This is my first Persona Fic! Be gentle! Please let me know what you think, I'll be writing a second - more intimate second chapter, enjoy for now!

!Warnings!

Story Spoilers
Sexual innuendo/references
References to Blood
Etc,

It had been a hard day. Everyone marched silently through the metal-clad halls. They were almost halfway through Naoto Shinogane's Mind Dungeon; the Secret Laboratory.

"Y'know," Yosuke began as he stopped to catch his breath "We could pace ourselves! There hasn't been any rain forecast for at least 2 weeks!" Yuu stopped and turned to look at him inquisitively.

"That's true...but it could rain at any time. We don't really know what the weather will bring." he turned and looked straight ahead - the door before him bore an emblem, the same one as the keycard in his hand. "Shirogane-kun is in danger - we must move quickly." Everyone nodded in agreement and felt a renewed sense of purpose as Yuu opened the door. Yosuke scratched the back of his head and flinched at the aching in his body. Even if you say that...I'm still exhausted...Yuu had chosen Kanji, Yukiko and Chie to be in his team this time, he sat in the sidelines ready to act if he was needed. Teddy sidled up to him and sat beside him.

"Hey Yosuke! You look all worn out! Got the stuffing knocked out of you huh?" Yosuke pouted at the remark and ignored the bear, concentrating on the battle. He could hear Rises' voice ringing in his head, telling him that Kanji had been 'Panicked' - made slightly more apparent by the way he was screaming and running away from the Shadow instead of hitting it. He sighed heavily. Rise warned you to wear something that warded 'Panic', but you're like 'Naw it's okay, I wanna wear the chain today!' He flinched slightly as Kanji flew past him, unable to dodge an attack. Ugh...you're hopeless...why does Narukami always pick you? He stood swiftly as Yuu fell to one knee in front of him, grunting in pain.

"Hey! Tag me in! I can heal you!" he yelled from the sidelines, but he was waved away as Yuu got to his feet and summoned another Persona - subsequently healing himself and continuing. Grunting, Yosuke slid back down the wall and watched intently as the battle came to a satisfying close. He was only mildly shocked when Teddy touched his arm in an affectionate way.

"Yosuke?" He nodded and gave a small sigh as he pulled himself to his feet "You're not sore about Sensei not picking you for the big battle, are you?" Yosuke felt a wave of anger sweep across him and he proceeded to kick the small bear-being away from him. He didn't quite understand why it had ticked him off so much; it just did.

"What are you saying?! Of course I'm not ya' dumb bear!" he gave him another kick as he pirouetted in front of him "Narukami our leader! He knows who's best for which fights. That Shadow wasn't susceptible to wind magic, that's all..." he sighed and looked down at his fallen friend, who was still spinning out of control. Removing his glasses, he rubbed his eyes. It's been a long day...school and then this...and now I have to work!

"Ugh, just kill me now." he muttered softly, by this time Teddy had stopped spinning and was now gibbering to himself on the floor - much to the amusement of Yukiko. Yosuke nearly dropped the glasses he was holding in his free hand when he felt someone touch his shoulder. It was Yuu.

"Are you okay Yosuke? You look like hell." Yosuke gave him a weak smile.

"Gee, thanks." he uttered, putting his glasses back on.

"Just saying how I see it." he replied, patting Teddy on the head absently as he reported Yosuke for 'Teddy Abuse'. Yosuke smiled. You always do - that's why people like you. You're honest, and you don't give a damn what people think of you."Really though." he reiterated with a slightly concerned expression. Yosuke laughed and waved him away.

"C'mon, you're embarrassing me!" he shrugged "I'm just...worn out man." they began to walk back towards the entrance to the dungeon - all concerned agreeing that they had done enough for today. "I'm just pissed I gotta go to work and do the closing shift now, I'm going to be totally useless tomor-" his words were cut off as a shadow lunged at them from behind a panel of metal in the wall. This shadow was different from the others somehow, it took shape even before they had a chance to engage it in battle.

