A/N: So, yea first story I've written on this site, and of course it would have to be on my favorite relationship pairing, Naoto/Souji. I'll try my best at trying to maintain canon personalities, but I can't make any guarantees. I hope that you all enjoy my amateurish attempt at making something that resembles a story. Expect lots of fluff. I also apologize in advance if I make any inconsistencies with the main story. Leave if a review if you feel like it, any and all of them will be taken with great appreciation.
(Set right after the Persona 4:Golden True Ending)Summary: The investigation team leader, Souji Seta, has returned to Inaba for the summer to enjoy it with all of his old friends. However it appears that fate holds other plans for Souji and the rest of the team. Trouble is starting to brew up again in the TV World and it seems that another person's shadow is at play. However, with everyone having already faced their shadows, who would be the victim this time?
Prologue: A Hero's Welcome
July 27th, 2012, The Dojima Household, 5:30pm
All the festivities have settled at the Dojima Household and everybody had discussed what's happened around Inaba while their leader and local legend, Souji Seta, had been away. It felt refreshing for Souji to see and hear all of his old friends again. However, Inaba wasn't the only thing that changed while Souji was away. While all of his old friends still retained their old personalities, from Yosuke's cheeky and joking attitude, which occasionally constituted a hit from Chie all the way to Rise's overly affectionate gestures and suggestions, the same couldn't be said about their appearances.
"Wow Sensei! The city sure sounds like a great place! Were there any babes I could score with there?" asked the overly exuberant bear.
Teddie was probably the only one that retained his look from the last time Souji was here. However, he had a change of clothing, from his old white dress shirt and black dress pants to a simple horizontally striped, white and blue t-shirt and shorts, both obviously Junes brand.
"You know I was surprised to see you come here without five girls hanging off you. I mean you were the heartthrob of Ina-, OW! What the hell Chie?!" wincing slightly.
As for the Prince of Junes, Yosuke had cut his hair shorter but it still retained its light brown color. There was nothing to be seen around his neck, not even his trademark headphones, except for his hand rubbing the back of it after suffering a near critical hit from Chie.
"You know Souji isn't the kind of person to even think about that stuff! Jeez Yosuke, you're still unbearable sometimes!" exclaimed the fiery girl.
For Chie, she had grown her bob slightly longer, making it reach the bottom of her cheeks but not quite making it to her shoulders. She had switched out her usual green jacket for a yellow tank top and a short grey jacket. She was still holding a glare at Yosuke for his previous joke, but anyone could tell that her stare didn't contain any ill feelings.
A voice barely containing it's laughter piped up,"Snrk. You said unBEARable Chie!" By that point the Amagi Inn manager had erupted into full blown laughter which was for once fully returned by everyone in the household.
Yukiko had retired her traditional headband and instead opted to keep her long hair into a more manageable bun, fit for a manager of the Amagi Inn. She had forgone her usual red attire and instead wore a white dress with a light blue jacket over it.
After the laughter had ended, a question had popped up from one of Japan's rising pop sensation, "Did you remember to think about m- I mean us everyday Senpai?".
The Japanese Idol, Rise, had also changed a bit as well but still remained stunning as ever. She had undone her two high pigtails, leaving her with long hair that graced her beyond the shoulders, with a pair of sunglasses rested on top fit for the summer weather. Along with that, she also had on a tank top that was adorned with bright colors in a horizontally striped pattern with a sheer blouse over it.
Before Souji could respond a rough and tough voice did for him, "Of course he did! He wouldn't forget about us for one second! He is our Senpai, and even if he did I'd personally drag him all the way back to Inaba and make him remember!" making a point to flex his arms towards Souji.
Of all the people that had changed, Kanji's surprised Souji the most. He no longer bleach blond and slick back his hair, rather having it grow naturally in it's natural black, and started wearing glasses. He also ditched the rough and tough biker look for a more formal one with his skull shirts and chains replaced by a white business casual and turnover collars. Still he had to be the tough guy every once in a while.
"I remembered Big Bro! Ever since he left, all I did was wait for him to come back so we could play again!" Holding her big eyes towards her cousin, Souji gave a small smile at his little cousin's affection.
It was only a year but Souji could tell she had grown a lot since the last time he was here. She was a bit taller than before and let her hair down rather than keep it as the pigtails she always had sort of Rise's. Luckily, it also seemed like all of Souji's friends still played with Nanako when Souji was away. Maybe Rise inspired Nanako to let down her hair, she was always a big fan.
