This one got done relatively quickly which is nice. I'll probably add one done the line for this mini arc at some point but I think I got the main point of it done. Going to work on some of the family based one shots and even a couple of them in school or uni now. Something a little different to break up the pace.

I might reupload this one to fix some things at some point.

Warning lots of bad language in this.


Isolation Pair II

"I'm sorry it's taken so long but we have finally been able to open a line of communication to your family and friends. I deeply apologise for the time it's taken." Yakushiji announced with a deep apologetic bow.

"Excellent, I really appreciate you doing this." A sheepish grin was plastered over Souji's face as he tried to wave off the secretary's apology. Next to him was a more than less than impressed Naoto who had her arms crossed and her foot tapping on the floor rhythmically from a lack of patience. This was day five into their isolation while the case was still on-going, the communication line was promised two days ago. Considering everything that has happened in her mind, the fact Souji hadn't been able to contact his family within those days was absolutely unacceptable.

"What was the reason that it took so long?" Naoto's cold work voice boomed in the room which made Yakushiji cower a little under her glare.

"Due to the established lines of communication making sure it was stable was a pressing issue. We were also waiting to wrap up the interrogations on the suspects but due to their condition we had to wait the allotted time. It wasn't until recently it was completed. Your safety is paramount Naoto-sama-"

"Safety!? Safety?" Taking a deep breath, she steadied her thoughts making sure to prove a point with her words while she was riled up. "While I understand that keeping myself safe is the Estate's priority due to my heritage, my life is not any more important that Souji's. Do I make myself clear?"

"Y-Yes Naoto-sama."

"Good, Grandpa has had the privilege of being able to see me at a moment's notice ever since the incident. Souji-kun has almost died for my sake and he hasn't even spoken to his parents, how do you think they must feel?"

"Terrible Naoto-sama,"

"Exactly, if anything we should have given them clearance as soon as we could to visit. That is the absolute least we owe Souji-kun because if he wasn't at that apartment with me I would be dead."

Those words made both Souji and Yakushiji stomach drop at that thought.

"Yo-You are quite right Naoto-sama."

"Good,"

"Anyway, you'll go first Souji-kun, I'm sorry it's taken this long. It's my responsibility." Souji looked down at his partner for a second before swooping down and sealing his lips with hers for a second. The sudden burst of affection made her blush over before any other reaction kicked in before forgetting where she was and who was there before kissing him back. After a couple seconds he pulled away as Naoto's eyes fluttered open. So quickly was she lost in him that it took a moment to get her bearings back.

"That means a lot to me, I love you too."

All she could do in response was nod dumbly to his declaration.

With that he picked up the supplied Estate smartphone and quickly input his dad's phone number. Shaking her head quickly, Naoto shook the stars from her eyes as she saw Yakushiji looking away embarrassed at the scene he just witnessed.

"I'm sorry I witnessed that Naoto-sama."

"Think nothing of it. He is my lover so he was well within his rights to do that."

"Y-Yes, well I'll excuse myself and catch up with the medical staff with the recent records."

"You do that."

Making haste Yakushiji left the agitated presence of the Young Master quickly. Knowing that was over she turned her sights to her partner and due to the silence in the room she could hear the waiting tone for the call to go through.

"Hello, who's this?" A gruff voice came from the other side of the connection. Bringing a smile to his Face Souji couldn't help but grin.

"Hey Dad long time no speak."

"Oh my god Souji. I'm so happy to hear your voice, one second. Maori! Souji is on the phone!"

"Sorry I haven't been able to call. I'm sure you heard it all from Shirogane-san."

"Doesn't mean I haven't stopped worrying. What the hell happened. How on earth did this whole thing lead to you almost being caught up in an assassination. I'm not prepared to live longer than my own child."

"I know I know."

"Too damn right you should know. We have been worried sick. Do you know how it feels to have everything fine and the next thing you know your son's apartment makes national news with guns involved. Your mother has barely slept."

"Y-Yeah..."

"I already chewed Shirogane-san out for the bullshit and the fact I haven't spoken to you since it happened still makes me furious." Souji sighed. Even though he was getting told off he was just happy to hear his voice.

