Reunions, Rewards, and Roads
A Persona 5 Fanfiction

Written by Mizutanitony
Pairing Protagonist/Sadayo Kawakami
Rating: M

I own none of these characters save for a few names. There will be some swearing and next chapter will contain some sex as well as some heavy conversation topics. If you are of a sensitive nature I advise not reading. I welcome reviews and constructive criticism.

Chapter 1: Reunions

"Yo, Akira! You awake in there?!"

He gazed up from his book, a scowl plastered on his face as his best friend poked at his hand with a damp set of chopsticks.

"I'm sitting right next to you," Akira replied annoyed as he adjusted his glasses. "You'd think you'd tone it down a bit after all these years."

"Yeah yeah, bitch all you want," chuckled the former track star, "you love me the way I am."

Akira rolled his eyes and smirked. "I'd love you more if you'd stop yelling all the time."

"Don't give me that look," snorted Ryuji Sakamoto as he returned to his ramen. "You're the one that asked me out since we haven't hung out in so long." Slurping a large portion of noodles, he used his chopsticks to pull some shrimp from his bowl to sneak it under the table.

"Fahnks 'uuji," came a muffled voice over the din of clattering bowls and voices.

"No problem, Mona." Sakamoto patted the cats head before returning to his bowl. "Seriously what are you reading this time that's got you so worked up. You've had this pissed off look on your face most of the night and you've barely said a thing about what's been going on with you and..."

"Setting up the new office. It's a pain."Akira rubbed his eyes and yawned before sipping his beer. The hops hit his tongue and he smiled momentarily. It'd been seven years since he met Ryuji and the others. Seven years of friendship, fights, tears, laughs, and anything else one can think of that happens between friends. But that also meant nearly seven years of interrogations.

He shook the cobwebs from his head and sighed.

"I'm sorry Ryuji," he bit into his still hot food and slurped down a large amount. "Just a lot on my mind with the new business and personal stuff."

"Yeah, yeah," huffed Ryuji as he piled more ginger into his own bowl. "Ya lucky bastard. Seriously you both had us shitting ourselves when we found out."

A few people looked at them in shock at the language that had escaped the former blonde. Blushing, Ryuji apologized and bowed his head at them while Akira laughed quietly. He smiled and patted his friend on the back and apologized. Before turning back to his best friend. "You could have said something before we had you fake your death. It would have made it easier on her and we wouldn't have had to feel like a bunch of assholes."

"Hey, I didn't want to get in trouble and neither did she." Akira ordered some pot stickers and sipped at the savory broth and chewed appreciatively on the velvet mushrooms. "Hard to believe we've been together for nearly seven years. I thought it would have fizzled out by now, but here we are. She's still climbing the ranks at her job and I'm a fresh out of college small business owner with an expunged criminal record."

"Well you're exactly the type of guy to be running a security business," exclaimed Ryuji after swallowing the last of his ramen. "I mean I was good back when we ran around but you were something else." Ryuji shrugged as he finished his bowl. "You found your niche man; can't blame you for following it through.

"If it wasn't for my knowledge he wouldn't be half as good as he was then or even now." Mona's head popped out of the old worn bag. His face was plastered with what all the members of the Phantom Thieves knew to be annoyance. "And it's not like you haven't made something of yourself Ryuji. You're married with a kid on the way, plus you're on your way to leading Shujin High to its second National Championship." Mona laughed. "Not bad for a vulgar, loudmouthed delinquent that could barely pass his exams. OW! OW! OW!"

Ryuji's scowl had returned and his fingers had taken to pulling on Mona's cheeks.

"Watch what you say cat or you ain't going nowhere tonight. I'll make sure Sojiro stuffs you back in the attic.

"Too bad for you," mumbled Mona as he rubbed his cheek, "I enjoy the attic and I know all the ways to escape."

Akira laughed at their fight as he pulled out his phone and checked his messages. He felt a lead weight in his stomach when she saw she still hadn't replied. Steeling himself in the hope that he didn't sound too clingy he typed in a message.

Out with Ryuji before meet-up. I'll let you know when I arrive at Leblanc and when I'm on my way home. I won't be too late. I love you and get some rest.

After he sent it, Akira took a few calming breaths and returned to his food. Since her promotion, Sadayo had been working much harder than usual and he'd begun worrying about the strain and pressure she was under. Add in the fact he'd recently graduated college and was in the process of opening a security business with Futaba, he was hoping the long hours he and his friend spent together didn't add to her strain. He'd asked her a few weeks back, on one of the few nights the two of them were home together without any work if she worried about him and Futaba.

