Beach Day
Makoto parks the light blue van at the beach's parking lot and Ryuji jumps out the car first; "Sweet! Finally we made it!" "Alllllriggggghttttt! Time to look at some beach babes!" "Man...You really are different compared to Kidd; Seiten..."
Akira gets out next; "Ah; feels good to stretch the legs." "Yeah; sitting for so long does hurt the legs."
"The view right here is perfect for a painting. Too bad I don't have my brushes." "Maybe you should take a mental image of this view for later." "Hm; that's good idea."
"Why do you even care about painting? I will be focusing on Lady Ann in a swimsuit!" "I wish I can see Carmen in a swimsuit as well!"
Futaba gets out of the car nervously and quickly goes by Akira; "Too many people…" "Don't worry Futaba-chan! We can stay next to Arney!"
Ann gets out and starts stretching; "Come on! We should hurry and look for a good spot." "Then you can finally show off your body to Akira." Carmen whispers excitedly. "Quiet! I'm still nervous about that…"
Makoto gets out and locks the door; "There are a lot of people here today. Will you be okay Futaba-chan?" "What about you; Necro?"
Futaba nods at her; "Y-Yeah. I just got to get used to it…" "I-I'll be fine as well Anat-chan!"
"Akira can you find us a spot?" Ann asks; "Us girls need to go change!" Carmen squeals.
Akira nods; "Yeah; come on guys." The guys grab all their stuff and found a spot in the middle of the beach near the changing room; "Well this should make it easier for the girls to find us." "It's also a great spot as well."
Morgana starts running around in excitement; "I can't wait to see Lady Ann in a swimsuit!" "Oh; I wished I can see Carmen in one as well!"
And that's when then girls arrived at the spot and Akira stares at Ann with a blush while she was blushing as well; "Be still thy heart…she is a goddess!" "You sure are a lucky guy there Akira." Arsene whispers. "I'm actually speechless Ann..."
Ann was feeling prideful in making him stare at her; "He's really staring at me hard!" "I told you Ann; now he's yours." Carmen whispers. "Mine huh? I can get used to that…" She smiles hearing her compliment; "Why thank you; Akira."
Makoto was nervous wearing her swimsuit but also because she was wondering if he liked it; "Um...how do I look Akira-kun?" "Well Kurusu-san; what do you think of Makoto in a swimsuit?"
Akira smiles; "You look great as well Makoto; and the swimsuit fits you well." "Akira; stop getting her hopes up…" "What do you mean?"
Makoto beams from his compliment; "Thank you Akira-kun; it means a lot to me." "He's going to want you now. Are you still going along with your plan?" Anat whispers. "Yes; today I will tell him that I love him…"
"I'm hungry…" Futaba says not caring about what was going on. "Oh! we should eat that curry that Dad made for us!"
Yusuke looks at her and the food with a confused look; "We came all this way out here and you brought stuff you eat at home…" "No adventure…"
"Shut it Inari!" "Yeah quiet; Elvis Hair!"
Ryuji looks at how much curry there was; "For real!? That's a lot of curry you brought; Futaba!" "Ooooo; curry! That's my jam!"
After everyone eats the curry, they start deciding on what to do next.
Ryuji gets up; "Now that we all ate! What do you guys want to do? Beach volleyball?" "Hell yeah! I'm game!"
Ann gets up; "Nah, us girls are going on the banana boat!" "Ann what are you doing!? Hangout with Akira!" Carmen harshly whispers. "I can't or else everyone is going to get suspicious…"
Makoto gets up; "I'm sorry; but each boat only fits three." "Are you serious!? You have Akira half-naked in front of you and you want to go on a banana boat!?" Anat whispers harshly. "I need to make sure of something first…"
"Ooooo, that sounds like fun." Futaba says getting up excitedly. "Banana boat! Banana boat!"
"Hey! What about us!?" "Aw; the babes are leaving…"
Ann laughs; "Just watch our stuff! We'll be back for your turn!" The girls then leave to the Banana boat.
