Futaba

Futaba had been arguing with Inari when Akira's voice called out to her. Suddenly the argument vanished from her mind. She stared at the leader of the Phantom Thieves, and he smiled back at her with an outstretched hand. The sun had set, leaving only the purple glow of twilight to illuminate the day. Akira looked like some kind of ethereal entity standing in the water, his silver eyes almost glowing as he silently called out to her.

There was a time that Futaba thought the very ground would crumble beneath her if she stepped out of her room. She remembered staying up, eyes glued to the ceiling, chest heavy as her mother's voice hissed in her ears. She'd go to sleep to the sound of her mother damning her, and she'd wake up to the sound of a car hitting soft flesh.

Futaba could still feel the dread in her body just from nearing the front door. Nothing was safe. No one could be trusted. Even Sojiro, for all of his hard work to be let in, was walled far from her heart. Death was a countdown timer, and every heartbeat sent her closer and closer to it.

Then Akira cut the wires, and showed her there was nothing to be afraid of.

"Courage check..." Her eyes came to a tight shut as she tried to charge herself up. Her key item was counting on her, holding his hand out to her! She wasn't going to disappoint him! She was gonna charge in there, no matter the difficulty level! Futaba could feel her key item's confidence in her, and she opened her eyes with a toothy grin. "Passed!" She ran forward, kicking up sand as she dashed towards him.

She nearly tripped herself, before she jumped as high as her legs could take her. Unfortunately, she came to a harsh realization that the water was a lot closer than she had earlier thought. Uh oh! She was plummeting back down to the water. Gravity was truly a harsh mistress... She closed her eyes and prepared herself for a face full of salt water, but it didn't feel right when she landed.

Futaba felt herself hitting something solid, before she was falling again, bringing whatever she had hit with her. They fell into the water, splashing it around as cold seawater fell on her body and head. She felt her arms slip against whatever they were against and become drenched in the salty seawater.

"Ah... Futaba, are you okay?" a voice asked her. A warm breeze tickled her lips as she opened her eyes.

"H-huh?"

Akira was under her body, and their faces were just inches apart. His breath felt hot against her cold, wet skin. Her vibrant, orange hair draped over them like a waterfall, the tips dipping into the water as she laid on top of him. One hand was over his shoulder, drenched in the water, while the other hand was slowly climbing onto his chest, feeling his robust, muscles against her fingers. Hr laid below her in the shallow water, keeping her from falling into it completely as her legs slipped and fell into the cool sea..

Futaba felt her cheeks burn as her heart began to pound like a gatling gun with infinite ammo. Akira just smiled at her, his silver eyes shimmering as she stared into them. Her breasts were on his chest, feeling his abs through the thin fabric of her clothes. Wow, he's really muscular, the girl thought, only for the blush on her cheeks to spread to her ears and neck.

"Ah...Ah...?" Darn it, say something! "A-are you okay, Akira?! I'm so sorry!" She tried to push herself off of him, but everything felt wet and she wasn't thinking clearly. Just being near Akira seem to make her act confused and clumsy, because she soon slipped and fell forward again, landing on his chest with a quiet groan. "Ow..." She could clearly feel his firm body against her cheek, and it made her feel very... warm.

"Futaba, calm down. I'm alright. I'm more worried about you. That was quite the fall."

Her hands were on his chest. She could feel his body against her sensitive, wet fingertips and she tried not to think about how strong he felt. How his muscles seemed to almost tremble with power. She lifted her head up and found herself staring at his naked chest, making the pounding in her heart quicken. Her heart felt like it was lodged up her throat as she shook her head.

"N-no, I'm okay!"

"Good." He continued to smile at her, and she lifted her head to focus on his lips instead. Her fingers could still feel the warmth of his skin, something that should have been impossible in the cold water, yet she felt like her body was on fire. Futaba told her racing heart to stop, and she began to take slow, meticulous breaths.

Her glasses, which had been barely clinging to her ear at this point, slipped off and gently bounced against Akira's face. They laid on his chest as Futaba and Akira continued to stare into one another's eyes. The two saw each other without their glasses, taking in one another. Futaba stared into the shimmering, silver pools of his eyes as he stared into her own violet eyes.

Without warning, the two began to snicker, before they began to laughter. They laughed at one another, and at themselves as Akira spoke.

