The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: How I Met Your Mother (And How I Met Your Father)

Bonding Arc

Chapter Thirteen: Hope's Peak Spring Festival!

Present Day

"So how was the festival, Daddy? What did you and Mommy do?"

Smiling in nostalgia, Makoto answered "Well, luckily I had arrived just in time to complete the opening ceremonies with Chiaki. I had just gotten offstage and rejoined your mother…"

XXX

June 30, 2014

Makoto breathed out a sigh of relief as he walked back to Kyoko, Chiaki walking in the opposite direction to mingle with her class.

"You have a talent for public speaking. No wonder you were picked for Class Rep."

Chuckling nervously, Makoto answered "…I'm honestly not sure how I was able to keep it together; I was so freaking nervous the whole time."

Kyoko looked at him sympathetically as she assured him "Well, you pulled it off, and it looks like the festival's off to a good start."

Makoto and Kyoko looked around the outside area; there were several exhibits and stands that the students had set up, rotating so that all exhibits would actually have an audience.

Mondo and Kazuichi Soda had built some replicas of the Crazy Diamonds' motorcycles, Chiaki and Chihiro had set up a traditional arcade, Hiyoko Saionji had set up a dancing class, Teruteru Hanamura had set up an American style café (none of the girls would volunteer to start a maid café), and Akane Owari and Sakura Ogami had set up a martial arts show.

In addition, Mukuro and Peko Pekoyama set up a swordplay exhibition, Mahiru Koizumi had set up a photography exhibit, Celeste set up a booth to teach people how to play poker, Hifumi had set up a stand where he was selling his doujinshi, Taka and Sonia Nevermind had set up a lecture explaining the importance of leadership, Mikan set up a booth showing various medical supplies and explaining their usage, Sayaka and Ibuki Mioda were putting on a dual concert, Junko set up a red runway and changing stall where she was showing off her various fashion outfits.

Meanwhile, Nekomaru Nidai and Leon had put on an exhibition explaining how different physical sports worked, Gundham Tanaka put on an animal performance show, enhancing his hamsters with dark magic spells, as he put it, while Hiro set up a fortune telling booth. All in all, it was a pretty good setup, each booth set up to demonstrate each student's unique talent. The only ones who hadn't set up something were Makoto, due to having to set everything up, Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu, who claimed he needed to keep details about his Ultimate Yakuza talent secret, Nagito Komaeda due to still being suspended, and Kyoko, who for reasons similar to Fuyuhiko didn't feel comfortable demonstrating her Detective talents to an audience.

Turning his attention to said Detective, Makoto remarked "That shirt looks really good on you, by the way. Is that from your shopping trip with the girls?"

Feeling awkward, Kyoko reluctantly nodded, answering "Yes…I figured today was a good day to go casual. You…think it looks good?"

Nodding, Makoto replied "Yeah…they go really well with your sneakers. And it's nice…seeing you so comfortable with everyone now to step outside your comfort zone."

"Th…thank you…"

An awkward silence passed between the two until Kyoko changed the subject, asking "So…which exhibit should we check out first?"

"Oh, umm…Chiaki and Chihiro's arcade looks good. You ever been to an arcade?" Shaking her head in response, Makoto replied with a smile "Well, then this should be a fun new experience for you. Come on!"

Kyoko followed after the Ultimate Lucky Student, letting him guide her as she went to experience her first festival.

XXX

"Excuse me? Nanami-senpai?"

Makoto gently tapped her on the shoulder, the slumbering Chiaki awakening from her sleep bubble as she replied "Oh, sorry about that. Welcome to the arcade. We've got skee ball, balloon popping, and whack-a-mole…I think…"

You think?

Seeing Kyoko's incredulous expression, Chihiro smiled sheepishly and assured her "Don't mind her; she always ends her sentences like that. It's…kind of her catchphrase. So, what would you like to play?"

Kyoko felt indecisive; never having been to an arcade, she wasn't sure what to start with.

Seeing Kyoko look to him for guidance, Makoto suggested "Why don't we start with skee ball? That's a good one to get your feet wet."

