Going three for three with my Tae-stories. I had a bit of a tough time deciding what the theme would be so with summer officially over and fall here I decided on something of a "hopeful" theme. Hope you all enjoy it.
I do not own anything.
Chapter One: Unexpected Reunion
She tried to take the rain as sign that her situation wasn't quite so bad. Or at least that she could work through this, after all, she'd survived worse than this.
Just before leaving Tokyo she'd paid a bit too much attention to the weather forecast, flipping through channels and paying too much mind to what the forecast would be when she arrived at her destination. It was incredibly stupid in hindsight.
Meguro, a rather quiet and well-off suburban town just a little over thirty minutes from the bustling and lively Sumaru City. Truthfully, it was a wonder Tae wasn't being called out there. In the past she'd made two visits to the oddly-shaped city whose mysterious happenings were still being investigated and speculated about to this day. Tae didn't remember much of those events, in fact, a part of her had been somewhat disappointed she'd been called in after the string of "mysterious events" ending with the Foreign Minister's death. All she got to see was a lot red-tap and people whispering to themselves in hushed voices about what may or may not have been real. A year ago, Tae would have quietly written off the more eccentric stories as pure fantasy, but the events of the last couple of months had changed her world view completely.
All that said, deep down she knew the truth of the matter. She was wishing for Sumaru City because there was something in Meguro she didn't want to face. Someone she didn't want to see.
Even after all the trials she endured and the light she was given a part of her still remained shrouded in darkness, desired to remain shrouded in the dark. The saying was true, some habits were indeed hard to kick.
The train ride had been blissful long and quiet which gave her time to plan out how things would go. No, it gave her time to further contemplate one serious question: should she take the risk and go see her boyfriend in his own hometown after months of separation?
Logic would have told her no, it was too dangerous an act to perform. Akira had safely navigated the hell that was his Tokyo life and come out an unsung hero, one whose actions had saved not just Japan but likely the entire world. On top of that to some he was still an evil upon society who was better off locked away instead of freely walking the streets. Somewhere inside, that still bothered Tae a little despite knowing how harsh the world could be. If she and Akira were caught the consequences would be grave, graver than anything they could probably imagine. Word in Tokyo could spread like wildfire, but something told her in a town like Meguro it could spread even faster, and the damage be far more out-reaching despite having a population that just barely surpassed eleven thousand.
Not to mention unlike the last scandal, something told her Akira wouldn't be able to bounce back from this one. Forget three strikes, in this world you were likely if you could survive one.
As the scenery changed from forest to wetland to fields to rivers Tae quietly began going over the pictures in her phone. Each one was like a miniature pin-prick to her heart that had her looking at door number two more and more. Door number two was the path of irrationality and what one would call outright insanity. It was the door that lead her to finding the best boyfriend, probably one of the best men, she'd ever met. For better or for worse Tae wasn't quite what one could call a logical and normal person, she actually took pride in that fact.
"Well, school life is school life, what are you going to do?" He'd told her with a nonchalant smile during one of their first video chats after he'd gotten back home. Everything about him looked so…normal Tae couldn't help but believe him. His posture, his face, his voice, his mood, all of it didn't seem any stranger for when he came in after school or in the evening to do medical trials. It almost convinced her nothing was wrong. Almost.
"Akira, you know you don't have to hide anything from me." She'd said softly wishing she could reach through the screen and touch her face. It was painful how the entire thing had been like talking to a mirror than it was talking to a person at first. "Remember, I'm still asked to come in and be a consultant from time to time. Trust me, they still look at me funny and avoid me like I'm contaminated."
"Based on what you told me about the medical industry in some cases that's a good thing." Was his chipper response with a crude smile.
She returned it. "If you knew some of them, yeah, you could say that. But anyway, what I'm trying to tell me is you can…tell me if its difficult struggling to adjust back to your hometown. I promise no one will know."
"Are you promising as my doctor or as my girlfriend?" It was typical of him to give a class answer like that which in reality was a question that turned the spotlight back on her. Really, the black-haired teen was too good at those for his own good. But, it was fortunate for her and from time to time unfortunate for him Tae was just as good at it thus she knew how to get around it.
"Well, let's see…both. My medical license only covers physical alignments but as your girlfriend it's my sacred duty to listen to your emotional and mental problems. Besides," Placing a hand against the screen she gave him a serene smile and spoke with a tone of complete honesty. "You did the same for me, too many times for me to recall.
He placed his hand against his computer screen, a similar look playing out on his face. Akira knew how much he'd made her worry, how he'd put her through more stress than he had any right to. Tae told him when he stayed in with her she'd never hold it against him, that she was glad for it, and yet it still ate away at him from time to time. From a medical standpoint it was troubling, but from a humane view it showed Akira truly cared about her. That was why she was going to do everything in her power to protect him, shield him, love him even if miles separated them.
