Author's Notes: This is another chapter that's been a long time coming, ideas that cropped up ages ago that I finally get to put to paper. Pretty good feeling, that. Would do it again.
Sword-of-Dusk: I get better every time, eh? I'll take that as a nice, big compliment, thanks. I hope that this chapter reaches the same standard of quality (who am I kidding, of course it will). Enjoy, and it will be sad to see this end, but don't worry; I'll make sure the finale is worth it.
Brightwizard21: No one expects Messiah, or the Spanish Inquisition! In all seriousness, thanks for the praise. I'll make doubly sure the final fight is as good as I can make it. Hope you like the chapter!
Myalko: Welcome back! If my work is still binge-worthy, then I'm definitely happy. Thanks for the compliment, and I hope you like this one. And I do know that, by canon, Mitsuru is shorter than Minato. I thought it was funnier to imagine him being just a bit shorter, however, and I still think it is, dammit! Enjoy!
I-KL-I: I'll take that as a compliment. Thanks for the review, and hopefully I can top it in the future!
Infinitywolf23: She appreciates the sentiment with grace, I have no doubt. Best girl is best girl, after all. Thanks for the comment, and enjoy!
As for a musical accompaniment, "Memories of the City," either Ferdk's cover or from the Persona 3 soundtrack, suits this one best. And this chapter earns the M rating, no violence required. If sex bothers you, skip the end.
As always, huge thanks to Firion for the feedback. Couldn't do this without you, chief.
I hope you all like the chapter! Leave me a comment to let me know what you liked most. And, oh, how many more chapters to go...
Chapter 26 - Fertig
It was two days later when the team gathered at the Kirijo compound. The staff were moving about energetically, there was chatter and laughter as the team moved through the halls, and Abe-san looked less tired than usual. It felt like things were looking up for everyone for the first time in weeks.
"I'm glad things are going well," Mitsuru said when everyone was in Abe-san's office. She'd taken the scenic route through the building, stopping by at every department to talk to supervisors and encourage the workers. She listened to feedback, gave advice where it was needed, and left people with smiles on their faces. These were her people and she wanted to make sure they were holding up well, but she was also more than their boss and the Kirijo heiress; the staff saw her as their daughter or niece or little cousin, and her upbeat and positive mood meant that they could let off a little tension.
In any crisis, as SEES had learned, the most important indicator of mental health was the ability to laugh, and it was heartening to hear that in the hallways despite everything these people had been through.
Abe-san smiled ruefully. "I've had to learn to delegate. Between the usual goings-on and all those people you saved from Sakaki, it's too much even for me to handle."
"I'm glad everything's going well."
"It is. The staff are adapting. A lot of them are glad to be doing something helpful, and we're seeing results already. Given how crazy the world's gotten, everyone wants to feel like they're helping however they can. As for the people from the alleys, it'll take time to get them back to normal – if it happens at all – but we're working with them."
She winced. "I wish there was more we could do."
He gave her a knowing look. "You've done more than you think. Getting them away from Sakaki and the Dark Hour, no one else could have done that. Some of these people were brought in at the nick of time, and those ones are already doing better. And don't forget that getting us Ikutsuki's files has been a huge help."
"You've made use of them?"
"In more ways than I can name. We can fill the gaps on a lot of what we thought we knew before and improve our procedures." Abe-san smirked. "If you see him again, tell him that we're using his research to improve people's lives. His notes on the Persona suppressants and amplifiers are already giving us new avenues to research for cancer treatments and auto-immune disorder medication, and there are other medical innovations we can research thanks to him."
Mitsuru perked up, her business senses tingling. "Those are good ways of helping people. Can we file patents on them?"
"I've already sent in the paperwork."
Junpei scoffed. "You want us to give that asshole credit for something?"
Abe-san laughed. "He thinks we're idiots who deleted his files by accident, that we're just reaching around in the dark because he outsmarted us. Telling him that we can use his research to help people and finance the recovery of the Kirijo Group will drive him crazy. Whatever else happens to him, I'd like him to hear about that."
Akihiko grinned. "That's cruel and sadistic. I love it."
The group laughed, and then Mitsuru stepped forward. "Are the training chambers ready?"
"They are," Abe-san replied. "Reinforced and operational."
She nodded and turned to her friend and comrades. "With Strega out of the way, I feel like we have some time to breathe. There's 22 days until the next full moon, and I want to use that time to train and practice as much as we can. Nothing in any of our notes tells us what we will be facing on the 31st, but I want to make sure that we face it with everything we have. That means being at our absolute best. The chambers we've used for training and testing have been upgraded to allow practice matches and duels to be carried out, the same as if we were in the Dark Hour."
"We've pulled off wins so far," Junpei noted, "but this is a good idea. Will we be able to mix the pitches up enough to account for everything, though?"
"I'm hoping so. I still want to practice in Tartarus, but our enemy has gotten stronger and smarter with every battle. Fighting against the normal Shadows that only seem driven to feed and kill won't give us the edge we need, and Mochizuki said that Nyx won't be like anything we've faced before. He's biased, but if there's a chance we can close the gap between now and then, then let's take it. I want to be sure all of us come back from this fight."
Akihiko grunted. "Biased or not, what he was like when he showed up at the dorm wasn't him at his strongest. Not even close to how he was at the park. Put him in the heat of the fight and he's like nothing I've ever seen before. If Death or Nyx are like that, I want to be ready."
Minato nodded, grimacing at the memory.
"That's why we're not taking anything for granted," Mitsuru continued. "We have the facilities here for training and improvement and we'll be examining every aspect of everyone's form and tactics. Yamagishi, you'll be with our staff to make sure we shore up any weaknesses and come up with the best strategies. I'll be training with you as well, incidentally; I know there are ways I can improve, and I wouldn't ask you to do something I wouldn't do myself."
"Fighting each other's one thing," Yukari pointed out, "but there's a risk we'll hold back, isn't there?"
"That's why we won't hold back," Mitsuru assured her. "The measures will be in place to protect us from serious injury, and there will be medical staff nearby if anything goes wrong. That said, we need everyone to be at their strongest if we're going to win so don't pull any punches. The floor's open to everyone, too. We all have ideas and suggestions to make, so I want to hear them, no matter what it is or who is saying it."
Abe-san cleared his throat and looked at the resident wild card. "It's easy to get carried away with concept, so what this will look like in practice is that we will have duels going on between each of you, or teams fighting each other. Arisato, you'll be in the middle of all of this. You can add variety with your Personas and force us to adapt on the fly. I doubt you'll run out of ideas before we run out of time."
Minato nodded.
"There's something else we've discussed," Abe-san continued. "If Mochizuki was tied to Death, then Thanatos is the strongest thing we have that you can train against. If you've done well enough and we think you're ready, that's an opponent I want you to consider."
Ripples went through the group. Akihiko's eyebrow raised and his lips pulled up, and Junpei outright grinned. "Seriously? We can fight that thing?"
"If you're strong enough for it. Think of it as an end boss to a video game, or a challenge if we think you can handle it. You might even think of it as a reward for your efforts, if you're crazy – pardon me, enthusiastic enough."
"Count me in," Junpei said with clear relish. He glanced at Minato. "Nothing personal, but Akihiko-senpai's the only one who's beaten that thing. I want to take that record."
Minato chuckled. "I get it, and I'm good with it. I need the practice anyway."
"If we can win against Thanatos, odds are good we'll be strong enough to face Ryoji and Nyx," Akihiko noted. "Better than if we held back, anyway."
"That's the idea," Abe-san concluded, looking at the group. "And that goes for all of you. We're going to vary things as much as we can to make sure you're all fit to fight. Like Mitsuru said, we all want to see you come back here on January 1st and go back to being normal kids, so that means being ready for Hell before then. We'll be here to help you, but none of this is meant to be easy, so you can expect us to push you hard. Understand?"
There were nods all around.
"Don't be too afraid to throw the book at me," Minato told them. "I'm durable, and Yukari can always put me back together."
