Chapter 8

When the two returned to Yosuke's home it was close to three in the morning. They tiptoed up the stairs to Yosuke's room—careful not to wake either parent—and shut the door with a barely audible click.

"I cannot wait to chug medicine and pass out, seriously, I feel like my head is gonna pop from all this pressure." Yosuke slid out of his jacket and grabbed for the bottle on his dresser.

Yu had an amused grin. "Better double the dosage, I imagine our talk outside ruined whatever hard work you've put into recovering."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm tougher than that." Yosuke stared at the medicine and took another gulp.

As his partner started changing Yosuke suddenly grew self-conscious and turned away. It shouldn't have mattered, they'd both seen most of the other, so why was his shirtless friend making him feel so uneasy?

"You okay?"

"Y-yeah, sorry," Yosuke's voice squeaked. "Just trying to not cough all over you, heh."

"Oh."

How was he going to do this? He'd eventually have to put on pajamas, and how was he going to do that? Thanks to the paper thin walls, and his undeniable clumsiness, he'd wake up his parents if he changed in the bathroom, and he couldn't exactly ask Yu to leave the room. How bizarre would that be? 'Hey, can you step outside? I know I didn't give a crap before, but now I'm a little shy.'. He slid a hand down his face in frustration and bit his bottom lip. How could he get out of this?

"Yosuke?"

The embarrassed teen slowly turned, with one eye practically closed, and saw that Yu had finished.

"You need me to make some tea for your throat? I don't think I'll make enough noise to disturb your mother or father." Yu looked concerned, casually grabbing for the medicine and reading the back. "Junes' brand. I tried this with Nanako last year and it didn't really help. This probably won't do much to soothe your cough, let alone help you get better. "

Salvation.

"That would be great. Thanks, partner."

He watched as Yu walked out of the room, impressed at how silent he was when walking down the stairs; Yosuke knew he'd have somehow tripped down them and startled the neighborhood. He took those precious minutes and threw his pajamas on, and hoped that the rest of the week wasn't going to be as awkward as this. It was definitely not normal to be so concerned with his friend's body (just thinking the words made him cringe), but Yosuke simply decided it had to be because Yu was just in better shape. Yosuke had certainly lost most of his muscle in the past few months, and who wouldn't feel weird about that?

After some time, Yu returned with a mug that smelled bitter even from across the room.

"Ugh, what is that?" Yosuke covered his nose, somehow able to distinguish the pungent odor despite his congestion.

"A bit of this, a bit of that. If you can smell it then it's already working. Drink it," Yu ordered as he extended the cup.

Yosuke begrudgingly grabbed it. "I hope it tastes better than it smells."

"It doesn't."

"Fantastic." Yosuke blew on it for a moment and took a sip. "Geez, I don't even—what is this?"

"It's going to fix you. Drink." Yu crossed his arms and shifted his weight to one leg.

Yosuke glared and slowly drank the 'tea', each facial expression more disgusted than the last. Once he'd finished, Yu took the empty mug and smiled at him, his satisfaction very apparent.

"If I don't wake up tomorrow they'll know who to blame." Yosuke kept a hand over his mouth, hoping to keep the drink down. "Please say you didn't give this to Nanako-chan."

"I did, and she didn't complain, so don't be dramatic. I'll cook the soup for you tomorrow, which will taste better, I promise." He started for the door.

Yosuke looked at his messy bed and his couch. Yu would have to sleep on one, and although Yosuke had meant for him to sleep on the couch, the futon was better suited for Yu's sleeping habits.

"Hey, maybe you should take my bed and I'll sleep on the couch," Yosuke remarked once Yu had returned.

"You don't have to. The couch is fine."

"No, considering how you are, I think the futon is the best choice."

"Ha. Ha," Yu responded dryly.

Yosuke smirked and started folding the couch out. "Just protecting my electronics. They're closer here than there." He gestured from the couch to the bed, respectively. "Sorry, but I didn't get a chance to wash the sheets. I can try and switch for the ones I had planned for you to use on the couch if you'd like—"

"No, no need to do that," Yu answered, almost too quickly.

"Oh, well, um... cool." Yosuke raised an eyebrow but dropped it.

"You need to get in bed and go to sleep. We can figure out how to adjust everything tomorrow if need be."

Ah, that made sense.

Once they'd gotten settled, Yosuke's drowsiness finally hit him full force. After a while he rubbed his eyes, starting to feel dizzy and funny. He wanted to try and start processing the conversation they had just shared, but he couldn't sort through more than a few thoughts at a time. Adachi. Yu's Shadow. Yu's PERSONAS. It was so much. It was too much for his feeble brain.