"It…gets a little hard sometimes. I miss everyone, and I mean everyone." His gray eyes looked distant and sullen proving the validity of his words. As he often lay on her medical table he'd tell her about his experiences in Tokyo, the friends and associates he'd made…and those he'd lost. It was clear in the wake of his first encounter with Shido Akira had to practically build himself back up, and she had been one of the handful that had helped him do so. "There are times when I stare at the chalkboard and all I hear is Ms. Kawakami's voice, hell, sometimes that's the only thing that can get me to focus. I got down to the arcade and I can swear I hear Shinya coaching me through it all. When I…whenever I'm by the docks, looking at the ships, I can't help but think about that night. About…" He didn't need to say it, he'd told her enough about it all when he got the chance to and Tae realized what happened inside Shido's mind had been cathartic and traumatizing to the teenager. "You know, the hospitals here could use a doctor like you."
That statement made her laugh as she sat back on her bed. "Nice try, but I don't think your sleepy little town could handle a woman like me."
"Hey, you never know. Life in Meguro moves a bit slower than you'd think so people here could use the excitement even if they don't openly say it. I sure as hell can."
"One problem, your version of excitement tends to have me worrying if I've got everything I need to put you back together."
"Tae, just hearing your voice and seeing your face is all I need." Only Akira could have said something so corny such as that, and worse, make her believe it. She believed it so much she remembered blushing. It was a good thing she was in the privacy of her own home and not in public or the embarrassment would have been the death of her. "Seriously though, you should come down for a visit some time. I can think of a few times my folks will be out so I could be with you for a couple of hours."
That thought sounded so appealing and she wanted to believe it was possible. She would make it possible. "We'll see what times gives us, how about that, my fear little genuine pig."
Time had answered her, and in an immensely unexpected way.
Getting a house call was normal, in fact, since her reputation had been restored she'd gotten quite a few. She'd kept them as close as possible never straying far from the Tokyo area, but one afternoon as she was about to close up the clinic for the night she got hit with a curveball. A personal call from the relative of an old friend suffering from a disease that had local doctors and physicians stumped on how to treat it. Could it be cured? Yes, but only at a major hospital, the likes of which could only be found in Sumaru City a couple of miles away.
Or by someone who'd had experienced in curing the supposedly uncurable, like her.
A combination of attrition and anxiety had worn her done until she finally said yes to the request. That was how she found herself here on this half-filled train speeding through the countryside in the middle of an autumn downpour. She wanted this whole affair to pass just like how this rain storm would, leaving behind nothing but a few puddles that would evaporate into nothingness within a few days' time.
Upon arriving the first thing she did was check herself into a local hotel. She had everything she thought she'd need for the treatment thus one would have assumed she would head out for a quick night on the town before she could truly get to work. The rain had put a damper on those plans, or they'd provided a convenient excuse for her to sit back and watch. Her fingers pressed up against the glass screen of the window while her eyes scoured the landscape. Of course, she had to reserve a room on the seventh floor of a twelve-story building. Was that another part of her cowardice?
When she'd rode into Meguro it seemed a rather nice and quiet place to live, not quite unlike her own hometown. That said, Tae knew looks could always be deceiving, after all, her entire world had been rocked by a walking personification of the saying. His home lay somewhere beyond the steel field of buildings and parking lots that stretched out before her. Akira was a simple call away with her hotel phone…or her own personal phone.
So why? Why was she so scared of calling him despite now possibly being within traveling distance of him?
For a brief second Tae thought she saw lightning flash across the graying sky. She told herself that was a good thing, that it just further reinforced her reasons to stay quiet. Pulling away from the window she made towards her suitcases. Tae pushed away the thoughts of her black-haired lover, telling herself that when dawn broke she had to be a doctor, one who'd been called to this out of the way place for a single purpose. A life was at stake and she had to do what Akira had reminded her she could do-help people.
"Yeah, don't worry, I'll be home before it gets real dark. Alright, goodbye, and good luck at the gym, mom." Once the call ended Akira breathed a sigh of relief as he leaned against the doorway.
"You've been back almost a year and your mom still worries about you, not that I blame her." Sounded a certain blue-eyed feline from his schoolbag. It'd come as a great relief to the both of them that his Tokuyama High bag was big enough for the former Persona-using cat to slip into. And the school's populace was just as lax and blind as Shujin.