"I've had enough practice at it," she grumbled.
"I will endeavour to use projectiles harder than paper, Minato-san," Aigis promised.
Koromaru barked, and the group laughed.
Abe-san looked at a readout on a monitor. "The first chamber's ready, Mitsuru. You wanted the first crack at it, didn't you?"
"I did, thank you." She looked over at Akihiko. "We did say we would have to test our Personas now that we're stronger." Her words were carried on icy breath, the temperature already dropping around her in anticipation. "Shall we get started?"
Akihiko laughed, the air rumbling. "Break things in first, eh? Show the kids how it's done? You're on."
"No way!" Junpei looked between them, grinning madly. "Our senpai tearing it up? We can watch, right?"
"The observation dock has chairs," Abe-san told him. "You should get moving if you want a good seat."
Junpei and Ken tore out of the room while Yukari rolled her eyes. "Boys," she muttered, following them.
Minato joined them, but watched Mitsuru leave. This had been her idea, and he'd added what he could until the plan came together. They had the best team and facilities they could ask for, they had time and a place, and there wouldn't be any distractions from here on in. It was the best they could do with what they had, and it would have to be enough.
It would be enough, he decided. He had the best team of friends he could ask for, and he wouldn't be facing any of this alone. They would beat Nyx and come back home, and he would do whatever it took to make sure these guys had a future next year.
Fuuka sat in the operator's room – referred to by the staff as the Loft – while Junpei and Aigis faced off against Ken and Koromaru. Mitsuru and Akihiko-senpai had given them a promising show, dodging blasts and making the air explode as they fought long and hard to a fierce draw. The floor and walls sported scorch marks from lightning strikes, and off in the corner there were still ice shards, melting. The moment that Abe-san had declared the match inconclusive, Junpei had demanded to be let loose while Yukari stepped out to make a phone call. Minato went to speak to the others, leaving her with the Kirijo operators.
She marvelled at the intricacies of the machinery that replicated the feeling of the Dark Hour, right down to the intrinsic wrongness and the smell, and focused on her friends. Weaknesses were recorded, strategies were suggested, and she gave hints to each of them without tipping anyone off to her advice. Lucia scanned and processed, giving her as much information as she could handle. Even in the Loft, there was enough of the Dark Hour to allow her Persona's abilities to manifest.
The match persisted, but she was distracted by her phone. More specifically, by the noise it hadn't made yet.
She'd sent an email to Natsuki-san yesterday. The flashy girl had mentioned that she had problems with her family. Arguments between parents and their teenage children weren't uncommon – even though Fuuka's own parents wouldn't speak to her, she knew this to be the norm – but Fuuka couldn't hold her peace. Talk to them and work out your problems, she'd implored her friend. You have your differences and problems, but if your life changes tomorrow, or if they get hurt or die, then you might lose your chance to make amends. I know this sounds crazy and exaggerated, but don't sit on this. Please. You don't know when things will go for the worst, and I don't want you to regret not doing something. Call me if you want to talk; I'd like to help, if I can.
So far, no response.
Fuuka knew that it was possible, probably even likely, that she wouldn't get a reply. Most people didn't want outsiders meddling in their affairs, and normal people who couldn't appreciate the gravity of Nyx's influence and arrival wouldn't understand the warnings for what they were. But Fuuka still tried, awkward as she was, to contact her friend while abiding by Mitsuru's request for limiting any information leaks. This was all she could do without risking mass panic, but she still wanted to try.
"That was brave of you," Abe-san noted, standing next to her. "Contacting your friend like that. I appreciate your discretion."
Fuuka froze, then scratched the back of her neck. "Mitsuru told you?"
"Yes, and it's pretty obvious. Everyone in the dorm is here already, and if you wanted to contact someone here you could use the direct lines. Instead, you've been checking your phone every few minutes. My daughter does the same thing, and it stands to reason you kids would do it for similar reasons."
She chuckled. It was easy to overlook how complex the man's background was, even after Ken talked about him as one of his favourites in the Kirijo compound. The way he saw them all as both competent colleagues and still teenagers was refreshing. Mitsuru was lucky to have him in her employ.
"It's not a bad idea," he continued, calm in the face of the explosions in the chamber below them. "Takeba said she was going to talk to her mother. Seems she's trying to mend her bridges, and I wish her luck – that one won't be easy."
"You know about her situation?"
"Yes. I knew her father and about his home life, what his wife was like back then. Fixing that mess will be hard for her. Reconciling is never easy when the wounds are that deep, doubly so with family, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't try."
Fuuka nodded. "I feel the same way. I don't know if Natsuki-san will reply, or if what I said will get through to her..." she chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck again. "Maybe it was arrogant of me to presume that I could help her. I mean, even as friends, being apart takes its toll, and how could I show her how important reconnecting is?"
Abe-san looked over. "If anyone could, it's you. I'm not saying that as a platitude, either."
"I'm not the best communicator out there, actually. Mitsuru and Akihiko-senpai are much better at that than me. I'm sure you've heard her speeches. I mean, you know my situation with my parents, right? I sent them a message too, but I really don't expect to hear from them. I probably can't get through to them. Just means that there are some things I can't do, right?" She whispered, "Even when I try."
His eyes narrowed. "Get your chin up, young lady," he growled, "and don't ever think like that."
Fuuka instinctively straightened, blinking uncertainly at him.
"Some people are beyond us, that's true, but that's why we try in the first place and keep trying if it doesn't work. And if they shut you out, then that's on them. But when you speak to someone, it's always with sincerity, and you see things and communicate them better than most people your age, even if it's not with words. That's a gift. Lots of people are observant, but they're cynical. They ignore someone's feelings and close themselves off, make online posts and pretend like they've done something meaningful without ever caring enough to really invest themselves into something. That's the illusion of interaction, and worse, it's pathetic. Keep in mind that the most the average person does is send a letter once a year to stay in their parents' will, or phone to complain about their boss without ever giving back; they're one bad day away from being strangers with their own family and friends. You're different. You connect with people because you care, you would never use their secrets to your own advantage or to hurt them, and you keep trying even when you're uncertain. You make the effort in the first place when other kids your age don't even bother trying. That's something to be proud of."
She blinked. "You... you think so?"
"Bonds and relationships take a lot of work to maintain. Most people connect on a whim and then let the connection fade away. It's nothing to be ashamed of to put the work in, and anyone who mocks you or says otherwise is someone you should ignore. Even before everything with the Shadows happened, people were still apathetic and careless. Not being part of that crowd is an accomplishment. So don't feel like you're wasting your friend's time because you care and you want what's best for her. We should all be so lucky to have someone like that in our lives."
"Th...thank you. Um, you sound very sure of that, about me connecting with people."
He looked at her like she'd miscounted her numbers from 1 to 10. "Of course I'm sure. It's right there."
"Right where?"
"Your Persona. She sees the powers of the others and the weaknesses of the Shadows, right? She has to connect well in order to get that information, and that means you do, too."
She blinked.
"Even if you don't think so," he continued, "your Persona does. Your bonds are there in the information she sends you. Maybe you don't see it that way because you're not sure of yourself – and you're at that age, so I wouldn't be surprised – but the truth is right in front of you."
Fuuka looked at the others with fresh eyes, saw their strengths and weaknesses, how they moved and where they were slowing down and how they could get better. All the information came to her easily, and she could speak to her friends if she desired, no problems to get in her way, and she didn't need to be afraid of saying the wrong thing. So easy. As easy as it had been since she'd come to the dorm, as easy as saying what she wanted, and even if she got it wrong or tripped herself up, she could try again and keep trying because she knew they would listen.
"You see it now?" Abe-san asked.
"I... I do."
"Being tied to everyone means you're part of the rudder that steers the ship, good winds or bad. It's as much your decision as theirs. So, where do you want to go?"