Nodding, Kyoko answered "We'll start with skee ball."

Nodding in understanding, Chihiro pressed a button on his laptop, and two of the lanes lit up, nine brown balls falling down the tube into Makoto and Kyoko's pools respectively.

Picking up a ball, Makoto explained "Here, I'll demonstrate. You see those rings at the end, shaped like a bullseye? The goal is to get your balls in any of those rings. The closer to the end they land in, the more points you get. You roll the ball with an underhand motion, like this."

Makoto moved his hand slowly, allowing Kyoko's eyes to rack his movements as he wound his arm back before swinging it forwards like a pendulum, releasing the ball and watching as it slowly rolled up the ramp, falling into the 10-point hole.

Makoto grinned sheepishly as he commented "Of course, if I went at normal speed, it probably would have jumped farther."

Nodding, Kyoko took a chance and grasped the first of her balls, clutching it comfortably as she took an experimental throw, watching the ball roll up and over the ramp and landing into the 20-point hole.

"Not bad for your first throw, Kyoko. So, do you think you've got it?"

Nodding in confirmation, the two proceeded to throw the rest of their balls, Makoto landing his in the 10, 20, and 30-point holes, while Kyoko landed hers in the 30, 40, and 50 point holes respectively.

Makoto whistled and complimented "Not bad, Kyoko. You're a natural at this."

"…Accuracy has been a skill I've had to develop as a Detective. And I imagine that my training with Sakura and Hina has helped to develop my arm strength. So what's next?"

"Hmm…how about Whack-A-Mole?" Seeing her nod, Makoto asked "Can we try the Whack-A-Mole, please?"

Chihiro input a few commands into her computer, restarting the skee ball machines for the party behind them, while activating the Whack-A-Mole machine as the duo walked over to it.

Picking up the black, foam hammer for Kyoko to see, Makoto explained "So, the way this game works is that mechanical moles will pop out of these holes for a few seconds. The goal is to hit each of them with the hammer before they disappear. It starts out with only one mole or two at a time, but as the game goes on, more moles will pop out simultaneously. The more moles you whack, the more points you'll get. You good?"

Nodding, Kyoko picked up her mallet with one hand while Makoto grabbed his with two. Once the timer hit zero, the first mole popped out, both players hitting theirs with ease. As the game went on, both players continued whacking their moles, Makoto hitting his in a frantic flurry as he struggled to keep up, while Kyoko went more calmly and methodically. At the game's end, Makoto had whacked a little more than half of his moles, while Kyoko had hit nearly all of hers, only missing a couple.

Wiping the sweat off his brow, Makoto panted, turning to grin at Kyoko as he praised "Wow, you're…good at this…"

"…This game is essentially a test of reaction time and reflexes. My laser focus allows me to react quickly and expend little energy when I hit my target." Observing his sweaty form, Kyoko critiqued "You would do better if you didn't let your emotions guide your swings."

Of course she'd use an arcade game to dole out criticism…

"So…all that's left is the balloon popping game, right?"

Seeing Makoto nod, they left the machine, walking over to the bar counter where Chiaki was setting up the balloons, having heard their conversation.

Passing three darts to each of them, Chiaki greeted "Welcome. Each balloon is connected to a prize." Makoto and Kyoko's gaze wandered to the shelf, where numerous plushies were sitting as Chiaki explained "Simply pop the designated balloon, and you'll get the corresponding prize."

"I see…and what prizes are there?"

"The large balloon nets you a Caterpie plushie. The medium balloon nets you an Agumon plushie. The small balloon gets you a Detective Conan plushie."

Kyoko's eyes sparkled at the mention of Detective Conan. Other than the news, the only TV show that Fuhito let her watch was Detective Conan, as he viewed it as a way to compliment her Detective training. As a result, she became rather fond of the series and its characters; it was the only anime she could actually quote.

Kyoko stepped up andtook careful aim before winding her hand back and throwing her darts. Luck was not on her side unfortunately; for all of her skill with accuracy, all three of her darts ended up missing the balloon by a hair, causing the Detective to sigh in disappointment.

