’re right. It ain’t over ‘less I say it’s over.

Yuto: Cool. So are we ready?

KUROFUNE: Ready!

>Onstage.

Alright, everyone! Are you set for the main event!?

>The audience, including us, cheered.

MC: Excellent! Ladies and folks, with their newest song and their newest member, I give you KUROFUNE!

>We all cheered as KUROFUNE got on stage.

Yuto: Now we shall began a new voyage to a new land.

Keigo: With words glowing with renewal and new adventure.

Ryuji: Some come aboard with us as we set sail to glory and love.

(with the rest of KUROFUNE) Let the hunt for the Treasured Hearts begin!

Dorkia Time!

Catch Your Cheers!

Keigo: Thank you for your cheers. I shall wear them with pride.

Catch Your Cheers!

Yuto: You give me the winds to go forward.

Catch Your Cheers!

(Still not a good enough artist. So you’ll still have to imagine.)

Ryuji: You are the stars that will guide the way.

(Reminder: The following images are not in violation of the Tumblr policy as they do not actually contain sensitive or adult contain. They only show the upper half. Please do not flag.)

(Imagine Ryuji wearing the same outfit, but Bronze in comparison to Gold and Silver.)

Innocent Pirates Series! Complete!

(I also like to apologize if this song sounds like the tune of You Are Mi・Amore. J-pop songs are one of my weakest points.)

Yuto We travel across the azure so deep A new goal of glory is what we now seek

Keigo This treasure that lies ahead is bright as fire A map to this prize is not at all required

Ryuji Sailing through time the shining blue

KUROFUNE For the real treasure of our journey is you

We seek your

Treasured Hearts Our spirits fly high Striking through the clouds like a bolt from the blue

Your Treasured Hearts Under ruby skies The real treasure of our dreams is you

Ryuji (Beat boxing)

>Everyone cheered and applauded when they finished their song. This was one of the greatest concerts I’ve ever been to. And I am sure there will be more.

>The dressing room. We came here to see KUROFUNE and congratulate them for such a wonderful song.

You guys kicked ass out there!

Oh! Sorry, Mrs. Sakamoto.

Mrs. Sakamoto: It’s okay, Ann chan. In your position, I would have said the same thing.

But there is a point to that. That was a most excellent performance.

Ryuji: Thanks, you guys. You’re the best.

Mishima: I already knew idols were amazing. But you, Sakamto kun, you and KUROFUNE were awesome.

Yusuke: Indeed. Even I couldn’t stop moving to the beat.

Ren: Same here. My feet were just itching to dance.

Akechi: As were mine.

Keigo: I’m glad to hear it. You know, Ren kun, Yusuke kun, Akechi kun, and Mishima kun, if you’re interested, you could try becoming idols yourselves.

Yusuke: That sounds like a nice offer, but I prefer to keep my style to a canvas with a brush.

Akechi: I’ll be book solid with my college work and the many cases I have to solve.

Mishima: I get stage fright.

Ren: I don’t think I could do it either. Besides, whenever I sing...

I sound like Lyn Inaizumi.

Well so do me, Ann, Makoto, and Haru!

Ren: Don’t get me wrong. I like Lyn’s songs. I especially like Life Will Change.

Makoto: I’m more prone to Last Surprise myself. Sis also likes Whims of Fate.

Hawk: If those clowns won’t take up your offer... I’m available.

Yuto and Kegio: ...

King: (Axel’s friend, not Tamaki) In your dreams, Bird Breath. Even if it is called the Dream Festival.

Shark: He’s right, dude... It would seem more like a Nightmare Festival. (laughing)

>Hawk glared.

?????: If only it were, but I wouldn’t want Ryu kun’s dream to be ruined.

>We turned quickly to see the new person in the room.

Y- You’re...

Ryuji: You’d you get past security?

Paine: I can be persuasive.

If by persuasive you mean you gave them a little touch of pain.

Paine: No, they just look one look at me and ran for it.

Axel: I can see that happening. What brings you here anyway, Paine? I don’t see you coming all the way to Japan for it’s new and old culture.