"You alright?" He heard Yu half whisper from across the room.

"Mmm, yeah, just... bleh." Everything was starting to go in and out of focus.

"Wake me up if you need me."

"Thanks"—a yawn—"partner."

"Yosuke, what the heck happened to your face!?" Chie smacked both hands against Yosuke's cheeks.

"Ow! Dammit Chie!" He jerked back and gently rubbed the now throbbing bruises.

How was he going to explain these?

"You look like someone kicked the crap outta you, Senpai." Kanji raised an eyebrow and stared incredulously at Yosuke.

"Ugh, I don't want to talk about it."

It was none of their business. How could they ever get it?

"We should heal you today when we enter the TV," Yukiko concluded and turned towards the entrance of the classroom. "I wonder where—oh gosh."

Yu strode in as if it were the most normal thing in the world, one eye discolored and the other almost swollen shut.

Chie gasped, "Did you two—I mean—there's no way!"

The group had taken a step back and looked between the two best friends.

Yosuke's face turned a color that matched Yukiko's sweater. "I think I'll take you up on that offer, Yukiko."

Yu smiled and took his seat in front of Yosuke. "I made them, the least I can do is fix them myself."

Why did Yosuke's stomach betray him every time Yu said something ridiculous like that?

"Yeah, yeah. Same here, partner." Yosuke waved a hand to dismiss the conversation. "And you guys can just keep the questions to yourselves."

They did.

Yosuke felt a faint nudge against his shoulder and was gently pulled away from the nostalgic dream. As the colors and light from his room pierced his swollen eyes, he was suddenly aware of the accuracy of Yu warning. His condition had grown more severe after last night. His throat felt dry and cracked from breathing through his mouth during the night, and he flailed an arm in the direction of the table next to him to grab a water bottle he'd left there the previous day.

"Morning."

Yosuke downed the remainder of the water and groaned, "I'm dead. There's no way I'm not."

"You've mentioned. I think over the past couple days you've claimed that half a dozen times. You look good for a dead guy." Yu walked over and stood at the end of the couch, facing Yosuke with his arms crossed. "It's almost noon, you know? We need to get ingredients for the soup."

"Shit, is it really that late? I am sorry, partner." Yosuke shot up and grabbed the side of the table. His body was not prepared for the sudden shift in position. "So much for making the most of the break, huh?"

Yu handed him some tissues, obviously already anticipating the drainage that followed shortly. "No, you needed rest. Besides, I checked my scores to see the damage. I see Ted renamed my profiles," he commented and grabbed Yosuke's hand to help pull him up, keeping a tight hold until his friend was steady.

"Heh, yeah, 'Sensei' was it?"

"Indeed."

Although Yosuke was able to stand without crumpling to the ground, he enjoyed the nice contrast of his friend's warm hand versus his cold, clammy one. He was tempted to give him the other one, but it was holding a snot covered tissue and he decided against it.

"Need help getting ready?" Yu asked, quite serious.

"Dude, you can't say stuff like that so deadpan. You're not the best at delivering jokes," Yosuke answered awkwardly, and laughed while pulling his hand back reluctantly.

"Hmm, was it though?" Yu smirked.

"Pfft, I'm not crippled." He rolled his eyes in response, but felt his ears start burning.

Thankfully, Yu was already dressed and left the room to make the two something small before they left for Junes. After Yosuke finished he grabbed his phone to see two new messages. Both from Ume.

Good morning, I hope you're feeling better! Let me know if I can get you anything. :)

and

Forgot to mention, I hope you have fun with Narukami-Senpai. Maybe you can introduce us one day this week, but I won't push it. :) I know you two never see each other.

He'd seen her once or twice before Yu had arrived, but it was like once his partner had stepped off the train, he'd completely forgotten about the girl.

dunno, depends on how the week goes. i feel alright, thanks for asking.

Polite messages for the day were out of the way and, unless she was kidnapped or something, he could focus on spending time with Yu. He winced at his rather harsh (and ironic) thought, but dismissed it quickly and grabbed a few cough drops before heading downstairs.

"Wow, I missed your food. Like, I know it's just eggs, but I can't even manage those most days." Yosuke stood behind Yu and looked down at the pan. "I'm gonna get so fat this week."

"I see what you keep me around for," Yu joked and grabbed two plates, still remembering the layout of the Hanamura kitchen. "You're breathing through your nose again."

Despite his earlier state, Yosuke took a few deep breaths and was pleasantly surprised. "Dude, you're right. Looks like your Mystery Tea X is working."

