Authors Note:
I wrote this originally on my Tashtastic account. Though as I've started playing it again 5 year on, I have decided to edit, improve and repost on my current account.
Disclaimer: I do not own Persona or characters etc.
Comments are always appreciated.
Pairing: Akihiko x FeMc (Hamuko)
The Dark Hour
Footsteps were heard stealthily tiptoeing down the stairs to the lounge within the S.E.E.S dormitory, causing Akihiko's ears to prick up and glance over from the lounge sofa.
"You're awake?" he commented, giving a calm smile.
Hamuko paused, looking much like a deer caught in headlights, surprised to see her senpai sitting with a book on his lap. It had been obvious to everyone within the dorm that he had become restless since gaining yet another injury at the beginning of the month and having been removed from the choice of members to explore Tartarus, due to Mitsuru's command.
"Uh- Yeah" she responded, hesitantly. The young SEES leader had hoped to sneak in some extra training herself within Tartarus and knowing that Mitsuru would not allow it, she had recently been sneaking out alone during the hidden hour. Now stuck in the presence of Akihiko she needed to come up with a good enough reason as to why, at this hour, she was heading out, fully dressed, weapon in hand, alone.
"Unghh" Akihiko stretched his hands toward the ceiling and groaned, letting out a sound of relief and Hamuko couldn't help but let her gaze rake over his torso as his vest tightened against his muscled physique, blushing and removing her gaze she jumped in with her questions first, knowing immediately what he would want to ask.
"..Se- senpai-" She stuttered, her words awkwardly matching the remaining blush dusting her face, "What are you doing up so late? In the dark hour non the less?" He shuffled around a bit, as though trying to hide something. Placing her hand on her hip she furrowed her brow.
"I, I just- " Hamuko observed his awkward attitude. Akihiko Sanada was more often than not awkward in social situations, but never in this environment. Despite trying his hardest to hide his gloves between the sofa edge and himself between stumbling words, Hamuko saw the glinting metal from beside where he had been sitting. She let out a sigh and scowled at Akihiko.
"You were planning on going to Tartarus.. Weren't you-" She questioned, rhetorically and dripping with disappointment.
Akihiko laughed, in a playful, teasing manner.
"Ahaa, you got me" He smiled, endearingly, raising his hands in defeat. She frowned deeper, and began to speak; with her 'I'm the leader voice'.
"No, Aki— Firstly, you're injured, I can't let you go and on your own. Mitsuru would execu- - " He didn't give her a chance to finish,
"So Ham, Where exactly where you planning on going tonight.. At this hour."
"Tch-" She glanced away folding her arms over her chest in a childish display, failing to notice the silver haired boxer stand and slowly walk toward her. As she turned back she jumped at the sudden proximity and stared in silence as she felt him place his left hand on her right cheek, and his right hand on her shoulder.
"A-Aki-" Her eyes wide and her mouth agape. He smiled.
"Well then, if we go together I'm sure my injury won't get me in too much trouble." He gave a confident smile. She pulled away from him and smiled with a soft sigh, how could she deny him anything when he did things like this?.
"Fine-" She started heading to the door. Leaving.
"Ahh-ah, one moment!" Shocked that he had actually persuaded her, Akihiko grabbed his gloves and ran after Hamuko.
2nd Floor SEES Dormitory
A light tapping on a bedroom door broke the gentle silence blanketing the dormitory.
"Heyy, Yuka-tan, open up, I think everyone's asleep now-" Junpei spoke in hushed tones, looking around for any others who may not be in their respective rooms sleeping.
"I can't hear anything at least." The door opened to present a scowling Yukari.
"Shh Stupei!"
Junpei frowned,
"Don't call me that-" he hissed, trying to keep his voice low. He shook his head, "Are you ready to go?"
Yukari smiled,
"Of Course!" She paused, groaning with frustration, "I can't believe how rarely Ham's been going to Tartarus lately, just because she doesn't want Akihiko-senpai to feel left out- " Junpei grinned at her comment,
"That's because they're all coo-coo-kissy about each other," he whispered, laughing. "It's a shame they're both shy in that area, neither of them will even be assertive to - " Yukari cut Junpei off,
"That's enough information!" She stated, pulling a mildly disturbed face at Junpei. "Creepy that you're interested about what they're – Nevermind!" Junpei stood grinning at her,
"Just think about it Yuka-tan"
"No, Come on. We better hurry if we want to get some training in-" Carefully she closed her door and headed downstairs with light quick steps.
"Ahh, Yuka-tan wait uppp-" Junpei whined, racing after her.