"Wow she didn't even want to hang out…" "Well it is your fault that you wanted to keep your relationship a secret." Arsene whispers. "I know; but I'm just looking out for her…"
On the banana boat
Ann, Makoto and Futaba were on the banana boat going around a secluded area of the beach. Everything was quiet and peaceful but that's when Makoto looks at Ann; "Hey Ann...may I ask you something?"
Ann looks at her and nods; "Of course; what's up?"
She lets out a sigh;"I-It's about Akira…" Ann stiffens while Makoto continues; "Well...I-I'm in love with him..."
Ann pretends to be happy for her; "Do not say anything Carmen…" "That's nice to hear!"
"But the thing is...is that I see you and him together a lot; so I'm guessing you two are close friends?"
"You can say it's something like that…"
"So...I wanted to ask if you...if he's in a relationship?"
Ann let out a heavy sigh because she didn't want her to have hopes, only for them to be crushed when Akira tells her and even worst that she would hate her for lying. So she decides to tell her the truth; "Yes he is...with me…"
Makoto was surprised at first but quickly turns sorrowful; "I...I see…" "S-She must be lying! You should confirm this with Akira…" Anat whispers. "I know she's not lying but I will ask Akira for you then…" She was close to breaking down in tears; "W-Why...do you g-guys...keep it a secret t-then?"
She looks down; "Akira is afraid that people would start labeling me; like calling me a girl who dates criminals…or that I'm easy."
That just made her feel worst; "He really is a great guy…you're lucky to have him…"
Ann hugs her; "I'm so sorry Makoto…and yes; I am lucky to have him."
Futaba starts sobbing; "Stop...this is so sad…" Necro starts crying
Makoto starts sobbing as well; "H-How long have you two been dating?" "I know this goes without saying but are you and Arsene together; Carmen?"
"Right after Madarame's confession…" "Yes we are...dear."
"So I had no chance then…" Anat starts sobbing hearing the news
"Of course you would have had a chance! You're beautiful and smart; I'm sure if Akira and I never met or started dating earlier. He would have been with you." "I'm so sorry; dear…"
She starts wiping her eyes; "Thank you for saying that. It's just...this is the first time I've been in love; I just need some time to get over it. Don't worry, I'm not mad at you, especially since you two were dating beforehand; I'll be happy for the both of you…" "It's okay Carmen; I wouldn't doubt Arsene would choose you instead; especially with a body like yours…"
"Thank you; Makoto. I'm glad we can still be friends." "Aw; don't be so modest dear. You have a great body too and you got machine parts; you're way more fabulous than I am. You know…I wouldn't mind sharing Arsene with you."
"Of course we're still friends." She lets go of her; "But when we get off the boat; I need to go change and take this makeup off..." "I…wait…I don't know what to say to that…are you teasing me?
"I understand…" "I'm sorry dear; I couldn't help it."
"Oh..." She says disappointed; "By the way...how does Arsene look behind his mask though?
"What he looks like under that mask? Well you just got to see it for yourself dear; it's definitely worth a look. Also; I'm sorry for being a prissy bitch to you; I thought you were trying to steal Arsene away."
"I forgive you Carmen; I didn't know that you and Arsene are together. I'm also sorry for being a robotic bitch to you as well. Can we be friends?"
"Of course we can dear! I would love to be friends!"
Futaba stops sobbing; "I'm glad you guys are still friends." "I'm so happy too!"
Akira and Ryuji were breathing heavily from running away from the two men
"That's the second time...I almost went to a world I didn't want to go…" "I said to pick up babes; not dudes..."
Akira laughs after recovering; "Hey, at least you can attract guys; that's something." Arsene starts laughing, "It is a start."
He glares at him; "Fuck you man...you're lucky; you already have a girlfriend!" "Whaaattt!? Swag man over here has a girl!?"
He stiffens because he didn't know if he was just messing with him or not; "I-I don't know what you're talking about…" "Huh...so they do know already." "Arsene! Not so loud!" "Oh! My apologies..."
"HA!" Ryuji says with a smug look on his face proving that he was right; "I knew it! You and Ann are dating!" "Nice man; you got yourself a babe!"
Akira sighs; "So how long have you known?"
"Me and Yusuke kinda guessed it during our Hot Plate Celebration when you got your "Special Delivery" text right after Ann left." "Oh yeah! You guys were texting about that."