Paine: What? Are you saying I can’t visit them? I haven’t seen them in years and you’re forgetting the only reason you and Ryuji know each other is because of me.

Ryuji: Just remember what I said. Behave yourself and we won’t have a problem.

Paine: Oh, Ryu kun. If you think I came back to ruin your lives like I did before... I would have done it when I arrived. Anyway, I’m glad you achieved your dream. That’s all I wish to say. So I’m off. See you soon.

>With that, he leaves.

Lioness: He introduced you? Last time? Axel, explain.

Axel: It was back when Paine and my dad worked together. Dad brought me to Japan and that’s how I met Ryuji.

Haru: But do he and Paine know each other?

Ryuji: (looking down) ...

Mrs. Sakamoto: Ryuji, I think you should tell them. They going to have to learn the truth sooner or later.

Akechi: She’s right. You already told me, Harry, Peter, Yuto, and Keigo. I think it best if the rest of your friends know.

Ren: Ryuji?

Ryuji: ... Remember how I told you that my dad was an abusive d bag who abandoned me and my mom? ... That wasn’t the whole truth.

Makoto: Did your dad worked with Paine? Did they knew each other?

Ryuji: Let’s just say they are closer than you think...

Like the same person close.

>We were all very silent about this. It couldn’t be true... Can it?

Lioness: You mean, Paine is your...

Stop! I don’t think we need to hear anymore.

Futuba: He’s right. We get the picture. But why didn’t you tell us sooner, Ryuji?

Ryuji: Kamoshida already had some dirt on me. Do you think I wanted to give him more ammo? That the disgrace of the track team has a father who is not only an abusive drunkard, but a hardened criminal? And one who already has a daughter?

Ann: No, I suppose not.

Makoto: But that doesn’t change you are and what we think about you. Remember, some of us had a past like yours.

Akechi: I should know. I’m one of them.

Yuto: And if we cared about your past, we wouldn’t have let you perform tonight.

Keigo: You are a member of KUROFUNE. We care about you.

And so do us.

Ryuji: ...

Thanks, guys. You’re the best.

Keigo: Speaking of being an idol, I told the producer to let me give you your first paycheck for tonight. Here it is.

>Keigo gives Ryuji a check for ¥50,000 (about $450).

Ryuji: I’m gonna give it Mom.

Mrs. Sakamoto: Are you sure, Ryu kun? You earned this money.

Ryuji: Part of the reason I became an idol is so I can ease yer burden of havin’ to look after me. Since I couldn’t do it on the track team and Norman Osborn only used you to store his money, I hope this will make up for it.

Mrs. Sakamoto: Well... Thank you, Ryu kun. This should support us for a good amount of time.

Ryuji: You’re welcome.

>It was quite the dramatic night.

>My room in Cafe Leblanc. I know we already accepted Ryuji despite what we learned and I know it’s probably none of my business, but I asked Futaba to do some checking around. What is Paine really doing here?

Morgana: Are you sure you want to do this? Ryuji probably won’t be happy.

Ren: I know. But I’m worried about him. And I know Akechi is as well. Don’t worry. I already asked him. They should be contacing us soon.

Morgana: I sure hope you know what you’re doing. From what I’ve heard, Alexander Paine is someone you want to be careful around... Then again, he sounds just like the kind of person whose heart we should steal. But we should wait until we gather to discuss it.

>I nodded. Just then, my phone rang. I checked it. Ryuji, Futaba, Akechi, and Makoto were in the chat room.

I found something. Looks like you were right to talk about this.

I know kinda asked you to drop it. But now I’m a little curious myself.

What did you find, Futaba chan?

It turns out Paine didn’t come straight here from Landmark City. Before he left, he made a stop someplace else.

Where did he go?

Someplace with a lot of new and untested tech. He didn’t cause any trouble there. Guess it’s because of the big strong robots that guard the place.

Untested tech? Robots? That sounds like... Griffin Rock.

Griffin Rock, Maine? Max talked about that place in one of his online lectures... But in my opinion, the people there may be good with tech, but are not very bright.

What does he want from that place?

I don’t know... But I suppose we’ll find out soon.

>Just what is waiting for us? Guess we’ll know soon enough.