"What do you mean?" Her hair was pulled back into a small ponytail and she was in a simple tee-shirt and a pair of his old sweats. She looked tired but she'd managed to cook dinner and dessert while he was finishing up the last of a contract for a deal he and Futaba had finally closed. She'd gotten so excited over the phone that he had to hold it away from his ear due to her screams of delight and exclaimed a celebration was in order.

He'd expected some takeout but she went all out and made taiyaki, soup, noodles, breaded pork. He'd been so impressed that he could barely muster the ability to eat it but he did so and inhaled it all so quickly she thought he'd choke and he calmly waited for her to serve him a chocolate taiyaki, which he refused to touch until she'd sat down.

While Sadayo wolfed her dessert, an act that he found rather unusual, he quietly began mixing the dessert into a mixture of crust and chocolate sauce as while she asked, "AKira, what are you talking about? Why would I be worried about you and Futaba?"

"I'm worried that you'll think something might happen. That you'll think I prefer her to you." He looked up through his glasses and then shot his eyes back down to the dessert and her soft hands. He wanted to hold her and take her into the bedroom show her how much he loved her.

"I mean I don't prefer her to you. She's a good friend of mine, as close as a sister and we've been through a lot given our past." He looked up and smiled dully when he saw the mix of amazement on her face. "I'm sorry. I'm making a fool of myself."

He snorted at the comparison and remembered his high school days.

And what a fool I was. He thought as he watched her over the rim of his glasses. But if I hadn't followed that path I wouldn't be sitting here with her nor have my friends.

"It's natural for you to worry and I'm happy you put so much stock in my feelings." She said after wiping her mouth of the small stray remnants of her own half of the dessert. "A lot of women would worry about you to working so many long hours alone together but I'm not."

"You're not?" He was relieved but also not as surprised as he should be. They'd been through harder struggles than just a few weeks apart over the years. Hiding their relationship, her working so hard, his schooling, telling their families after his graduation, these had all been greater strains on their relationship, but he still didn't want it to give her cause to worry or possibly walk out the door. He couldn't bear that, not after so many years and the plans they had made.

"Of course I'm not," Sadayo smiled and took his hand. "I trust you."

"That's a huge relief." He smile and kissed her hand before pressing his forehead to it. "If you thought I'd do something like that and leave I don't know…."

"I'm not going anywhere." Sadayo's hand left his and she heard her floor scrape against thfloor. He didn't lift his head until he felt her next to him and the softness of her hair on his shoulder, a few strands tickling his cheek. She smelt like peaches and he relaxed instantly while she dug into his half of the dessert. "I'm glad you told me," she said after swallowing and taking a sip of milk. "I know we don't see each other that much lately, but I want you to know that I trust you and Futaba. She bugs me daily to make sure I'm okay and not over-stressing myself. It's kind of cute, if a little annoying."

Opening her phone she showed Akira the chat log saying things like "I'll make sure you get home safe to him!" and "He said he's aching for some noodles! I found a recipe for you, and Sojiro says that pork tastes better with this seasoning blend."

Akira had laughed and pulled her lips to his, the peach like scent of her perfume and the velvet feel of her lips before carrying her into their bedroom and making sure she knew just how much he prefered her.

"Ooooooohhh," Ryuji chuckled loudly after finishing his soda. "I know that look. What kinda pervy message did she send?"

"Nothing," stated Akira as he dug into his dumplings. He felt a small bit of blood rush to his cheeks at the slight tightness in his pants. "Just some good memories and besides I don't think Jun would like me showing you anything perverted. Unless of course you want her to kick your ass?"

"Point made. But Jun is a huge perv herself man. Seriously that woman gives me a run for my money." Ryuji stretched loudly and scratched his head before waving for the check. "Sometimes she's the one who suggests we watch it. But you'd know all about that wouldn't you, Joker?"

"I may have a few fetishes but you and Jun are in your own league." Both of them laughed and Akira asked, "Is she mad that she won't be able to compete this year?"

"Not really." Sighed Ryuji as he waited for their server. "She's glad that we're having the baby and I love her to death but there are days I regret marrying a soccer star. Her kicks hurt!"

"Why is she kicking you?" Morgana had popped his head out of the bag and gave a concerned look at Ryuji. "We won't have to find a way back into Mementos will we?"

