So–! I was listening to the Drama CD for Persona 3 Portable and, thus, was inspired to narrate the events. For a while, I was on the fence about doing the entire thing but, in the end, I decided not to since it was really long and managing all of the characters would be an almost-nightmare... As a result, I just used the beginning and added in my own details so it's a bit short but I hope y'all will still enjoy it. :')

To Guest ?, thank you again for reviewing! I'm glad that you enjoyed my rendition of Pharos' visits and that I actually answered one of your questions. Albeit unintentionally, haha...

Fragments of Our Life

Summer Festival: Antecedent

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Slam!

Blue and red eyes blinked in surprise and looked towards the open door just as a familiar voice shouted,

"Junpei Iori has finally returned!"

He posed in the doorway as the sunset shined dramatically from behind, haloing his form in golden light, before–

"Hey!"

–he was shoved forward and–

"We're home~!"

–interrupted by two brunettes who chorused cheerfully.

"Sorry if we're late…" Fuuka blushed and bowed apologetically. "We stopped by Paulownia Mall for a bit…"

The last member of the group simply raised a hand lazily in greeting, stepping over the twitching capped boy and signing in.

"Welcome home, everyone," the blonde intoned, standing up and walking over to them, as the albino Shiba-Inu trotted by her heels, immediately heading over to the red-eyed girl and staring up at her imploringly.

Minako laughed softly and crouched to scratch him behind his ears. "We're home, Koro-chan. How was your day?"

The dog barked happily, wagging his tail gently and bumping his head against her hand.

Meanwhile, Aigis took note of the exaggeratedly sulking boy before musing, "You seem to be doing better, Junpei-san."

Immediately perking up, said male rubbed his nose. "Hehe, you can tell?" he puffed out his chest and boasted, "Come walls of stone and white monsters, I've finally conquered–"

His words cut off with a yelp when an elbow jabbed into his ribs.

"It's because today's the last day of summer classes," Yukari piped up, ignoring his complaint that she'd screwed over his dramatic entrance, "Anyway, we picked up some grocery along the way," she lifted a hand to show off the bags, "It should last us the week…"

Her voice trailed off as brown eyes trailed over to the blue-haired boy and the red-eyed girl before she amended, "Maybe."

"Mou~," Minako pouted up at the archer, hugging Koromaru close as he snuggled into her chest, "That's mean, Yuka-chan! We don't eat that much," she paused and looked to her fellow Wild Card, "Do we?"

Unamused silver eyes dragged away from staring at the dog to blink at his other half as Minato tilted his head in thought before shrugging. "Who knows?"

Just then, the clicking of high heels caught their attention as they turned to see Mitsuru walk down the stairs.

"Oh? You've all returned." She smiled at them. "How were your summer classes?"

"Yo, Senpai!" Junpei greeted before anyone else could, "And it was truly a helpful experience!"

"Is that so?" The redhead looked delighted and was oblivious to the looks traded between the others. "I'm happy to have been of some assistance then."

As Junpei attempted to charm the senior, Yukari leaned towards the Wild Card, mumbling, "He's totally saying that to avoid taking more classes."

They nodded in agreement as Koromaru barked.

"You know, Senpai, since we were being crushed–I mean–since we were working so hard," the capped boy said as he clasped his hands together, "I think we should be able to choose how to go about the rest of our…?"

The smile on her lips clearly showed her amusement before Mitsuru chuckled softly, "Yes, of course. By all means, do have fun."

"YAHOO!" Junpei cheered, throwing his arms up, "My summer's finally arrived!"

Shaking her head gently, Mitsuru turned to the others and spoke sternly, "I will be going out tonight and Akihiko isn't here either so rest up and do not go to Tartarus tonight."

"Yes, ma'am!" Minako saluted as Minato nodded. "We understand, Senpai."

"Please take care," Aigis spoke as she held open the door, waving to the Kirijo when she stepped outside, "We shall await your return then."

After sending the Ice Queen off in her limousine, the lock clicked into place before Junpei turned to everyone and rubbed his hands together, asking eagerly, "So what do you guys say about going to the beach next week?"

Red eyes blinked in bemusement as Minako wondered, "Why the beach?"

"Because it's summer, duh!" the capped boy responded, pumping a fist excitedly, "We need to go to the beach! Just imagine," he waved his hands around, "The blue sky! The white clouds! The overwhelming waves!"

"Uh huh…" Yukari placed her fists on her hips and deadpanned. "Didn't you say that for Yakushima too?"

"And that's why!" Junpei wasn't relenting. "Wasn't it fun there? We need a continuation! A continuation, I say–"

"Pass," came her immediate reply before Fuuka murmured, "I would like to pass too. I remember getting all hot and then all cold…"

"C-Continue…"

His voice trailed off feebly and Minako raised a hand, chirping,

"Game set!"

"M-Mina-tan!?" Junpei sputtered indignantly before glaring grumpily at Minato when he snickered softly.