As he'd done several times throughout the day Akira leaned back into his seat, the desire to place his legs over the desk just barely restrained. He'd honestly missed the ability to so leisurely relax while in the classroom. Back at Shujin he would have been able to get away with doing so, mostly, but not here at Tokuyama. In addition to being having an impersonal relationship with just about every teacher in the school Akira knew he was still walking on thin ice. That last one actually never really surprised me. Even during his last days at Shujin just before he "dropped out" a handful of students and teachers still shot him a sideways glare and whispered behind his back when they thought they could get away with it. All of it just further hammered home what he already knew about life-screw up once and people will never let you forget it.
His parents hadn't been blind to his treatment and had expressed their worry several times over, like his mother. Watching the thousands of rain drops on the window he was reminded of the many tears he knew she'd shed during his prohibition and the ones she'd shown him when he finally returned home. While every day he missed his friends and associates in Tokyo he couldn't deny he at least had two people here in Meguro who missed him.
Lightning jumped between the black clouds followed by a boom of thunder. The gloomy weather seemed an accurate reflection of his mood this day, and most days since he got back.
Things weren't all bad though, or that's what he told himself whenever he felt the weight about to crush him underfoot. Checking his phone, he was pleasantly surprised to find a string of text messages from his fellow thieves and other associates who made a habit of remaining in regular contact with him. Their constant contact was how Akira found the strength in him to keep going, though on person in particular had been a major motivator for him, and she sadly hadn't been returning any of his messages lately.
"Akira, you know it's possible something business-related came up. Remember, you've fallen for a girl who still likes keeping things close to her chest." Morgana pipped up. He would have came out of the bag if he didn't have the lingering fear any second someone could walk in and see him. Annoying as it was caution was still their friend. "To be honest, you're like that too, especially since you got back."
He had to give that one to his ever-loyal feline companion. Granted, the number of people he could confine in were limited to his hands, one hand max really. As bad as it sounded even his parents just barely made the list on account of the…issues they were all still working through. They knew he was a member of the Phantom Thieves, yes, that had been a revelation they'd visibly wrestled with when he told them, one that he knew would take weeks for them to come to grips with. Eventually, his mother had been the one to say she was proud of him for choosing to follow his own path and continue to do what he thought was right. She had tears forming in her eyes when she said those words causing Akira to instinctively wrap her up in his arms. It was quite a turn about from his childhood years as he could easily rest his chin atop her head. His father had done the same, albeit slowly and with a little more fanfare.
As an architect Kunihiro Kurusu was a man used to structure and order, it was how he provided for his family and had made a name for himself. Learning his son had been breaking and entering (to be it lightly) had come as something of a sucker punch; thankfully he wasn't as mad as Akira had thought he'd be. If anything, his father seemed more worried he'd been risking his life pulling off crazed acrobatic stunts to which his mother answered he was the son of a gymnasts. Akira remained the three of them getting a good laugh over that one, even Morgana had joined in though he'd done his best to keep quiet. That had been one of the best evenings he'd had since coming home.
His father wouldn't have been surprised he was sitting here by his desk staring out the window while his fellow classmates made their way either home or to whatever after school activities they had planned. Almost a year ago Akira would have been doing the same, except he would be disappearing into a vast city where the odds of him running into school associates was minimal. That was perfectly fine by him since a good number of people still tended to avoid him despite his supposed clear record.
"I'll head on down to the market then go home." He finally decided standing straight up.
"Alright then, but I wouldn't lose yourself, it looks like it's going to start raining and you known how I feel about water." Sounded Morgana glancing at the window.
"You make it sound like I'm going to do something melodramatically stupid like go down to the harbor and look out at the sea in the rain."
"It's not like it'd be out of the ordinary for you. You've done it before, except there's a difference when the sun is out." Cracked the talking cat. "Not to mention it won't exactly help your reputation."
"Well, I'm not exactly worried about that last part. I'm kind of already there so I really don't see a way for me to go forward or backward. Not that I care much about that sort of thing anymore." Answered the former Phantom Thief.
Only a handful of students remained as he made his way toward the exit. A handful bothered to give him a second look, most didn't even bother and treated him like he was just another part of the building. Akira returned the feeling in kind until he got outside and held up his umbrella.
"Finally leaving, and going out the front door? I'm shocked."
Stopping dead in his tracks, Akira turned to face the owner of the voice. He refused to grace her presence with anything like a sigh of annoyance or snicker, a poker face was best as he'd learned during his time in Tokyo and beyond. When Akira's emotionless gray eyes met the deep dark green of Tomiko Imada, classmate and sometimes friend and sometimes critic. And since he got back, full-time watcher.
Placing an instinctive hand on his bag to keep Morgana silent he cocked his head to the side. "Why shouldn't I? Last I checked, Tomiko, I wasn't a criminal. Or is it you believe the rumors?"