Ryuji tossed down some cash and handed over a delivery form to the cook and said, "Make sure you double the protein on both of these," before patting the cat on the head. "And no Mona, it's nothing like that. She uses me as a goalie when she's able to train, but since she's seven months pregnant the kicks mostly happen when I accidentally tickle her during a massage. It's involuntary and she always apologizes. But, I think I've almost figured out where not to touch."

Akira, despite knowing that Ryuji paid instinctively reached for his wallet. "Dude, I already paid. Let's get the hell outta here before the others start worrying."

Leaving a bit of a larger tip, Akira bowed in thanks and sneaked Mona his last few pot-stickers before stepping out into the cold September air. Buttoning up his jacket, he checked his phone and saw his friends had already begun a chat.

Yo! Where are you guys?! We're already at Leblanc. Boss and Futaba are getting antsy!

Relax Ann. They're allowed to be a little late. I mean I'm still half an hour out. The academy took forever in setting up our evening duties. I had to wait to see if I had on duty training tonight.

Seriously, Ann you've gotta relax. Not all of us get to globe hop like you do. By the way what's it like going to Iceland? Your itinerary is jam packed! I can figure out a more streamlined way to help you.

Futaba! Stay out of my work schedule! And Makoto that does suck about your having to wait for being on duty. How's the training going? You only have a few months left til graduation, right? I'll totally be there to cheer for you!

I've been curious about that too Makoto. If you'd like I can arrive a few hours early to set up my easel to help paint the scene. It's not going to be my most glorious painting, but it's always nice to have memories of the happier days of our lives.

That's a wonderful idea, Yusuke! I'll make sure we have a large party afterward. Just let me know and I'll schedule it personally if my schedule permits it. Our new crops and harvests are ready to be brought in for inspection though so my schedule may be a bit jammed for a while.

Will you guys calm the eff down?! Crap we're about to board the train and we'll be there in about an hour! It's not that difficult.

The chat went on and on and Akira just let them continue to chat as he and Ryuji boarded the train heading to Leblanc. It wasn't packed, since most people didn't travel to Yongen at this time of night, but there were still a fair number of people on the train. After exiting they wandered the sparsely populated streets of Yongen.

After saying hello to many familiar faces, Ryuji and Akira returned to the familiar storefront of Leblanc to find Makoto rushing up in her cadet uniform. Save for letting her hair grow into a tight braid, it was still the same brown but with flecks of gray like her older sisters. Her body was fit and she looked incredible in her uniform that just seemed to add to her usual air of confidence and control.

When she saw them she waved and smiled at them. Her arms were laden with several small boxes wrapped in bright paper and behind her a smiling Sae.

Akira reciprocated and called out, "Sae-san! Makoto!" Walking up he hugged Makoto before shaking Sae's hand. "Sae-san I'm surprised to see you here today. How're thingsin the defense world?"

"Not too bad," smiled the prosecutor. "We've had a few difficult cases lately, but nothing like what you gave us." She gave them a small laugh and patted her sister's shoulder. "Makoto is working hard and she tells me that you and Futaba are working at building a home and internet security business or something like that?"

"Uhh yeah," he blushed scratching his neck. "It's been a tough start but we already have several clients lined up and we're just about done with staffing. It's gonna take a while to repay the loan we took out, but I'm confident we can do it in a few years."

"When you get settled, " Sae pulled out a business card and stuffed it in his jacket pocket, "I'm going to have a few ideas to run by you and Futaba since she helped my little sister hack my computer back when you were phantoms." Sae gave Makoto a nudge with her elbow making her sister blush.

"Sis, will you stop bringing that up?!" Makoto grumbled and glowered at her sister "I swear she never lets me forget it."

"Well would you rather I tell your commanders what you did? Or would you prefer my only teasing you in private about your illegal actions?"

Makoto sighed in defeat at the suggestion and said, "I'd prefer your teasing me in private rather than informing my superiors."

"That's a good girl." Sae patted her sister on the head and pointed at the door. "Let's get in there. I'm sure Sojiro has plenty of curry to go with the snacks you all brought."

"Shit! I forgot about Boss' curry!" Ryuji held his stomach and groaned. "I knew I shouldn't have doubled up on the pork!"

"I'm sure Sojiro will let us take some home." Akira knocked before testing the latch and cracked the door. "He always makes plenty when we have one of our reunion parties."

"Well considering it's been a year since you've all been together, I'm sure he'll have gallons ready."

"More like half a gallon," grumbled Sojiro as he walked around with trays of soda and coffee. "Futaba and the others have already gotten into it. I think Ann ate the most."

