Author's Note: This is my first fanfiction, but I have written original fiction before. I tried to keep Ryoji in character, but I'm not sure how good of a job I did. To clear up Confusion this is a Ryoji/Minako fic. Just finish the chapter, and you'll know what I mean. The idea is based loosely off of another piece as well, but it's just the situation and not the actual universe itself, so that doesn't make this a cross over. I hope you'll enjoy, it was fun to write. I'm also pretty sure this is going to be the most disheartening chapter for a while, as I'm making this a pretty nice romantic comedy. I do not own Persona or any of it's characters, etc. Enjoy~
"I beg you, please reconsider your decision. I know I am next in line for the Mochizuki family, but I refuse to marry that… that She-Devil!" Those were the words raging inside the typically elated boy's mind. It was another argument with his parents about his future. Another lost argument on emancipation, and freeing himself from the curse of parental expectations. A clipped bird, that's exactly how he felt right now. Not being able to choose for himself was one of the worst feelings he, or anyone could experience. Having your life laid out in front of you, for a load of money? No amount of money could be given for true happiness. After all, working 16 hours a day, only to come home and plan what you're going to wear tomorrow to the next meeting did not seem like an idea of a dream job to Ryoji.
Not only that, but the person he was meant to be married to. Ryoji shuddered at the thought. A prude, self-righteous, self-important, witch, no matter how pretty would never meet a life partner status in the raven haired boy's eyes. Although that's what he kept telling himself, it was also probably because Yukari Takeba also wanted nothing to do with such a horrible concept. She was probably an extremely pleasant person. They were both young, he reminded himself. She probably hated the idea as much as she did. She probably thought as poorly of him as he did of her. Giving a sigh, the moping boy looked up from his hiding place in his knees.
Maybe, if he went to bed, he'd wake up in another family or reality. Sadly, that probably wouldn't be the case. Something inside of him clicked at that second. He was not going to his future be chosen for him. Using the bed as support, he pulled himself to a complete standing position. Being the middle of winter, it was rather cold outside. Ryoji's signature scarf was already on. It was always on, even in summer. Light but cozy, it made him feel safe and gave him a place to hide his face if the going got tough. However, the tough was about to get going. Going over to his closet, he pulled out a jacket. Black with yellow trim, the same yellow to match his scarf, he wasn't going to go out unless he was in style. His slender fingers brushed his hair back swiftly in a final attempt to ready oneself for their big plan.
"Alright, I have no idea what's gotten into me, but I suppose anything will help." He left through the front door of his apartment, and into the hallway leading to the elevator. There were no other rooms on this floor of the apartment. The penthouse had been his parent's gift to him on his 16th birthday. It was their sweet way of kicking him out and making him experience the real world. Ryoji wasn't mad about it though. He was happy that he got to experience such a freedom at such an age. Despite the weekly visits to his parents, he didn't have much else to worry about, besides the daily responsibility of school. School… Once he finished school is when he would take up the family business. This is what made today's mission all that more important
The elevator ride seemed like an eternity longer than it normally was. The setting sun was also unforgiving. His request would seem much harder to agree to; no matter how charming he was, once the sun had gone down. Walking as briskly as he could, without actually going out in a full blown run, he made his way down the hall. Finally reaching the exit, his eyes scanned for a potential by stander that would suit his need. This was easier said than done, and odds were that he wouldn't find anyone that would fit what he needed.
"Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" resounded in his ears, causing his head to turn. As if the angels themselves heard his plight. Taking a breath, Ryoji approached the boy, with the biggest smile on his face. The smile was warm, sincere, and with a hint of something else in it. The boy had stopped advertising, and smiled back at the young man who had approached him. They were both about the same age judging by facial appearance alone. The paper boy was dressed in old boy style clothing, part of a promotion the local news had to sell their product. A heavy brown coat, newsboy cap, baggy white button up shirt, and long brown rolled up slacks. All in all, the clothing was bulky and one couldn't see much of a frame. Judging by the size though, Ryoji guessed this to be an effeminate boy. "Would you like to buy a paper, sir?" The voice sounded rather flamboyant to the scarfed boy. The smile that had disappeared into concentration upon examining the paper boy reappeared in a tiny dosage.
Hissing inwardly Ryoji could only hope for the best. "I'll buy every newspaper you have for the next month if you just do me this one big, big, big favor." The raven haired boy's eyes seemed so desperate, and soft at that time as if he wouldn't get angry if rejected. With a face like that, the paper boy had no choice but to go with him.