His partner's face grew annoyed. "Don't lump me in with that group. Mystery X foods kill, not help." He scooped Yosuke's portion of eggs on a plate and handed it off to him. "At least you'll be able to taste now."

"Thanks to you." Yosuke sat down and watched Yu cross the room. "Sorry to pass out so quickly last night."

"Hmm? It's fine, but I thought we covered this earlier." Yu chuckled and gestured for Yosuke to eat.

There it was again. That ridiculous 'hmm'. "Yeah, yeah. I'm not sure if Ted is going to be working today or not, but if he is I guarantee your early arrival won't stay a secret."

"I tried dialing his number and it says it's out of the service area. I imagine that means he is in his world." Yu seemed pleased with his conclusion.

"Good thinking. We'll let the others know tomorrow, I guess," he responded, trying to not sound disappointed, but fatigue wasn't working in his favor.

It was pathetic and unlike him. Why was he acting so possessive? He felt like he'd repeated that Yu was allowed to have other friends a million times—hell, it hadn't mattered before, but he couldn't help but wonder if it was more because of Yu going to the city and less because of his friends in Inaba. What if Yu decided he didn't need them once there was more to compare them to? As much as he'd like to pretend otherwise, distance did deteriorate relationships faster, and even though his old friends couldn't even be judged against his friendship with Yu... It still hurt.

Not to mention he'd been struggling with the change in his friend, but now he began to wonder if it was because of the hallucinations that started to plague him. Yu had been pretty vague with the details of when they'd started, but that line of reasoning still didn't sit well with Yosuke. No, it had to be something else.

"Hey, Yosuke, you there?"

Yosuke jumped slightly in his seat only to see his partner uncomfortably close to his face. He had leaned across the table and placed the underside of his wrist against Yosuke's forehead, their noses practically touching.

"You feel warm, but I don't think your fever is too bad. We'll have to find a thermometer at Junes too—oh, maybe I spoke too soon." Yu kept his position. "You do seem warmer now."

Yosuke practically fell out of his chair pulling back. "I'm fine! Ugh, you just surprised me. You're worse than my mom, geez." He'd be lying if he said it wasn't nice to be doted on though.

"Ah, I see. Sorry about that." Yu had an unreadable expression. Yosuke hated those.

"It's okay, you were just worried. Seriously, we're still gonna have to work on your social skills. Personal space should be lesson one." It wasn't as though he disliked it, but Yu needed to understand that other people might not appreciate it. Then again, most of the girls probably would. However, as he took a moment to think about it, Yosuke had never seen Yu do this kind of stuff with anyone else.

"Finish up and let's go. I don't think you should be out for too long today."

"There it is again."

His partner grinned wickedly. "Consider me your nurse for the week."

Goddammit.

Yosuke spent the beginning part of their adventure to Junes peering around every corner. Teddie was notorious for just showing up to work—much to Yosuke's father's delight. He never argued with his workers asking for extra shifts.

"Well, if he's working today it's not in the grocery department." The sick teen let out a sigh of relief.

"You're worrying too much. Let's grab what we need." Yu placed a hand on the small of Yosuke's back and gave him a nudge towards the produce section.

Normally, Yosuke would have panicked and swatted at Yu, causing a scene that was more than a little unnecessary, but today he was going to blame his lack of action on being too damn exhausted.

He did, however, notice the slight discomfort on Yu's face. "What's up? You okay, partner?"

"Sorry, that obvious?" Yu questioned, a weak smile forming. "I guess I just feel bad for being here without Nanako. If I feel guilty about keeping my early arrival a secret, it would only be because I never told her."

Yosuke frowned and bumped against his friend's arm. "Hey, we'll see her tomorrow, before everyone else if you want. I know she'll love to see you. You can even make her breakfast and surprise her. I'm sure Dojima will be happy to eat something besides eggs and toast," he suggested, trying to offer some encouragement to Yu, knowing that a million other things were dragging his friend down at the moment.

"I'd like that. Let's plan for that at as well," Yu replied, nodding and rearranging what little they'd picked up.

"It still impresses me that you even organize a damn basket when you shop."

Yu laughed before responding, "I like to have everything a certain way before it's scanned."

"Even if we're the ones bagging it? You know, I'm pretty skilled with that."

"Not as skilled as you seem to think."

Yosuke smacked his partner's arm gently and pretended to be horribly offended. It felt right, the two of them hanging out. There were no phone calls or texts to wait for. Everything was instantaneous again.

They perused the department to see if there was something they might want later on that evening. Yu would occasionally grab things he knew his friend hated, like tofu, but would only laugh and return the item after Yosuke grimaced. He wasn't about to tell Yu that he wouldn't eat something his friend made, but Yosuke also couldn't ask him to cook every meal for the remainder of the week; however, every snack Yosuke grabbed for was met with a light slap from the other teen, the reason offered was that he wouldn't get any better if he kept eating junk food.