"Hey," shouted the blonde woman from the bar. "It's not my fault I'm stuck on my bullshit exercise regimen and diet for the lingerie shoot next next month! This is my one binge day!"

"Yeah well if you ask me I think you could stand to put on a bit of weight." A paper cup sailed through the air and collided with Ryuji's face, spilling iced coffee all down his front.
"Dammit Ann! This was my last clean shirt!"

"Oh shut up, Ryuji. It's Saturday and you have tomorrow off. You can do your laundry."

"That's not the point," growled the gym teacher. "Hey Boss, can I use the can to clean up?"

"Go right ahead," laughed Sojiro as he placed a plate in front of a tired looking Futaba. "I know you're working hard but put that away for a bit before you pass out."

"Ten minutes, Sojiro." Futaba absentmindedly sucked on a spoon full of curry before clacking away. "Thank you for the food."

"Sorry about that Sojiro." Akira set the bag of snacks on the table next to Makoto's gifts and yawned. "We've got three offices that want a recommendation for their security by next week."

"Don't worry about it." Sojiro sighed and poured his former ward a cup of coffee. "I'm glad she's got a good job lined up with you. I'm just worried that she'll go back to old habits is all." He shook his head and had a sip of coffee. "How much longer do you think she's got before the job is finished?"

"She already finished it." Akira took a sip of his coffee and relished at the slight bitterness. "We finished it a few days ago. I don't know what she's working on."

"What," Sojiro choked into his mug. "If she's done why is she still working?"

"I was finishing my proposal and all the improvements I could do along with an invoice for a friend that wants me to make a custom anti-virus program." Futaba had shut her laptop and stretched, her food already gone. "But since Inari is now here I'm going to roll a stealth check and see if I can get him back for last time."

"I don't even want to know." Sojiro laughed and lit up a cigarette and exhaled loudly. "You've done good, Kid. I'm proud of you."

Akira raised his cup in thanks and looked around Leblanc. It had changed very little over the past several years but it was slightly cleaner. Saiyuri still hung on the wall, the kitchen was still small and a bit messy but the equipment was nicer. The tables and chairs had all been replaced and the TV. was a bit larger and nicer.

"Looks like business is still going well."

"You have no idea." Sojiro laughed as he took a cup of Yusuke's usual over to the artist, Makoto, and Ryuji. "I mean what'd you expect to happen after you were outed as a thief and people learned you lived here? We've had a small dip, but we got a steady supply of customers. Oh yeah," he reached into his pockets and removed a few cards. "Some customers left these when they overheard me talking about your business."

Akira took the cards and was about to thank his friend when Yusuke shouted, "Futaba!"

The hacker cackled as she ran away and hid from a now soaking Yusuke. The artists shirt now clung to his chest while several of the other guests laughed. Stifling his own laughter, Akira grabbed one of the hidden towels behind the counter and handed it to the artist.

"I swear that girl is...the most..." Akira noticed a small smile on Yusuke's face as he took the towel. "Thank you." Yusuke began drying himself off and seethed for a few moments. "One prank after another. If it wasn't for the fact that I had to leave the country tomorrow I'd plot my vengeance."

"I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to plot it during your trip," laughed Akira as Yusuke began rummaging through his suitcase.

"Dude you brought your suitcase here? I'd be careful about opening….SHIT!"

Ryuji's warning came too late as a small puff of white powder flew out of Yusuke's bag. Akira dodge just in time while Ryuji and Ann got a small dusting of flour. But if anger could cook, they were all certain the flour on Yusuke's face would have baked.

"Futaba!"

A streak of orange hair was seen exiting the front door, the lingering echos of a cackle following it. Grabbing his suitcase, Yusuke stormed out after her, followed by a worried Sojiro.

The group all laughed except for a shocked Haru, whom had just entered after Sojiro exited.

"Well it seems I've missed all the fun. Oh well, I'm sure we can find something to do."

And so they did. Board games, retro video games, cards, and even them finally finding a coffee that Ryuji could tolerate happened. They were even lucky enough to have the return of a freshly showered Yusuke, a forlorn looking Futaba, and an aggravated Sojiro. Time flew and before they knew it they were all heading off to grab cabs or the last train. Grabbing his bag and a sushi stuffed Morgana, Akira prepared for the walk to the station when he heard Haru call out his name.

Stopping, Akira found a slightly inebriated Ann standing next to a tired but happier Yusuke while Haru was helping the chauffeuse load what looked like three large bags into the trunk.

"Do you need a ride home? It's not too far for us since the airport is on the way."

"Are you sure you don't mind," he asked pointing at the bags. "Your car looks like it might be a little too full."