"I miss you too dad." He could hear his anger deflate at those words.

"God I miss you too son. As soon as this is over I demand you come and stay with us for a week or so." The thought brought a small smile to Souji's face.

"I'm sure we can let that one slide even with everything going on. Not like you can be away from her for any given time."

"Haha, you know me way too well." Hiroki chuckled on the phone.

"I should do, you are my son, what good would I be if I didn't?" In Souji's mind that was as true a statement as it could get. Even with all the moving and relocating, not once did Souji ever feel his parents stopped caring for him. They were the only people that made it bearable.

"I can't even argue with that-"

"Souji! Let me speak to him Hiro-kun!" The voice of his mum made him pause. "Souji! Oh my god I'm so happy to hear from you!"

"Likewise Mum, sorry for keeping you in the dark."

"It's not your fault but I'm so happy to hear you are safe. I've barely slept since it happened. I've been worried sick."

"I can imagine, dad said you haven't slept much."

"He's right, promise you'll visit us as soon as you can."

"I promise, don't worry I miss the both of you."

"Good, I don't know what I'll do if something happened to you. Has your ribs been ok? Shirogane-san told me what happened."

Subconsciously he rubbed his sides, the tension of speaking to his parents made him feel uncomfortable but it wasn't something that was worth mentioning.

"They've been recovering, I should be back to peak performance in about three weeks or so. The doctors here said I've made great progress."

"I'm glad to hear. We spend every waking minute thinking about you. Hearing your voice really puts us at ease." Souji couldn't help but grin. He was about to say some else but just in his peripheral vision Naoto made a hand gesture seeking to be a part of the phone call. Perking up, he nodded.

"Ah Naoto wants to speak to you guys one second..." Passing over the handset,

"Here..."

"Ah hello?

"Ah Naoto! I heard what happened to your arm. Are you doing ok?" The urgency and care in her voice made her feel a warmth inside that she hadn't gotten from a Mother figure since Naoto met Souji's mother.

"I'm ok. It wasn't a direct hit so I got off incredibly lucky. It's not exactly something I would like to do again."

"I don't think anyone will, has there been any breakthrough with any information on who did it?" Naoto had to fight hard not to shift into work mode at the mention of talking about a case. Shuffling awkwardly to one side she gave a couple seconds before talking about what happened.

"We currently have a few leads which my Grandpa is following on and it's leading to a good direction but I've been personally kept out of the loop so I'm not sure on the specifics currently."

"Least it's getting somewhere."

"I just wanted to say how thankful I am to have Souji-kun with me. I could only imagine how bad it would have gotten if he wasn't there."

"Oh Naoto I-"

"I mean if he wasn't there then who knows what would have happened. I just wanted a chance to say that since I haven't spoken to you directly since everything has happened. I've taken full responsibility for the amount of time it's taken for us to contact you. I'll make sure the Estate is held accountable for the stress it's taken."

"You don't have to do that."

"I do. If one thing it taught me was to make sure to take nothing for granted. I just wanted to say that while I had the chance before we saw you."

"It means a lot to us Naoto-chan, you need to make sure you keep yourself safe."

"I know."

"Well I'm glad, all we worry about is your safety. If there is anything else we will take it up with Shirogane-san. You two both need the rest. Just make sure you look out for each other, we love you both."

"It's good to hear, we love you too of course. I'll hand you back to Souji." Wordlessly she passed back over the handset.

"Thanks, so yeah..." Souji's words faded into the background as Naoto took a seat on the sofa. Patiently waiting for their call to end. She was planning who to call next from the investigation team. She figured either Rise or Kanji would do, maybe by pure chance more than one of them will be at the same place, lowering the amount of calls they would have to make.

"Sure, I'll make sure I'll Uncle after. Definitely. I'll speak to you soon. Love you... Bye."

Walking over to where Naoto was sitting he feebly took a seat next to her so he didn't strain himself. On reaction Naoto rested her head on his shoulder as she heard him sigh.

"They took that a lot better than I was expecting." Naoto nodded, cuddling herself closer.