"I'm not that delicate! Give me some credit here."

"I'm your nurse and I say no."

"Partner, I swear—"

"That's Nurse Partner."

"Shut. The. Hell. Up."

After the basket was practically overflowing, Yu decided they had everything (and probably more than) they needed. Yosuke almost called the visit a success until he heard a familiar voice all too close by.

"No worries, Miss Manager, I'm on it!"

"Oh shit! He's right there!" Yosuke hissed and stared at Teddie who was a few aisles behind them and quickly approaching.

He felt Yu grab his arm and in moments they were through a staff door and inside a nearby supply room. The fumes from the surrounding cleaners assaulted Yosuke's newly regained sense of smell and he covered his nose. Even if they did escape Ted, the room itself might make him pass out. Yu continued to lead him through the dark maze and finally settled in at the back of the room in a corner that was blocked by shelves and boxes. Moments later the door clicked open and light poured in. It was just their luck.

Yu had both hands resting against the wall and effectively trapped Yosuke between his arms. As the footsteps grew more distinct, Yu leaned even closer to his friend until all Yosuke could smell was Yu's soap and feel the heat from his neck. He wasn't sure if he was hearing the pounding of Yu's heart or his own. What the hell was happening?

They could hear Teddie humming and singing the Junes' theme to himself while he rummaged through different boxes, and Yosuke prayed that the cleaners would mask the scent of the two teens. Ted's nose was definitely not useful in this situation. Luckily, the surrounding clutter seemed to be shielding the two.

"Aha! Found it!"

Yosuke watched Teddie's shadow move along the wall as he walked back to the door, but stopped briefly.

"Oh shit!" he breathed, just knowing that they'd been caught.

"Shh." Yu moved a hand and covered Yosuke's mouth, moving his body even closer to silence the other teen's noises.

It had to be the fever creeping back up on him because Yosuke could feel his lightheadedness peak and he pushed both his arms back firmly against the wall to catch himself. Yu quickly looped his other free arm around Yosuke's waist and pulled him up, still keeping his hand over his friend's mouth. His headphones pushed painfully into his neck as his shoulders moved inward and he tried, unsuccessfully, to shift in Yu's arms. Despite his discomfort, the heat he felt from Yu caused a calmness to spread through him. Maybe he was this weak. He needed that soup.

Teddie's footsteps resumed and Yu moved his hand away from Yosuke's face. "Yosuke, are you okay?" His voice was slightly panicked.

Yosuke used the remainder of his adrenaline to fuel his strength and pulled away from Yu. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just got dizzy for a second. You've got to stop freaking out and treating me like I'm gonna"—Yu's face changed to a hurt expression—"...You know, forget about it. Thanks, partner. Quick thinking."

Why was Yosuke taking everything so out of context? Why didn't Yu ever try and shut him up? He was always running his mouth without thinking in these tense situations. And how many times had Yu watched him almost die—or, in more than a few cases, barely revive him in time? He had a right to be protective. Yosuke couldn't say he wouldn't be acting the same way if he were in his best friend's place.

"Well, I guess... Let's check out." Yu looked right past Yosuke as he picked up the basket and started for the door.

And now Yosuke had fucked up. Why did he always do this? Why couldn't he take five seconds and think before opening his big, dumb mouth? Why did Yu put up with him? Yosuke had often wondered how his best friend could let every negative thing that was said or done wash over him and come out unfazed; yet, when it came to Yosuke, even the slightest thing he did devastated his partner. His mind suddenly began to buzz, like a hive of bees had nested out of nowhere, and he started to curse at Takehaya Susano-o's now constant pestering.

Yosuke now angrily twisted his ring and contemplated knocking over every damn shelf.

He was a fucking coward.

After what seemed like the most uncomfortable walk home ever, the two of them arrived and Yu started prepping the meal. Meanwhile, Yosuke stood awkwardly off to the side and tried not to look like a wounded puppy. What could he possibly say to remedy what he had done to Yu earlier? He was infamous for being terrible with words.

"You think you can stir while I cut everything? It shouldn't take too much out of you," Yu requested, and looked over at him with the same familiar smile, as if the past couple hours had never happened.

And Yosuke wasn't going to question it. "Y-Yeah, no problem."

It was kind of nice, the two of them quietly working in the kitchen, and Yosuke thought more about how much fun it would be to live together during college. They were mostly used to each other's habits, and Yosuke wasn't completely worthless when it came to housework. If he could keep his mouth shut the two of them could probably coexist perfectly. It'd be nice to be with Yu every day instead of this distance between them.

