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Promiseland of France
Friday—May 29, 2021
"Bonjour, bonne nuit et bienvenue en France! S'il vous plaît, accédez au Centre d'aide. L'hôtel et le transport seront disponibles sur demande pour tous les passagers."
Ren tried to listen, but none of those words made a fraction of sense. He and the others now stood, lost, in the middle of a small airport with little hopes of getting around communication-wise. Ryuji stared at the sign, his face blazing with growing concentration, hardly breathing let alone moving. Morgana popped his head out of the bag and huffed.
"It still won't make sense even if you stare at it long enough."
"Fine," Ryuji said in defeat and slumped his shoulders with a shake of his head. "It's no good. I don't even know what that stuff sounds like."
Sumire and Ann, however, were too occupied to listen to the faux-blonde's grievances. They were speaking to one another in hushed voices, heads close to one another as they whispered back and forth. Ren knit his eyebrows, but still remained silent, deciding against making a comment.
"Why are you keepin' us in the dark? We wanna know," Ryuji said indignantly and folded his arms over his chest.
"Your ambiguity is uncharacteristic of you girls," Yusuke said in agreement, eyeing the sign and tapping his chin thoughtfully, staring at it in the same manner as Ryuji.
"We're thinking the Help Center is upstairs and over to the left," Ann said with a small chuckle, pointing to the French.
"And how d'you figure that?" Ryuji asked.
"D'aide looks like aid in English," Ann explained, pointing to the letters that Ren didn't recognize. "I think...I don't remember why, but—"
"Both have Latin roots," Goro said as he approached them from behind, speaking as if the conversation and his presence were an everyday thing...even if it has been.
The group of friends whirled around, looking surprised and mildly taken aback, all but Sumire, who merely smiled and gave him a small bow.
"Akechi-senpai," she greeted and gestured to the signs in a foreign language. "We were just talking about where to find the Help Center. We were saying it is upstairs and to our left."
"You are not wrong, but…" Goro said pleasantly, looking as cool and collected as he acted during his days as an innocent detective. "You are going to need help speaking French and who better than someone who has taken lessons?"
"You've taken lessons?" Ryuji asked in suppressed awe, then he frowned. "Is there nothing you can't do?"
Ren kept his head down, staring hard at the tips of his shoes and praying his face would not give away the annoyance at the subtle praise. While there were many things Goro struggled with, Ren could not forget what Lavenza had told him in the Velvet Room. He was not the only one who could wield more than one persona and of course it had to be Akechi of all people. What else did they have in common?
"Follow me, then," Goro said and gestured for them to keep up, setting off at a quick pace.
Ren was the last to move, holding still as he watched the rest of the group trail after the young detective, hand gripping his bag so tightly, his knuckles turned white.
"What's wrong, Ren?"
Ren jumped a little, forgetting the very bag he was squeezing still had Morgana inside it. He sighed and relinquished his vice-like hold, forcing himself to relax as he shook his head.
"I don't know."
"You don't know about Akechi?" Morgana asked, prompting for more than his vague answer.
Ren shrugged his shoulders and looked at the black and white feline with a sense of trust. Finally, he admitted an ounce of his inner thoughts. "I can't forget."
"And I don't blame you," Morgana replied earnestly, ears pricked forward and pointed in the direction of Goro. "Not after everything he's done, especially to you, Ren."
The bespectacled boy withheld a sigh of turmoil and shrugged his shoulders. "They seem ready enough to trust him again."
"Maybe so," Morgana said then paused. "Or maybe not. There's no way to know for sure without talking to them, but you've been avoiding the entire ordeal with everyone."