The dark brown-haired girl shrugged as she walked up to him. In the bag Morgana teased hearing the brunette's footsteps draw closer and closer. While he knew Akira was fully capable of talking his way out of most situations, you never knew when a slip up would happen and could completely railroad everything they'd worked for. Their adventures in Tokyo had more than taught them that.
Coming to a stop less than a foot from him, the brunette with her shoulder-length strands fixed him with a somewhat annoyed stare. Her arms crossed and a pout formed on her usual stoic and focused face. "You know, I hate it when you do that. That stupid head turning, you're a human being, not a monkey interacting with people at the zoo."
"Could have fooled." Shrugged the black-haired teenager. "Given the way people look at me you'd think I was some animal on display. Maybe a tiger or a lion,"
"More like a snake given the way you've been acting." Shot back the female. "Seriously, before the incident you were just a little quiet and sly, but once you came back you've been…"
"Weird? Violent?"
Sympathy immediately flashed in her eyes somewhat off-setting Akira. While a vast majority of students had given him the cold shoulder upon returning to Tokuyama High a handful hadn't and even made attempts to reach out to him. Tomiko was one such person, and it just so happened she was one of the most popular girls in school. "Akira, when you came back I could tell you were different. You seemed…well, I really don't know how to describe it. The closet thing I can give is you went to war or something and came back a shell-shocked veteran. Was the big city really that horrifying?"
Honestly, Akira wanted to chuckle. Oh, Tomiko, if only you knew, and if you're lucky you never will. Rolling his shoulders, he kept up his mask of nonchalance. "All I can tell you is I saw some things that changed my world view about certain matters."
"Are you ever going to tell me?" She pressed.
"Why do you want to know so badly?" Fired back the former Persona-user with narrowed eyes.
Her expression crumbled into a worried frown, one he'd seen on multiple people for a number of reasons. At this point, Akira believed the look was slowly but surely becoming his kryptonite. "Because I'm worried about you. Today wasn't the first day you stayed behind in class and stared out the window. I repeat, you look like a shell-shocked veteran. My grandfather and grand-uncle have that same look when I go visit them-they stare out at the water and remember their time during World War II. Do you have any idea how many rumors are flying around about you? About what could have happened to you?"
"Yeah, let me tell you, some of them are really outlandish. Come on, me, abducted by aliens and having my brain probed?" Inquired the gray-haired teen with a playful grin.
"I feel like a psychologist could walk straight into your mind and still come out crazy or a blabbering mess." Tomiko stated rubbing her head. "Akira, you haven't even told me the whole story about what happened in Tokyo. Do your parents at least know?"
No, and like you, they're better off not knowing. Thought the teenager with cold fury brewing within him. Even if they loved him there were some things he'd rather his mother and father never know about. Neither of them would be able to sleep at night blaming themselves for putting their son through such a maelstrom of danger and stress. His eyes flickered from Tomiko to the outside where the rain had begun to pour in earnest. Now he knew for real if he took his time he'd catch a cold and raise his parents' concern. Not to mention if Tae called she'd have his butt for doing something so idiotic as catching a cold. Still, her chewing him out would be worth if only to hear her voice and see her face. "I've told them, I've told them I'm still adjusting and they've given me my space. They're doing my best and I'm grateful for that," Fully facing her, the ex-Phantom Thief gave the brunette a smirk that had her cheeks burn crimson. "And I'm glad you care enough to come talk to me-the school tiger."
His associate of six years whipped her head to the right in a futile attempt to hide her blush. While they had their differences Akira couldn't help but note Tomiko careful and astute nature heavily reminded him of Makoto, and they both handled embarrassment in the same way.
"S-Shut-up. At times you make me think you enjoy the way everyone handles you like you're nuclear material." She snapped.
"Maybe I do, it certainly keeps people from bugging me for stupid reasons." Answered the gray-eyed male. "Later."
He turned on his heel and began making his way through the rain-soaked courtyard. No sooner had he begun his journey did he notice a second umbrella pop-up beside him.
"Mind if I come with you to wherever it is you're going?" Tomiko innocently questioned.
Akira sighed. "Regardless of what I say, you're gonna follow me anyway so what the hell. I'm going down to the market."
As she was amongst the handful of people Akira felt somewhat safe in confining in Tomiko. Of course, there were several things about his adventures in Tokyo he left out, but she never seemed to pick up on those finer details, and knowing Tomiko if she did she knew better than to press Akira for them. The sights and "hot spots" of the city, the restaurants, and the people, those were what she primarily asked about and Akira was more than happy to answer her. His answers would either have her go wide-eyed or calls of BS; Akira enjoyed the convincing he had to do to get her to believe him, and even then he could always hear her muttering under her breath.