Yosuke dropped the spoon into the pot as soon as he realized what his thought implied. Yu seemed to notice, and he swiftly stepped behind Yosuke to check on his friend's condition.

"Oh, I thought you had burned yourself." Yu grabbed another spoon and fished the previous one out.

"S-sorry, spaced out." Yosuke saw the other teen's mouth start to open in protest. "I can stir. Don't."

Yu chuckled and turned around, starting his prep work again. "If you say so."

Yosuke returned to what had startled him in the first place. He kept thinking back to how all his recent thoughts had been focused on continuing this next chapter in his life beside his best friend. It made him think of Ume and was she really just an excuse to appease his dad? Clearly if he was considering all this, he didn't intend to try for any kind relationship with the girl—friendship or otherwise. There was a sharp pain that shot through Yosuke's head as he thought about it. Takehaya Susano-O was not making this easy for him today. Wasn't your Persona supposed to support you?

"That should do for now. Let's sit and let everything simmer," Yu stated after adding the remainder of the ingredients. He gently took the spoon from Yosuke's hand, folding his fingers around his friend's as he did so.

Yosuke knew in the past he would have freaked out and accused Yu of trying to get a rise out him, and most of the gang did after the bathhouse experience, but now he just felt the same peace he had earlier. One simple touch was enough to soothe his nerves. The sensation was starting to feel addictive.

Yu quickly moved to the sink, but paused to turn and meet Yosuke's gaze, and—wow, had his partner's eyes always been that intense? Yosuke swallowed and felt his cheeks pulsing. Normally, he'd have grinned to try and correct the accidental eye contact when he felt this flustered, but he was at a loss. He started to say something, but only managed to part his lips slightly, and for once he just stared, left completely without a response.

"Yosuke?" Yu started back towards him.

But, he knew this feeling.

It had only happened once in his life, and it had never been this strong. It would have been described as a pathetic joke before, but now it felt completely real and—to his terror, actualized.

"Hey, come on." He was even closer now, his hand extending to grab Yosuke's shoulder.

Yosuke reflexively jerked away and had a look of shock on his face. His whole world felt like it was crumbling away, and he felt as empty and afraid as when he was facing down his Shadow.

This feeling...

...

He cared about Yu.

Cared like he had about Saki—no, this was way more intense. What had been there before was nothing like this. This pit that had formed in his stomach started to grow, and he felt like he was going to get physically sick. This was impossible. This was just him confused because no one had ever really cared and there was no way...

"Don't do this, you're scaring me." Yu was approaching him again.

The guy had just barely touched his hand! Why the hell would something so simple and unremarkable prompt this kind of emotional response? He was his best friend and now all Yosuke could see was the worry in his partner's eyes and feel the slight trembling when Yu finally held his arms firmly. Yosuke shut his eyes to try and quell the burning tears that were starting to form, but mostly so he could just cut himself out of the situation. If he couldn't see Yu, maybe he could forget before this feeling got out of control.

...

And then Yu ruined everything.

"Partner! Answer me!"

...

Every time he said that damn word it was like Yosuke would just cave and give up whatever argument he was trying to make. This was no different.

"Ah, sorry." Because it didn't matter now. "I just got really dizzy..."

"You've got to stop doing this. Just rest until the food is ready." Yu was calm once again and his voice steady.

Yosuke nodded and moved haphazardly to the living room, falling back onto the couch, careful to have his legs spread out in front of him so that Yu would have sit at the end.

Everything started making sense now. The past couple months, all the messages, the way he questioned his own character—not to mention Yu's—and it was all triggered because of the way he had a damn spoon taken out of his hand. This was not something he'd ever even considered to be a threat to his everyday life. His generic plan was like most people's: to meet someone, get married, maybe have some kids, retire and enjoy old age. So, what was he supposed to do with this? Where did his safe, mapped out future go?

"Something else is wrong." Yu instead settled for the chair that was next to the couch, obviously noticing Yosuke's unease.

He had to answer with... something. How could he twist this in such a way that he could try and get some generic advice? Would it be better for Yu to just guess? NO. No, that could absolutely NOT happen.

"I dunno, I just feel overwhelmed all of the sudden, it's like months' worth of confusion is hitting me all at once. Wish I understood why now and not before." Yosuke couldn't tell him. He wouldn't wreck this friendship because of his own misdirected thoughts. What the hell was even happening to him?

