Author's Note: I'm going to start deviating a bit from the "Chronology" starting with this Chapter. I'm not planning on totally upsetting the Apple-cart, but I am going to through a few wrinkles into the mix. Also, since Charles is the POV Protagonist through much of this story, he won't be around Yu as much, at least for the next few chapters. Don't worry, there is a point to this, which I'll explain why AFTER next Chapter.

Special Thanks to DualSelf for Reviewing this Chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Persona. I own Charles Waldo.

Chapter 5
"Rainy Day Woman"
April 14, 2011

Junes Electronics Dept.

After the bright white light and black squares, Charles opened his eyes, heard the Junes music, and breathed a HUGE sigh of relief. He saw Yu, Chie, and Yosuke. They were all lying on the floor on their stomachs. "Ow! That damn bear!" Yosuke said. Then he looked around.

"We're back?" Chie said.

"We're back!" Yosuke replied.

The 2 began hugging each other in elated relief, before Chie pushed Yosuke off and said. "Hey! Don't take advantage!"

"There goes my hug," Charles said to himself, sighing sadly.

A PA announcement came on announcing a sale. "Damn, it's that late?" Yosuke said.

"Regular sale for a Thursday?" Charles asked after checking on Yu to see if he was OK.

"Yeah, it's about 8," Yosuke replied.

Charles looked at his watch, and sure enough it said 20:02:47.

"Cripes, I gotta go to the restroom," Yosuke said. "I haven't finished going,"

Yu was staring at an ad poster with a woman on it. "I've seen this before…" He said, before realizing, "in the TV!"

Charles noticed what Yu was looking at. "Wait, so did I after I vomited. It was torn, but it was that same poster." Charles said.

"Isn't that that ballad singer Hiiragi Misuzu?" Chie asked.

"Oh, the woman who was betrayed by the Council Secretary?" Charles asked in reply. She looks attractive enough, but my "falling out of love" theory may hold water after all, as I get the sense from that picture, with that very small smile, she's a little bit uptight, he thought.

"This is freaky and I feel sick," Chie said, holding herself as she was shivering from the creepiness.

"You gonna be OK?" Charles asked.

"If I can get some sleep, I will. Thanks for asking, I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'm going to the bathroom, too." Charles said.

"Another nosebleed?" Yu asked with concern.

"I wish, and before you ask, yeah I might,"

Indeed he did vomit again, this time it was because of the experience he had gone through, that room, the feeling he had that they may not have gotten home ok…

…And the fact he wasn't sure he made the right decision to come to Japan, after all.

It wasn't the people. He was making friends with Yu, Yosuke, Chie, and…Yukiko. He also was at least on good terms with Nanako and Ryotaro-san, so that was good. Even the fellow students seemed to, even though tentative, liked meeting him. The only issue was Homeroom Sensei Moron. But he's not the type to make Charles regret being in Inaba. Hell, Charles could tell Sofue-sensei liked him, because of how well he engaged in class.

It wasn't the retro, countryside atmosphere. Being from Utah, while it was a little more modern, the vibe was still there. Only rural rather than suburban.

Charles washed his face then cupped cold water in his hands to drink so he wouldn't be dehydrated walking home. No, it was what happened in the TV.

Seeing Yu with that power.

Charles felt all alone.

This whole situation with murders, and TV worlds, and Personas made him ask again…

Did I make the right choice?

But what he seemed to wonder was if everyone just tolerated him and was just being polite? What if they would get tired of him? Would Amagi's good will towards him today even last or would she back to the way she was on Tuesday, which was being annoyed with him?

Or worse, what if they abandoned him once they found out about his…?

He shook his head. He didn't want to be pitied so he wouldn't give any ammunition.

He looked at himself in the mirror, glasses off. Maybe his new friends would have had been fine without him.

He thought about that song he liked. Not because he was a normally melancholy person. He felt it resonated, though with wanting to be accepted:

I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice when I'm not around
You're so very special
I wish I were special

But I'm a creep
I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here.

So if this was the right decision…what role am I supposed to play? Am I supposed to be here to support Yu, so he doesn't become "a man alone", forsaking friends, family and lovers for some noble goal? Or am I supposed to be here to make sure he doesn't become like Gabriel Belmont? The road to hell IS paved with good intentions…

…

I play video games too much, he concluded wryly.

After drying his face, he put on his glasses and decided all he could do IS put on his glasses and take things one day at a time.

'Cause I don't have any other answer.

Samegawa Flood Plain

It was raining when Yu and Charles walked along the flood plain. Yu was concerned about Charles, but didn't pry. Charles will tell me when he's good and ready to tell me when something's bothering him. But I think he was actually intimidated like Yosuke was about what happened with me…

"Yes, Yu. I was freaked out about that, and about everything else that happened in Mayonaka," Charles said.