"Ha! She's not kidding. Everyday she'd asked me where you were, what you were doing, and when you would be back. She's addicted to you kid," replied the elder detective.
Contrary to Nanako, Dojima hadn't really changed that much since the last time Souji visited except for a few gray hairs cropping their way up. However, Souji would see him smile more often than he did the last time he was here, and also noticed something that he didn't see until before he left. It was something in his eyes whenever he looked at Souji or more so Nanako. Something that sparkled in them. It was the look of happiness.
"Dad!" Nanako winded up a punch towards the detective's shin.
"Ow! Haha, she's starting to get one heck of a punch!" Dojima winced at the pain but still held a grin through it.
Everyone had begun laughing again, and eventually the embarrassed Nanako joined along with them. Soon, they just began enjoying each other's company again and the sound of chatter and laughter started to fill the Dojima household yet again. Still, through all of the noise and voices Souji had his eyes set on only one person the whole time. More specifically a girl. A girl who made all of his days better. A girl that had stolen his heart. A girl he loved. Naoto.
Naoto returned the stare back at him with a hand under her chin supporting her head, and started gazing dreamily into his silver eyes that oh so well complemented his hair and face and she was in love with it. Souji was just as lost in her eyes as well. How her gray-blue eyes were so unassuming to the average person and was able even the most trace amounts of emotions, but Souji wasn't an average person and she knew it. He could see right past her façade and was often able to see how she felt at times, and right now she was feeling the exact same thing he did, love. He soon shifted his eyes over her face instead and noticed how she was wearing makeup. It was the first time he had ever seen with any makeup and even though it was just light amount, it made his heart skip a beat at how beautiful she appeared, how soft and effeminate her features looked as a result.
He moved his gaze over her as whole and was pleasantly surprised by what she wore to his special coming back party. She was only wearing a simple white dress shirt and navy blue jeans, something resembled a lot about her simplistic nature. However, he noticed that she wasn't wearing any bindings and started marveling at such a simple shirt and jeans could accentuate her curves and figure. It made Souji nearly wish it was just him and her here for those moments.
By then, Naoto had realized that Souji had shifted his gaze downwards and wondered if something was wrong. She looked down and realized the outfit she was wearing and her lack of bindings. Letting out soft gasp that only Souji was able to pick up, she started looking back up and started flushing a nice shade of pink but, held her ground with her now impassioned stare at Souji, happy that he was just here and happier to have him notice her.
Yosuke was about to ask, "Hey partner, remember when..." until he saw that his partner had his attention focused elsewhere besides the conversation taking place. Glancing towards what was holding his attention before responding with a cheeky voice and grin, "You know if you guys need some alone time, I'm sure Yukiko could spare a room at the Amagi Inn."
This got Souji's attention. "H-huh? Oh, you see... Naoto and I were having a staring contest..." Souji bit back a groan at the awful excuse.
Still wearing the cheeky grin he responded "Oh, really? 'Cause it seemed like you already won a while ago."
"Oh well... we're having a rematch?" Damn it, even my expression can't get me out of this one.
"Heh, maybe you guys should have your rematch in private. I'd hate to ruin your focus." Gesturing towards Souji's bedroom.
By now everyone had stopped talking and listened in on their conversation. After realizing what was going on between the embarrassed Souji, the grinning Yosuke, and the crimson red Naoto, wishing she had her cap to hide her eyes, they started egging them along with Yosuke much to their dismay. Well almost everyone.
Rise had a pout on her face when she spoke to Naoto, "Come on Naoto-kun! Save some Senpai for the rest of us!"
Naoto's face somehow turned an even darker shade of red before sputtering out an apology, "S-sorry I didn't mean to-"
Rise cut off her off, "It hasn't been a day yet and you already took our Senpai from us!", ending off with a teasing smile.
"I-I uh... well..." and with that Naoto's eyes took a sudden interest in her empty plate on the table, not chancing to have hers meet anybody else's.
Souji had started doing the same to his own plate in response to his friend's endless teasing as well.
After the merciless teasing and not too subtle suggestions directed towards Souji and Naoto, Dojima finally said, "Ha ha. Alright, I think the kids have had enough for now." He took a glance towards his watch before realizing the time, "9:30 already? I think it's time for you guys to head home. It's getting pretty late now."