He shakes his head surprised that they were able to figure it out so fast; "That's actually when we started dating." "Ann's really not subtle either."
Ryuji puts an arm around his shoulders; "Congrats man! Arsene's right; Ann's not really subtle about her feelings." "Wait does that mean Arsene is dating Carmen?"
Akira smirks; "Well Arsene; are you?" "Actually yes; I'm not afraid to admit that. Except for Zorro; I don't want to hear him complaining."
"Yeah that totally makes sense." "Man; I really want a girlfriend…"
"Hmm; how about Makoto?" "…"
"Don't get me wrong, she's cute, but she's too smart for me." "Not to mention; you're too vulgar; even for me."
He thinks; "Well...I can introduce you to Hifumi Togo; the Shogi player that Yusuke told me about. I've been talking to her. Maybe you can?" "Yeah; that would be good."
"Oh! That girl! You think I got a chance?" "Don't think; just do it man!"
"You always have to take a chance. Just got to know what to say and treat her like a friend before a girl." "Just be sure to not be too forward and don't call her hot; just be a gentleman. Oh; and have an interest in Shogi as well."
"Okay; thanks man! You're a real bro!" "Bros for life!"
"That's what bros are for." Akira says chuckling. "Indeed we are." But that's when Ann walks up to them and he turns to her, "Oh, hey Ann. Where's Makoto and Futaba?"
She sighs; "Well...they're busy...but can we talk alone?"
Akira was worried; "Of course." She just has him follow her towards a non-crowded area and her not saying anything made him more nervous because it seemed like she was going to break up with him; "What's wrong; Ann? You're starting to make me more nervous."
Once they make to a good spot, she turns around; "Sorry...but it's about Makoto…she's in love with you…"
He was shocked but somewhat relieved because he was not expecting that; "W-What!? Are you sure!?" "I kept telling you not to give her hope."
She nods; "Yeah...when we were on the banana boat; she told me that she's in love with you and was asking me if you were in a relationship. And...I told her about us." "But she didn't get mad at you dear...that's good right?"
"I-I didn't know honestly…" He looks down feeling bad; "I feel like such an asshole; if I just told everyone that we were dating...this wouldn't have happened…" "You can't blame yourself for people's feelings. Besides; you can fall for people even if you know they're in a relationship; you just can't do anything about it...well faithfully you can't."
She quickly hugs him; "No! You're not an asshole! You were just looking out for me and you had no idea that Makoto would fall for you…" "You're nowhere near being an asshole dear!"
"Why is it that whenever I try to do something good; I always end up hurting someone or get hated…?" "Just like with Emily..." "That doesn't mean you should stop being good."
"That's not true at all...Makoto fell for you probably because of the same reason I did for you. You always put everyone before yourself and are always there for them." She kisses his cheek; "Just promise me one thing…no matter what; never stop being the person you are now..."
He returns her hug; "Thank you Ann...I promise I won't." He lets go of her; "I-I should go talk to Makoto; I can't leave her by herself…"
"Thank you and are you sure you should talk to her?"
He nods; "Yeah; I think it's for the best."
"Okay; I think she went to the changing room."
"Well...I'll be going then…" Akira goes to the changing room.
Ann sighs watching him leave; "Why does he have to go through so much pain just for being a caring person…"
"It breaks my heart seeing good people hate themselves for being good. Speaking of that; are you going to tell him about his parents?"
"I-I don't know…but you seen how hurt he was about Makoto even though it wasn't his fault. I-I'm just scared on how he would act when he finds out; he might even hurt himself…."
"Don't say things like that! All you can do is be there for him; show him that he's not alone!"
"You're right! I'll make sure he knows that I'll be there for him no matter what!"
Akira was slowly walking to the changing room still thinking about the news he heard from Ann
"Are you doing okay?"
He sighs; "No...I don't like hurting people especially a good friend."
"It's not your fault; it's not even Makoto fault; love just happens. If she acted like Morgana than would be a whole different story."
"That's true; Makoto and Anat were calm about their feelings. Morgana and Zorro are; to put it frankly; creepy about it and pushy.
"Wait; Anat is in love with me?"