"Here, let me help you up." Futaba barely had time to register the words as he began to stand, his arms wrapping around her body as she let out a quiet squeak of worry. He had one hand on her back, just above her butt as his other hand slipped against her naked legs. "It's okay. I've got you." And she believed him. She knew he wouldn't lie to her.

"Wrap your arms around my neck." She did so, and he effortlessly held her up with one hand as his other hand helped him stand up. He quickly returned his hand to her legs, resting them just under her knees, and Futaba quickly realized he was holding her bridal style. "There. See? Easy?"

"Y-you're really strong," she commented. She was turning red again.

"Thanks," he replied back. A wave pushed his legs, but he didn't even shake. "You know, you have to be careful, Futaba."

"I don't need to be careful. I got you," she shot back, grinning as her arms moved from his neck to the shoulder opposite of her.

"Cute." He rolled his eyes with his characteristic smile, before glancing at her shoulder. "I think you should take your jacket off."

"Wait, what?!" she gasped, eyes widening. He's so daring...! She almost released him after that comment, but he quickly explained.

"It's wet. It's going to weigh you down, or get ruined by the ocean," he explained. "Why? What did you think I meant?" He chuckled at her scarlet cheeks and sharp glare, before she found herself smiling along. Kind as Akira may be, even he couldn't resist messing around with his friends. He gently placed her down onto her feet, before watching her take her soaked jacket off of her body.

Futaba told herself it didn't mean anything, but there was just something about the setting that made it all feel surreal. A shirtless Akira watching her take her clothes off of her soaking, wet body. Futaba continued to glow a dark shade of red, but she tried to brush the thoughts aside as she threw her wet jacket onto dry land and smirked at him.

"Alright! Let's have some fun!"

Futaba was soaking wet and exhausted, but she couldn't bring herself to care. She clapped at the water with her hands, attacking Akira with splash attack after splash attack. He laughed off her series of attacks, before retaliating with one of his own. She barely dodged his 'Fatal Style Ocean Whip' maneuver, but she ended up falling victim to his ultimate attack: picking her up and falling into the water with her.

The two rivals then joined forces to take down the evil King and Queen of Blond Hair. Futaba cheered as she stood on Akira's shoulders and playfully wrestled with Ann. She and Ryuji were strong, but nothing could stop Akira and Futaba when they worked together! They defeated the two and sent them crashing into the water as the victors basked in their triumph.

Eventually the fun had to end, and the group began to walk back onto dry land. Akira and Futaba were side by side as Makoto smiled at them.

"Alright, you two, go change into something dry. Dinner's almost ready."

The two nodded their heads, only for Futaba to pause. Her eyes widened as she mentally cursed at herself. "Oops."

"What's wrong?" Akira asked, raising his brow.

"Um, I might have forgotten to pack extra clothes."

"What?! Futaba, I told you to bring extra!" scolded Makoto.

"I forgot!" The orange-haired girl crossed her wet arms over her chest and pouted as Akira chuckled at her.

"It's okay. You can borrow some of mine. We'll see what fits you and make it work, okay?"

"Are you sure, Akira?" Makoto inquired. "We could ask Haru. She's more Futaba's size, and-"

"N-no!" Futaba declared. The two older teens looked at her and she tried her best to appear nonchalant. "I mean, Akira already offered. So I'm okay with wearing his stuff, I mean..."

"Alright then," the black-haired boy grinned. "Come on. You can change in the car, then we'll have some dinner with the others."

"Yeah! Dinner time!" Futaba clapped her wet hands and beamed with a toothy smirk. "Let's go!" She and Akira quickly walked to the parked car, the moon glittering above them as the waves of the sea crashed behind them. The parking lot where the car laid was not far from the others. Futaba could easily see the campfire from inside the van.

Akira stood just just outside the car, his back to her as he leaned against the vehicle's frame. Okay. Time to change my gear, she told herself. She began to peel the wet clothes off of her body, before dropping them onto the floor. She was left in her bra and panties, and she blushed intensely as she realized how lewd this all seemed. Her, half naked and wet, and Akira, a handsome young man right outside. What if he looked inside...?

N-no! Stop that! Akira's not gonna look inside! He's way too nice for that! Not like there's much for him to see, anyways... That thought popped into her brain like a bubble, yet it left a lingering sting. She glared at her small, supple chest. She was still more like a child than a woman, while Akira was practically a man.