Everyone replied with a curt nod, done their goodbyes, and proceeded to head out one by one, except for Naoto, who still sat there in embarrassment. With a slight chuckle Dojima looked at the now relieved Souji, "Hey, I have to head out tonight for work, I was only able to take time off if I said I would be able to work later in the day. I'll be back in tomorrow night." Before taking the sleepy Nanako to her room he told Souji, "Oh, and don't worry about Nanako tomorrow either she'll be picked up to her friend's house tomorrow real early in the morning. Also, don't hesitate to have any friends come over and stay for a while." With a wink he carried off Nanako and read her a story to sleep, leaving Souji alone with Naoto.
Tiptoeing around the rarely oblivious detective he pulled her into a light embrace and whispered softly, "Not planning on leaving detective?". Souji had a smirk on his face as he watched Naoto fluster in his arms.
"Oh, uh... yes, I should call Yakushiji-san to pick me up..." She fished her navy blue phone out of her pocket and flipped it open, until Souji swiftly grabbed out of her hand. "Senpai!"
Souji pocketed the phone."Let me rephrase the question. Do you want to stay for the night?"
Turning herself around so that they were practically face to face. "Well... I certainly won't deny the offer." Smiling to herself at the thought of it, especially after being away from him for so long. "But won't Nanako and Dojima-san be home too?", now grimacing at the thought of Dojima finding them in Souji's room together alone.
"Don't worry. Dojima will be out for the night and Nanako is being picked by a friend early in the morning," reassuring Naoto with smile. "Just you and... me... tonight," and for once, Souji was the one blushing, albeit only lightly.
"Well then I guess I can't say no now. However, I do need to call Yakushiji-san and come up with an... alibi for the night." She held out her hand, but not without Souji noticing a nice shade of red on her cheeks.
Souji fished the phone out of his pocket and let the detective stand up and do her business. She always had the weird habit of walking around during phone calls whenever it was something important to her, whether it be something regarding a case she had taken up, her grandfather, Kenshin-san, or especially anything regarding Souji. He was smiling at the thought he was that important to her.
When she ended the call, she spun around her heels and gave Souji a confidant and happy smile, indicating that she could stay for the night. However, just as quickly as it came, it disappeared as she had a sudden blush appear and started looking away from him embarrassingly, much preferring the calendar on the wall, after realizing she had forgotten something rather important. Souji sat there a bit perplexed for a moment as he hadn't said nor done anything that would've embarrassed her yet.
"Naoto, is something wrong?" asked the confused Souji.
"It's just that... well...err," replied Naoto as her blush grew into deeper shades of red.
Knowing that he won't be able to get an answer by asking her straight out he would have to beat around the bush to get it. "Naoto, if you really can't stay the night just say so. I understand comple-".
"NO!" yelled out the now even more embarrassed Naoto, realizing what she had just done. Souji raised an eyebrow over his girlfriend's sudden outburst. That was a lot easier than I thought it would be. She continued,"I want to stay with you tonight Senpai ,but..." Naoto shifted uncomfortably. but after taking a deep breath she was able to compose herself although the blush on her face was as fierce as ever. "But, I don't have anything to wear to... bed, and the attire I currently have on is already uncomfortable enough as it is.".
Souji choked down a laugh trying to escape out of his mouth. Just like her to get embarrassed about something like that. I missed you so much Naoto. "Naoto, thank you for wearing that for my coming back party. I know you're uncomfortable wearing something like that, but if it makes you feel any better, you look incredible," giving her a genuine smile of appreciation.
Naoto's blush only got fiercer as paid her the compliment. She stuttered out, "S-Senpai, I-I, uh..." but could only smile back as thanks for the compliment considering her words were failing her yet again.
Souji interrupted her longer than usual amalgamation of letters and sounds saying, "Back to the topic on hand, You don't need to worry about the clothes. I have some old shirts in my bag that should be fine for you," giving her a reassuring smile. "Besides, it should be more comfortable wearing some guy's clothes than that."
"Yes... t-that sounds fine," giving Souji a nod. "Well, shall we go?"
Replying with another nod of his own, he stood up, picked up his bags, slinging them over his shoulder, and began walking up the stairs to his old room with Naoto.
July 27th, 2012, Souji's Room, 9:54pm
Wow, the old room certainly hasn't changed a single bit. Indeed it hadn't, quite literally. Everything was basically in the same place Souji had left it when he had to leave last spring. His model set that he had spent many evenings building sat there on the rack still in pristine condition. Next to it was the calendar that always evoked an odd feeling of nostalgia whenever he looked it. The always comfortable black couch laid there in front of the curtained windows, reminding him of all the time he spent with Naoto there, talking about whatever piqued their interest that day. Even the most mundane topics were discussed to great detail. He just loved the company and the company loved him back.