Even if he wanted to entertain the possibility, and Yu did feel the same (that was a laugh), he could never follow through with any of it. He didn't even want to imagine how his family would react, and they would be the talk of Inaba. Conservative, gossipy Inaba. What would their friends do? Kanji would never let him live it down... or maybe he would; he was growing to be a more understanding by the day, and Yosuke felt like he needed to catch up. Hell, some of them might have even considered it to already be a thing, judging by how they joked and acted towards the pair.

It couldn't happen though, and how would he even compete if it could? Girls were practically tripping over one another to try and get Yu to glance their way, and Yosuke was pretty sure the only reason Yu avoided them was because he didn't have the time to invest in that kind of relationship. What did he have to offer? That they'd battled Shadows? Sure, that was something he shared with very few people, but it wasn't something you could build a life off of.

Was he actually considering this seriously? A life... with Yu? His best friend? This was insane.

He could ask his partner hypothetical questions, but even if Yu reciprocated, it wouldn't be fair to him; Yosuke knew he couldn't be in a relationship because it wouldn't progress into anything substantial. He couldn't live with himself if he hurt Yu like that, even saying something or acting the wrong way seemed to cut his friend to the core.

"College exams are getting closer, and I don't know if you are planning to go anywhere, but moving is always stressful. I'm more used to it than most and I still get nervous." Yu smiled and leaned on his legs to get a better view of Yosuke.

"Think you'll try for a relationship before college?"

That could help Yosuke get over this silly idea. He could deal with the heartache, and it was better now than after he'd sat on the stupid idea for months.

Yu's face altered into another unreadable expression. "I don't know. I guess it would depend on how the person I care about would react. Starting something now would require an already established connection and a strong trust in the other person. That's what I imagine, anyway."

Not the answer Yosuke was looking for. "Sounds like a 'no' then, heh. Yukiko, Naoto and Chie don't quite seem like your type, and I can't think of any other girls that fit the description... Plus, you turned down Rise. She's pretty much the total package."

Yu shifted uncomfortably. "Well, you're not wrong. They wouldn't be my ideal partner."

Partner? Yosuke's mouth opened and closed a few times, once again left without a comeback. 'Weirdest choice of words ever' didn't even come close to describing that sentence. Then again, Yu was never obvious with stuff like this... Was he? Yosuke almost couldn't remember anymore.

Yu locked eyes with him. "Actually, that relates to something I wanted to talk to you about—"

A high-pitched whistling caused them both to jump slightly, and Yu stood quickly to remove the lid from the now boiling pot.

"Hmm, seems I forgot to turn the heat down. It should still be fine," Yu surmised, and put the lid back on at an angle.

"Oh, uh, good... Um, what were you saying just now?" Yosuke asked, sitting up to face Yu and crossing his arms to try and appear like he wasn't dying to know what his friend's next words were going to be.

"It's nothing, we can talk about it later. Let's watch the weather for old time's sake." Yu smiled and switched the rather large TV on. "It's strange to think we were all so aware of the weather not too long ago. We can relax now, I suppose."

"I still watch every day. Old habits... I doubt that will ever change." Yosuke let out a slight chuckle and fluffed a pillow to lay back on. He wasn't satisfied with Yu's answer, but dropped it for now. If he acted too anxious about the conversation, it might never take place. Also, he still hadn't taken more than a minute or two to try and sort through his own incredibly wild thoughts. He had to act cool about this or Yu would start questioning him again.

"The rain still wakes me up, but I don't have a TV in my room anymore. Makes me feel restless some days."

"I know it's like, how do we just move on? That part of our lives was so spectacular and we'll never experience anything like it again. I wanna pop my head in the TV at Junes sometimes."

"Too bad I wouldn't be able to do that."

Yosuke bit his lip. "Ah, sorry, but it's only temporary! This soup will fix me all up, and we'll be able to sort everything out before the end of the week!"

Yu looked at the floor with a small smile. "Thank you. When you say it that way, I really believe it. I wish I had your level of optimism... Last year you singlehandedly boosted everyone's morale. I can formulate strategy, but I'm too analytical, and that's not the most important trait for a leader to have. We wouldn't have succeeded based on my leadership alone... I think you played the most important role out of all of us. It's hard to be at your best when you're second-guessing your every move."

There was that damned feeling again. "Hey, I was fine with being second-in-command, but I don't think I was the most important. Yeah, it was a group effort, but if we didn't have your—what is it? Wild card ability? Anyway, that, or we wouldn't have made it."

"Heh, and now I don't have anything but a problem I am relying on you to fix."

"Well, you fixed all of us."