"Besides," Yukari said as she dropped her bag and plopped onto the couch, "Going to the beach requires lots of packing and preparation," she sighed exaggeratedly, "Guys have it so much easier in comparison that I'm a bit jealous…"

"Ohoho~?" The capped boy jumped out of his slump and onto the presented opportunity, leaning against the backrest and asking slyly, "So how do you girls prepare? Care to tell ol' Junpei in detail?"

"Pervert!"

She uppercutted him in the chin and he fell backwards with a thump.

"So cruel~," he sniffled before latching onto Minako's legs when she walked by, "Bestie, comfort m–"

He was abruptly cut off when a pressure fell over him, full of deathly intent, and Junpei immediately backed away, laughing nervously, "So where should we go then? The mountains? The amusement park? Anywhere seems fine, right!? Ahaha…haha…ha…"

A sigh full of relief left his lips and the capped boy slumped over when the silver-eyed glare finally left his form.

Gah! He just can't take a joke, can he? Junpei shivered in the aftermath. Scary obsessive love is scary, but I wonder…

He peeked out from under his cap before sweating. And, of course, she's oblivious to it all.

Another sigh left his lips as the capped boy rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Geez, Mina-tan, keep your "boyfriend" reined in, won't ya?

Said brunette tilted her head in confusion upon seeing his exasperated expression and Junpei sighed yet again. Maybe I should feel sorry for the guy…?

He chanced a glance at the blue-haired boy who was making eyes (not really) towards the red-eyed girl before nodding to himself. Y~Yup, poor sap…

"Come to think of it," Yukari spoke up, snapping him out of his thoughts, "Why do we have to ruin our precious vacation by spending it with Junpei of all people?"

"Harsh!" The capped boy looked stunned, clutching at his chest dramatically. "Oh my poor heart can't take this abuse any longer…"

Hearing him sniffle, Fuuka stuttered, "A-Ah, but–! I'd also like to go out with everyone…!"

Dark eyes turned to her, sparkling brightly. "Fuu-chi~ You're my savior!"

The aqua-haired girl blushed deeply with embarrassment and Minako giggled before snapping her fingers in remembrance.

"Ah, that's right!" Her words caught everyone's attention. "How about we go to the festival?"

"The festival…?" A lightbulb went off as Yukari bopped a fist over her palm. "Oh! I know what you're talking about! The one at Naganaki Shrine, right?"

Minako nodded excitedly, looking very much like a puppy, before she pouted up at Minato when he ruffled her hair.

"That's a great idea!" The archer grinned and clapped her hands together. "When is it exactly?"

Snapping back to attention, she thought for a second. "I think it's supposed to be tomorrow…" Red eyes glanced over to silver ones and Minato nodded in affirmation, making her chirp, "Yup! It's tomorrow!"

"As expected of our leader~," Yukari cheered, not seeing their little exchange, "You did your research, didn't you?"

Before the brunette could respond otherwise, the mechanical maiden spoke up, "I would like to accompany you all as well."

"Aigis-chan!" Fuuka smiled happily before faltering. "Oh, but, you're not allowed to leave the dorms, right?"

But the blonde wasn't deterred. "I believe that if I receive permission from the Chairman and Mitsuru-san, then exit will be permitted."

"I see…" The soft-spoken girl thought for a moment before nodding. "Okay then, I'll ask Senpai too!" She then turned to the capped boy. "What about you, Junpei-kun?"

"Obviously, I'll come too!" he responded immediately before abruptly sobering, "Is what I'd like to say but…"

"Eh?! You're not coming?!" Yukari looked exceptionally shocked. "You of all people?!"

"Wha–What's with the way you're saying it?!" Junpei looked insulted before scratching his cheek thoughtfully. "…Well, you might see me over there though."

Curious, Fuuka asked, "Do you already have a date?"

A cheeky grin made its way to his lips as Junpei chuckled, "Nah, but I'll get one now~!"

Yukari snorted rather unattractively, "I bet he thinks some girl's just gonna ask him out."

"Hey!" The capped boy was pouting. "It's still possible, right?!"

"Nope~," Minako chirped, popping the syllable, "Methinks it's not."

"Ouch!" Junpei wilted in response. "Oh, my pride…"

"Ignoring the pitiful guy–" "I'm not pitiful!" "–if Aigis is coming," Yukari mused as she tapped her chin in thought, "We'll need clothes for her, right?"

"Um… How about that blue dress from the Yakushima trip?" Fuuka suggested before Aigis shot that down with a firm, "No."

A surprisingly excited glint appeared in her blue eyes. "I have heard that summer festivals already have a specialized secret disguise."

Easily guessing what she was referring to, Minako traded amused glances with Minato as Fuuka echoed her words in confusion, "A…specialized secret disguise…?"

But the mechanical maiden didn't elaborate as she abruptly saluted–

"I will get Mitsuru-san to prepare them immediately."

–and bolted out of the dorm, running towards the direction where the limousine had left in…

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.

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…cue the face-palms please.

Boring? Not so boring? Leave your thoughts on the way out!