"All right! Teddy/Amagi/Sakonaka, with me! Yosuke, protect Tatsumi - he's injured and we've got no power or items left to heal him. Keep him safe." With great care, he handed the almost unconscious Kanji to Yosuke - who hadn't even noticed his friend had been injured. Taking Kanji a safe distance away, Yosuke observed the battle and attempted to stay vigilant to other Shadows. He could hear Yuu and Rise talking as they fought.

"Rise! What Arcana is this Shadow? None of us can hit it!" A blast of Fire from Yukiko proved ineffective, as did a punch from Chie - she went right through it as though it wasn't there. He could hear Rise panicking.

"I don't know! I'm sorry Senpai! Himiko isn't even registering that it's there, never mind determine its Arcana!" she squealed in his mind. This is bad...if we don't have any power...He flinched, almost audibly. Ugh Dummy! I have power! Not much, but I can probably heal this sorry lump! Using the last of his energy, Yosuke healed the wounds Kanji had sustained - waking him from his slumber.

"Aaaaaooooowww!" he yelled and held his sides. Yosuke frowned. This is no good...I can't heal him anymore and he's still not well enough to fight- It was then that it happened. Yuu had moved to block an attack from the Shadow - when it passed straight through him and disappeared. Yuu remained still for a moment before releasing the breath he had obviously been holding. Kanji rose unsteadily to his feet, and Yosuke wrapped his arm around his shoulder to support him as he walked.

"...The hell happened?" he said quietly as they approached the little group that was clustered around Yuu. Yosuke shook his head - he had definitely seen the Shadow move through his friend as though it had no physical presence. "..'sit a ghost or somthin'?" he said sluggishly.

"Not a clue." they reached the group finally, Yuu was shaking slightly "Hey Partner, you okay?" Yuu blinked at him once or twice and then nodded. There was an uncomfortable silence, until he muttered something about leaving quickly in case something else attacked them. All in agreement, they walked quickly towards the entrance.

.++++.

Back in the normal world, they all breathed a sigh of relief as the heaviness of the TV-World eked from their bodies. Chie stretched and released a powerful yawn.

"Uwaa I'm soooo beat! I'm gunna sleep tonight!" Yukiko nodded and took her arm in hers as she also yawned - in a much more refined fashion.

"Hmm me too - I'm utterly exhausted after all that. That last Shadow in particular was just plain weird." she raised her hand to her mouth to quell another small yawn "It's been a busy day." While the others were chatting, Yosuke made sure Kanji was well enough to stand on his own before walking over to Yuu - who was silent. Not that this was unusual; Yuu was stoic in nature and often preferred to observe others, only speaking when addressed - or if he felt he had to intervene. Something was troubling him though. Is it the way he's standing? This guy is always so calm and cool; his posture now...why does he look as if he's ready to bolt? Gingerly, he extended his hand and touched his arm - receiving a grimace in return. Yosuke raised his hands in apology.

"S-Sorry dude! Did you get hurt?" This exclamation prompted the others to turn their attention to him; concerned for their beloved leader's well-being. Yuu shook his head and removed the glasses from his face.

"It's nothing; I just over-did it." He gave a gentle smile and turned "I'm heading home for now. I'll see you all later." And with that, he walked away quickly. Yosuke lowered his hands slowly.

"What...was that?" Yuu had smiled half-hearted smiles before, but this one seemed so...weak. Yuu Narukami was not weak. Kanji stretched behind Yosuke and placed his hand on his shoulder; Yukiko and Chie joined him.

"Somethin' wrong? Senpai looked beat huh? 'S been awhile since I've seen him pushed to his limits like that." he grimaced as he reached the arch of his stretch and swore loudly. "Fuuuck! My ribs..." he doubled over suddenly and continued to swear, causing Rise to gently pat his back.