"I fully expected them to berate me for putting you in danger, not that I would blame them."

"I'm glad they didn't, you don't deserve it and also it would be really awkward."

"Thanks Souji-kun." He kissed the top of her head.

"None needed,"

[Flashback]

"Dad, dinner's ready!" The gruff grunt of Ryotaro Dojima came from upstairs as he descended the stairs as Nanako was laying the food out on the table in the living room.

"Man that smells good. Your practicing is really working out." Turning around with a swish of the pony tail.

"Yeah, Big Bro's recipes are really good. I'm really happy I told them to send them to me. If this keeps up I can start to change them when I feel ready. Her bright smile put one on his face as well. No matter how rough or tough work has been, a happy Nanako always puts him in a good mood.

"Excellent, am I allowed to dig in?"

"Hehe, for sure. I want to hear what you think." The older Dojima was about to dig in then he noticed he was missing his pair of chopsticks. "Oh shoot, I'm sorry I'll go get them."

"No no, let me, you cooked. Start eating and I'll join you in a second."

"Okay."

*News jingle*

"Breaking news! There has been a reported burglary and shoot out in the Osaka prefecture just outside the main city. Apparently the cause of the incident is related to Yakuza activity in the area. It's been years since open conflict has been seen in the public that's bubbled over the criminal underground."

"It's been a while since I've heard of anything like that. Dad have you heard anything like this happening lately?"

"It happens but it's so rare that it must have been important to them. I'm sure it will be the talk of the department tomorrow." He said while he had his head in the cupboard looking for utensils.

"We have a bird's eye view of the crime scene. Due to the sheer amount of police activity in the area we couldn't get close but as you can see there is a multitude of police including national services. Goro-san could you give us an update on what's going on?"

"Well from what I've heard..."

"I know Big Bro lives in Osaka so I should call..." The image on the television screen froze Nanako dead in shock. Her chopsticks falling from her hand, clattering on to the table.

"What was that Nanako. I didn't catch the rest of what you were saying?"

"That's Big Bro's apartment! Oh my god!" Ryotaro paused for a second. Thinking that she might be seeing things. Shaking his head he picked up his chopsticks, getting ready to calm his daughter down.

"I doubt it. Knowing it's a Shirogane residence that thing doesn't happen, I'm sure she's working on the case now though." He told her as was walking back to the table.

"I'm serious! Look!"

"Alright alright..." The image on the screen made him drop his chopsticks as well. "Holy shit you are right! What the hell!?"

"From police news reports there has been one fatality on the scene with multiple people wounded with gunshots. While we haven't got any information on the residents of the apartment, eye witnesses say a couple lived at the apartment and have not been accounted for. Currently they've been declared as missing. We'll keep you updated once more information surfaces."

"Nanako, get me my phone."

"Dad I-"

"Get me my phone!" In a panic she scrambled to the kitchen table top and handed the device to her dad. As quickly as he could he dialled his nephew's number hoping for a ringing tone. His hopes were quickly crushed when the line on the other side was dead. Not even going to voicemail.

"Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit!" He tried Naoto's who he kept just in case. Unfortunately it went to the same dead tone on the other side.

"No! Right, I'm going to ring my sister. I'll figure out what's going on. I promise you Nanako." The feeling of dread washed over Nanako at the thought of her Big Bro and something happening. Emotions hit her like a tsunami as she fell to her knees and started to cry.

-Elsewhere-

Rise was quietly humming to herself as she was brushing her hair. The recording went well, she was happy that all of it got done. A quick freshening up and she would be ready to head home. It had been a long day and she hadn't checked her phone since it was silent. The small TV in her makeup room was on silent but showing the news from today. She paid it no mind until the image on the screen on the news reel mentioned something about Osaka. Always interested in the area where her two best friends have semi-permanent residence, she looked up wondering if it was something that they were already on top of.

Taking a quick glance she saw nothing of interest in the apartment they were focusing on. She recognised it loosely but it's no surprise since she's been there so many times in the past couple years. It's not unordinary especially of the housing styles in the area. The apartment has a similar road to the one she went on...

...Wait a minute...