"Well yeah; remember when Carmen said that she was giving you signs."
"Oh yeah...I honestly thought that was Carmen so I didn't pay attention; since she's usually aggressive with her feelings…"
"That should have given you even more reason to realize Anat's feelings. I honestly thought Makoto was just being a good friend." They make it the changing rooms; Anyway; we're here. This must be the one she's in." He knocks on one of the female changing room doors where he heard the crying from; "Makoto...it's me, Akira."
After a bit of sniffling, he hears her, "Please...go away…" "Makoto-san; you can't be harsh to Akira…" "I didn't mean to; I just don't want him to see me like this…"
"I'm not leaving; I can't leave a dear friend alone especially when they're hurting." "Anat; I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"Please stop being nice and caring; it's making things worst…" "It's okay Arsene; it's not your fault…" "I'm sorry; I just need some time to myself…but I'll wait till I get home." Makoto opened the door and walked out. She had her mascara running down her eyes cause of her tears and her lipstick smeared.
"You were wearing makeup?" "You didn't notice?"
"I wanted to confess my feelings for you today and I read a magazine that said wearing makeup would bring out my features more…I guess they were wrong…" "No; you looked great; Makoto-san."
"I agree with Anat; Makoto. So; do you hate me…?" "Did you and Carmen get into a fight; Anat?
Makoto was shocked by him saying that; "No! Of course I don't hate you. I may be sad but it's not like you were hiding your relationship for the wrong reasons. Ann told me everything." "No; we talked like mature people…even though she did tease me about sharing you…" Anat mumbled.
"Well that's great to hear." "Um…what?"
"We should get back to the others but first, I need to wash off this makeup." "Nothing!"
"Um yeah...I'll meet you back at our spot then." "Well this is awkward…" They both leave to the group's beach spot."
She sighs seeing him leave; "I don't know if I'll ever stop loving him…"
"I'm sure you'll find someone as great as him."
"I hope so. One question; are you seriously contemplating on asking if Carmen would share Arsene?"
"Maybe…"
Akira makes it back to the spot and sees Futaba trying to reach for Yusuke's lobsters; "Uh...what are you doing Futaba?" "Looks like she's trying to get his lobsters."
"I want to look at the lobsters!" "Arneyyyy; Japanese Elvis's master won't let us look at the lobsters!" "Necro! When we get back to the Metaverse; probe him!" "Yay! Finally; I can probe someone!"
Akira laughs at the scene; "This is actually pretty cute." "Well; I am Necro's "Big Brother" after all haha; so it's cute hearing her sound like a little sister.""
"I keep telling you that these are for my collection!" "Will you stop calling me Elvis…and please don't probe me…"
Ryuji sighs seeing the two arguing; "Well our group just got even more ridiculous..." "You can say that again buddy! I want to see more of this probing! Wait; doesn't probing usually go up the…" "Whoa! Don't say that!"
Ann sees Akira and walks up to him; "Hey! How did it go?" "Is Anat doing okay?"
"It went okay; she doesn't hate me." "Anat's doing okay as well; I'm surprised you care."
She sigh still feeling bad about the whole situation; "Well that's good at least. I was afraid she would." "Of course I care! I was only mean because I thought she was trying to steal you away from me but she didn't know that we were together."
"I thought so too. But she's an understanding person and I'm just glad we're all friends still." "Okay I understand; sorry for assuming you didn't care."
"Yeah! That's what makes her great." "No, you don't have to apologize. I was being mean to her for no reason so I can see why you would think that though..."
Soon Makoto walks up to the group and tries to keep her voice even; "Sorry everyone. I had to use the bathroom. Are we ready to go?" "..."
Ryuji sighs obviously not wanting to leave; "Yeah…But I don't want to leave though." "Hey! At least I got to see you almost join a sausage party hahaha." "I hate you so much right now…"
Yusuke was now chasing Futaba who had finally stole a lobster; "Give me back my lobster; Futaba!" "You have gone too far; flying disk!"
"No Inari! This is my lobster now!" "Catch us if you can, Japanese Elvis Clown!"
Akira sighs; "We should probably go stop them…" "Nope, I'm having fun watching this."