"No more battling for you for awhile hot-stuff. You've really done some damage to yourself." her eyebrows knitted in a concerned manner as she regarded Yosuke - still staring at the space Yuu had occupied. After everyone said their goodbyes for the night, Yosuke and Teddy went into the staff room to get changed into their work clothes and prepare for another 2 hours of work before they could go home. This is the worst...soul destroying...Yosuke yawned and wiped the sleep from his eyes. Teddy however was dancing around the stockroom, merrily humming a tuneless sonata. Grunting, Yosuke lifted his headphones to his ears and pushed a button through his pants pocket - continuing the music he had been listening to for most of the fighting that night. Yukiko's words keep repeating themselves in his head. Yeah...that last Shadow was weird...did it really just disappear? He sighed as Teddy whizzed past him straddling a mop. He heard the crash of stock hitting the ground (and Teddy) through the very loud music. I hope it did.

.++++.

"Urrrrrgh..." Yosuke grunted as his head hit the desk with a satisfying thump. His eyes could barely stay open. He yawned. "Pop-Quiz? Really?!" He heard Chie and Yukiko giggling as he turned his head to face them - it felt like it was made of lead, and full of water. "Don't laugh at my pain you couple of Sadists!" he grumbled, his attention suddenly drawn to the fact that chair in front of him was empty. Using what strength he could muster, he lifted himself from the desk and leaned back in the chair. Folding his arms, he mused for a moment. "Did Narukami say he was coming in today? I don't recall seeing him on the way." Chie shrugged and looked to Yukiko for guidance - she shook her head.

"Yuu hasn't been in at all today. Maybe he's not feeling well?" she prompted, but even as she said it she felt her words were uncertain. This wasn't typical behaviour of him. It was then Kanji and Rise walked into the Classroom - Kanji bearing the gait of someone with a bound torso.

"Yo Senpai!" he stopped and regarded the empty chair "Is Narukami in the John or something? It's lunch-time man! Time for some wholesome home-made cookin'!" he scoffed at the collection of bewildered faces "What? He said he'd make me lunch cause I got my face kicked in last night." Yosuke chuckled. I can believe that...that's the kind of thing he'd do for you - when you've hit rock bottom, he just dusts you off and picks you right back up. He glanced at the chair, and before he could stop himself he found the words forming in his throat.

"I'm worried about him." Everyone turned their attention to him, and Rise raised her hand to her face.

"I...I am too...he wasn't himself last night." Ah...so she noticed it too. He sighed in relief. Thank god I wasn't the only one. Chie looked at Yukiko and then at Yosuke, she laughed nervously and put her hands behind her head.

"Really guys? I mean c'mon - it's Yuu we're talking about here! He's the strongest of all of us, I'm sure he just tired himself out. That's all..." she said quietly, now uncertain in her words. "Um...if you're worried, why don't you call him?" she suggested, Kanji nodded and sat down backwards in Yuu's seat, so he could face Yosuke as he dialled Yuu's number.

.++++.

It was dark in the room, the curtains remained drawn from the previous night - though a little light filtered through as the fabric fluttered gently from the open window. A cell phone vibration was the only sound in the room, it almost echoed as the phone danced across the floor rhythmically. From under the futon covers a hand lazily extended, silver curls broke the stark white of the sheets as they lifted, and the small phone was brought close to a flushed, sweat drenched face. Grey eyes focused.

Yosuke is Calling.

Yosuke is Calling..

Yosuke is Calling...

*beep* Call Terminated.

The phone clattered back onto the floor some distance away, a few gentle grunts of discomfort as he turned sluggishly away from the edge of the bed was all that could be heard above the ticking of the clock.

.++++.

Yosuke stared in disbelief as his phone stopped dialling. They all paused for a moment. "He hung up on me." Kanji shrugged.

"Maybe he has his phone off or something?" He voiced, Yosuke shook his head solemnly.

"Nuh-uh. It would have went straight to voicemail if it was off. And it would have went to voicemail after ten rings - it only got to five. He definitely hung up." Chie laughed, catching them all off guard.

