A/N: To make up for my being slow, here's a fast update. So I'm going to connect everything to the timeline from now on. October 4th's almost here. The actual romance won't start until... well, you'll see.

Disclaimer: Don't own it.


Tomorrow would be the first day of October.

Mitsuru called for an after-school meeting, so all members of SEES had been present inside the living room. She mentioned something about how the chairman had been sulking about being the only person who hadn't met the newcomer as of late, and everyone had been saying how pretty and pleasant she was. So effective immediately, a gathering was arranged the moment he returned to the dorms. Minato, who had been sitting on the couch by the wall, scanned the room and found the majority of his team's faces to be scowling, clearly annoyed at the fact that they had to endure a night of ridiculous puns and pointless chatter. He brought a hand to his face and rubbed a sleepy silver eye awake, only to find that the bright and pleasant ball of sunshine wasn't so… pleasant in her seat.

"You okay?"

The sudden question caused the brunette's head to shoot up in an abrupt manner, blinking wine-colored eyes at the boy. She cleared her throat nervously.

"Mhm," she nodded, clearly contradicting her temperament, goading the stone-faced teen to raise a distrusting brow at her little… truth-bending. It was enough to drive him to tear one earpiece off, thus lowering the volume of the current song he'd been listening to. The girl noticed this, and opted to give him a not-so-reassuring smile. "No, really. I'm fine. Uh, what's the date today again?"

His one eyebrow did not lower. "October first."

"Already, huh…"

Her words trailed off like a passing wind, soft as whispers right next to his ear and one minute they were gone, leaving him unsatisfied as she faded into silence. He tilted his head to the side. Something about this month bothered her, but if she wasn't willing to tell him, then there was no point in asking her about it.

"Where is the chairman?" The restless girl asked out loud, directing the question to anybody who was willing to answer inside the room.

"I'm sure he'll get here soon." Fuuka glanced at her and then towards the door with a diffident smile. The Arisatos followed the technician's gaze and, as if on cue, the door swung open with a loud thud, the cold October wind rushing into the room caused the students (except for the mechanical maiden of course) to shiver. The chairman rubbed the back of his neck as he entered, quickly scanning around to find the others yelling angry outbursts, telling him to 'close the freaking door'.

"Hello, everyone. I apologize for the trouble, and for arriving on such short notice." Ikutsuki began walking towards the sofa, then stopped short upon noticing the unfamiliar face seated next to the leader. "And hello to you, my dear. Nobody told me that our newest member was such a beautiful young lady. It's nice to meet you Minako-san. I heard your name from Mitsuru in case you were wondering."

In response, the girl in question merely nodded.

"My name is Shuji Ikutsuki. Quite hard to say, isn't it? It's the reason why I'm not fond of introducing myself."

Yukari rolled her eyes and slanted next to Minako. "Oh, and before you freak out, let me give you a warning; he likes making lame puns all the time, so don't pay any attention to him."

"Now that is just mean, Yukari-san. My jokes are quite funny. You know once, I did a theatrical performance on puns. Really, it was just a play on words." He broke into fits of hysterical laughter. "Ha—get it? 'Play' on 'words'?"

Minato almost smiled at how his friends all sighed in perfect sync.

"Erm, all kidding aside, I'm only here to welcome you, Minako-san. Sure enough, you'll make a fine addition to the team. Do you have any questions that you'd like to ask me before I leave?"

"Thank you, mister chairman, but I'm fine. Mitsuru-senpai was good at explaining things down to the very last detail. It was nice meeting you, too." The girl told him softly. A little too soft, in Minato's taste.

"Now, I do have other matters to attend to, so I'm going to make like a bee and—mpffft—buzz off! I am, after all, a very—hehe—busy bee!" He couldn't quite contain his laughter, even after leaving the room.

When the dorm fell into complete silence, Yukari was the first to release a sigh of relief. "Ugh, does he ever stop?"

"Give the guy a break, Yuka-tan. It's his only joy in life." Junpei called from the dining room. "Leave him"—he snickered—"bee."

At that instant, a pillow flew rapidly from across the room and into the boy's face, followed by Yukari's high-pitched growl. "If you don't quit it with the puns, I'm so going to kill you, Stupei!"