She looked again and noticed that it was 'their' apartment. There was no mistaking it. She checked her private phone and noticed multiple messages from the Investigation Team but she skipped that and ran Naoto instead. Just for precaution. She'll answer and say it was nothing out of the ordinary and something minor has happened and they were ok...

...She hopes.

She called Naoto's phone just for the line on the other side to be completely dead. No answer phone, no voicemail, no redirect. That was weird, usually something like that was available. She tried Souji's almost instantly getting the same result. She started to panic. Neither of them have had their phone off like that at the same time.

She checked the Line conversation that included the Investigation Group. The first line was from Kanji.

'Have you checked the news?'

The second was from Yosuke.

'Yo! What the fuck! I tried contacting Souji and I can't get through at all.'

Kanji was the first to reply. She could tell how weird the text spacing was that he was clearly worried.

'I tried Naoto-kun and no answer too. Fuck I'm worried.'

Then the line that justified the sinking feeling in her stomach came from Yukiko just two minutes later in the conversation.

'I just got off the phone to Nanako-chan and Dojima-san confirmed it was their apartment, he's freaking out and no one can get in touch with them.'

Oh no...

Not bothering to read the rest of the conversation Rise texted the team.

'I'm coming down to Inaba. I'll be there by the morning.' Practice and the recording session could wait. No way on earth she could act like nothing was wrong. She needed her team, she couldn't process this on her own.

...

...

It was 10am in the morning as the train pulled up to Yasoinaba station. The day was still misty but the eerie atmosphere didn't help her nerves as got disembarked off the train, her casual clothes, jacket, large sunglasses and hat obscured her face from view. The air lacked the breeze that Inaba was known for which only made her feel more uneasy, almost like an ill omen. The last thing she needed was someone to see that it was her. She wasn't in the mood. Luckily on the platform as planned Kanji was waiting for her, his face solemn, stuck in thought, a frown on his face easily showing his inner thoughts on what was going on.

"Hey Kanji-kun. Thanks for meeting me here. I appreciate it."

"Don't mention it." He said nothing more. It was obvious that he was holding back. He didn't want to dwell too deep into it, not in public.

"So where are the others held up?"

"hmm? Oh..." He didn't catch on to her question. His mind was obviously distracted but she couldn't blame him, she was the same.

"They're in Yukiko's place. Ma said it would be best if everyone goes there while we hear somethin'."

"Oh... Shall we go there now?"

"Yeah, I drove so we'd be there quick."

The drive to the Amagi Inn was quiet. Scarily quiet. She knew that there was no point in making small talk but she wished it would just be easier to say something. It frustrated her. She was literally there just two weeks ago, and the thought of them not being there made her sob. A tear rolled down her eye.

"I-It's too early for that..." Kanji said. His own voice cracking in the process. "We know they're tough. Just trust em'."

It was small but it was enough to hold her back until they got to the Inn. A drive that felt way longer than it needed to be.

...

...

As they walked through the doors, Yosuke and Chie were already waiting for them. The interesting note that Yukiko wasn't with them.

"Where's Yukiko-Senpai?" Rise asked. Greetings put on hold, concern for another one of them missing taking priority. Neither Chie or Yosuke took any offense in the lack of a hello.

"She's gone to pick up Nanako. Apparently there is an important meeting with Naoto's granddad and Souji's family. It's serious enough that Souji's mum and dad are flying over from Tokyo from what she's said. Apparently whatever is being discussed he didn't want her to hear it."

That did not bode well in Rise's mind.

"That's not good at all."

Chie shook her head. "No it's not. I tried going through the records and from what I know the death at the apartment wasn't Souji-kun or Naoto-kun since it's been reported with full identification. Everything else around who else got injured and who was on site remains a mystery though. Whoever is in control of it puts a pretty big embargo on information. Even using Dojima-san's clearance I wasn't able to get anywhere.

"I bet Naoto-kun could do it." Kanji's words hit hard but everyone nodded in agreement. She would be able to find out.

"Anyway, the best we could do is try to relax, while we wait for Nanako and Yukiko-chan to arrive." Yosuke pointed out. He quickly noticed the bags under Rise's eyes. "You haven't slept have you?"