She smiled, knowing what he was doing and feeling imminently grateful for this blunt, direct man. "I want us to stay together even after we fight Nyx. On January 1st and after, I want us to stay connected, to never drift apart."
"You'd be the right one to do that," he noted. "So you're going to put the work in?"
"Yes. Yes, I'll do it."
The rush of power would have knocked her off her feet if Abe-san hadn't caught her. Her resolve flooded her with certainty and power, and the little bit of Lucia's power she was using crashed into her like the flood from a broken dam. The simulated Dark Hour warped in front of her and went bright, reforming her Persona and responding to her will. Lucia wasn't Lucia anymore, but Juno, and the connections appeared as living circuitry before her eyes, clearer and brighter than they'd ever been. Information, means and ends, it was all there for her so she could help the others get to where they wanted to go.
With this she could see more. She could do more. With this she could help them, could make their dreams and future beyond Nyx into reality, no matter how much work it took.
Except...
The lights in the Loft flickered and died, the machinery in the practice chamber shut down, and the glowing figures of the Personas and their combatants guttered out like a snuffed candle. Everything went dark, and Fuuka and the operators were thrown into sudden, jarring darkness. Red emergency lightning kicked in a second later, and shouts from the chamber and all around her rang out as people demanded to know what had happened.
"Um..." She twisted her hands together, trying to make herself smaller and find a door before anyone noticed her.
Abe-san looked at her, then turned away, laughing. "Power surge," he explained to the crew and to SEES in the training chamber. "It happens sometimes, especially with Personas. Check the systems and back-ups and figure out how to stop that from happening again. We'll get back to work once we're operational."
"I'm sorry. If I broke anything–"
"Don't apologize. Like I said, these things happen. Around you kids, they seem to happen a lot." The amusement was rich in his voice. "If this is the cost of your peace of mind, then it's a small price to pay. Go take a break, get your feet under you, and keep what I said in mind."
"I will. And thank you for saying what you did; honestly, it was what I needed to hear."
He nodded. "Glad I could help. Just hold onto that feeling from now on."
Fuuka left the Loft and ran into Yukari down the hall. "What happened?" Yukari asked.
"Um, there was a power surge. They're fixing the equipment now."
Yukari gave Fuuka a knowing look. "Right. Well, I'm glad you're okay. You seemed bummed out this morning."
"I'm better now, thanks. What about you? How did your phone call go?"
Yukari shrugged, but her lips turned up. "It'll be tough, dealing with Mom and everything that Dad left behind. There's a lot of baggage there, and dredging up stuff to get it sorted and unloaded isn't going to be easy or pretty. But no one said that it would be."
"I don't know if there's anything I can do to help, but... well, would you like to talk? About something besides all this, I mean."
"I... sure. I'd like that."
Fuuka and Yukari chatted in the lunch room after that, going over their plans for after January 1st and avoiding the subject of Nyx and the full moon. It was cathartic for Fuuka, but she also knew that Yukari needed this just as much, maybe more. With the constant reminder of work around them, anything that let them be themselves was welcome. Necessary, even.
By the end of their talk, it was time for them to head back to the Loft and the training chamber, but Yukari had a lighter step than she'd had that morning, and Fuuka was ready with Juno to find every nook and cranny she could for her friends. For all of them. Just before the practice fights began again, her phone buzzed. She checked the screen and saw a reply to the text she'd sent earlier to Natsuki-san:
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Family stuff, you know how it is. Thanks for your concern, by the way. I appreciate it. You want to talk? I'd love to. I know you're in the same dorm as Kirijo Mitsuru and Sanada Akihiko. You have to tell me more about them, and...
The text went on, and Fuuka's smile grew so wide that her cheeks hurt. This was it: The physical assurance of what Abe-san had been talking about, the genuine connections she could make if she just reached out and tried. It would take work and a time investment to maintain this, but she hadn't been wrong to worry about her friend or to send the first message, and she would remember that.
She looked up at Abe-san only to find the man watching her with a soft, knowing smile on his face. He knew, she realized, because he'd fumbled and fallen so much himself, had come so far for his own sake and that of his family. She wondered if he was this blunt and supportive with his wife and children, and what fortunate people they must be for it.
Fuuka nodded, whispered with all her gratitude behind it, "Thank you."
He smiled back. "Glad to help. Now come over here and get ready, and be careful this time."
She laughed, an honest laugh that undid the knot of tension Nyx kept tying up in her, and did as he asked. With such a gracious invitation, how could she say no?
With 19 days to go, Ken and Koromaru took their time going to the shrine. Well, Ken took his time; Koro eagerly visited with people along the way while Ken stepped carefully, negotiating sore muscles and bruises that stung in the cold air. More than one person, after petting Koro and scratching him behind the ears, asked if Ken was all right. He answered with "We were doing sports at school today," and that was close enough to the truth. Back before he'd joined SEES, sports days were either fun and good exercise, or they'd left him feeling like he'd been slowly crushed by a street paver. His training sessions now were, to put it lightly, intense. His bruises and strained muscles had strains and bruises of their own. He'd always known that Junpei was enthusiastic during a fight, but being on the receiving end of that enthusiasm made him glad they were on the same side.
But regardless of speed, the pair made it to the shrine eventually, and by that point Ken was warmed up and numb enough that the steps didn't bother him too much. And it never occurred to him to turn back – he'd left the compound and come here for a reason.
When he made it up the steps and reached the shrine grounds proper, he knew he'd made the right choice. He'd commented to Maeda-san that the shrine had been a bit ratty on his previous visits, that the bare minimum was being done to maintain it, but no more than that. Ken didn't know if Maeda-san had called someone in the Civic Services or if he'd mentioned it to Mitsuru-san directly, but the shrine was much better now. Not sparkling or pristine like one might expect of a panicked custodial crew or someone aiming to show off and sell the place, but the garbage bins were empty, the grounds were clean, and the playground had been put into order by someone, or someones, who clearly cared.
Even if the timing happened to be coincidental, for the place to be attended to so soon after Strega had been defeated, when those people had been rescued, felt like things were swinging in the right direction. And it wasn't just the grounds that showed improvement; there were more people here than before. Some of the people were off in the corner or shut away from everyone else, but some of those Ken had seen before who'd been at their worst were here again, this time smiling or laughing with friends and loved ones. Ken couldn't ask if their situations had improved – who would give that information to a kid who was, ostensibly, totally uninvolved? – but he believed that things were getting better for these people.
He tapped Koro on the shoulder and let him loose, and the dog made his rounds like usual, soaking up attention and scratches and leaving people more upbeat in his wake. More people talked about the dog this time, calling him the "guardian of the shrine" in familiar or admiring tones, and soon enough even those who hadn't been smiling before Koro came to them were left with a lighter burden for a while.
Every time, Ken mused. Koro did it every time, naturally, like it was the easiest thing in the world. It probably was natural for him, since this was his home, and it made Ken wonder what the human equivalent of that would be. A peppy teacher no one could scare off, maybe, or an insightful counsellor who cut to the heart of the matter, or a gruff guy with a caring heart.
Ken chuckled as he realized that he'd just described Maeda-san and Abe-san.
But much as he would have liked to watch Koro work his magic and relax, that wasn't why they'd come here.
The lessons and training at the Kirijo compound had left Ken reminiscing about the first time he'd gone to the place and the state he'd been in – what had happened in his life up to then, the shattered condition of his mind, and his mood that had sunk lower than the ocean floor. Practicing and training for the final fight had brought everything into focus, from where he'd been to where he was now and what he wanted to do after Nyx was defeated. Maeda-san had spoken to him about that specifically during one of their brief conversations between training rounds. "Don't just think of the fight coming up," he'd advised. "Think of what you want to do after that. You're young, you still have a long life ahead of you, and I don't want you to put so much into fighting Nyx that you don't have anything left after." So when Ken found himself with an empty afternoon, he'd come here.