"If you don't believe me, you can go there yourself. Trust me, seeing is believing." He'd told her as they passed the sliding glass doors of his favorite convenience store.
"Uh-uh, when that day comes I'll owe you." Tomiko nodded in semi-agreement. "You've spent the last couple of weeks filling my head with all kinds of ideas and fantasies, so you've got to take responsibly for that."
Closing their umbrellas, the pair took a minute to dry themselves off as did several other customers who came in with them. Akira took hold of the basket then headed off in his own direction with Tomiko doing likewise. Even with the store half-packed he knew he could get a word or two in regarding his feline companion.
"Glad to see some are at least trying to reach out to you, it wouldn't hurt to open up a little to her." Whispered Morgana from the safe confines of Akira's school bag.
"I'll consider it." Akira answered with dismissal interest.
"Urgh, seriously, you're allowed to have at least one female friend outside of the Phantom Thieves. I'm pretty sure Tae will forgive you for trying to make friends if she ever found out."
"Why'd you have to jump to that?" Whispered the teenager. "You're making it sound like I can't handle being around another girl without making a play for her."
A haughty snort left the black bag. "Well, you did make her blush barely half an hour ago."
"Get real, I'm able to do that to almost every girl I meet, including those I don't have a romantic interest in." Calmly and quietly answered back the male student. His favorite band of potato chips weren't on sell meaning he was going to have to pay full price for them. It's not like I need to conserve money, I built up more than enough thanks to the oh so generous donations of Tokyo's Shadows. Most problems that ordinary teenagers had to go through no longer held the same weight to Akira as they did before. Maybe he'd "grown up too fast" as some adults would say when watching children exhibit tendencies and behavior beyond their years. "Besides, Tomiko's would catch hell if she was caught hanging around me. Remember, some assholes still haven't taken the hint I'm done dealing with people's shit when they throw it at me."
"What makes you think she's the type who can't throw it back?"
He waited until he was near alone in the back of the store before answering. "She probably can, but I'd rather not drag Tomiko into fights like that. She's the type who'll worry herself to death, then she'll turn to me. The longer I can keep the you-know-what under wraps, the better. Remember, I had a personal maid, helped launder guns, went some shady places, and lastly served as a human guinea pig for experimental drugs. That last one may have her thinking I'm contagious or something."
"Well, you were infected by this irritating little disease called love." Snickered the blue-eyed cat. "Not to mention the infection seems untreatable."
Akira laughed looking over a package of frozen burgers he could microwave and fix himself to make a meal. "It's not like I've got anything to complain about regarding-"
As the saying went, speak of the devil and he shall appear. In Akira's case it was more like speak of death and he would appear.
Or rather, she would appear.
Stormy gray stared back at bright brown. Two mouths almost directly adjacent to each other dropped in shock as the respective eyes of each grew wider and wider by the second. Within his bag-turned cover, Morgana picked up the familiar scent of his owner's lady love and fought to keep a yelp of surprise from leaving his throat. A second passed, and he fought to keep a cry of pain bottled as the bag he was in along with the shopping bag Akira was carrying both hit the floor. The feline wanted to shout at his companion to be more careful, but it was doubtful the human would have heard his words. He was right.
The ex-Persona user paid little to no mind to the items spilled across the floor, all he could was focus on her. Tae's blue hair hadn't changed that much, perhaps it had grown an inch or two, but otherwise it was in its same bob-cut style he found so appealing. A black choker still adorned her neck with a necklace intertwining it. A dark gray raincoat adorned her upper body stretching almost down to her knees. Speaking of knees, silver-strapped rain boots covered her legs instead of her usual gladiator sandals though her leggings remained. In one hand was a shopping bag and in the other was a stylized leather bag he'd seen her carrying around from time to time.
For Tae, it was irritating how…real her boyfriend looked standing before her just as surprised as she was. Unlike his Shujin uniform, his Tokuyama uniform was light gray possessing a singular red toy and golden buttons. Cleary the tie had been loosen since his leaving school and she was pretty sure if given the chance he would have completely removed it. For a fraction of a second Tae's eyes drifted south to his fallen school bag. If she had to guess, inside was amongst his school work a small black-furred feline with striking blue eyes. The one thing she focused on the most though was what hung around his neck, the dog-tags she'd given him. They shined brilliantly in the light of the convenience store.
People had turned their heads and were coming, they both knew this but their brains were in too much of a state of shock to do anything about it. A scene was imminent.
Tae recovered first.
"S-Sorry about that, my bad!" Her voice miraculously reached through to Akira as she kneeled down and began helping him pick up his items.