She glanced out the window again, just beyond Akira's head, and she saw the others sitting by the fire. All of the girls were there, and each of them was just a different type of beautiful.

Haru was so damn gorgeous. Ann was one of the hottest girls Futaba had ever seen. Makoto was practically the complete package, with both brains, brawn, and beauty. Meanwhile, Futaba was the little girl with a flat chest and social anxiety. How was she supposed to look compared to the others? Nothing more than a baby sister... Compared to the other girls, Akira wouldn't even look twice at her.

Not that she wanted him to look twice at her! They were just friends... No, better than that. They were teammates. That's what they were, simple as that. Teammate, oh teammate, she reminded herself. That's why her heart raced when she was around him. That's why she felt jealousy gnawing at her brain whenever his eyes lingered on another girl...

Gah! Come on, Futaba! Snap out of it, she commanded herself. She had other matters to deal with. The orange-haired girl released a groan of frustration as she realized her bra and panties were soaked from her dive into the water. She quickly went through Makoto's clothing, silently promising to ask for forgiveness later as Futaba pulled out a navy blue bra and matching panties from inside Makoto's luggage.

A quick examination only cultivated Futaba's frustration. Makoto's bra was a little too big for her. If Makoto is this bad, I'd hate to see Ann's, she sighed. She decided to just wear a loose shirt or something. She'd deal with this problem later. She dropped the underwear, before pulling on one of Akira's shirt.

Sojiro called her cute, but he was practically her dad. He had to say that stuff. Even if she was cute, what was cute compared to pure sex appeal? Boys like Akira were probably into supermodels like Ann, and if not her, then they were definitely into gorgeous women like Haru, or badasses like Makoto.

Why can't I stop thinking about it!? Futaba was growing more and more annoyed with her own brain. She tried to think about other things, tried to distract herself, yet her mind wouldn't stop. It kept wondering about the worst possible outcomes, like what if whatever girl he picked made it so Akira had no time for his teammate, Futaba?

After all, she used to be the Phantom Thieves' Navigator, but what about now? The group didn't need a hacker for their day to day lives. They didn't need someone like like her holding them back. Why would any of them choose to be friends with her if she had nothing to give back to them...?

Futaba suddenly found it hard to breathe. The harsh truth was plaguing her mind. She tried to tell her mind to shut up, tried to ignore the lump in her throat, but nothing felt right. The truth hit her like a hammer across the face, and it tasted like bile on her tongue. She had known Akira was leaving, but the fear of him never coming back was paralyzing.

Worse than that, it was likely.

She couldn't go back to the way things were. Futaba didn't want to hide away from the world anymore. Akira saved her life, gave it back to her! She couldn't lose him!

"Akira...?" Her voice trembled, and she told herself it was because she was cold. She knew it wasn't true.

"Yeah?" His voice answered from the other side of the car door.

Futaba didn't know what to say for the longest time, before she mumbled loudly. "You're coming back, right?"

"What?" He sounded surprised. Or unsure.

He has to come back! The idea of never seeing him again burned at her mind like a piece of hot metal. It stung to even consider and she quickly began to panic as the very idea sent a shiver down her spine.

"You have to come back!" she demanded. "You have to come back, and meet Kana-chan, and you have to come back to see Sojiro again, and-and you have to promise you're going to keep trying to make his curry until you make it even better than Sojiro!" She kicked at the door, without thinking, before crying out as she fell back. She landed on her butt as Akira's voice called out to her.

"Futaba! Are you okay?!" He was facing the car now, hand against the door, ready to pull it open.

"Y-yeah," she sighed. "Just fell down."

"Good. Now then, do you really think I wasn't coming back?" he inquired. He didn't sound mad, more concerned. A simple distinction, but one that comforted the girl.

"I... I guess, yeah." She shrugged her shoulder, scared of admitting how her anxiety was biting at her mind. "You have to come back," she pleaded, but she tried her best to make it sound like a demand.

"I promise, I will."

He promised... She told herself that again and again. She let out a breath of relief as she nodded to herself. "You promised. That means you have to keep it." She pulled on a pair of soft, grey, sweat shorts; stretchy ones that clung well enough to her body. She pulled open the door once she was properly dressed and dry, and Akira greeted her with a smile.