Ren hummed in a noncommittal manner, neither confirming or denying the cat's words. However, inwardly he knew he had been actively avoiding talking about it, for it only brought upon new pain on old wounds. He never admitted to having nightmares about Shido, Akechi, and Maruki. Shido's falsely reporting him created unnecessary stress on his already broken family, who was only too happy to send him away when given the first chance. Akechi had become one of his closest confidants, but...and Maruki had created a distorted reality in which his friends seemed much happier in…
Ren felt his chest tighten and he forced his mind to think of anything but that. He looked back down at Morgana and cleared his throat, glad he had this time alone.
"It's okay, Ren," Morgana said softly, reaching out with a paw and letting out a soft purr. "I don't blame you for being upset...about any of it. You have the right to be...especially after Maruki and…"
Ren did not pressure Morgana into finishing his statement for he already knew his friend's remorse.
"It's okay," the ravenette said and forced a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. "Let's go before we lose them completely."
It did not take long to find his group of friends in front of a desk, picking up a pair of keys; usually, Ren looked for a head of bright, white-blonde hair, but this time there were a few people with the same color. In France, Ann did not seem to stick in a crowd of black hair like she did in Japan. It was a strange realization, but Ren began to understand why she wanted to travel internationally for modeling.
"Ren-ren!" Ryuji said and waved him over in a manner that looked slightly maniac. "We need ya!"
"What for?" Ren asked his friend, approaching the rest of the group and pushing his glasses into place, looking at the woman behind the counter. "Er, does...do you—"
Ren sighed, realizing she looked hopelessly confused at his Japanese.
"Je suis désolé, monsieur; je parle français...et tu?"
"English?" he tried.
"Some," the woman said, switching to English.
"Great," Ren sighed and stressfully ran a hand through his hair, shuffling his weight awkwardly as he conjured every last, buried memory of English. " Two speaking English who do not speak English normally."
"She is asking for your license if you have one," Goro translated in Japanese after a short pause, eyes traveling to meet Ren's, who noticed how richly brown they were—reminding him of chocolate. "Both you and I can drive."
"W-wh—oh," Ren said and scowled a bit, wishing he could avoid using the other boy as a translator, which was why he attempted English in the first place…he pulled out his Japanese driving license, handing it over as she began to log his information in. He reluctantly asked Goro his next question. "What are we doing?"
"Getting a rental car to the hotel," Goro replied and pointed to the screen behind the woman, which was inconveniently all in French. "Our plane is delayed by two days."
"Two?" Ren echoed and felt himself having to rein in a sharp response. He held his tongue and nodded, accepting the fact he would be stuck here for two days.
"Think of it as a detour, Ren," Ann said, sensing his rising anxiety and stress, and put a hand on his shoulder. Her soft touch was admittedly comforting during a time like this. "Prepare for a slew of selfies! I'm not passing up this chance to see France!"
Ren nodded once more, retrieving his license and the paperwork and stuffing it into his bag. He received a second set of keys and hastily bid her a farewell in his best form of English he could manage and walked off, trailing even more miserably after Goro as he led Ren's group of friends towards the exit.
"It's a Peugeot," Goro said and frowned as he licked his lips thoughtfully. "It's a French car brand I believe seeing as I have never heard of it."
"Is that so?" Ren asked, unable to keep a bit of bite from his tone.
Goro noticed this, for his eyes flickered over for a fraction of a second, but he showed no reaction. Instead, he began to click the buttons to unlock the car, listening intently for the sound of beeping.
It did not take long for them to find a white van; Goro had offered to drive, but Ren insisted he drive. He climbed into the driver's seat and left no room for argument, glad Ryuji was there to sit in the front with him instead of Goro. The blonde boy instantly went for the radio and began blasting music from the radio, causing everyone to jump at the sudden, loud noise.
"Sorry, sorry!" Ryuji said as he flapped his hands. "I don't understand a word of this, but at least it's not crap."
Ren felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth, but since he twisted his body to look over his seat to pull out of the garage, he hid his smile and worked on a face of concentration. It did not take them long to find the roads that took them to their temporary hotel.