"N-No, r-really, it's mine."
Their fingers brushed up against each other causing invisible sparks to jump between them. The urge to turn those sparks into a roaring family was strong, but their combined restraint was mightier. Keeping their eyes from directly gazing into each other was another struggle, one that proved far harder than physically touching each other surprisingly. Akira silently took in as much of Tae's perfume as he could through the guise of taking deep breaths.
"Hey, Akira, what-oh." Sounded Tomiko rounding the corner and coming upon the scene. She didn't dwell too long on Tae, thankfully, her attention seemed to be secured on her somewhat nervous looking classmate. "After acting all big and cool you go and do this, you know, I'm half-tempted to record this then send it to the school newspaper so they have something to print."
To the brunette's subtle surprise, the dark-haired youth remained composed and rigid. "You do that and they'll also be learning of who caused the blackout of Fuchida Junior High three years ago."
"You wouldn't!" She hissed.
Looking up, Akira smirked. "By all means, test that theory and see how it turns out."
Tae struggled to suppress the dark laugh that threatened to spill from her lips. Her boyfriend hadn't changed physically nor had he done so emotionally, a smart-mouthed and quick-thinking guinea pig he'd remained. They stood up once they finished collecting all their items and finally met eyes.
How have you been?
What are you doing in town? Why didn't you call me to let you know you were coming?
Can I come over?
Breaking off eye-contact, they went in different directions. Akira was only faintly aware of Tomiko's chattering in one ear and Morgana groaning in silence annoyance in the other. He wanted to look back at his secret girlfriend, but he knew better than that. If he did who knew what could have happened. Painful as it was, he endured it until they were at the cash register and beyond.
"Did you know that woman?" Asked the brunette once they were out the door and staring out at the rainy sky.
"What makes you say that?"
Tomiko raised an eyebrow at him. "Usually, you're so damn unshakable and cool something phasing you has to be pretty big. Anything I should know?"
"Tomiko," Akira began raising open both hands. "I just had a moment or two of losing myself in my thoughts. I made a mistake, I'm still entitled to those, aren't I?"
Unfolding her umbrella, she took the first step out into the rain. "I…I guess I'm just being a little paranoid. I've probably said a hundred times, but you've been pretty out of it since you came back. I just want to make sure you don't do something stupid like wonder into traffic."
"If I did that what kind of flowers would you bring to my funeral?"
She didn't grace his question with an answer which only made the male teenager laugh. Their umbrellas bobbed at each other's sides as they walked in the rain, neither saying a word to the other until they got to inevitable street corner that would separate them. While the difference between their families' income was easily measured she lived in what one could have called Meguro's "upper scale" district". From time to time they joked about it yet nothing serious ever came of it, they never allowed it to.
"See you tomorrow, and try to keep your head screwed on." Tomiko smiled.
"No promises," His waving did the trick in placating her as Tomiko hurried off down the adjacent street not at all minding the pelting rain or thunder in the distance. Akira didn't mind it either as once he was sure she was out of sight and hearing range he let his arm drop and his expression become focused. Steeling himself, he searched around the street corner and intersection for his goth-doctor girlfriend. She hadn't come out with them when they'd left the store nor had she made any appearances on their walk after. His thin hope that she'd take the plunge and follow him withered and died as he looked and looked yet found only his fellow townsfolk. "Did I imagine that whole thing?" Spoke the teen with melancholy.
"No, you didn't, trust me, that was definitely Tae's scent I picked up." Pipped up Morgana. "Look, I'm sure she's got her reasons. For now, shouldn't you get home? You can call her once you're some place warm and I've been fed."
"Heh, yeah, I have been starving you for a while, haven't I?" Patting the bag, the teen spun on his heel and began down the sidewalk. The unease that had once gripped his heart slowly began to wash away like the rain flowing into the sewers and drainage across town. Every once in a while, he'd glance skyward just in time to catch a brief glimpse of lightning followed by a crash of thunder. Rather than troubling or frightening Akira actually found a bit of comfort in the stormy dance unfolding above him. Arrogant as it was, mother nature had nothing on his best friend, and until prove otherwise he'd proudly carry that thought.
The Kurusu household, on the surface it didn't particularly look like anything one could write home about. That was if they were comparing it to other two-story basic-build houses. Compared to some of what he'd seen in Tokyo it might as well have been a mansion, hell, compared to Sojiro's attic Akira felt his family home was a royal place. It'd taken him some time, but eventually he'd learned how to call the massive gray and blue-colored building home. And he had it all to himself for a couple of hours well into night hours.