"Eh?" Yu said with confusion.

"You muttered that 'intimidated' thing out loud."

"You're not scared of me, are you?" Yu said with a smile. Now he's the tense one and I'm the warm, friendly one.

"I'm scared of the fact that too much is happening at once right now and I can't come to grips with it. A new setting and new school with new friends is one thing, but unexplained murders, TV worlds, talking bear-things, Personas? In 3 days? Too much, man. Too freakin' much!"

"I think you're just tired and confused," Yu said.

"Probably," Charles replied with a shrug.

They noticed a sheltered picnic area and sitting there was Yukiko. "Tell Ryo-san, if he's home, I'll be along," Charles said, smiling.

"Only if you give me details later."

"Yu'll have to promise me 500,000 yen, a lung, a kidney, and your first 2 children. And I'll take the yen now." Charles deadpanned.

Yu just smirked and punched Charles in the arm and took off. Charles walked up to Yukiko.

"Hm?" She said before noticing him. "Oh, Charles-kun," She still sounded polite and friendly. She was dressed in a pink Kimono with white floral print.

"Hello," Charles said, by way of greeting.

"Would you like to sit down?" she asked.

"Domo," He replied.

"Are you surprised to see me dressed this way? My parents sent me out on an errand…" She paused. "Um… Are you getting used to your new town and school?"

"I do like it here." Despite what he said and thought earlier, he did like the place.

"Really?" she asked pleasantly surprised. "But… it must be difficult moving to a place you know nothing about."

"It can be." He shrugged. "But that's the point of being an exchange student, rather than a direct transfer. You'll learn more about the other nation and its people than if you just use Wikipedia."

"I see," was her reply. "But I've never been out of Inaba, so I wouldn't know what it's like to transfer to a new school…"

"I've never known myself until now, so I think if you ever do leave here, even for an extended vacation or business trip, you are going to have that 'stranger in a strange land' vibe… Uhhh, no offense to Japan," He said quickly.

She smiled at him. Despite his tone, he was still nervous and guarded. He actually seems shy. Bold in a group, but shy alone with a girl. Interesting. He is easy on the eyes, though I wonder if that is his real hair.

Then something occurred to her. "Oh! Are you getting along with Chie? I mean I've been leaving early, so… um…" She paused, at a loss for words.

"Yeah, we're getting along."

"I'm glad to hear that. Chie's very supportive, you know. It's always her who gives me the little extra push I need."

"You mean like with my tie?" Charles asked.

She turned red. "Oh, no! That was all me," She said with embarrassment. "Umm… I'm sorry again if I scared you,"

He waved dismissively. "Nah! I suppose had it coming. Though the fact you took it in the spirit it was intended, after further reflection, speaks volumes," She blushed even redder,

"Still, Chie and I had homeroom together last year and I remember how we'd cut class sometimes," Yukiko said with a chuckle.

Charles looked puzzled. "Chie said you weren't like that anymore," He replied.

She looked at him and said matter-of-factly, "Would a person really want to admit to cutting class?"

"You just did," He pointed out.

There was a pause "Touché," She replied, with a blushing smile. "Besides, I was teasing you. You seemed like the easy type."

"That's what I've been told," he said.

"Oh! I just wanted to let you know I spoke with my parents, and they've agreed to let you help out this weekend," She said.

"I hope it wasn't too difficult?" He asked.

She looked down.

"Yukiko-san?" He asked.

I can feel his heart's caring nature from here. Any other person outside of Chie, I wouldn't trust with this before the news comes out…and even then, if I told Chie, she'd get the wrong idea. I'll trust him, she thought in the span of two seconds."Oh no! Not convincing them to have you help out, but…"

"What is it?" He asked.

Here goes… "My mother had a fainting spell, and she needs to step aside according to the doctor."

"What?!" He said with surprise.

"First, there was that Yamano woman being difficult. And then things went from bad to worse when she was found murdered. The media is also camped outside our home because they found out she had been staying there. Mom became so stressed from the overall situation that she collapsed." Yukiko paused. "I think, though, that the worst of it was when Ms. Yamano slapped my mother during a confrontation they had."

"Wow!" Charles said. "But other than stepping aside for rest, she's okay, right?" He asked.

She felt her heart lift when he asked that. "Oh yes, thanks for asking. But this couldn't have come at a worse time. The next 3 weeks until Golden Week is over are our busiest for spring. I'm now acting manager and I can't help but be worried about her."

"So you ran my name past them and you'll be filling in for your mother and… I'll be filling in for you?" He asked.

She shook her head. "I'm afraid not. You see, even though most of our visitors are Japanese we get a sizable amount of Western visitors as well. But not all of the staff speak English. My parents decided that they would hire a liaison for that purpose."

"But…?" he asked.