"Hey! Some English songs!" Ryuji said out of the blue, turning up the volume even louder as pop music began blaring through the speakers. "This'll help us with talkin' in America and stuff."
"I believe this song is rather risque," Yusuke pointed out and frowned at the lyrics. "Rather inappropriate, especially when there are two ladies next to me."
"Way to make that awkward, Yusuke," Ann grumbled.
"That is certainly...an observation," Sumire said and turned a bit red, trying to put some distance between her and Yusuke, a challenging feat with the available space and seatbelt.
The ride consisted mostly of Sumire and Ann ogling over whatever they could manage to see out the window, but Ren suspected their views were limited and they were just trying to fill in the awkward silence between themselves and Goro. The young detective looked unbothered, engrossed in a book he had been carrying on him for as long as Ren could remember...even during their times before Shido...he never asked what it was or what it was about…
"Hey, let's get somethin' on the way to the hotel," Ryuji said and pointed to a large, golden M not too far ahead. "We've got those in Japan!"
"They're pretty much international," Ann deadpanned and frowned. "You do know the menu won't be the same."
"And none of us can speak the language—"
"Goro knows enough to get us by and c'mon, man, I'm starvin'! Please don't deny me food right now," Ryuji said, turning a bit serious.
Ren found his annoyance creeping up again, but it was not directed at the blonde. Instead, he nodded and turned into the parking lot, not quite sure what to...but since he saw a line of cars at a window, he assumed this is what a drive-through was even though he had never done anything of the sort back in Japan. He followed in suit of the others vehicles until he reached the speakers.
"Bonjour, de quoi avez-vous besoin?"
"Order," Goro said and began rattling off everyone's requests in almost perfect French, causing Ren to grind his teeth and grip the steering wheel a bit tighter. He remained silent the entire time, only managing a nod of acknowledgement to his friends' gratitude as he paid for the food, glad he had exchanged currency at the airport.
"Merci, monsieur!"
Ryuji seemed much calmer now that he was munching happily on some golden fries and a few burgers.
"So...what do you feel like doing?" Ann asked and pulled out her phone, tapping away at the screen. "It's getting late! I still can't get used to all these time change jumps!"
"Nor can I," Yusuke said in agreement after he swallowed a mouthful of burger. "Although, this food is quite exquisite. It inspires me."
Sumire giggled.
"I dunno...how about we cause some trouble up in those hotel rooms?" Ryuji said with a cheer, earning a rather reproachful glare from Ann and sumire.
"Or have secret, little rendezvous," Ren teased, feeling his adventurous spirit spike up all of the sudden, pulling into the hotel's parking lot.
"Joker!" Sumire said shrilly but playfully.
Just then, a flash of blue light erupted around Ren's eyes and the shadow of a white mask appeared for a fraction of a second before disappearing as quickly as it appeared. The group fell silent, staring at him for a moment although it made him uncomfortable. He forcefully looked away, ducking his head as his hands tightened around the wheel, knuckles turning their familiar white for the second (or possibly more) time that night.
"Goro can check us in," Ren said, suddenly feeling his confidence drop faster than a ten tonne weight. "I'll find somewhere to park."
He stopped the car in front of the hotel entrance, waiting for them to pile out. Morgana hid in the bag, leaving him completely alone. Ren had no trouble looking and finding a parking spot, but he sat in the car and relished in the solitary darkness; the only light provided was the dimly lit lamppost that flickered promisingly. His eyes travelled to the rearview mirror, foolishly waiting to see if anything unusual would happen. But, no matter how hard he concentrated, there was not a spark of blue for the next 12 minutes. Ren sighed and closed his eyes, leaning his head back and rubbing his hands over his face, pushing his glasses askew.
"You don't seem well," came a voice from just outside the window.
Ren jolted in surprise and looked out his window, curbing his exasperation for the sake of his sanity. Goro took a step back while Ren heaved himself out of the car, legs feeling heavy and chest feeling constricted. He shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned his back against the car.