Chiaki frowned and apologized "Sorry…that one can be tough to hit, so don't feel bad, Kirigiri-san."

Makoto frowned, seeing the rare forlorn expression on Kyoko's face. Deciding he didn't like seeing Kyoko Kirigiri so disappointed and sad, Makoto stepped up with a determined expression, gathering his darts and taking aim at his targets.

In a miracle of Ultimate Luck, Makoto managed to pop all three balloons with his darts, leaving a gaping Kyoko, plus Chiaki who was staring at him with an impressed expression as she walked to get all of his prizes.

"Impressive; I don't think even Nagito has been able to pull that off. Congratulations, here are your prizes…I think."

Gratefully accepting his promises and pocketing them in his jeans, Makoto handed the plushie of Conan to Kyoko.

Her eyes widening in surprise, Kyoko stammers "But, Makoto…this is…your prize…"

Smiling, Makoto rebuffed "You looked really disappointed when you didn't win it, and I don't like seeing my friends sad, so I decided I'd win it for you. Go on, take it. It's yours."

Gratefully accepting the present, her gaze shifted back and forth between the plushie and her friend, Kyoko felt her emotions bubbling up to the surface. In an attempt to hide her feelings, Kyoko broke a cardinal rule; she walked up and embraced Makoto, burying her face against his shoulder.

"Wha…Kyou…Kyoko?!"

"Th…thank you. This really means a lot to me…"

Encouraged by her reply, Makoto returned the embrace, deciding that it was okay since she had initiated it. At last Kyoko released him, unable to hide a slight blush as she suddenly felt embarrassed at what she had just done.

"My apologies, Makoto. I shouldn't have…"

Shaking his head, Makoto assured her with a redder blush on his face "No, no, it's fine. I'm…really glad…you trust me so much…" The two stood awkwardly, not really sure about how to proceed until Makoto gave it a try, suggesting "Why don't we try grabbing some food?"

Not trusting herself to speak, Kyoko merely nodded, following Makoto over to Teruteru's snack café as they went to fill their stomachs.

XXX

After dropping their prizes quickly at their respective dorms, Makoto and Kyoko continued walking around the festival after visiting Teruteru's café, Kyoko scolding him after they left about the three hot dogs and full plate of French Fries he had consumed while she only had a single cheeseburger. It wasn't long until they reached Hiyoko's dance exhibit, the Ultimate Traditional Dancer just finishing a demonstration of a traditional ballroom waltz.

"Alright, you'll probably all stink at it, but who wants to try their hand at a ballroom waltz?" Seeing most of the men observers gaze at her, she flinched in disgust, moaning "Ewwww! Not with me! Find your own dance partners so I can laugh over how much you trip over each other's feet, you perverted weirdos!"

Makoto and Kyoko sweatdropped at Hiyoko's mean disposition. They both looked to each other, silently agreeing not to partake in this attraction. Neither Makoto nor Kyoko were comfortable dancing or performing in public, and Hiyoko's unwelcoming demeanor just sealed their refusal for both of them.

It was then that Teruteru crept up behind them, speaking seductively "Hey! Kyoko, was it? How'd you like to be my dance partner? And maybe afterwards…we can…do a different kind of dance?"

It took all of her self-restraint for Kyoko to resist shivering in disgust at being hit on by the same boy who harassed Sayaka on their first day. Although Makoto no longer felt the urge to deck his upperclassman, due to having become properly acquainted with the petit, pudgy cook, he still was able to glare disapprovingly and try to politely caution him against his current course of action.

"Hanamura-senpai, I don't think…"

"Naegi-kun, do me a favor and scram, won't you? You've gotten all day with this lovely cherry blossom, and last I checked, you hadn't asked her to be your dance partner. Besides, she hasn't given an answer yet, has she?"

"Th…that's true, but…"

Ignoring Makoto, Teruteru started to run a hand down her back, making the Detective shiver as he continued "So whadda ya say, Mademoiselle? Shall we…HEY!"