In a short number of paces and turning of the door knob he was inside and blasted by a wave of warm air that had him lying his head against the door in bliss. Finally, in the clear, Morgana jumped out and raced along the ground stretching out his legs. While at the very least Akira could physically move his body, the blue-eyed feline had literally been confined to a somewhat sweaty and cramped school bag for most of the day. Every afternoon he returned home he practically bolted out of the black leather container and onto the living room floor.
"Ahhh, coming in from the rain, the feeling never gets old." Shouted the supernatural mammal.
"Amen to that." Called Akira from the kitchen with the bags piled up and their contents being removed and sorted through. "Give me a minute before I can-"
BING!
Subconsciously, he knew what the source of the sound was and why it even existed in the first place. Morgana stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face his owner and partner who'd gone wide-eyed. He called Akira's name out of caution, but the teen simply further loosened his tie then headed back for the door. His hand went to the locks first then he swung it open.
Tae stood in the doorway with her hoodie pulled over her face. Similar to Akira, two bags were held in her hands, one personal and the other a shopping bag. Sucking in a quick breath, he moved aside allowing her in. Morgana's eyes went wide seeing the blue-haired doctor so calmly entering the Kurusu household.
Well damn, I guess she was following us.
Unlike in the store the goth doctor was able to lower her bags to the ground gently rather than drop them. Sadness spread across her face as she stood up. "Akira, I'm so-hmp!"
He was aggressive and wanting, exactly how Tae wanted him. The Plague's hands shot to Akira's cheek then his neck like vipers. Her body was pushed up against the door with an audible thud that rivaled the thunder outside, and his tongue rampaging through her mouth was the lightning. Tae gladly opened herself up to the ravenous whip until she chose to insert her into her lover's mouth. Akira's hands snaked around her waist holding her tightly against his body. He didn't care that she still had on her raincoat and was soaking his uniform; all that mattered was the light of his life was back in his arms. On Tae's end she was in the exact same boat.
Watching with a cheeky smile Morgana rolled his eyes. Usually when you talk about things you jinx them. For those two it seems to work in reverse, hell, her Arcana is death and he's a fallen angel so I suppose it's fitting. For all intents and purposes, it appeared the lovebirds had completely forgotten about him as their make-out continued. Sighing as best a cat could he jumped onto the sofa and attempted to make himself comfortable, or get a better view of the action.
They broke away from one another for air. Akira guided her towards the kitchen counter where he swiftly took her by the hips and placed her atop the marble surface. "God, I missed you so much." He whispered before diving back into her lips.
Tae gently pushed her teenage love away in an attempt to undo the buttons on her coat. Picking up on it, Akira did it for her. "You read my mind. I've missed you too, I wanted to see you but I just…" In typical Akira-fashion, her raincoat was thrown to the side to be picked up and moved when they regained a rational thought. That time would come later after they'd gotten their fill of each other.
Here I thought the sitcom situations were behind us, at least until we went back to Tokyo or Akira went to college. Mused the feline with a dry chuckle. Over in the kitchen the pair were getting quite frisky. As he'd done to her, Tae got a hold of Akira's tie and proceeded to remove it, keeping it loosely held in her hand while going for the buttons on his blazer. When Akira's lips found her neck the reaction was expected. Alright, enough, I gotta step in before they decide to screw each other here in the kitchen, with me watching! Standing up on all fours he began meowing. That did nothing. Oh, for Pete's sake! Hey! If you two are gonna do THAT do it in up in your room!
To Tae it was just a cat's meows, to Akira, it was an unwanted air horn. Eventually Tae picked up on the message. Reluctantly, the Fool and his witch broke apart leaving their lips crimson red and moist. Akira's hands remained wrapped around Tae's waist while her hands stayed semi-glued to his chest. Both looked to each other with heavy breaths.
"Um…welcome to Meguro," Began to teenager. "And welcome to my house."
The blue-haired woman smiled. "Thanks for the welcoming, and I'm sorry about…not calling or giving you some kind of heads up." Allowing her head to fall forward she was blessed with the sound of his heartbeat. Shutting her eyes, she took a moment to listen to the beautiful organ. Her boyfriend understood her desires and held her close until she finally had the strength to speak. "I…got a house call, well, the long version is a friend sorta twisted my arm into coming down here to treat a relative."
"How'd it go? Or am I interrupting you?" Fired off the black-haired teen.
She smiled seeing his naked concern for her nature as a doctor. Clearly, he wanted to ensure that his hard work in getting her back into gear had stuck. "He's going to be fine. I took a look at him, gave him the right medication and made sure he was admitted to the local hospital under my guidance. I was…I was actually on my way back to my hotel when I spotted you in that convenience store."