"It's just a headache," Ren found himself saying honestly before he even realized the words that came out. "Where are the others?"
"Inside, eating their food and watching the television news," Goro replied and pointed a thumb over his shoulder and at the hotel entrance. He dropped his hand by his side as he regarded Ren carefully. "I don't know why you are lying to me about such small things."
"I was honest," he retorted sharply.
"For once," Goro shot back.
"Hark who's talking!" Ren said, feeling the volume of his voice rise as he pushed himself off the car and drew himself up to his full height, which was greater than the detective now.
"I knew you were upset about something," Goro huffed and folded his arms over his chest. "And this is why I wanted to talk to you about it."
"What did you expect, Akechi?" Ren asked, his tone lowering back to something barely above a whisper, eyes looking up to reflect the tip of an iceberg of hidden feelings. "I thought—"
"You okay, man?" Ryuji asked, coming to the rescue and nudging Ren with a wide grin. "I know what we're doing tonight, so let's get going."
Ren looked at the ground, unable to find his voice.
"He's not feeling well," Goro appraised, eyes never leaving the Trickster.
"No," Ren said forcefully, pushing himself off the car and putting a hand on Ryuji's shoulder with an affirmative nod. "What do you have in mind?"
"There's a bar down the street and it's packed with hot girls," Ryuji said, unable to contain the childish excitement in his voice. "You gotta be game! You're gonna be my wingman! The girls are up in their room getting ready."
"Er—sure," he said and looked at his watch a bit anxiously.
"I'll help ya get ready!" Ryuji said and opened the back of the SUV, shoving the more reluctant boy in the back and going straight for Ren's baggage, pulling out attire that strongly resembled what he wore in the Metaverse.
"I don't think—"
"The girls will love it, dude, trust me."
Ryuji leaped out of the car and dusted his hands off as if he was congratulating himself. "Damn, I'm good."
Ren opened the back of the car and came out with a black, ankle-length, military pea coat over a black button down, black pants, and boots. Aware of the eyes on him, he flared up his collar while sending Goro a glare.
"I'll be the designated driver then," Goro said and caught the keys that Ren threw at him.
"Nah, man, we'll get a taxi," Ryuji said and gave him a grin. "We're celebration' tonight! It's not every day you'll get to party in France."
"Is that all you think of?" Goro asked a bit accusingly.
"Leave it," Ren said to Goro and stepped to Ryuji's side and gestured to the girls accompanied by Yusuke, all who were walking over, adorned in completely different attire. "Let's go."
Goro sighed, deciding against his desire to argue, and ordered them a taxi from his phone, using the EMMA assistant app. Ann and Sumire seemed oblivious to the tensions between Ren and Goro, but the leader was grateful for their oblivion, not wanting to discuss it. He remained silent in the backseat, staring out the window. The drive was no more than five minutes, but it was some of the longest minutes of his life.
"Looking sharp, Joker," Ann teased as she nudged him in the arm with her elbow.
Ren grunted but he wore a small smile. The party clambered out of the car when they reached their destination. The building, itself, was large but it immediately felt constricting when Ren saw how many people were gathered inside. Evidently, this was a popular spot. He even recognized a few of the younger passengers, who were on the same airplane as him.
"Let's dance!" Ann said and grabbed Yusuke's arm. "Come on, Sumire!"
In an instant, she was off, towing Yusuke and Sumire in her wake. Her blonde head disappeared within the crowd, leaving Ryuji and Ren on their own.
"I guess it's good Futaba isn't here," Ryuji said as his eyes were bright with excitement and widening as he looked around the brightly lit dance room. "And I guess she's underage."
The hyper boy clapped him on the shoulder and went straight for a group of girls, who were sitting at a table alone.
Ren cast his eyes towards Goro, but did not meet them. Instead, he stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jacket and went in search of the girls and Yusuke, feeling on edge from the crowd and loud music. He regretted coming out, but he would rather be here than stuck in some hotel alone; he just had to adjust to the different atmospheric pace.