He walked up to the sacred tree and looked up, thinking about that question. It was easy, he realized, to get stuck on the broad strokes. He wanted to make it to January, he wanted to keeping going to school, to make new friends and keep the ones he had, to go to festivals with them, on and on. But Maeda-san had said to be specific, had said to focus on a clear vision of the future. And as Ken set one hand on the tree's trunk and the other on Mom's crucifix, he let his mind wander. The gentle clicking of Kala-Nemi's gears sounded in the background, a soft cadence at the edge of hearing, and he smiled as the answer presented itself with a lot less trouble than the other times he'd tried praying or meditating.
He would keep in touch with Abe-san and Maeda-san. Maeda-san said he was expecting a grandchild soon, and while it might be presumptuous of Ken to consider it, he wanted to see the baby after it was born. Nothing symbolized the future in his mind better than the young, than other kids and the potential they had that could change the world for the better. He wanted things to get better for kids like him, and more than just wanting that to happen and paying lip service to the idea, when Nyx was dealt with he would find a way to actually do it. There had to be jobs in that field that he could do. He would have to ask Mitsuru-senpai for some ideas on that front.
He smiled. Speaking of their leader, there was also the little something that Fuuka-san and Akihiko-senpai had planned. He wouldn't want to be late for that.
Koro bounded back and barked at him, wagging his tail so much that his back end almost went off balance and looking up with that distinct canine grin where his mouth was open and his tongue was lolling out to one side.
"What's got you so happy?" Ken asked, looking around the shrine grounds to see what–
Oh... Um, wow.
Walking toward the offering box was a family. Nothing unusual there, lots of families came here to pray. But on the edge of the group, closest to him, was a girl close to his age. She was bundled up in a long coat and gloves, but even past that he thought she was beautiful. Soft-looking ivory skin; glossy, wavy black hair tied back and resting on one shoulder; one of those hairpins with threaded chains and flowers on it; and the biggest, darkest eyes he'd ever seen, even from the side and this far away.
He'd seen girls his age, obviously, and lived with teenagers who were unarguably beautiful, but not one of them had hit him quite like this. Maybe this was how Minato-senpai and Mitsuru-senpai felt about each other.
Well, not exactly the same, but maybe?
Once the family was at the offering box, they discussed what to pray for and how much to donate. The girl glanced around, turned to take note of the tree, and then saw Ken staring at her.
Ken turned red, reflexively looked away and scratched the back of his neck. When he braved a look at her again, however, he saw that her cheeks were quite red as well. He looked away, then felt like he could feel her looking. When he looked up, she was just turning away, and back and forth it went until they locked eyes. They both blushed, but neither broke gaze this time.
"What do you think, Satomi?" the girl's mom suddenly asked.
Satomi jumped and squeaked, turning to her parents and catching up with the discussion. Ken knelt to pet Koro so he didn't seem too suspicious, but he looked over at her every few seconds.
He couldn't help it.
When she did shyly turn toward him, he smiled as confidently as he could and waved at her, realizing only at that point that his hands were shaking badly.
Maybe she didn't notice the shaking, or did and thought it was cute anyway, because she gave him a small, trembling wave of her own in return. Then she turned back to her family, probably so they didn't get curious.
Koro nudged him, still grinning. Ken chuckled to try and tamper down his rattled nerves. Going up and talking to her when she was with her family would be impolite, especially when this was the first time he'd even seen her, but... "Do you know her?" he asked his friend. "Does she come here often?"
Koro barked in the affirmative. He went over to the playground and began pawing at the sand, outlining a calendar and the days of the week. Ken stopped him before it got too elaborate – shrine guardian or not, people would start to talk if they realized a dog was smarter than some adults out there. "You can tell me later," he said. He rose and checked the time on his phone again, then looked at Satomi and her family one more time before, regretfully, deciding to leave. He had somewhere to be and he didn't want to be late
He would, however, make a stop at a pet food store and buy some of Koro's favourite treats. The dog had fought and trained as hard as any of them, so he deserved a bit of luxury now and then. And if some information about certain shrine visitors should come out of that, then what would the harm be?
Ken nodded toward the tree – which was where Satomi and her family were standing, by pure coincidence – and murmured, "I'll be back soon. And we'll all come here when we win." Then he turned and left the grounds with Koro at his side, plans for the rest of the day already coming to mind.
But, man, she really was pretty...
Of all the places one could have an honest chat with a friend, the cemetery was pretty low on the list. A café would have worked, or the food court at the mall, or even the park where college girls hung out. Any one of those places or more would have suited a gathering of comrades. But Akihiko and Junpei chose a cemetery – a specific cemetery – to meet at.
The others would be here soon, but these two had nothing else to do and so they got here early.
The day was crisp and clear, the sun so bright off the snow and ice that it hurt to look around sometimes. It didn't feel like doomsday was approaching, but then again, neither did the cemetery feel ominous or threatening, despite the mood of every horror movie out there and all that the pair had been through. Rather, the stones reflected a measure of care that suggested that the families and groundskeepers were meticulous in tending to those buried here.
Junpei and Akihiko had brought cleaning supplies and rags with them, and found a particular grave plot site, one that looked like it hadn't been visited in a long time. In ten years or so, one could wager. As they cleaned the stones and washed them off carefully, they chatted about work.
"It's a good day for this," Akihiko noted. "Wouldn't stop anything if it was snowing or cloudy, but this definitely works better."
"Think they'll guess what we're doing?"
"It's Mitsuru we're talking about, so I'm sure she'll have some idea. But hopefully no one's said anything; she gets few enough surprises out of life, and it's funny to watch her crack once in a while."
Junpei chuckled. "I hear you. Always reading her books and looking after everything, she deserves the chance to be normal and have the rug pulled out from under her sometimes."
"Do you ever miss it?" Akihiko asked. "Being normal, that is. Out of any of us, I think you and Yamagishi have the least tied up with the Kirijo Group and the fewest connections to what happened with the Shadows at the labs. You two might have been completely normal and not gotten involved in any of this, if things had gone differently."
Junpei scratched his head. "I dunno. Every one of us is a misfit who fell through the cracks in some way, I think. I mean, even with your time at the orphanage, you could've just gotten a boxing scholarship and buried your past, and Yuka-tan was stable – well, mostly – without a Persona. If me and Fuuka could have been normal, no reason you guys couldn't have been, too. But that means us normal ones are as crazy as you guys, whether we wanted it or changed for it or not. If we're comparing how much anyone's changed, the one who's lowest on that list is Koromaru."
"True enough," Akihiko conceded.
"I don't think it was ever an option, not doing this," Junpei admitted. "Sure, it seems like a random chance for some of us, but for what we've seen and gone through, I don't know if I buy that. Mitsuru-senpai and Minato were always tied to this thing, right? And they would have needed people to help them. Might not have turned out how anyone expected, but things had to go forward somehow, so some of us were going to be needed to take the punches and help out. And I'm okay with that. I mean, this isn't so bad. Being stuck in a normal life, acting like the most important thing going on was test scores and meeting girls... even if all this shit hasn't gone how I ever expected it to, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Akihiko nodded and scrubbed a bit harder. "Agreed. That's where I am, and Shinji was there, too."
"He's a tough act to follow," Junpei noted. "I'll bet you he would've handled Thanatos and Takaya like they were nothing."
They chuckled at the image, both knowing it was true.
"But that doesn't mean I haven't thought of it," Junpei continued. "How it could have been Kenji or someone else who had the potential for a Persona, that it could have been them instead of me. Might be that I would've been in one of those coffins like everyone else and never known about all this stuff, and it would have been that poor schmuck who got stuck here and fought some crazy bitch in Tartarus. Bad times for that guy, I'd say, so just as well that it's me. I have no idea how someone else would have taken all this."
"What Yoshino told you when she died, that she'd survive when Nyx came down and now you might have the same problem, does that bother you?"
"If I thought we were going to lose, then it might. But we've got you and Mitsuru-senpai. Hell, we've got Minato on our side. I don't care what Ryoji says, there's no way that much firepower isn't going to be enough."