Eventually, everyone erupted into laughter. Even the tireless Mitsuru-senpai freed a chuckle or two. Minato remembered to plug his earphones back on to completely drown out the noise, but stopped midway when he came to the sudden realization that Minako was, uncharacteristically, not joining in on the fun. He could honestly just bide time as it was, watching his friends goof around as the clock ticked idly by, each second a tad nearer towards the upcoming full moon. But he couldn't, or rather, wouldn't allow himself to. Not until the brunette shook the dismal demeanor off her system. Minato elbowed her lightly on the shoulder, waiting until she looked up at him before giving her a curious glance.

"I…" She looked down on her twiddling thumbs. This time, the dazed expression that occupied her features was replaced by a flash of… anger? Frustration? Minato wasn't quite sure, but the emotion certainly was strong. "I just… don't like October, that's all. And I don't like lame puns."

Sighing to himself, he ignored Junpei's cry of pain in the background and turned off his music player, showing his other half that she had his full attention. "Oh?"

"What is up with you and your 'oh's?"

He chuckled softly, enthralled by the vigor returning to her voice. She found herself laughing as well, but not quite as long as she usually would have. He followed her gaze, and he realized how her crimson hues had been fixated on her maroon coat-wearing senior. Shinjiro was quietly minding his own business, standing on one corner and avoiding the juniors as they were clowning about. Minato was about to question her sudden interest in their occasional cook when he was cut-off by the melancholy in her tone.

"I'm… not allowed to interfere," she said, tearing her gaze away from Shinjiro and then sighed. "It might worsen the paradox. I mean—sure, nothing's happening right now, but who knows what'll happen if—"

"You do."

She blinked. "Huh?"

"You know what'll happen on the night of this full moon."

Minako faltered. It was clear to him that she did, but Minako went on as if he hadn't said anything at all. Her fingers traced the wire of her own red earphones, lifting both pieces to cover her ears. But he stopped her.

Something in his gaze prompted the girl to give in.

"I do know," she admitted. "But telling you won't change a thing. It has to happen and it will."

What was she so afraid of happening that it would deprive her of her pleasant smile? He wanted to ask. He parted his lips to speak, but seeing the pain in her crimson eyes, the slight tremble of her lips was enough for him to back away. She smiled, noting his reservations, and nodded. He nodded back, and felt her hand resting gently on top of his.

"Tomorrow," he said, surprising the others with how loud his voice was. Well—not really, but it was an unusual volume for the blue-haired boy. Minato cleared his throat with unease and continued. "We'll head to Tartarus."

The party spent the next couple of nights exploring the inscrutable hallways of Tartarus, under the mellow guidance of their calm and collected leader. The first night, he tested the waters, surveyed how it would affect the team if Minako were to join the exploration. She appeared to be experienced enough on the battlefield, catching the others by surprise as they caught glimpse of the tip of her Naginata's blade, which she wielded proudly. Akihiko mentioned something about how useful it was, having two members possessing the ability to summon multiple Personae, and how he felt confident about the approaching ordeal.

On the field, it would only take Minako a glance from their leader to know which moves to execute, which enemies to attack and when not to attack, earning them the title of 'the unbeatable Mina-duo', nominated proudly by the one and only Junpei Iori.

That was why, on the morning of October Third, he told the others that he wanted to try something new.

"Split into two groups?" Yukari bellowed right beside the entrance to the lounge, next to the bar. Her hands were glued to her waist to express her disapproval on the subject. "That's insane! Who would take command of the other group, then?"

Akihiko hummed quietly, rubbing his chin with a gloved hand before exposing a confident smirk. "I think that goes without question."

"You're not thinking…"

Everybody, including Minato, stared at the newcomer. It took her a while to notice them. "W-Wait, I—"

"Somehow it makes sense," Fuuka mused. "Minako-chan seems pretty skilled with her weapon of choice, and she and Minato-kun do work pretty well together."

Yukari frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. "They work well 'together'. But out there, she'll be on her own!"

"She won't be on her own," Junpei protested, then stole a glance at the brunette and winked. "We'll be there to back her up, won't we?"

Minato wasn't planning on joining in on the debate. He only opted to suggest the idea, but let the others decide on its finality. Apparently, he and his counterpart were on the same page, as they caught each other's gazes from across the room. He saw her smile and nod, knowing that the girl trusted him enough to call the shots on the battle field. Content, he shoved both hands into his pockets and waited for the others to make their decision. However, Minato noticed another member of the team who wasn't joining in on the debate. And understandably so, given that that figure was none other than Aigis.

The mechanical maiden was acting strange, though. He watched cerulean eyes shift from him, and occasionally, towards his other half. It surprised him how unsettled she seemed, since Aigis was just as indifferent to her emotions as he was, and the fact that she seemed to be fretting over both him and the brunette was a concerning thought.