"It's not a problem." Haru smiled and smoothed out her coat and hair. "We're all going together to Europe where Okumura Foods is looking to expand some of its organic food operations and get some culinary minds in on the project."

"Wow." Akira was surprised to hear that Haru was taking a hands on approach to this job. He remembered her telling him about it some months back but hadn't heard much since.

"I know," hiccuped Ann as she rested against Yusuke's shoulder. "Haru is incredible!"

"I think you need to tone it down Ann." Yusuke handed her a bottle of water and shook his head. "You have a lot of work coming up and you don't need any tabloids catching sight of you in this state."

"That's a good point, Yu-yu." Ann pinched her his cheeks and downed the water. "It's just my last chance to have some fun before work starts back up. I got a bunch of fashion shows lined up and it's going to be non-stop work for three months." She nuzzled Yusuke's shoulder. "At least you get to spend your time designing awesome art set ups at the farming offices. I have to sit there and coach a bunch of newbies."

"You're asking for Yusuke's help Haru?" Akira was a bit surprised by this. He'd seen art in office buildings before but nothing close to Yusuke's skill.

"Well it's at the office that'll be over-seeing the project," she said as she helped Ann into the car. "We asked for some of Yusuke's works, paid for those and then asked for his input on some of the aesthetic choices. His eye for detail is superb I asked after he declined the people who'd originally contacted him and he agreed."

"I'd prefer an exhibition, but as she stated, Haru has helped me with selling my work and as you know from our time as delinquents I need a fresh perspective from time to time." Yusuke smirked and began climbing into the car. "Plus it's a great way to enjoy new cuisines."

"The truth is he hasn't been eating properly," whispered Haru after Yusuke returned his attention to the drunk Ann. "He's been working non-stop and resorting to odd foods so I figured we'd get him on a better diet while we're at it."

Akira nodded and gave her the nod that said, "Good idea," before climbing in and looking over his friends. Yusuke had put on some muscle and weight giving him a more fleshed out look. The smell of paint wafted off him like perfume, and his face kept its normally pallid look despite his improved health. Haru on the other hand had remained slim and even had a slight graying to her pink hair. She looked exhausted but excited. Although she hadn't taken control of Okumura Foods, she still worked hard in making sure they kept to a high standard of ingredients and treating employees fairly. Her cafe had even started to take off and with the addition of doing everything homegrown, she looked stretched but otherwise none the worse for wear. When the door was shut he asked what their plans were after their work at the farm. Ann in the mean time had remained almost exactly the same except for cutting her hair and toning up thanks to her workout regimen.

"I'm taking two weeks off after this." Haru gave a relaxed smile and slouched a bit in her seat and stretched. "I've got a good team at the cafe and they've been badgering me for months to take a break so after the art set up, Yusuke and I are going to travel, look at the fine art, and taste some lovely cuisine."

"It'll be quite the trip," Yusuke smiled at Haru. "Thank you for the opportunity though and I promise that whatever diet you feel I need to maintain I shall strive to commit."

"Haru can you help me with mine?" Ann had woken up from pressing her head against the cool window. "I've been so stressed that I want to eat junk food all the time. Maybe help me with some sweet things that won't make me fat and salty tasting foods that won't make me bloat?"

"I can help you with that Ann!" Haru's motherly smile at the prospect of helping her friends made the car seem much cozier. "I know we have a few foods in the works that can definitely help with cravings. "
"Thanks." Ann grabbed one of the bottles of water from inside the limo's fridge. "By the way Akira-kun, how does this make me look?"

Taking careful glance at the outfit, Akira got a strong memory of being hit a reclining seat and blushed a bit when he noticed how low cut the red top was. He hadn't noticed in the cafe because of the crowd but now in the intimacy of the car, it was rather difficult to ignore. It was a red blouse with a gold fringe and a small collar. It had odd leaf shaped embroidery on it that followed her curves down to her jeans. It actually complimented her quite well, especially her shoulder length hair and new glasses. She'd always been a gorgeous girl, but now she had the air of a matured woman to match. If she'd had this look when they were younger he could see himself falling for her.

"It suits you," he replied with a warm smile. "You really pull it off, though I think it might be a bit small." He pointed at his own chest causing Ann to groan in annoyance.

"I know it shows off too much cleavage." Ann tightened her coat around her chest. "I was given this last year as a present and I figured it'd look good but once I got to the cafe I realized how low cut it was and drank out of embarrassment. I just figured it'd help me get a bit more confident now that I'm doing some lingerie ads. I just don't want people getting all pervy over me."