"Aw c'mon Yosuke, are ya 'butt-hurt' because he cut you off?" She revelled in his expression. "Haha! Now guys, even Yuu is allowed to be selfish sometimes - nobody's perfect right?" Yukiko nodded, but began to fidget with her hair.

"Still...Narukami would've answered wouldn't he? That's so unlike him..." She lowered her eyes softly "I once called him up in the dead of the night because I had this horrible nightmare (I couldn't get through to Chie). He answered and he was obviously exhausted; but he stayed on the line and let me talk to him." she raised her eyes to look at Yosuke. "I've never known him not to answer one of us...unless..." The group fell silent. Damn...now you've got everyone worried sick! He's probably taking a dump or something...stupid Yosuke...His thoughts faltered as he found Yuu's home phone number under "Dojima-san". He audibly yelped.

"Ah! I'll call his home phone. Ugh I'm such an idiot!" he pressed the call button and held the phone to his ear "Mr. Dojima or Nanako are bound to pick up and ease our minds."

.++++.

The phone rang noisily from downstairs, it pierced the deafening silence and drowned out everything. He whimpered softly and curled himself into a ball. Sweat ran from his hairline to his jaw as his breathing grew unsteady and quick.

It was so hot. Burning.

He gasped.

In the silence, he finally felt relief.

.++++.

It rung out until it asked if a message would be left. He hung up. "Although...Nanako would probably be at school...and Mr. Dojima would...probably be at work..." The group fell silent once more - but the silence was shattered by the ringing of the school bell.

"Shit, didn't even get to eat lunch!" Kanji exclaimed angrily as he rocketed himself from the chair - a little too energetically for his bruised ribs. He cursed and shambled out of the classroom. Rise had been fairly silent, but touched Yosuke's shoulder softly and smiled.

"Maybe you could check on him after class? I have to go straight after to help my grandma with something." She gave a pained expression "But give me a call to let me know he's okay right?" Yosuke gulped, she was...really worried. Rise can sense things that others can't - even in the real world sometimes. He nodded unsteadily and watched her as she left, she was trying to hide her face. Dammit Yuu...if I find out you've just been playing hookey and getting us all worked up for nothing, I'm going to bust your butt into next week.

.++++.

As it happened, Yukiko and Chie had something previously arranged too; so it was left to Yosuke and Kanji to see if Yuu was alright. As they approached the Dojima residence, Yosuke noticed that Dojima's car wasn't there. Huh, he's not home yet...he thought as he approached the front door. He knocked gingerly.

"Helloooo? Yuu? Nanako? It's Yosuke and Kanji!" they waited for a reasonable period of time before knocking again. There was no response. Kanji stirred behind him as his stomach gurgled.

"Ugh...I'm starving..." he cocked his head to look over Yosuke's shoulder "It looks dark in there dude." Yosuke agreed with a 'yeah' and proceeded to look to the side of the building, just in case Nanako was doing laundry or something. It was then Kanji noticed the open window. "Hey...isn't that Narukami's room?" he cupped his hands around his mouth and took a deep breath. "HEEEEEY NARUKAMI! ARE YA IN THERE OR WHAT?!" Yosuke looked in shock in awe at the vagabond as he scratched his head, but there was no response from the window. He made up his mind and stood on his tip-toes to reach the ledge just above the door - he squeaked in delight as he found the spare key he had been looking for.

"Hey hey! Whoa there! So what, it's come to breaking and entering now?!" Kanji shouted at him, Yosuke ignored him and unlocked the door.

"It's not breaking-and-entering if you have a key. I mean..." he paused for a second "What if he's lying in a pool of his own blood in there huh? We're concerned friends, that's all..." he said more to himself than Kanji as he stepped through the door and into the house. Removing his shoes as Kanji shut the door, he called into the room to announce his presence. No answer. He was beginning to get seriously consider that no one was home, but the room was warm and inviting. The silence was broken by Kanji opening the fridge. Yosuke threw him a look of abject disgust.