"Okay, okay, fine." Yukari threw her hands over her head in defeat, apparently having talked into agreeing with the earlier suggestion of splitting up into two. "I know when I'm outvoted. Pssh. Count me in."

Interestingly, Mitsuru thought it was a splendid idea, pointing out how having two groups meant being able to explore better ground, and that they'd be able to use all members efficiently. Of course, she consorted under the agreement that everyone took care not to push themselves, for they needed to be ready on the night of the full moon.

"Alright. Later tonight, we'll be venturing into Tartarus again. Be ready, everyone." Mitsuru announced, and the others responded with several 'yes ma'ams'. "Now hurry or you'll all be late for school."

The two Arisatos arrived together at the school gate. Minato was the first to notice Aigis standing idly by as the students flowed in. The blonde flexed her head slowly, blue eyes wide and focused on the two wild cards about to enter the school premises.

"The Lost seem to be growing in number," she said.

Minato shrugged. "I didn't notice."

"I cannot explain why, but our highest priority should be eliminating the remaining Shadows. The moon will be full tomorrow. I shall accompany you both in battle," she said, tone flat and rhythmic as a steady drum. "It does not matter which team I am on, but I request to be part of the exploration team later tonight."

"Are you nervous?" Minako asked, surprising him a little.

Aigis shook her head. "Negative. However, I am apprehensive about your well-being, Minako-san. Both of you. I also cannot explain why, but I feel the need to be by your side as much as Minato-san's, as well."

He had been confused over the robot's protectiveness over him since the beginning, but Minako seemed perfectly comfortable with that idea.

"I'm glad to hear that, Aigis. Let's help each other out there, okay?"

"Yes."

Nodding, the blonde turned around and started to walk towards the building. Minato and Minako followed suit.

He couldn't remember much about what Miss Toriumi talked about in class, but he did recall her mentioning something about exams. He honestly couldn't care less about how superb some passage about 'wit over humiliation' was. Page one twenty something.

The next time he felt fully alert was when an eerie emerald green bleached the entire sky, and when the ground appeared to bleed, creating several puddles of crimson blood—at least, that's what he assumed those blotches were.

"Well? We're here." The reluctant archer folded her arms and seated herself at the lower steps of Tartarus' entrance. "Let's get this over with."

"I want to be on Minako-chan's team!" Junpei raised an arm along his declaration.

Minato glanced back at Mitsuru, who was tinkering with her specially-modified motorcycle that somehow worked during the Dark Hour, then towards Fuuka, who was just about to summon Juno when he approached her.

"What do you think?"

Fuuka jumped and slammed a hand to her chest attempting to calm her stammering heart. "Oh! U-Um, what do I think? I think…" She started to survey the team beyond Minato's shoulder, smiling nervously. "I think Akihiko-senpai compliments her fighting style really well, so as long as he's on her team, she'll be fine. If anything, Minako-chan can assume the role of the healer if the need arises. From what I've seen, she has a lot of stamina, so she'll be a lot of help in the long run." He watched her release a deep breath. "Uh, at least… that's what I think."

"Akihiko-senpai?"

"He can be really reckless, don't you think?"

He nodded.

"For the two days that Minako-chan's been on the field, I've noticed how he's become more aware of his surroundings. It's probably his instincts as a senior kicking in. After all, Minako-chan is new to the team. A-And she's a girl."

Interesting.

"Yo, leader." Junpei called. "Aren't you forgetting something? You know, that thing where you pick who's going with who?"

Before he could amble towards his impatient team, Fuuka stopped him by resting a hand on his shoulder. Her voice was almost a whisper when she spoke. "I realize you're worried about her, Minato-kun. You two seem so close, but I think she'll be just fine. She's as calm as you on the battlefield. Maybe even calmer."

Minato paused, taking note of everything he heard. There was some truth to that statement. Minako certainly was cool-headed during battles. For what it's worth, she could possibly be the most experienced out of everyone, and the thought was confusing to him. Where could she have learned how to wield a Naginata in this day and age? But never mind that. The Dark Hour whittled away the longer they loitered by the entrance, and he had made up his mind.

One look at her, and then they nod together.

He trusted her to make the right decisions, and if there were circumstances where she hid things about herself beneath the shadows, Minato would try to understand. Secrets always had reasons to be hid, and if they were to be unveiled, they would over time.

Minato Arisato would wait until she told him everything, and until then, he'd leave everything in her hands.


A/N: The romance is pretty slow, huh? Sorry about that.