Kyoko and Makoto sighed in relief at not having to deal with Teruteru themselves; that honor now belonged to Mondo, whose purple eyes were now seething with flames of anger at the perverted cook as the Ultimate biker Gang leader pulled him into the air by his hair as he growled.

"Yo! Can't you tell when a lady's not interested in ya? I had hoped you'd have learned your lesson after you tried to hit on Sayaka. But since you obviously haven't, I'm gonna do what Yukizome-sensei didn't have the balls to do. You're fuckin' dead, ya hear?"

Clasping his hands together in a whimpering prayer, Teruteru begged "Please! Don't kill me! In fact, you can't kill me! Yeah, the headmaster would never allow it!"

"The Headmaster…"

"Will take things from here, Mondo. Kindly put Hanamura down and return to your exhibit."

All of their eyes turned to Headmaster Kirigiri, who was standing next to Chiaki, both of them glaring disapprovingly at the Ultimate Cook. Sighing, Mondo dropped Teruteru, who gracelessly fell on his butt with a plop.

"Ow…"

"Yeah…I should probably get back there…can't leave Soda-senpai to host it alone. Alright, see you guys!"

Mondo waved off as he walked out of sight, leaving Jin to deal with the offending student.

Chiaki then scolded "Teruteru, you can't go touching other women without their permission. I'd rather not uppercut you again…I think."

You think?

Again?

Unaware of Makoto and Kyoko's respective thoughts, Jin nodded, ordering "Teruteru Hanamura, follow me to my office, please. We will discuss your…discretion there." Jin glanced with concern at Kyoko, as if to ask "Are you okay?"

Blushing with embarrassment at being rescued by her estranged father, Kyoko merely nodded before Jin beckoned Teruteru, the Ultimate Cook hanging his head, a look of surrender on his face as he followed the Headmaster to face his punishment.

"Sorry about him…" Chiaki apologized. "He's not all bad; he just needs to learn to keep his mouth and his hands to himself. I hope this didn't ruin the festival for you."

Shaking their heads In unison, Makoto reassured Chiaki "Don't be silly, Nanami-senpai. We've been having a great time!"

Nodding, Chiaki replied "I'm glad. There's not much better than being at a festival with a special someone."

Both underclassmen now blushing, Makoto denied "Oh, no, Kyoko and I aren't…"

"I have a special friend too…" Chiaki interrupted "His name's Hajime Hinata, and he's in the Reserve Course. I haven't seen him in a while, but I was hoping he'd come to the festival…but he hasn't come." Looking at them with an unusually intense stare, Chiaki counseled "You two have a special bond; I'm not usually good with life sims, but I can tell it by looking at how close you are. Whatever you do, don't lose that bond…or each other…" Sighing, Chiaki finished "Well, I've got to get back to manning the arcade. Goodbye, Makoto, Kirigiri-san."

Watching her walk away, the two stood around awkwardly, not knowing what to make of her advice.

At last, Makoto broke the silence, suggesting "So…ano…shall we check out the other exhibits?"

Nodding, Kyoko followed Makoto, both still lost in thought at their upperclassman's guidance and not really watching where they were going.

XXX

Once all the exhibits had closed, all the classes gathered together to watch a movie together. Makoto and Kyoko sat in the front row on the grass, while Sayaka and Leon sat to their left. What surprised them was when Mondo sat on Kyoko's right.

"Oh, hey Mondo." Makoto greeted. "Any particular reason why you chose to sit next to us? We don't mind…"

"Just making sure you-know-who doesn't get a chance to try anything again."

Mondo pointed with his thumb, Makoto and Kyoko's gaze shifting to a cowering Teruteru, who was being watched with a stern eye by Chisa, her hand securely on her washizaki in case he tried to creep out of her sight.

Before Kyoko could claim that she could take care of herself, Mondo explained "I know that Yukizome-sensei can handle her students, and I know you can handle yourself, Kirigiri-chan…just figured I'd be added insurance, you know? I meant it when I promised I'd stick up for any of you guys, and my bro always told me that a man always keeps his promises."