"Chance." Laughed the younger of the pair.
Tae joined him looping his tie around his neck. "Funny how you always seem to be in the right place at the right time. Must be magic." Hooping off of the counter she ran a perfectly flawless hand over his cheek.
"So, you've…got a place to stay already?" Whispered the teen.
She detected the sadness in his voice and smiled. "I do, but I…think maybe I should…stay out for a little while longer. Tell me, are your parents home? Have they gone out?"
Her guinea pig smiled that wicked smile that made her blood run hot and her heart beat at three times its regular speed. "Dad's still working at the office and mom's busy teaching at the studio. She won't be getting off for…two hours or so. Long enough for a thorough examination?"
"Maybe," she quipped running her fingers along the crux of his neck and shoulder. "It'll be risky, but it is enough time for me remind my dear little guinea pig what happiness looks and tastes like. That is, unless Morgana minds."
Turning his head back with a laugh Akira comically noted the sour expression on his companion's face. The silent exchange ended with the talking cat rolling his eyes before giving his nod of approval. He turned back to his blue-haired love and grinned.
The groceries were quickly but carefully put away by the teenager while Tae made herself at home. She whistled at the size of the house outright telling her boyfriend it was much nicer than either his attic or her apartment. Still, seeing it just further reminded Tae how much Akira had given up for his one good deed; it also warmed her heart a little that he would choose her and Tokyo over this place. Picking up the smell of coffee she turned and found him in his unbutton under-shirt standing before her with two mugs. Muttering a thank you she took the steaming hot mug and enjoyed the sweet taste of her boyfriend's personally made coffee. It was just as good as she remembered, maybe better.
Her raincoat was gathered up and deposited on the coat rack while her boots and jacket were folded up and placed in a corner leaving her in little more than her undershirt and leggings. As far and looks went Tae looked like she was at home; she was, and so too was Akira.
"At the very least you've got a handful of people reaching out to you." Said the doctor after he'd explained the nature of his relationship with Tomiko and the finer details of his school life. "You should open up to her, branch out a little while you're here."
"That's…kind of surprising coming from you." Mouthed the former bespectacled youth.
Realizing where his mind was going, or rather, where it'd already gone Tae giggled then bopped him on the head. "I'm not gonna deny I'm possessive of you, because I am, and rightfully so. But, as your girlfriend and doctor I'm willing to trust you not to do anything stupid while we're apart, understand?"
Even if it was meant to be serious Akira couldn't help but laugh. God, he'd missed everything about her from her voice to her face to her cute little threats. "Got it." He pulled her onto his side of the couch where their lips met in a fiery embrace that sent the pair of them tumbling onto the soft wool. After months away from her he was back in his dear doctor's arms and his mouth was once again on hers'. What few times they broke away from each other for breath was punctuated by their wanting glances of each other.
Tae pushed him up. "Room." She commanded with a beat red face.
Grinning the teenager hoisted her up into his arms and sat up from the couch.
Just as the knob clicked and began to turn.
"Akira, we're back-! AKIRA!"
The eyes of the pair flew open while their bodies came to a complete and total stop. Slowly, with all the moisture evaporating from their bodies they turned in unison toward one direction.
There standing there in the doorway, still clothed in their raincoats stood Kunihiro and Azumi Kurusu, their mouths gaping wide and their eyes glued to the image of their son hoisting a scantly dressed blue-haired woman into his arms. Both their faces were glowing crimson and their necks were adorned with teeth marks all but confirming what the parents hoped to be a water-induced illusion.
With his girlfriend sweating bullets in his arms and his parents frozen stiff in shock Akira so desperately wished the universe would answer his pleas with something, anything. A second ticked by, then another, and then another. He was fresh out of luck.
You've got to be fu…
"U-U-Um, h-hi, Mr. and Mrs. Kurusu?" It was a miracle Tae's vocal cords still worked, as did her facial muscles as she managed some sort of crooked smile. Softly nudging him she got Akira to release her allowing the doctor to stand on her own two feet with her boyfriend beside her. It did little good to stem the wave of fear and embarrassment racing through her. I KNEW THIS WAS A BAD IDEA!
Taking his love's lead, Akira laughed. "Hehe, h-hi mom, dad, y-you're back early." Reaching for her hand he was happy when he felt her instinctive grip his palms. "This is…mom, dad, this is my girlfriend Tae Takemi, we…met while I was in…Tokyo."
For the second time that day, bangs were abruptly dropped and forgotten about while outside, a clap of thunder that sounded much like laughter boomed over the town of Meguro.
So, quite the pickle Akira and Tae have found themselves in, huh? Read on to the next chapter to see just how they're going to get out of this mess, that is if they can.