"Hey! Ren!"
Ren's head turned quickly as he recognized the voice calling him over. He ventured over to the group and gave them a nod of acknowledgement.
"I'll watch your things," he said to her, leaning in close so she could hear him. "I—"
"Dance with us!" Ann insisted with an encouraging yet gentle nod. "It's okay! It's fun!"
.oOo.
Goro watched Ann grab Ren's hand and yank him onto the floor; he spun on his heels, probably feeling as awkward and out of place as he looked. But, the moment the base dropped, he pushed his glasses into place and began to move with the rhythm; he was far from the lanky, two left-footed dancer Goro remembered. It was as if the boy had suddenly switched to someone else. During this time, Goro saw the shadow of Joker's confidence.
Yusuke came up from behind and began to match Ren's rhythm; the other seemed grateful for the additional company, his jacket flying as he tucked his arms close to his chest and perfected a neat spin worthy of a judge's 10 out of 10. Sumire cheered with a victorious gesture, evidently pleased by something he had done. Yusuke leaned forward while Ren leaned back, kicking up a knee as if the two were posing like trash.
Goro regretted his initially harsh judgement and forced himself to ease off the snide commentary ringing out in his head.
Ren sidestepped around Ann and Yusuke, standing back to back to back with them. Since when did Ren perfect such a good body roll? His legs and feet seemed to know exactly where to go.
Suddenly Goro felt worse about himself. He knew he could not dance, but he, at least, thought he was better than the great leader of the Phantom Thieves. Was there nothing he couldn't do? Despite being disowned by his own family just a few months ago and whatever hardships he endured, Ren seemed to be thriving. That was infuriating; Goro felt the old, familiar flame of envy burning white-hot in his chest.
Ren returned, a little breathless and a little flushed in the cheeks. But, his stance was less tense.
"Where did you learn to dance?"
"I didn't," Ren replied shortly then evidently thought better of his attitude for he elaborated without prompt. "Gymnastics and dancing go hand-in-hand."
"Who teaches you gymnastics?" Goro asked, bewildered that he was learning so much, especially since he was absent for six months.
"Sumire-chan," Ren replied and gestured to the redheaded girl, now taking the dance floor with Ann, causing a crowd to swell around them as they all craned their necks to watch.
It made sense, given his spinning and Sumire's approval. He gripped his cup of gin and frowned at it as if it had personally offended him. "I got you one, too."
Ren offered him a nod of gratitude in response and drummed his fingers against the glass, not quite sure what to do. Goro watched him push his glasses further up the bridge of his nose and sip his drink, obviously to avoid talking to him; the brunette knew the conversation would not come up again unless he managed to corner Ren, but he did not feel like it tonight anymore.
He waited and watched patiently as the rest of the Phantom Thieves danced until they were unable to stand on their feet for much longer. Ann came over, face red, and fanned herself with her hand. Yusuke and Sumire came trailing close behind, looking equally as winded and warm.
"You barely danced," Ann said to Ren, and much to Goro's surprise, she turned to him with a disappointed frown, hands on her hips. "And you didn't at all!"
"I'm not a dancer," Goro said truthfully although there was a hint of embarrassment to his tone. Dancing seemed to beyond his comfort zone, just imagining himself on the dance floor, floundering foolishly, made his cheeks burn red. Although, he would use the excuse of alcohol if they commented about it.
"Fine, fine," Ann said and waved a hand, pulling her hair out of her face and tying it up off her neck. "I'm beat and we've got an entire day of exploring France tomorrow!"
Ren nodded and pulled out his phone to call a taxi back to the hotel. "Let's go."
If you're familiar with Persona 5 Dancing Star Night - Rivers In The Desert (part with Yusuke): watch?v=EoWG2-mTSKA
This was my inspiration! I hope you enjoy!