"Or else, I'll find you and I'll... I'll kick your butt!" She lifted the corners of her lips, giving him a toothy grin as she held out her arm to him. Her pinkie was extended out, nearly poking his nose. Without a moment of hesitation, he lifted up his own pinkie and hooked it around hers.

"I promise, Futaba. I'll come back."

And Futaba's grin slowly shifted into an earnest, gentle smile. Akira's voice soothed her panicking mind, and his touch eased her racing heart. He promised...

Akira Kusuru walked by Futaba's side as they made their way back to their friends. Their feet touched the cool sand, kicking up bits of it as they took their time. The raven-haired man noticed how Futaba's feet seemed to drag, and how her gaze fell low. She was clearly deep in thought.

He also couldn't help but notice how amazing Futaba looked tonight. Akira wasn't blind, he could easily see that many of his closest associates were attractive women. He also knew that others might find Futaba unattractive, due to her age, or her own nature. But Akira saw a gorgeous woman every time he looked at her.

He found himself staring at her hair, watching it sway behind her, waving at him, almost teasing him. He was mesmerized by the waterfall of warm, summery orange. It reflected the moonlight so well, and he remembered feeling her hair fall onto his body when she had fallen onto him. Their faces had been so close...

Akira could still see her face just inches from his. A small nose, pillowy, pink lips, and her eyes. Perhaps the most stunning feature of the growing beauty. Akira had never seen violet eyes before. They were unique, they were spectacular, they were perfect for Futaba.

And those were just the everyday traits Futaba had. Akira tried not to stare, but his shirt was having a hard time ignoring how loose the black shirt was. It hung just off center, exposing her bare shoulder to his skin. His eyes drifted to her exposed skin, and he cursed the weakness. He tore his eyes from her and mentally sighed.

Akira prided himself on acting like a gentleman, but he was only human. A cute girl was wearing his clothes. Lots of guys fantasized about such a thing. He shook his head, before taking a steady breath. Focus, idiot. Help Futaba. Stop gawking, and help...

"Futaba, do you remember what I said at the school?" He came to a stop, and she did the same. She was standing in front of him, her back to him. "When you and I went to Shujin for your Promise List? I told you that everyone gets stuck on their pain sooner or later. Everyone has mistakes that they can't forget, and regrets they have to live with. Everyone has them. You're not weak for being scared."

Akira had always been adept at reading people, especially if those individuals were being troubled by something. It was one of many gifts he had that came in handy during his life as Joke. Futaba released a long sigh as she hugged herself. A cool wind gently struck the two.

"I thought I kicked this stupid habit." Futaba kicked at a small mound of sand, growling. "I don't want to be wrapped up in the past, and I really don't want to be scared of the future! I just want to be normal!" she fumed. "But I keep getting scared, just like how I used to... I'm scared of being alone, and of you never coming back, and... and all sorts of stuff, I guess."

"Habits are hard to break." He spoke gently, trying to calm Futaba down without making her feel guilty or small. "But if I can be honest with you? I hope you never become normal." He walked forward, around her shivering body as his silver eyes met her violet orbs. He spoke straight from his heart, telling her exactly what he saw in those purple eyes. "Futaba, you're an amazing young woman. Just a year ago, you were a victim of abuse and cruelty."

He felt a tinge of anger pierce his mind. He remembered the injustices Futaba had faced in her life, from Shido and her uncle. Akira found himself biting into his bottom lip for a moment, before he buried that rage away. He couldn't let that feeling poison his voice. "Now look at you? You stopped a god, you saved the world, you avenged your mother... We wouldn't have gotten anywhere without your support."

"Maybe, but what about after you leave?" Futaba almost fell to the ground, probably to take her rather 'unique' sitting position, but Akira's arms caught her. He lifted her up and steadied her. She tried to pull away, but her attempts were halfhearted. "I was the Oracle of the Phantom Thieves, but now that our adventures are over, I'm just... Futaba. I'm the weird girl that makes everyone feel awkward, I'm the victim that everyone feels bad for, I'm-"

"Still the amazing girl that anyone would be lucky to know." Akira had no intention of simply standing by as Futaba insulted herself. His voice was firm as his hands fell onto her shoulders. Their faces were close as she looked up to meet his gaze. "You're one of my closest friends. Hell, you're my best friend, and I'm telling you that anyone would be lucky to know you. You are so much more than just the Phantom Thieves' navigator. You're a genius! You're a hero of justice. You're funny, talented, and wonderfully offbeat."