Akihiko laughed. "Thanks, Junpei."
"Just telling it like it is. You're a powerhouse, man. I don't care what we face, there's no way we're going down against Nyx."
"That wasn't what I was thanking you for."
Aigis stepped up to them, taking note of their handiwork. "You have begun, I see. May I join you?"
Akihiko nodded, and she placed some fresh incense at the base of the graves and bowed politely before helping out. Soon enough, Yamagishi and Takeba were coming up the steps, and Ken and Koromaru were behind them. Each of them greeted the other, took note of the gravestones and cleaned them up just a bit more, or scrubbed this speck or that streak off of them, making small talk as they waited for the pair of the hour.
They waited at the grave plot occupied by the family named Arisato.
Then, as early as one might expect, Mitsuru and Minato came up the stairs, not terribly surprised to see the team there. "I thought you might be up to something," she noted.
Akihiko shrugged. "We needed some air. This is as good a place as any, right?"
Minato was thoughtful, pensive as he looked at the stones where his parents and sister lie. "This is where you wanted to meet?"
"Yeah. I felt it was necessary." Akihiko cleared his throat. "It would be easy to overlook what we've gone through. Everyone's been through the mill, we've all lost a lot and had the rug pulled out from under us, and that's what's made us stronger. But that doesn't mean we should ignore the past, either. You lost your family, and even if we have a clear picture on what happened now, it doesn't change that you've been through a lot too."
"True enough. You kicked down my door to tell me that much last time."
The group laughed.
"And it worked. But my point is that I don't want you, or anyone, to take it for granted. We're all lucky to have you on our side, and even if things had been different and you'd just been another Persona User like us, I'd still be glad to fight beside you."
"Damn right," Junpei put in.
Mitsuru squeezed his hand, showing her support as well.
"I appreciate the sentiment, and the feeling's mutual. But why come here to say that?" Minato inquired.
"They say that the dead are always with us," Aigis began. "I believe that the truth of this sentiment is outside the realm of science, so if there is any merit to it, then expressing our gratitude in the company of your family is the best that we can offer. They deserve to hear our praise."
"I'm not sure if I'd put it exactly like that," Akihiko amended, looking a bit embarrassed, "but it does have a nice feel to it, right?"
"It was your idea, Akihiko-senpai," Yukari pointed out with a smile. "Aigis might have jumped on it first, but you were the one who said, 'He should have the chance to talk to them.' I overheard you myself."
"You weren't supposed to be there," Akihiko grumbled while the others laughed again.
"I like the idea," Mitsuru put in, turning to her boyfriend. "Perhaps this is pressuring you a little, but do you mind if we do this?"
Minato cleared his throat. "I wasn't... expecting this. But I won't turn it down. Thanks, you guys. I appreciate it."
The group tended to the grave site until stones were scrubbed to shining, then stepped back. They each looked among themselves before Ken stepped forward, bowing politely. "Hi there, Arisato-san. That's all of you, actually. It's probably strange to meet all of us like this, but we figured that you should know what kind of guy Minato-senpai grew up to be. He's pretty cool, even when things are hard. Especially then, actually, because he's hard on us and makes sure that we give our best. He sticks up for all of us, does everything he can to win, and I think everyone at his school hates him. I don't really understand why."
That got chuckles from the others. "Thanks for sugar-coating it, Ken," Minato grumbled.
"But he's the best leader we could have asked for," Ken continued. "He gave me the smack I needed and didn't take any of my crap when I was in a bad place. Even when he crashed, he still came back to help us. I'm really happy I met him, and I know my life has been better for it. Thank you for looking after him as long as you did, and rest in peace. We'll do our best, for all of you and for him." Ken crossed himself and backed away, blushing under the scrutiny of the others. "It was what I felt like saying," he mumbled.
"Better than if you'd recited it," Yukari noted. "That was really good."
"You set the bar high," Junpei said, stepping up with a grin, "but I'm always up for a challenge. Hi there, Arisato-san. You already heard a lot about Minato from Ken here, but there is one thing I have on him: I know exactly why everyone at school hates him."
"You're not helping," Minato muttered, and it was Mitsuru's turn to chuckle while he went quite red.
"They're jealous because he's got an awesome girlfriend," Junpei went on, "and because he's got his head on straight. With what he's gone through, he's strong enough to handle some bad names. He's taken a lot on his shoulders since you died, but he's come out stronger for it. It might be that we'd still be here without him, but we wouldn't be us. He's helped us. He's a real friend, and that's a rare thing these days. So, like Ken said, thanks for taking care of him all that time." Junpei laughed then, giving Minato a grin. "And Minako-san, it's a shame I couldn't meet you; I'm sure you were gorgeous. Being friends with your brother would've meant I'd have an in, right?"
"You were doing so well up to then," Minato deadpanned even though he wore a smile. "But you're right; Minako was beautiful."
"Still wouldn't have meant you would have a chance," Yukari put in. "I'm sure the competition for her would have been stiff."
Junpei shrugged. "It would've worked out. Just gotta keep at it."
Yukari greeted Minato's family next, then Fuuka and Akihiko-senpai. Even Koromaru barked in acknowledgement. Last in line was Aigis, who looked serious.
"I apologize for what happened. What I allowed to happen... I still feel responsible for your deaths, and I believe there was some way to protect you all that I missed. But I have learned the value of forgiveness, and I hope that our battles have balanced my mistakes with our successes. I thank you for giving Minato-san his personality and character. He has been integral to our lives, and even after we finish this last battle, I am confident that he will be our leader. Please, look after us as we fight, and rest well." With that, she bowed with the deepest respect.
The group turned to him, and Minato found he couldn't speak. It was a given that he was tight with his friends – they were his crew, after all – but to hear it all in person was rather humbling and hugely embarrassing. "Thanks, you guys," he managed at last. "Thanks for everything."
Junpei waved it off grandly. "Nothing to it, man. Just telling it like it is."
"We only spoke the truth, Minato-san," Aigis added.
Akihiko-senpai stepped aside. "If you want some time with them to yourself, we can leave you alone."
"Yeah. Just a few minutes."
The others nodded and left, but Mitsuru stayed, silent and stable in her support.
"Hey," he began, stepping up to the graves. They were nice stone markers, in a good spot in the cemetery. He hadn't been here before. He knew they'd been buried here, just like he knew the details of their wills and personal effects, but like so much when he'd been under Death's influence, it had been a minor detail before. And after, it had been a painful thought to consider how long he'd gone without seeing his family. This wasn't easy, but the others had made it manageable, and he'd remember this for the rest of his life. "I haven't stopped by, but... well, you know what was going on. You wouldn't want me to get dour about it, right, 'Nako? But it's good to be here, and there's a lot to tell you, like..."
He continued for several minutes, telling them about the goings-on of his life. The Kirijo Group and his friends, the strange turn his life had taken, all of it. But as he progressed, he knew there was one point he wanted to make. "It's only been possible because I have an amazing girlfriend," he admitted, glancing back and seeing how Mitsuru blushed. "She's strong and smart, she looks after all of us but still needs help getting everything done. You would like her, Sis. I can only imagine the crazy things you'd do with her, but you'd love her almost as much as I do. Same with you, Mom. I hope you can give us your blessing when this all settles down. This is... pretty serious to me. I wish you could have met her, but she's here now. We both are."
Mitsuru nodded and stepped up next to him, looking comfortable as she spoke. "This is unorthodox, to say the least, and not how I expected to meet my boyfriend's parents. But I don't have a normal life either, and given everything we've seen and done lately, this makes sense. I'm honoured to meet you all, and everything that the others said, it's all true. Minato is brave and strong and dedicated to all of us. I don't think I've met anyone who cares about us as much as he does, and he has been an irreplaceable member of the team since we met him.
"He'd say we're laying it on thick, but he's underselling himself. He really is a major part of our lives now.