"Really?!" Kanji raised an eyebrow as he lifted some old curry out of the fridge and sniffed it. He shrugged in a 'eh, still good' kind of way and grabbed some chopsticks from the table.

"Hey, I'm starving! I skipped breakfast cause I slept in, then I never got lunch cause Narukami didn't show." he shovelled some rice into his face and skulked meekly into the room. Yosuke sighed and stroked the hair on the back of his neck uneasily.

"So what, I just leave a note saying - Hey Mr. Dojima, we broke into your house and ate all your food because we thought your nephew was drowning in a pool of his own blood inside. 'Kay thanks!" Kanji shook the chopsticks at him accusingly.

"Oou ed ih wa'n't brea'ing-an-en'ering ih oou ad a ee!" he bellowed, trying to keep his mouthful of rice from leaving it. Yosuke laughed sadly as his doted friend and turned to face the stairwell - he had thought about going to the bathroom before dragging the halfwit back to his home for something to eat. White. Yosuke opened his mouth to speak but whatever demon had appeared before him was already on top of him and getting ready to punch him in the face.

"Narukami?!" It stopped, Yosuke had had the wind knocked out of him and his eyes had squeezed themselves shut. As he opened them, he could indeed make out the silhouette of his peer - fist raised, chest heaving.

"Y...Yuu?" he uttered as he lowered his arm that was raised in defence. Yuu lifted himself from his fallen friend and offered a him a hand to get up. Kanji then put on the lights in the room, showing what Yuu was wearing - he was wearing boxers and a white towel around his head. It was fluffy. Yuu's eyes squinted slightly in the light, and he removed the towel - lowering it to his shoulders. He was dripping.

"Why are you here?" he asked plainly, rubbing his wet hair with one hand and the towel, he also shot a glance at Kanji; A glance that said 'And why are you eating my food?'. Yosuke shifted uneasily.

"Well...when you didn't come to school...or answer our calls." he could feel himself blushing at the sheer embarrassment of the whole situation. "We um...got worried so..." Man...I feel stupid. We practically break into his house and he's fine...Yuu's expression didn't change - he didn't look annoyed, so much as bewildered at their presence in his home. Kanji finished eating the leftovers and walked over to the couple.

"How come you didn't come to school Senpai?" he said bluntly, as Kanji often did. Yuu shrugged and averted his eyes from them.

"I just...didn't feel well this morning. I'm fine now." he said slowly, carefully. Yosuke's eyes narrowed. You're lying to us Narukami...why? He tutted, he must have his reasons. Kanji scoffed and moved closer to Yuu.

"You're a shit liar Senpai! Fess up, what's up with you?" Yosuke felt as though he was going to vomit all over him. For fuck's sake Kanji! If he doesn't want to tell us, that's his problem! "You have the shits or something? It's cool if you did - just let us know if you're not feeling good yeah? We were all worried." he laughed and patted Yuu's shoulder "Don't worry, I won't tell the girls-" The sound that emitted from Yuu was almost unholy, a moan of agony so fierce and deep that pierced their very beings. After his body stopped being rigid, he slumped to the floor breathing hoarsely. Yosuke and Kanji stood motionless.

"S-Senpai?" Kanji croaked, Yosuke bent down and tried to look at Yuu's face - it was obscured by his damp, silver locks. As he tried to lift his face by his chin, Yuu thrashed at him and backed away.

"No! Don't...don't touch me..." he gasped for breath, he wiped the hair from his eyes as he looked up at them "It's...definitely worse when...I'm touched." his face was a hot mess of pink, his eyebrows knitted his expression into one Yosuke had never seen before - but it was one he thought he recognised. Swallowing harshly, Yosuke lowered himself to Yuu's level and whispered to him.

"Have...have you taken something? Like...narcotics? Drugs Yuu?!" his voice was frantic, but his beloved partner shook his head weakly and shifted uncomfortably.