He set down his bags near the wardrobe and took a seat, stretching his back as did so, letting a few satisfying pops. He looked at Naoto, who had been eyeing the couch since they walked in, and began patting on the cushion next to him and began smiling with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
Naoto saw the cue and took it, walking over and taking a seat next to him with a light pink dusting her cheeks. They sat there in silence, taking in a moment they had so dearly missed having together. Naoto was the first to break silence.
"Y-You're too close again Senpai..." letting her eyes dart away from his and instead admire the models he had built in the past.
Souji decided to move even closer to her, very close to touching. Naoto wouldn't have noticed were it not for the watches beeping in response to the very close proximity they had, and turned around, blush reddening, and exclaimed "Senpai!".
Before she could voice further protests, Souji had wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a self satisfied smile before saying "Am I still too close, detective?"
She responded by throwing her arms around him and nuzzled herself into his chest, enjoying the feeling of warmth she had missed dearly so. "Y-you're..." stopping herself so she could give a deep relaxed sigh, "You're just right," and shifted her legs so she was sitting in his lap now. Souji held her closer into a tighter embrace and began petting her hair, something that she loved having him do but would never admit to it, and gave a mewl of approval. They sat there in their still embrace for what seemed like a blissful eternity, not daring to ruin the moment.
It wasn't until Naoto let out a yawn that broke Souji's trance and caused him to glance at the clock. Realizing how late it had gotten he said softly, "I think it's time for bed sleepyhead."
In response, she gave a grunt of protest and started clinging to Souji even tighter. With a sigh and a smile, Souji picked up the tired Naoto and deposited her into his futon, taking extra care to tuck her in. He took a moment to himself to examine how Naoto looked, how beautiful she looked with a calm and relaxed expression on her face and started cupping her face, stroking her cheek with his thumb feeling how soft it was. It made Souji's heart throb at how long it he had to wait to see her again, or more importantly made her wait to see him. He felt guilty that he made her wait so long for him to come back. Of course she had friends, they were all comrades in arms in the investigation team, bonds that couldn't ever be broken, but he also knew that when he left Inaba, he left a void in their heart's too, especially Naoto's, making Souji keep a promise to himself.
I missed a lot of things while I was away. I missed Nanako and Dojima greeting me whenever I got home, I missed eating out with you guys at Aiya on the weekends, I missed talking to you at the gazebo in the floodplains, I missed the times we spent at midnight just talking on the phone, but more importantly I missed you. I'm never going to let you feel alone again. I promise.
Smiling at her, he moved away the hair covering her forehead and kissed it lightly, causing her to give a murmur of approval. He got up and left her there to sleep in peace, while he went to brush his teeth an change into sleepwear in the bathroom. He walked over to his bag, grabbed his toothbrush and clothes and left the room, but not before giving Naoto one last look of happiness.
After a couple of minutes he was finished and walked into the bedroom, giving a tired yawn. However, when he walked in, he noticed something was different, mainly Naoto. It appears that she got up while he was away and changed into his old Yasogami High Jersey. He gave a light chuckle at how big it was on her, making her look like her Shadow back in the TV world, albeit with a lot less intent on killing him and his friends. Deciding for the best to let Naoto sleep in peace, he retired to the couch, but before he could close his eyes he heard a familiar voice ring out asking, "Senpai... please come here with me... I-I don't want to go to bed alone..."
Souji was taken aback by the detective's forwardness even blushing a little at the suggestion he made. Regardless, he still made his way over and slipped into the futon facing her.
In response Naoto replied with a blush that seemed to illuminate in the darkness saying, "T-Thank you Senpai...", and began to cuddle into him, wrapping her arms around him and nuzzling under his chin, like a child would with a stuffed animal.
Souji returned the gesture and admired how soft she felt against him. He then began stroking her hair gently, whispering, "I won't leave you alone again, I promise," and kissed the top of her head causing her to purr in affection.
Naoto then responded by saying "I love you Souji, and I won't leave you either," hugging him even tighter.
"I love you too Naoto," and with that they both let theirs eyes slumber after a long day, enjoying the blissful sleep, ignorant of anything except each other in their arms.
July 27th, 2012, Souji's Room, 11:59am
It was only 30 seconds till midnight, the lovers still held in a deep sleep in each others arms. The clock's smallest hand had just struck the 8, 20 seconds now.
10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1
The TV turned onto life like it did many days ago, a blotchy and shrouded figure appeared for only a brief moment and then shut off. No one would know what had just happened. They all thought the case was finally over and the midnight channel was no more, and had no one to check it.
No one was prepared to be wrong.