He chuckled at the rosy hue appearing on her face. "And I promise, that I'll come back to you. I still need to beat you at 'Power Intuition.'"

Akira's words hit their mark, and a smile formed on her lips. "Heh, yeah, right! You'll never reach my level!"

"Just you wait. The student shall soon become the master," he promised, stepping away from her. He blinked, glancing at her fingers catching one of his hands. They were holding hands, and for some reason, he was the one feeling warm now.

"Akira?"

"Yeah?"

She lunged at him suddenly, wrapping her arms around his body and squeezing tightly, pressing their bodies together. Akira's breath was caught in his throat as he felt her body press itself against his. Akira knew Futaba was a beautiful young woman, but feeling her body against his reminded him of how much of a woman she was. Her supple, and soft, breasts pushed against his chest as her head buried itself under his neck. The thin fabric of their clothes painted a picture in Akira's mind, and for a moment, only one, he wondered if Futaba was wearing a bra.

Before he could answer that question, he focused his mind and returned the gesture, hugging Futaba. She sighed in relief at his touch, muttering. "You're my best friend too." Akira enjoyed the sensation of the beautiful girl hugging him, and his fingers gently stroked her back as she laid against him. She pulled back, just so they could see into each other's eyes. Her smile shined in the night as the moon's light reflected off of her glasses. The two friends stood there for a moment longer, before she released him. "Thank you."

"Anytime." The two returned to their walk, making their way back to the others. Akira could feel a slight warmth to his cheeks, but he ignored the sensation. He rested his hands in his pockets as he walked by Futaba's side once more. The sound of crashing waves greeted them as they walked.

"Think Makoto will let us stay here a bit longer in the morning?" the girl wondered.

"Hm. Maybe?" he answered. "Why do you ask?"

"I was really hoping I could find a spider crab out here. Those things are awesome!"

"That would be pretty cool. I'd be more interested in a shark with metal legs crawling out of the sea." He chuckled at her audible gasp. He knew she'd appreciate that reference.

"Gyo, right? From Junji Ito? I saw that movie! It was so gross!" she laughed.

" I left my copies of the manga with Sojiro if you want to read them." Her violet eyes lit up, and Akira smiled as she nodded her head. He was blessed to know the young woman, and he knew that one day she would make someone very happy. The corners of his smile trembled, but he held his mask up high.

Futaba would find true love one day, and then she'd no longer need him by her side. He knew what what his role in Futaba's life was. He was her emotional support, her pillar, but one day he wouldn't be needed. She'd outgrow him. He accepted that fact, promising to enjoy what time they did have.

Futaba always smiled when Akira was by her side. He really was her Key Item, even miles away, he'd be supporting her and making her stronger. She knew the pounding in her chest was a sign of their close teammateness. Her sweaty palms, her warm cheeks, her shortness of breath. All signs of how good teammates she was with Akira.

Teammate, oh teammate... Futaba told herself that this was enough. That she could die as long as she knew Akira and the others were her teammates, but something just felt off about it. She couldn't understand what was missing, but she tried to tell herself it didn't matter.

Whenever I'm with Akira, I feel like I can do anything. I feel like I'm invincible, and that nothing can stop me... None of our other teammates have this kind of effect on me. I know he's Key Item, but... Futaba glanced at Akira, cheeks red and breath shallow.

Futaba wanted more. She wanted Akira... It was like a hunger. It was a strange kind of desire. She wanted to hold Akira's hand. To be together forever as something more than just teammates. She wanted something, but she didn't have the word for it.

She just knew she wanted Akira to a part of it...

END

I think a big factor of this chapter was destroying the Futaba-little-sister thing. Rather, it was about establishing that Akira, this version, does not see her as that. He sees her as a beautiful girl who is growing to be even more beautiful. Their relationship will be more explored, just like all the others.

Makoto and Akira are about two best friends who realize they could be more than friends. Akira and Futaba are about two people who are very close to one another, like siblings, who realize they want to be much more than siblings. The funny thing is, Futaba doesn't really have the word for it yet. She doesn't know what she's feeling is love.

That comes later...

Next chapter is about Haru and Akira. What's Haru's journey about? You'll have to read to find out.

Take care, be safe, and know that you are loved!