Yu looked over at him, saying nothing, but Yosuke read his face easily this time. He didn't need to do anything for Yosuke to understand his appreciation. It had taken time, and Yu completely breaking down, to make Yosuke realize that his partner had never really let himself trust anyone. His whole life he'd relied only on himself, never letting anyone in his bubble of independence and solitude, but Yosuke was big enough to admit that he'd played a major part in changing that. These... feelings he was experiencing, part of them stemmed from the pride he felt as Yu's best friend. His partner.

"Just another day, just another battle." Yosuke gave him a thumbs up and winked.

And Yu seemed to believe it too, and if that were true, what else mattered?

"Wow, that was waaay better than I could have hoped for! I already feel loads better," the sickly teen cried, covering his stomach and leaning back in his chair. "Seriously, your description didn't do it justice."

Yu laughed and started clearing the table. "Hopefully you'll actually start feeling better tomorrow. We should still stay in tonight. When are your parents coming home?"

Ugh, that.

"Dunno, Dad probably won't be back until midnight and Mom will probably try to avoid coming home any earlier than she needs to. They use up all their patience socializing during the day and recoup at home. Try not to be offended by it. They don't talk to me much either." He realized how that must have sounded, but Yu just started to laugh again.

"My mother is the opposite. She's most likely going to probably suffocate you with affection when you come back with me. She's really excited to meet you." He was at the sink cleaning up now, and Yosuke felt guilty for not helping.

He just wasn't ready to be that close yet.

"She seems really nice. Think I'll meet your dad?"

"I doubt it, I've only seen him a few times since I went back."

The clinking of dishes made Yosuke's stomach flip and he finally pushed himself off the chair. He was the host, not the guest.

"Lemme help," he stated meekly.

Yu smiled at him and stepped to the side to allow the other teen room.

"You can dry them then. Sound good?"

Yosuke nodded and grabbed for a towel. The distance his friend had put between them still wasn't enough, but he didn't move any farther away.

"What did you want to do tonight, anyway?" Yu handed each dish to Yosuke gingerly, careful with even Junes' brand tableware.

"Actually"—Yosuke thought about what he really wanted—"I'd like to continue our conversation. You were talking about something earlier."

Yu was quiet for a moment. "Oh. That."

Yosuke's eyes turned into slits. "Yeah. That."

What was 'that' going to be?

His partner didn't respond for a while, and Yosuke let him finish up washing the dishes before he was ready to press him again. All clues hinted towards Yu liking someone, and just not telling Yosuke who it was. At least, that's how he saw it. He'd already admitted his Shadow and that his Personas had mysteriously disappeared. Was there someone in Inaba Yu liked, but he hadn't told Yosuke about them? They'd been talking about his type, but who wouldn't generally fit the bill? God, it wasn't that Ebihara girl was it? But wouldn't that at least help Yosuke? That way, whatever this nonsense was, he could use his friend's romantic interest in someone else to help him get over his own... romantic inclination. It felt weird to just think about it. Did he really... like... Yu? His best friend? His partner? The very thought practically brought on an anxiety attack.

"Yosuke, ready to head upstairs?" Yu's face was frighteningly serious, and Yosuke was shaken when they finally made eye contact.

"Oh, yeah."

What the hell was coming?

He trailed behind Yu, hoping that he hadn't just put his friend in an awkward position. Was this really the most important thing to be talking about right now? Shouldn't they be focusing on Yu's Shadow? But he couldn't help it.

He really wanted to know.

Then, he could start working through these feelings and be at one hundred percent in battle.

When they both sat down on the couch in Yosuke's room there was a blanket of silence that fell over the pair. It was like the first time they'd hung out when Yosuke had run out of things to bring up to the other teen. Yosuke could still remember how awkward it had been after he starting naming all the embarrassing stuff he'd done up to that point as a way to ease the tension. It hadn't worked then and he doubt it'd work now.

Still, Yosuke needed someone to say something.

"Listen, if you'd rather wait to talk about this—whatever it is, we can. Let's just focus on a game or something if—"

"No, this is long overdue," Yu interjected, leaning his elbows on his knees and looking up at the ceiling. Something other than his Shadow was causing him turmoil, so this should help him too... right?

"Well... Okay. Let's talk." What else could Yosuke say?

Yu kept his same position, but adjusted his head to be looking squarely at Yosuke. "This is going to a... difficult conversation."

"Okay..."

"And I need you to listen all the way through before asking any questions, please."

"Alright..."

"And"—Yu took a deep breath—"I need you to not hate me when I'm through."

Yosuke was taken aback. "Yu, there's no way I could."

What was he going to tell him? Yosuke couldn't even envision a scenario where he could possibly hate his partner, especially given how he thought he was feeling for him right now. Those weird, out of place feelings.