"I think that this would normally be the part where things get uncomfortable as we try to talk about our relationship and the future. That's mitigated a bit by the fact that we're fighting our hardest to make sure we have a future to speak of. We'll make it through – I believe that – but Minato and I are still working on the specifics. However, I will say this much: no matter what happens, I'm stealing him and keeping him. He might be your son and brother, but he's my boyfriend and nothing's taking him away from me."
"I didn't know you could be this possessive," Minato murmured, trying to hide his grin.
"You just haven't seen it yet. Give it some time.
"I promise that we will do our best to live a good life together. We've seen and lost so much that I think we both know the value of what we have. And I know that his value is such that I could never pay enough money for it, so please, give us your blessings and watch over us from there. I would never presume to turn down more help, and I welcome your support. You sounded like wonderful parents, and while I'm sorry I could never meet you, I thank you for looking after Minato for as long as you could, for making him who he is. If I had four days and nights it still wouldn't be enough time to tell you what he means to me.
"And Minako, I'm sorry we never met in person. I wish we could have. From everything I've heard about you, I feel like I would have had a wonderful sister. But I'll look after him for you. I'll make sure to remind him to have fun and do something crazy once in a while, and he can do the same for me."
"That's a tall order, considering who you're talking to," he noted quietly, dabbing at his eyes. "She was incredible at getting into trouble."
"All the better."
"You practiced some of that, didn't you?"
"Of course. I wasn't going to meet your family without doing my best."
"Thanks."
She nodded, kissing him on the cheek and stepping away. "Did you have anything else you wanted to say? We have as much time as you need."
"Yeah... Just a few more things." He cleared his throat and looked at the stones.
"I love you," he whispered when he was alone, letting the tears fall. Not bitter or angry this time, they were clear and washed over the scars on his heart. "I love you all and I miss you, but I'm doing okay. I've got the best friends out there, and we're going to win this thing. And Mitsuru... well, you can see her yourself. Even if... even if me winding up here wasn't what you intended, even if we didn't have a choice, I'm happy with where I am now. I've got plans, with Mitsuru and the others and the future, and I want to make them happen. I will make them happen. So thanks, Mom, Dad, 'Nako. Thanks for everything. I'll keep going until the end, and I'll make sure you're proud of me."
He backed away, ready to go back to his girl and his friends, to make the most of the time they had left. But his family needed to know one last thing: "I'll come back and see you again. And I'll have a lot more to tell you then. I promise."
Mitsuru came awake slowly that morning. The lack of speed with which she returned to the world of consciousness was usually a sign of how well rested she would be, and this time she took quite a while coming to.
SEES had been training relentlessly at the Kirijo compound, sometimes just sleeping there and changing before attending school, ignoring the dorm entirely. Their efforts were paying in dividends, and their regimen would keep up the pace until the last few days before the full moon so they were ready. But today, on a Saturday when there wasn't any school or training, when they were all being given a well-deserved day of rest, she indulged in the chance to sleep in. Her luxurious bed and pillows, her sheets with thread counts in the thousands, she didn't take the chance to enjoy them as much as she should. Given the opportunity, she might doze in her bed for another hour and sleep in until 7AM.
But then she noticed that she was getting some extra support, and not from her bra.
Sharing a bed with Minato was bound to present its own set of changes. People were people, after all, so it stood to reason that having someone else in her sleeping space was going to require some adjustments. For the most part, the changes were acceptable when they weren't outright ignored. After all, he was clean and respectful of her bed, he didn't snore, and even though her room was downright cozy for two teenagers, they still worked around each other without colliding too often, fitting into their shared routine like they'd been ready for it years before.
That said, there had been some things she hadn't expected, which was why, this morning, her slumbering boyfriend had his arms around her, hands cupping her boobs.
This wasn't the first time it had happened, nor was he the only participant in their nocturnal affections. She'd told him that she was a stationary sleeper, and for the most part she was, but it seemed that when she went into deep REM sleep, usually set off by a large workload or a particularly busy day, she moved toward warmth. In those cases, she would come to curled up against him, her leg between his and a vital part of his anatomy pressed against her stomach. Other times, when she nodded off with him close by, he would seem to look for her in his sleep and wind up spooned against her. Sometimes that meant his hands wound up on her stomach, like he couldn't be apart from her even in sleep. Other times, she woke up like this. Sometimes, he woke up first and he jostled her awake in trying to put his hands somewhere respectful, even if she could see the hungry glint in his eye as they got dressed for the day.
It was a natural reaction for both of them, she knew. They couldn't help what happened when they slept, biology simply was what it was, and they were both teenagers of the opposite sex. Their sleeping arrangements had been her idea, after all, so she couldn't well get angry when things turned out this way, not like she'd heard from some of the girls at school or saw on TV shows. That level of hypocritical drama didn't make sense to her.
And besides, if her boyfriend didn't find her sexually attractive enough to admire her body, then she'd have a lot more to worry about than some realities of human plumbing.
Of course, that didn't help her in the moment. She gently moved out of his hands, but her nipples were still hard and sensitive, brushing against her underwear and tingling with the rest of her body. An increasingly large part of her didn't want to separate from her source of heat and stimulation, and an especially salacious side of her psyche offered that an increasingly large part of him wouldn't mind in the slightest either. As it was, she found herself admiring her boyfriend's sleeping physique and contemplating doing naughty things with him or to him, and she had to close her fingers to stop them from twitching and reaching to touch him even as her lower lip was stapled between her teeth.
It didn't seem fair. Just drifting in her thoughts made her eyes gravitate back to her boyfriend, whose sleeping shirt had ridden up and was showing his flat, tight stomach. Her fingers itched to touch him, urged her to push his hair back and play with it while he was still asleep or to lift that shirt and explore that skin and see as much of it as she could. She was his girlfriend, after all, and if anyone was entitled to this, it was her.
That voice was getting more and more convincing and she found fewer excuses to restrain herself as time went on.
She loved him, but more than that right now, she wanted him. She'd been a good girl, but they were going out for a date today. They'd both been looking forward to it, had set the time aside, and they were going to do nothing related to work.
And maybe... Mitsuru bit her lip harder, eyeing Minato and her bed.
It took almost four minutes for her to turn away. It was hard, like magnets pulling against attraction, but she set out her outfit for the day, slipped into the bathroom, and set the shower for Arctic yet again. Even then, it took a while before her temperature dropped down to normal.
To Minato, dates with his girl had always been a mix of exploration and expectation. Mitsuru wasn't so reckless or wild that she felt the need to do something completely out of character – she'd never been truly rebellious, after all – and she tended to find different perspectives in even the most mundane activities. He would never forget how she offered business advice to the owners of the ramen restaurant, or how she contemplated the solvency of Duck Burger as she twiddled with her fries and admired the mascots.
There was always something different with her, even when things were simple.
Which was why he was feeling more off balance the longer their date went today. She'd been subdued during breakfast, stealing glances at him when she thought he wouldn't notice, and her outfit, while sharp and classy, didn't seem to fit her as well as it usually did... or maybe that was from how she fidgeted while they held hands and went through the schedule they'd planned out.
Everyone was allowed to have an off day, but she got worse from there.
Their walk through the park was slower than expected, with her watching parents with their children and flirting couples with deep-seated interest. When she looked back at him and walked next to him, he could feel the tension tightening like the slow pulling of piano strings. The next stop had been the mall for a light snack, but she was distracted by the clothing boutiques and the advertised sales for 'couples only!' products. She didn't seem intent on going in and buying anything, and she'd declined when he asked if she wanted to, but she had a meaningful, faraway look to her eye that he didn't miss. Finally, their trip through the aquarium made things clear as could be. She brushed against him more than once, looked away from him while holding his hand tight, showing off her figure in profile, and while they'd planned to go to the theatre and then have dinner, he knew he couldn't play dumb to this and expect to walk away unscathed.