"No..."

"Now's the best time, Yukiko rented us out a large room where we can stay while we wait for information."

...

...

At some point Rise passed out on the futon in the room they had, sleep eventually getting the best of her. She was startled awake to the sound of the sliding door crashing against the frame. She looked up hoping everything she heard was a bad dream she had woken up too. With Kanji, Yukiko, Chie, Yosuke and now Nanako in the room that hope was quickly crushed as they huddled in the centre of the room.

"So let me get this straight, you bugged your living room."

"Yes," Nanako confirmed without a hint of hesitation.

"Where did you learn that?" The martial artist looked shocked at her ingenuity. This would be the best way to find out what happened with their best friends and possibly get information they weren't supposed to know.

"Big Sis gave me a mini recording device after I asked about making something cool she had herself last year. She even sync'd it to my phone so we can listen as long as we have the internet."

"Wow..." The collective group gasped.

"What's going on?" Rise said wearily as she joined the group in the centre, her tiredness evident to the point where the others shot her a sympathetic look.

"We are about to listen in to this all important-"

"Shhh Yosuke-kun their starting."

"Sorry,"

"Shirogane-san," The greeting was curt, nothing more than a formality from a male voice that most of the team didn't recognise.

"Who is that?" Yosuke asked.

"That's my Uncle in law or Souji's Dad."

"Seta-san, Dojima-kun. I'm sorry that we couldn't speak of an easier or more positive situation than what we have now." The team held in a breath, the introduction already not doing their moral any favours.

"Don't give me that crap, what's the situation with my Son!?"

"Hiroki,"

"Hiro-kun,"

"I'm sorry I should have led with that. I've had poor communication with this whole situation. It's taken me by surprise."

"Damn right the communication has been shit so how is he?"

With a heavy sigh the elder Shirogane began. "Well what I can say they are both..."

Time froze for everyone in the group. Hoping the next words that he spoke were the ones to let everyone know they were safe. All of the points were not looking good, maybe, just maybe they managed to scrape through another life and death situation.

"...They are both resting at Shirogane Estate safe house while we are investigating exactly what happened."

The group paused processing the information. As soon as it sunk in, the team cheers in the room and hugged each other in excitement knowing that their best friends were safe. Even with everyone excited around her Nanako stayed glued to her phone listening intently to the adults talking.

Both of Souji's parents sigh audibly, happy that their son was ok.

"Why couldn't you just tell us yesterday?" Ryotaro asked. Happy his nephew was ok but agitated about being left in the dark.

"Due to the sheer damage caused by the incident we weren't too sure where the address leak came from and how they knew they were there. It could have been anyone so we kept the information close to us just in case it someone we didn't expect."

"You can take us to see him?" Hiroki enquired.

"I'm sorry but I can't."

"What?" Hiroki paused. "Why not?"

"Due to the risk of a possible mole we won't be able to do that."

"Mole, we are his parents?" Hiroki's voice jumped up an octave. Notably more frustrated at being shut down from seeing his only son.

"The life of Naoto-chan is way too important to me and also to the Estate as a whole to run the risk of any gaps where we can put her in danger at this moment of time. Until the channels are secure I'll have to deny your request."

"Excuse me, does Souji not matter!?" Hiroki was shouting now. Everyone in the room paused hearing his deep voice blare over the phone speaker.

"Hiroki! Calm down..." Ryotaro tried to dampen his anger before turning to the head of the Estate.

"I understand that things are a little risky but can't you make an exception for their family. I'm sure it will mean a lot to them."

"I will not bend on this. She is my only living relative left. And unfortunately as long Souji-san is her significant other it will be my rules on when communication will be open. It won't be long before you are able to speak to him via the phone."

Hiroki was having none of it. "Funny that cause I don't think Souji's plan in life is to get wrapped up in the Yakuza."

"Excuse me?"

"Hiro-kun!"

"No! You really think Souji would wrap himself up in this sort of situation willingly. Remember this Shirogane-san it's the profession of you and your grand-daughter that has led to this situation in the first place."