Owada-kun…Mondo…

While Kyoko sat in admiration of Mondo's dedication, Makoto smiled in thanks as the projector booted up, Kazuichi pressing the "Play" button before the screen faded to the opening.

XXX

"It was really nice of Mondo to defend you like that, huh?"

Makoto and Kyoko were walking to their dorms, the festival officially over and done with.

Kyoko nodded and concurred "Yes…he's quite dependable. He and Sakura both seem to take honor seriously."

Smiling, Makoto agreed "Yeah…I'll admit…he can be a bit…loud at times, but he really is someone I can count on in a pinch." Looking apologetic suddenly, Makoto continued "…I'm sorry I didn't act to defend you from Hanamura-senpai's advances…"

Frowning, Kyoko tried to reassure him "Makoto…you know I'm…"

"…Capable of protecting yourself, yeah, I know. Still, I should have been more forceful in telling Hanamura-senpai to back off. But because I was too gentle…he…tried to touch you…and that's unforgiveable. I failed as your friend today, Kyoko, and for that, I'm sorry…"

"Makoto…"

Kyoko frowned, the guilty and forlorn look on Makoto's face not sitting right with her, clashing with her image of him as an almost eternally smiling, optimistic boy. Eventually she decided to break her cardinal rule one more time; turning to face him, she wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close.

"Ky…Kyoko?!"

Ignoring the blush that was quickly spreading across her cheeks, sha urged him "Don't get too depressed about this; it wasn't your fault. To be honest, I hope you don't change. The Makoto Naegi who's kind, sociable, and befriends everyone…I prefer you this way. This is…you."

"Kyoko…"

Releasing him and turning around before he could see the blush that was still on her face, Kyoko finished "Well, I should turn in for the evening. Remember to get a good night's sleep, Makoto. I don't want to have Mondo break down your door again."

Chuckling at the memory, Makoto replied "Okay. Good night, Kyoko."

Makoto watched as Kyoko closed the door behind her, heading back into his room before double checking his alarm clock to make sure it was working.

Some time later, Kyoko, now showered and laying on her mattress, was reflecting on the day's events as she tried to get to sleep.

Mondo Owada…he's certainly proven himself worthy of my trust…if only where emy physical safety is concerned. And Nanami-senpai…

Kyoko thought back to Chiaki's words as her gaze shifted, settling on the Conan plushie that was sitting on her dresser. Looking back on Makoto winning that plushie to see her happy, as well as the two times they hugged, Kyoko shook her head and smiled.

I do know one thing…Makoto's my best friend. He's helped me to open up…I've met and befriended so many people now because of him. Meeting him, being saved by him, becoming his best friend…I wouldn't trade those for the world!

With that, Kyoko settled under the blankets and fell asleep, at peace with herself.

XXX

Present Day

Wow, Mommy! Was that the moment when you realized you were crushing on Daddy?

Gigging, Kyoko explained "No Kiki, at that point I still viewed your father as simply my best friend. We had gotten closer, and honestly, I didn't think at the time that I could get close enough to someone to love them romantically."

Nodding, Makoto agreed "It was similar with me; I was just grateful to have your mother as my best friend. Especially after…Sayaka's rejection…" Makoto smiled at his frowning wife to assure her that he was okay before continuing "I wasn't emotionally ready to think about someone romantically. I was honestly content just to have your mother's support as my best friend."

"But we would eventually move past that hurdle, Kiki. Eventually your father and I would start to fall in love with each other, just not yet."

"Okay, Mommy. So what happened next? Did you bond with any more of your classmates after the festival?"

Nodding, Kyoko affirmed "Yes, I did still have a couple more classmates to bond with. But that will have to wait for another day; it's past your bedtime, young lady."

Yawning, Kiki nuzzled her pillow without argument, feeling the warmth of the blanket cloak her and the softness of her parents' lips press against her cheeks as they tucked her in and kissed her goodnight. Falling into slumber after their verbal expressions of love, Kiki vaguely registered the door closing as her parents walked out, leaving the young girl to fall into dreamland, fantasizing about her parents' undying love for each other.