"There's nothing wrong with a healthy appreciation of the human body, Ann." Yusuke was doing his typical gentlemanly view out the window. "But, I too am worried about your latest job and any unwanted attention it might bring."

"You would say that Yusuke. I mean it was you who wanted to paint her naked that led us to meeting you."

"That was only because I thought she'd help with my painting, Akira!" Red slowly crept it's way up Yusuke's cheeks at his friends goading. "I had completely pure intentions!"

"Uh huh, sure you did." Ann had finally sobered up and leaned forward, showing off her cleavage making Yusuke blush even more.

"Ann! You know me! You know I wouldn't..." he was cut off when he saw that all of them were laughing at him. "I swear," a smile sneaked its way onto his face, "you are almost as bad as Futaba."

"I think you look lovely as well Ann-chan." Haru's fingers were pressed together and she smiled sheepishly after hearing Akira's comment. "I'd never have the confidence to wear it even if it wasn't as low cut."

"Thanks Haru." Ann gave Akira a pat on his shoulder and pointed at the window. "Hey looks like we're here."

"It's so cute Akira-kun. And look," Haru pointed at the yard, "You guys can plant a nice garden once the weather warms up. I can even help with a green house."

"Not as much natural lighting as I'd like," hummed Yusuke. "But it is quaint and a home that I hope to own once I have no more need of a loft."

"It's not much," smiled Akira as he climbed out of the car, the gift from Makoto in his hand. "But it's ours. I'll look into having a house warming party after you guys get finished with work. Sound good?"

They all nodded in agreement and waved goodbye.

As the car sped off, he approached the gate and stepped through admiring the small house. It was two stories, three bedrooms (one of them having being converted into an office) and two full bath with a finished basement. It was a bit big, but they wanted the space in case of company. Crossing the small walkway that cut across the shaggy looking lawn he slipped his key into the door and entered. He slipped his shoes off and set the bag down on the ground and rubbed his shoulder while Mona crawled out and climbed up the stairs with a grumbling, "Good night." He replied and being careful not to make too much noise as he entered the hallway. As he walked toward the glow of the television that was lighting up the living room his gaze fell upon the pictures plastering the walls documenting their journeys.

Trips to Hawaii, Hokkaido, and even Oregon and California where Yusuke had a few small exhibitions were there. Not to mention trips to amusement parks, anniversary dinners, birthdays, and trips to their family homes.. Years slowly going by, them getting older year by year, each changing in small subtle ways. Their months sneaking through the hearts of evil doers slowly fading with the years. College, jobs, even Ryuji's wedding slowly ebbing away at their adventures. Every so often though they'd hear people discuss them, "The Phantom Thieves of Hearts" and they couldn't help but smile and relive the glory days for an afternoon.

Stopping, Akira took a picture off the wall for a moment and stared at him. It was a picture of him, his younger sister, Sadayo between him and his sister, and his mother and father standing in the back. It had been an eventful trip to say the least. Since he'd never really hinted at their relationship he had expected his parents to be shocked and amazed. Instead he was smacked by his mother who routinely prodded him with questions and shouts of worrying about his love life for an hour before reverting to her matronly self. His father on the other hand handled the news gracefully and had a cordial and lighthearted conversation with Sadayo which she handled with practiced grace, fudging how long they'd been really dating by a little over a year. After preparing for his parents to set her up in the guest room, the broke and allowed her to share his old room with her on the account he cleaned his own sheets.

Shaking his head at the memories he entered the living room and began scanning for her. The living room and kitchen were plain and simply set up. More pictures hanging on the white walls along with a few dried plants. A shelf in the corner next to the television hold most of the treasures his friends had given him and the kitchen was dark and empty save for a clock flashing that it was half-past eleven. Turning his back to the kitchen he could see a large lump resting on he couch. Walking over he peeked over her and smiled the sight of her dozing. Her head was buried beneath the blanket, the TV glowed with some late-night romance that he'd seen a couple of times with her. From the top of the blanket he could see the faintest sign that she was wearing his bathrobe, and an old tee-shirt of his that had slipped down, revealing her bare skin underneath. There were papers strewn all around in small stacks. He decided to take a moment to pick them up. Carefully stacking them on the coffee table, along with an opened letter, he bent down and brushed her long hair away from her face. She looked so peaceful and he hated to wake her but he wanted to hear her voice.

He gave her a kiss on the forehead, stroked her cheek, and whispered, "I'm home Sadayo."