"You say that, but... Yosuke, you're my best friend. I think it's safe to assume you've already guessed what I'm about to say, whether you've fully realized yet or not."

His room was dimly lit from the setting sun outside, and most of it was dyed a very distinct shade of pink, but Yosuke could still see the red that had crept up his partner's face.

"I'm listening."

Yu took another long, deep breath. "Yosuke, I..."

The other teen's hands were trembling, a reaction Yosuke couldn't remember ever seeing. Although his voice wasn't shaking, Yu was clearly anxious.

"For a long time I've... well, I've been—"

There was a loud banging downstairs, followed by an even louder cry.

"YOSUKE! I'M HOME!"

His mother. His accursed mother.

"It's fine, continue," he insisted, hoping that she hadn't ruined what little progress they'd made.

He was so close to hearing... What? What was he expecting to hear? Why did he feel so excited?

Yu shook his head. "Another time. Let's go greet your mother."

The smile that hid his partner's pain returned and as Yu stood up to leave the room, Yosuke grabbed his wrist.

"Tomorrow. We're talking tomorrow no matter what," he demanded. There would be no backing out of it next time.

Yu didn't answer, and simply looked down at where Yosuke was holding his wrist.

"Promise me, partner."

There was still no verbal reply at first, but Yu shifted his hand into Yosuke's, lacing their fingers together and never taking his eyes off them.

"You may not like what I have to say," he finally admitted.

Yosuke could feel his pulse in his cheeks again, that familiar bottoming out his stomach was so fond of lately and, of course, that impulse to start babbling incoherently to break the silence. He fought it. Yu needed him right now. His mouth opened and closed several times before he finally resolved to just shake his head, and, as though he'd shaken them loose, words finally came to him.

"I doubt that, but I still want you to say it. I won't get mad and I won't freak out. I promise." His eyes moved up to Yu's while he tried to ignore his partner's thumb gently rubbing the side of his hand.

"Then, I promise, after we meet with everyone, I'll tell you."

Yosuke had never seen a more sorrowful look on anyone's face. What had his friend so wound up that he was reacting like this? Also, what was going on with their hands? Yu continued to firmly grasp Yosuke's hand, but now it was making him anxious. He tried to remember the first time he shook hands with his partner, but this... There was no way Yosuke could compare this to shaking hands. Why was Yu doing this?

"So, yeah... Deal." He decided to try and turn it into an awkward shake anyway, but Yu moved away as soon as his friend started in with the motion.

"Tomorrow it is," Yu echoed, once again donning his mask and turning back for the door.

Yosuke was left alone.

He'd liked it. A little too much. His partner's once soft hands now had calluses from their many battles, but even those were beginning to fade as they all resumed a normal high school life. Yosuke could still remember the first time he'd felt those hands (rescue from the trashcan not withstanding), during their initial promise to each other to catch the killer. He was reminded that even in that moment he'd noticed the contrast of his rougher hands to Yu's, and he he'd briefly thought that there was no way the guy had worked a day in his life. Now, feeling his hand in Yu's caused a very different reaction.

"What am I going to do?" Yosuke groaned as he thumbed over the same spot Yu had almost been almost caressing earlier. Takehaya Susano-o caused a comforting, floating feeling to envelope Yosuke, and despite the good intentions, it only served as a reminder that Yu was in a terrible predicament.

His heart wouldn't quiet and his thoughts swirled in every direction, but he had to push all that away right now. They had to figure out this business with Yu's Shadow and Personas. Yu's mental health came before anything else. Tomorrow the group would meet up, and soon they could charge headfirst into the TV, battling like they had a few months prior. Yu might have been worried that they'd all second-guess their own abilities, but Yosuke couldn't think of a better motivator than to save the guy who'd saved all of them.

He finally allowed himself to smile. "You ready to do this, Takehaya Susano-o?"

His Persona's elation washed over him and Yosuke could have sworn he felt a slight breeze kick up in the room. He laughed and squeezed the same hand he'd been examining into a fist. Even if they all had to fight Yu's Shadow in the end, they'd do it and risk everything for him. It would no doubt be their most difficult battle, but they'd rescue Inaba's newest victim like they always did. He couldn't quite explain it, but he knew that they'd all succeed and everything would go back to normal soon enough.

However, he also felt that something was very off with Yu's situation.

"Yosuke Hanamura! Get down here!"

More fearful of his mother than any Shadow, he leapt up and stumbled out his door and down the stairs. He could discuss his thoughts with Yu tonight and the others tomorrow at Junes. For now, he'd just try to cheer his partner up.