"I would not have you talk to me like-"

"Guys!" Ryotaro quickly became the voice of reason. "Having a go at each other in this situation will help no one. Currently it doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is that they are both safe."

The team could hear him sigh deeply. "So it would be best if we all calm down and try and figure out what needs to be done. Right Shirogane-san even if they are both resting have they sustained any injuries?"

It took him a moment to get his composure back. He led in with a small cough. The team held silent, waiting for the next bit of information.

"Souji-san has a set of broken ribs and Naoto-chan has a skimmed gunshot wound on her left arm. Other than that they are both ok."

Maori gasped.

"She was shot?"

"Yes, but came away with absolute minimal injuries. Almost a miracle to be frank with you."

"Poor Naoto-kun..." Everyone heard Kanji say. They all nodded in agreement.

"Hence why I'm quite sensitive about her safety. They were armed considerably from when I spoketo my Grand-daughter about it. It would have been a lot worse if she was on her own as they would easily outnumber her. One of the reasons I wanted to come here was to thank you for the presence of your son."

"What do you mean?" Hiroki asked curiously, not sure where he was going with this.

"Your son being there helped fight off the attack. I know my Naoto is tough and strong but she can't fight reality. It would be stupid of me to think so. Also these people have picked holes in operations and we weren't prepared for it. I've already lost her parents. I can't lose her either and yesterday I came close but Souji-san helped with that so he has my eternal gratitude."

"Damn..." Was the small comment made by Nanako. All eyes turned to her. "What? I don't know how Big Bro keeps saving people, I swear he's a superhero."

"I can tell you now I think one person who equally doesn't want anything to happen to Naoto is Souji so I'm not surprised."

"So when will we be able to see him?" Maori enquired.

"As soon as the clearance and loose end from our investigations are tied up. I'll make sure they are relocated. While I can't go into the case details currently there has been progress so I should be able to update you on the information by next week. Once the communication channels at the safe house are secure you'll be able to talk to him on the phone. That should be done by tomorrow."

"Oh that's something."

"Yeah, better than nothing at this point."

"I'm sure Souji's and Naoto's friends would like to know what's going on?" Ryotaro was thinking of the team as they were looking after Nanako while this was going on.

"I would like to keep the knowledge between us. While I know how dependable your daughter is Dojima-kun she is also very attached to her rescuers and would instantly talk about it to them where we want this information in a small circle to keep them safe."

The snickers around the room was evident to how that plan already failed.

"You expect me to keep this hidden from Nanako-chan? What am I supposed to say to her?"

"Only for a couple days. It shouldn't be long at all. Plus you are intelligent Dojima-kun. I have faith in you."

Nanako scoffed. "I'd give 6 hours before he cracks. He can't hold anything like that from me before too long."

The sigh he made in response was heartbreaking. "I'll try but you owe me for this one Shirogane-san."

"I make sure I always pay my debts, don't worry."

"Make sure you keep us updated." Hiroki added.

"I will do to the best of my ability. I'll let them know that his family knows he's safe. I'm sure you will speak to him soon.

"That's fine,"

"Well I'll take my leave, there are still various things I need to do. My personal secretary and administrative leader of the Estate is with them this morning debriefing them with everything that happened both last night and this morning. I promise that Souji is in good hands."

The silence around the room as everyone absorbed the last 20 minutes of information. Rise however let out a breath of relief knowing that her fears didn't come true.

"I'm so glad they're safe."

"I think everyone can agree to that." Yosuke looked at the time on his phone. "You know what, let go get some to eat to celebrate. It's the least we can do and looking at everyone I think we all need it."

"The best idea you've come up with yet Yosuke-kun." He shot Yukiko a cheeky smile.

"What can I say I learned from the best."

[End Flashback]

Souji handed the handset to Naoto. "Your turn,"

Quickly she took the device from him and dialled in Rise's number. It took all but one ring for the answer to go to a person on the other side.

"Hello, who's this?"

"Morning Rise-chan."

"Oh my god! NAOTO! Guys Naoto-kun is on the phone!"

"Guys?"