She sighed. "But our liaison is taking her vacation that was promised to her weeks ago. She offered to stay, but we concluded if she did that, she wouldn't be able to go on vacation again until probably September, when we are less busy. We didn't want her to collapse too. Therefore, your offer came when we needed you or rather your being bilingual the most while she's gone."

He nodded. "What am I supposed to do, though?" he asked.

"Just fulfill their needs within reason and try to handle complaints as best as you can," she replied in English.

"I've never been trained in the hospitality business. I was expecting handling reservations or showing people to their rooms when I made the offer," He replied. "You make it sound like it's more involved than that."

She looked at him, "I'm not asking you to upgrade their rooms or handle complaints that no one can resolve. I know you're worried that you'll screw up and look bad in people's eyes. You won't. I've known you for a total of 3 days, and I know you can do it."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," he said, smiling again.

"You're welcome…" She said with a smile. "Oh… I should get going. I need to make tomorrow's arrangements with our head chef. Aragaki-san likes everything to be perfect." They both stood up. "Thank you again for offering to help."

"You're welcome." He said.

"By the way," she said with a frown. "You're not going to mention anything…"

"About your now being acting manager? I may have to tell Dojima-san about this whole thing as he is my guardian for the next year, but nobody else if you don't want me to."

"I think telling Dojima-san only will be fine as you will have to stay at least one night," She said.

"All right then, but why not Chie?" He replied.

"I don't know how to tell her without her getting the idea that this will be permanent," She said, trying to hide her uneasiness about the Inn.

"All right. But as you said the media's camped out. They may report it before too long."

She nodded at that. "Well, I have to get going," she said.

"So do I, but this was a pleasant chat." Charles smiled at her.

"Domo Arigato, Waldo-Kun," She said with a smile.

"You're welcome Amagi-San," He said with a goofy smile on his face and then realized it. "Um… I'll see you at school then."

The two then left, going their separate ways. Yukiko, burdened with the situation at the Inn, but eased that he offered to help when she needed it. Charles, burdened with the TV world, but eased by the fact that she trusted him.

He/She seems nice enough. If I got to know him/her better… Who knows, maybe I'll grow to love him/her. They independently, yet simultaneously thought. I do like him/her, but is he/she truly my prince/soul mate?

…

I don't have an answer.

Dojima Residence

"Ah-choo!" Charles sneezed.

"Are you all right?" Dojima asked.

"Yes, Ryo-san, I think it's just the rain," Charles replied.

"You look a little run down, are you sure?" Ryotaro asked.

"Long day," Charles replied.

"Still, Nanako, could you get Charles some medicine?"

Nanako looked at Charles, "Cousin's sick too."

"Really?" Charles asked.

"So what did you and Amagi discuss?" Dojima asked.

Charles explained about how hearing about how busy the Inn was, how he offered to help, what happened with Yukiko's mother, how Yukiko was now acting manager, and how Charles's offer was accepted.

"Mariko fainted…? Why didn't Hikaru tell me?" he said, more to himself than Charles.

"You know her parents?" Charles asked

"They went to high school with Chisato, my late wife, and me," Ryotaro replied.

"My apologies if I'm treading on wounded territory," Charles said.

Dojima didn't respond to that. He returned to being all-business. "Do you think I would let you go out for part-time work at night?"

"Yes," Charles said without missing a beat.

Dojima laughed at Charles's quick confident answer. "How are you going to sleep?"

"If they don't provide a room for me, I'll just crash on the floor,"

"That would hurt," Nanako said, returning with medicine for Charles.

Dojima laughed again, and then turned serious. "Just so we're clear, call me if you're staying overnight."

"Domo," Charles said.

"Don't thank me. Your father wanted you to work while you were here. I'm just glad you took initiative. Though with what's going on I would prefer you be here."

"Ryo-san?" Charles asked.

Dojima looked like he had something on his mind. "Do you or…Yu know a Konishi Saki?"

"Senpai? I met her at Junes yesterday when I was with Yu, Satonaka, and Hanamura. Why?"

"She's gone missing. While her folks reported her missing, there are those at the station…" Dojima said before trailing off.

"Who think Senpai ran away?" Charles finished.

"Yes, but even you don't seem to buy it, do you?" Ryotaro said.

"I spoke to her for five minutes, but in those five minutes I noticed a very tired and stressed girl putting on a brave face. But not a runaway. She found Yamano-san's body, didn't she?"

"How did you…?!" Dojima said, stunned.

"Blurring doesn't help if it doesn't completely cover your hair."

Dojima sighed. "I guess you're right, but despite your interest in law-enforcement, try to keep away as much as possible."

"Otherwise you're worried that what happened to Senpai will happen to me?" Charles asked.

Dojima thought about it for a moment.

"Yes," He replied.

Song - Creep (Radio Edit) - Radiohead Just 'cause it's the more popular version if you go by YouTube.