"No, I wish it was something that simple..." he said softly, his rapid breathing finally coming under control. "If I'm honest, I really don't know what wrong with me..." he gulped and moved slightly, his hand somewhat shielding his groin. His blush deepened and he made an agonising expression. Kanji had since joined Yosuke's side.

"It was that Shadow, I'm sure of it. The one we couldn't attack." he said in a level voice, he closed his eyes and let his head rest against the wall - a bead of sweat curled down his cheek and ran along the outside of his jaw, finally reaching his neck and disappearing into the towel. "It...did something to me...gave me a..." he winced and his body seemed to tense for a moment "Status Ailment..." Kanji, scratched his head for a moment before speaking.

"Don't they usually go away when we come out of the TV-World? I mean...I've never come back with any Ailments...never." he said contemplatively. "Anyhow...what's it doing to you? Are ya in pain?" Yuu's wistful expression twisted into one of embarrassment and he lowered his head.

"...not exactly." he managed. Yosuke couldn't take his eyes off of Yuu's face...he was usually so, blank - unreadable almost. And yet. That face. He laughed.

"You made that exact same face that time Teddy came into the room and started talking about what kind of porn you liked!" Yuu's expression twitched slightly "Yeah, he was going into all the graphic detail about it - y'know, cause he's a pervo freak, and you got all uncomfortable...cause..." Yosuke noticed that he was clenching his teeth slightly. And hiding his groin. Kanji, amidst this little realisation from Yosuke was observing the two cautiously from a slight distance. Yosuke stood up and cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry..." Yuu said finally "I didn't want to burden you so..." Kanji coughed.

"So...the Shadow gave you like...an STD or something?" Despite Kanji's blatant inability to ever pay full attention to the conversation, there were always times when you wondered about his selective hearing. Yosuke gave him a small applause before completely shunning him.

"So um...if it's that kind of problem." Yosuke struggled to find the right words "Can't you...y'know...deal with it?" he hoped that he was getting his message across - Yuu was the cleverest of them (well...of the boys anyway). He nodded and hitched his shoulder slightly, turning his head to the side. His previously drying hair was now sticking to his clammy face.

"I have..." he glanced at Yosuke and gave him a frail look "It doesn't make any difference..." Kanji was still lagging behind a little and put up his hand behind Yosuke, who glared at him. Yuu groaned softly and frowned at Kanji, his patience stretched far too thin.

"I feel like I'm about to orgasm. All the time." Yuu blurted out. He said it in such a 'Matter-of-fact' way, Yosuke was only slightly taken aback. Kanji on the other hand was horrified. A deep blush bloomed on his face.

"Senpai?! W-W-When did we start discussin' this kinda thing openly? I mean...Senpai!" he held his face in embarrassment. Yosuke scoffed slightly and patted Kanji on the shoulder reassuringly.

"It's alright, after what we've experienced from your 'Other Self' I think we can discuss things like that a little more easily." he said, not with malice, but with slight distaste given the situation. Kanji ignored him, instead turning his attention to Yuu. Taking a small gulp, he extended his hand to him.

"Is there...anything we can do for you?" Yuu took his hand and used him as an anchor to get to his feet - this was pointless though, as he immediately fell forward and ended up in Kanji's arms; he lowered him to the floor and held him. "Aw fuck...Yosuke...he's burnin' up man. He's on fire!" his pink, enflamed cheeks were testament to that; as Kanji's hand gentle brushed away his bangs to feel his forehead - Yuu grabbed the hem of Kanji's collar desperately and gasped. He ground his teeth and subdued a moan. After a moment or two, his body ceased shuddering and tensing and relaxed. Through rapid breaths Yuu rubbed his damp, warm face into Kanji's chest and uttered an apology.

Kanji passed out. Most likely due to blood-loss.

Let me know what you think, honestly - the reviews make my day! This one is a builder upper - so not a lot has happened yet. Get ready though! Toodles!