"Yeah I'm back in Inaba while we wait for more information on what's been going on so we are grouped together at the moment. Yosuke is currently out grabbing some food for us though. Yes Chie-senpai, text him quickly to tell him to hurry up."

"So so so so, how are you? Has anything else happened? How's your arm? Is Souji-kun's ribs ok?"

In the background Naoto heard Kanji perk up. "Souji-kun!? When the hell did you start calling him that?"

Panicking for a moment at her verbal habits letting slip in public she hand waved it quickly. "Don't worry about it, story for another day. Anyway tell me everything that has happened."

"Well I've been... Hold on how do you know about our injuries?"

"Well..."

"Hi Big Sis! Is Big Bro there too?" Nanako's bright voice.

The smile from Souji was bright. "Yeah I am, don't worry."

"Yay! So how are you, have your ribs gotten any better?"

"Yup don't worry. Did your Dad tell you?"

"No," Both Souji and Naoto traded confused glances. "I listened in to the conversation between the family and Shirogane-san"

Naoto raised a suspicious eye brow. "How?"

"I bugged the room." Naoto's brain almost exploded.

"You WHAT!?" Souji could hear Nanako laugh nervously at having to explain herself.

"Well you see those recording devices you gave me last year. I sort of used them so we could listen in to the conversation. It's not like they were going to tell us, we were desperate and scared about what happened to you." The pair face palmed at the same time at the audacity of what was going on.

"I.. Souji help me here?"

Souji leaned forward near the headset as his brain thought about his words and what would be best to say in such a delicate situation...

"Good work Nanako, I hope it's made things easier in the past couple days."

"Souji!"

"Yay, thanks Big Bro, it's made things a lot easier. Dad has actually held off from telling me which is surprising but I guess he was scared for your safety. So tell us what's happened, Yosuke just came back so we are all here."

"Well we can't go into too much info but here is what we can say..."

With that Souji and Naoto ran through vaguely what happened and how they were doing. They haven't been able to say where they were but they were in good spirits now everyone knew they were ok. They couldn't answer many of the questions the team had due to the confidentiality of the case and the sensitivity involved. They did say that a lot of the stuff isn't with them because they were supposed to be in isolation.

"Man that sucks but at least everything is fine." Kanji summed up.

"Yeah but we just have to make due. I'm sure we will be back out soon then we'll come see everyone."

There was a collective agreement.

"Just stay safe you two."

"We'll see you guys soon."

"Take care Big Bro and Big Sis."

"Give em hell guys."

"I'll come see you both as soon as you are back."

With that the call tone went dead. Satisfied that they've managed to help the group's morale by checking in the both laid back into the chair.

"Your cousin is something else." All Souji could do was peer down at his partner on his shoulder.

"Hmm?"

"Like my Grandpa has had 50+ years of detective work, seen it all and done it all but at the end of the day his biggest goal of this case was withholding information from the group has failed at the hands of his student's daughter using the tools of his own granddaughter. You couldn't make this up."

All Naoto could do was laugh. "Don't get me wrong, it was an ingenious plan to get the knowledge about a loved one and a part of me would do the same but to have my own tools used like that against someone of my own family makes me feel strange. You understand?"

"Somewhat, I'm still proud of her though." She scoffed. Knowing he wasn't moving from this position.

"I know and I can see why. I'm just happy to know they haven't done something rash in fear that something has happened to us."

"Is that something you worry about?" Looking down at Souji's lap for a moment, just trying to get her thoughts in order.

"Somewhat, because of how close we are I know they wouldn't take something happening to us lightly. It's a small concern in the back of my mind."

"I can see that now you mention it."

"Mmm," Idly playing with the phone in her hand, her mind was thinking about inquiring how much progress the case had gotten when her stomach rumbled. It was loud enough to attract Souji's attention.

"...I'm hungry."

Looking up at her man, his bright smile only made her blush. "You know what I am too. I'm liking the sound of food right now to be honest."

"Shall we head to the kitchen and hound the Estate staff for food?" Mirroring his expression.

"Sounds like an excellent idea. Lead the way."

Lifting herself out of the sofa she reached out and took Souji's offering hand to help him up before they made their way to the kitchen hand in hand.

...

...