"A-Alright… I suppose it wouldn't hurt if I just went with you for a little bit. We'd be gone for a bit right? Not long?" The paper peddler replied, a little shocked at the request. The friendly demeanor dispelled any thoughts the fellow had of foul play. In their head, they were just going out to get an ice-cream or something.
"Thank you!" The yellow scarfed boy beamed. "My name is Ryoji Mochizuki; it's a pleasure to meet you. Now all I need you to do is meet my parents and play along, alright? It's to get me out of a huge pickle." The other boy simply nodded.
"Arisato, Mina…to. You can call me that." There was a small delay in their name. The paperboy realized they had to remain in character as part of their contract. This boy was the heir to the Mochizuki Corporation. He was probably going to show off a business idea to his father if anything.
"Alright, Minato… I can never repay you enough for what you are doing for me today. You were the perfect person for what I needed, considering your get up." Ryoji beamed back, dropping his hands to his sides. The other fellow simply smiled, understanding that it really was a marketing idea, by the word choice he used.
The odd duo began walking. The boy with the hat simply followed the scarfed boy's lead. Boarding the train at the nearest train station, they stopped at a rather large building located in the center of town. One would have guessed it was a hotel judging by the appearance. It was an overly elaborate building in the style of an old Japanese fortress, but much more ornate. It almost resembled Chinese architecture. The boy known as Ryoji rang the doorbell. After waiting for no longer than 12 seconds, a servant answered the door. "Welcome back, young master. I see you brought a friend as well?"
He chuckled a bit, a slight hint of nervousness quivering the boy's seemingly usual confidence. "Yeah, something like that." After being let in, Ryoji grabbed Minato's wrist and dragged them along. Ryoji stopped the boy for a second. "Alright. I'm going to warn you… things may sound ugly, but you're actually helping." Arisato never had a chance to explain how confused they were at this point. At first it sounded like they were just going to be a mascot for an idea the heir had. Apparently it was a lot more complicated than that. Just play along… He thinks I'm a guy, and is bringing me to his parents for whatever reason… As strange as that reason is, I'm following a long pretty well right now. I should have gone into acting. This little thought caused the disguised boy to snicker, and Ryoji to look down over at the boy. The paperboy was a full head shorter than himself.
"Is something the matter, Arisato…?" He looked down at the perceived boy with a smile. "You aren't nervous are you?" Ryoji took the small laugh as an inward hiss of distress. His smile dropped, and a look of forlorn filled his eyes, "Please don't tell me you're backing out now?"
Snapping out of her thoughts, she responded in the same faux male voice. "Oh uh… no I'm not. I just got lost. I'm making battle plans to make sure whatever plan you have doesn't get… ruined." The look of confusion was still in Arisato's eyes. Ryoji was suddenly aware that their partner in crime was completely lost in whatever the heist was that they were to perform. Instead of telling her, he wrapped his fingers around her own. This caused her fingers to twitch. They calmed down almost instantly, but the other disturbance was the reddening of her cheeks. Hopefully the scarfed boy wouldn't look at her right that instance, because this would blow her cover or really make him feel awkward.
Ryoji's eyes seemed to appear an even brighter shade of blue. "My, you're playing the part rather well. Here's the living room. Follow along alright… Try not to lose your cool no matter how rough things are." Opening the door, he called out to his parents, "Mother, Father!" The heads of two adults lounging in an overly luxurious setting turned towards the two. Minako, as was her actual name, got a brief look at the place. Art was everywhere. Pottery, Paintings overly expensive furniture that was probably worth more her weight in gold, the place was more of a palace than a house. Having a red black and gold color scheme, it was all elegant and very well coordinated. Either his parents had amazing taste in style, or they paid a genius to style their home for them. Probably the latter.
"What is it, Ryoji?" His father shot back at him. The usual edge in his voice was dulled by the lack of energy, probably from the topic he could see coming up.
"I can't marry Ms. Takeba…" his father groaned in disgust before he even finished his sentence. However, Ryoji's eyes themselves were bright with a determination. He was determined to make himself happy. He was determined to break free from this life style, and he was determined to walk his own path from now on. Delivering the line that had been running through his head up until now, he braced himself for the worst. "I can't because I'm gay. I'm in love with this man!"