He knew she was fired up, probably from their proximity that morning or yesterday or any one of the nights before. He was feeling the same way. He loved her and respected her, but he was also a guy and she was a beautiful girl. There was only so much time he could burn before she got fed up with waiting, and that would either mean losing his chance or her taking charge and dragging him to wherever she wanted. Considering she knew how to fight and subdue someone, and she had a Persona if she felt like she needed it, even his inexperienced imagination made the outcomes pretty clear.
There was also the risk of property damage if he didn't respond to her cues, and that would have made things awkward.
So when they came out of the aquarium and walked toward the street, he pulled her close and asked, "Were you set on seeing that movie?" in a low, uneven voice.
She glanced over, blushing but also looking relieved. "Not... not entirely, if you had something else in mind."
"I do, actually. Everyone's either training or out having fun, which means the dorm is empty."
"Are you suggesting we go back there? Just us?"
"Yes, I am. Any objections?"
Her composure fractured loud enough for him to hear, and he could see the naked want and promises in her eyes, even if she maintained her staid sense of decorum by the thinnest of margins. "None. Lead the way."
They hailed a cab and behaved properly in the back seat, keeping their hands to themselves while they stewed in their juices. The trip from the mall to the dorm should only have taken a few minutes, and to be fair probably did, but it felt like hours for the couple whose skin had lit up where they were touching. Finally, finally they arrived, and they tripped over themselves trying to seem normal. They paid the driver and went into the dorm, the very personifications of poise until the doors closed behind them.
Then they attacked each other like they hadn't seen each other in three months.
He kissed her hard, or perhaps she kissed him – they would both have bruises later, so the point was academic at best – and pressed her against the wall. Light gasps and urgent little moans crawled up her throat while they kicked their shoes off. They had enough attention to confirm that there wasn't anyone else in the foyer when they were halfway across it, but they wouldn't have stopped if there had been. They got a first-hand lesson on kissing while climbing stairs, namely on where to put their feet and how to wait until they reached the next landing before searching for each other's tonsils. It was a lesson heeded in the end – Mitsuru waited to pounce on her boyfriend until he had both feet on the floor, and his excellent balance kept them from falling. From there it was a wet, gasping trek to her door, and both were thankful that she'd left it unlocked when they'd left. Once inside they attacked each other's clothes while their lips stayed inseparable. She tasted of something subtly sweet that he wanted more of, and she was all too accommodating for him even while they pulled at coats and shirts. Twice, their hands crossed or blocked her progress, and she actually growled at him when he didn't move fast enough. But, with attire tossed aside, shirts in disarray and pants barely hanging on, they stopped long enough to get to her bedroom door. In between half-undone blouse buttons, something lovely and lacy and red could be seen.
"We're not doing this on the floor," she stated breathlessly. "Not this time, anyway."
Her room was laid out with the same care for attention as it had been in Kyoto. Low lighting, incense to complement the smell of the lotion she'd rubbed on her skin after her shower, and fresh sheets just waiting for them.
Minato took it all in and smirked, holding her close but refraining from re-engaging their duels of lips and tongues so they could catch their breath. "I thought you were just taking your time getting ready this morning. Seems you were busy."
"Preparation is half the battle," she recited, pulling at his clothes anew. "This was where we were going to end up, and I wasn't going to waste the day."
"What if I'd missed your signs?" he inquired, unbuttoning her blouse hastily enough that he almost tore a button off.
"I would have dragged you here and used rope." She sounded dead serious. "Bad enough you made me wait this long; we could have gotten started this morning and left everything for later."
"Tempting offer. Missed opportunity, but we'll make up for it."
She became more coy as her clothes were removed. When she pushed her blouse off, one arm came up to teasingly conceal her red lacy bra and the impressive bosom that it supported, and when she stepped out of her pants, leaving her in matching panties, she moved back toward the bed, and gently ordered, "You next."
Minato's hands were shaking as he disrobed. They'd discussed sex before, blushed and sputtered through their mutual inexperience and shared research, and their conclusion had been to let it happen when it would. When he was down to his boxers, he walked over and stopped a few feet away from her next to the bed, just inside arm's reach. Both twitched and shifted in the dim light, their ardour blending in with embarrassment, and looked the other over.
She was gorgeous. It was natural for him to think so, and he'd always seen her as the most beautiful girl in the city, but this really drove it home. Her legs were athletic with clear muscle and power, but were still undeniably feminine in that milky white skin. Her tan from Yakushima had faded, and all that was left was pristine beauty that, when he brushed his fingers against it, was smooth as marble. Her thighs looked toned and supple, which led to the generous swell of her hips and rear, and up to her pinched waist which was the perfect complement to her hourglass figure. She was just soft enough to look undeniably feminine, but her exercise regimen had burned off any slag that could be considered dead weight. And her underwear, in one of those glorious mysteries of womanhood, highlighted those curves while concealing them such that Minato had to work to look up from them.
But when he did, he thanked himself for his control, because the rest was even more of a feast for the eyes.
Leading up from there was her flat, trim stomach, complete with white and faded scars as evidence of the dangers of the life she'd chosen. Each one a mark of pride and a clear victory, each one worn without shame or regret. Her abs weren't defined, but it felt like they weren't far off, adding to that feeling of being soft but firm underneath. And further up still was her impressive chest, her breasts about half a size shy of being too big. They suited her frame, her broader shoulders and fighter's build to set off her hips, and then there was her long, graceful neck and amazing eyes. And to top it all off, the cascade of her hair that was just messy enough to hit him where it counted, long enough to perch over her breasts like it was doing its part to tease him.
He couldn't speak as he looked at her, couldn't find the words even as the minutes ticked by to describe how she looked. She seemed similarly entranced, taking in his defined abs and firm arms, the hardened build that fighting for his life had given him, yet she also treated his hands and face with equal reverence, brushing his hair back so they could each look the other in the eye without obstruction in a move that felt starkly, uniquely intimate. Then she ghosted her fingers along his muscles, then his scars, and he tensed against the expected sting, but she brushed them gently as butterfly wings, leaving only warmth behind. Nothing she did to him would ever hurt him, and he knew that when he looked in her eyes and almost got lost.
Almost. There was still the matter of the mood and the bed.
He cleared his throat after a moment longer. Right. Initiative, take charge, don't make the girl do everything. He stepped forward and brushed his fingers across her stomach, and she lit up in girlish delight. She bashfully lowered her arms and let him see her, and even with underwear on she was a vision of beauty. She looked a bit amused as she turned, showing her back to him. "Can you undo me?" It was presented as an offer, but there was the distinct undertone of a laughing challenge in her voice.
Minato had to shake his head to get back in the game. Not because she'd thrown down the gauntlet – this was her, after all. But she'd cocked her hips to one side and pulled his eyes down to fully appreciate her backside, and good lord did she ever have a great ass. Framed by red and lace like it was, he was quickly becoming convinced that he'd found a new favourite part of her body. He couldn't resist touching her, then gently squeezing when she squeaked in mild protest. He chuckled and ran his fingers up her waist, along her back and the muscles of her core and the gentle bumps of her spine to the flimsy fabric that held her contained even while she glanced back, hair over one shoulder and smiling like a prized pin-up girl.
She knew what she was doing. She probably enjoyed every step of the way.
He braced his breathing and undid the hooks of her bra in short order, however. He'd heard that this was where guys fumbled the most, that this was where a simple combination of material and wires made them look like idiots, and that this was where girls could derive the most entertainment in watching them struggle so valiantly. Thus, he'd done his research and come ready to put up an honest fight. It still taunted him, resisted his efforts and stayed stuck – damn his shaking hands – and he bit back several swear words as the damned thing mocked him while she giggled. But, on the last attempt before he either went for his sword or risked her ire in tearing it, the nasty, evil piece of underwear was parted and no longer an obstruction.
She gasped in surprise when he brushed the straps off her shoulders, then hummed into his mouth when he followed that up with a deep kiss. He couldn't resist; his hands cupped her boobs for the first time that they were both awake, and she softly encouraged him, guided him along to the things she liked. Then she lured him in, backed up and pulled him along with the promise of kisses and more time with her chest until she was laid back on her bed, topless and mussed. She raised her hips in open invitation, and he slowly pulled her panties down her legs, using the chance to stroke the baby-soft skin, then admired the full view in front of him. Yes, she was incredible, and she had the air of sensuality that told him that she had many mysteries and facets to her that he would have to spend a lifetime in study and exploration to know.
A whole lifetime sounded pretty good.
He kissed up her legs, her stomach, gently touched and kissed her breasts and her fingers before kissing her, engaging in a full-body lip lock that had all their soft and firm parts rubbing together in tandem.
This was more than just sex, they knew, more than facing the end deflowered and getting their time in while they still could. It wasn't said – perhaps it didn't need to be – but underneath the heightened heart rates and rising passions, there was a solid, undeniable connection here. They both felt a closeness to this person before them that they'd never felt or had before, could never hope to find in anyone else. Further than words and as deep as love, this was the acknowledgement of being truly with each other, paired with someone who was irreplaceable, who now had a part of themselves that they could never give to anyone else.
This was their one person, their instincts told them. This was their future and their forever. They felt this, knew what it was, and tapped foreheads together, locking eyes as even the bed and Mitsuru's careful preparations faded away, leaving just he and she, them, and this unbreakable bond between them.
Then she nudged him impatiently toward the head of the bed, her smile inviting and naughty. Really, did all girls learn to look like that somewhere? Was there a class for it? Or did they just do it naturally? He reached for the drawer on his side, pulling out a box of condoms–
Only to turn and see that she'd done the same thing on her side. They looked at each other, incredulous, then laughed, breaking any lingering nervousness. They'd purchased the same brand, the same box of twenty, even the same size.
"When did you buy yours?" he asked.
"The night after we got back from Kyoto. What about you?"
"The morning after that. Great minds think alike."
"Perhaps something more than great, if we both wanted this to happen."
"I'm not complaining." Minato tore the package open, put the condom on, and settled between Mitsuru's spread thighs. "You're sure? I would understand if–"
She locked fingers with him, and stroked his arm with her other hand. "I am. Don't worry. Just go slow, but don't hold back. This is for both of us."
Minato smiled. She always had a way with words, much better than him. He nodded and slowly, gently as he could, pushed in.
Nothing could have prepared him for just how warm and tight she was. He had to move even slower than he intended or he'd risk hurting her, and she coiled and constricted around him so well that without the condom on, he was sure their first time would come to an even shorter end than this was already promising. She coaxed him on, however, and looked at him with those loving eyes such that he couldn't even think of stopping.
He was distracted from moving forward by the streak of blood trickling out of her and the slight hitch in her breathing.
"Are you okay? The first time hurts, I've heard."
"I'm... fine. It is a bit sore, that's all."
"It's worse than that, isn't it? I should stop–"
Her legs came up and clamped around him. She winced as she moved, but she also looked determined. "Don't you dare. This was going to hurt regardless, but we both want it to happen. I can handle this, I want it, so don't treat me like glass." He saw her resolve and determination. He knew that look. As much as he wanted to delay things and make this as good for her as possible, she probably wouldn't give him the opportunity go as slow as he wanted. And he wasn't going to disrespect her decision, not after getting this far.
He gently moved forward, but leaned down and kissed her again, distracting her as their tongues met and moved together. He supported his weight on one hand, the other cupping her face as their mid-sex make-out session deepened, and they were both flushed and sweaty by the time it ended. "Feel better?" he asked while catching his breath.
She shifted, then nodded. "Yes. Thank you. How are you doing?"
He laughed raggedly. He'd hoped to get his control back by kissing her, but the feel of her against him and around him wore his control even thinner than when he'd started. "I'll manage, I hope. If it doesn't last very long..."
She stroked his cheek. "Don't worry about that. We'll have lots of chances, and this has already been better than I thought it would be." He played for time, thinking of how to make this the best he could for her, but she took his hand and threaded their fingers together, looking at once gentle, determined, shy, and so happy she glowed. "Go ahead, Minato."
He nodded, then drew back and slowly thrust until their hips met. They shared a light gasp, a heated look, and then moved and shifted together.
The experience existed as flashes through the senses from then on. Minato clenched his jaw to retain his control, but the smooth feel of her skin and thighs, how her breath hitched and breasts brushed against him, it was like he was everywhere at once. He moved and she followed, then she shifted and he adjusted, their movements as natural as fighting side by side. Droplets of sweat glistened on both of them as they exerted each other beyond what even their regular sparring sessions brought on, letting their skin glide together. Together they moved, neither one left behind, and Mitsuru's pain seemed to be gone; all that he saw in her eyes was love and building joy.
Their bodies sped up, slapping each other harder and faster, until her back arched and she clamped down on him harder than even the first thrust, a low gasp and groan rattling through her. Minato followed, giving up his control and climaxing in the condom, feeling so drained in the immediate aftermath that his head swam and his arm shook to hold him off of her.
His other arm was on the bed, his hand having held hers the entire time, and when he eased out of her and slipped onto his side, she squeezed gently, communicating a dozen different sentiments that couldn't be voiced better than what they'd just shared. She was perfect like this. Happy and sated, flushed and gorgeous, hair mussed and strands in her face and making her more incredible than any model could imitate. He dropped to his side and touched her face and lips, letting his fingers go where they would to make sure that this was real and that she was there with him.
It was a silly fear, he realized – no dream could have ever felt this good.
They were quiet for a few minutes until they caught their breath, and he disposed of the condom before returning to her, and she shuffled up to him and kissed him. "Thank you."
"Likewise. You're better now?"
"I am, but the pain wasn't a problem in the first place. Biology is what it is, so it was going to happen anyway, and this made it memorable."
"Memorable?"
"Next time, or the time after, and probably every time after that, it won't hurt. This was the one time when it would, and that makes it special. Novel, if that makes sense."
"I wouldn't have thought of it that way."
"Boys don't need to." She ruffled his hair. "But don't worry. I wouldn't have had it any other way."
"Glad to hear it." He held her close, reveled in the feel of her figure against him, both soft and giving in the right places, but still firm, and peppered her with kisses.
They both felt it, the sand running from the hourglass and the ever-approaching tension of Nyx. The clock counting down to their last fight, one way or the other, and there was the temptation to throw caution to the wind, to drown their fears in sex or to crack and whisper their fears under the sheets. Both knew they had the best chances of victory, but they were also warriors who understood the magnitude of what they would face. No one faced death without some fear, and those who did were only making ready targets of themselves. Reality awaited outside her room, as did tactical matters and training schedules and all the other little things that made their best chances better, however incrementally.
But Minato didn't want to deal with that just now. He was with the most beautiful girl in the world, someone he was sure he would love for a long, long time to come, and he didn't want to leave her just yet. He didn't want to spoil the mood or sleep; he didn't even want to lose any momentum. He was like a kid in a candy store – or, as it was, a teenager who'd just busted his cherry – and he wanted to keep seeing what else there was on offer.
The kisses grew longer and hungrier. He cupped her ass and she pressed against him, and they each felt the other up, made time to explore any places they might have missed or paying more attention to where they liked they most. When they broke apart she wore a tempting smile, having read his mind and liking where he was taking them. "Can you go again?"
"Of course."
"Good. You got to be in charge before, now I get to be on top." As she spoke, she rolled him into his back and grabbed another condom, gloriously nude, her hair falling across her breasts.
"I won't argue, this time," he noted, taking in the amazing view and settling his hands on her hips.
"Good. Because there's seventeen days until the full moon, and we have thirty-eight more condoms before we run out." She wrapped him and slipped down on him until their pelvises met, a saucy grin on her face and a wicked gleam in her eye like nothing anyone else would ever see. "Lots of time to get everything just right."
He grinned as she began to move atop him. "You're on."