MashiroNguyen: Thanks, we have tried out best.
Fabianthecat: Thanks for the kind words.
rjcelmore: Hehe, glad you liked it. You're especially lucky with those months of double uploads, hahaha.
delubyo420: Very, very, VERY carefully.
Xerzo LotCN: Second tier doesn't seem like the right word but... yeah.
And no, Shiho has yet to have her first time.
kira444: Yeah. We know what will happen in the end. But we just wanna see it all and have fun. The thing here, compared to the games harem, is context though. That was the first thing Ghost and I decided.
The social links and confidants are all their own isolated stories, their own private interactions. Away from each other and the main story outside of mechanics. It is why the main characters cheat in those scenarios, because they are getting with each girl individually in private and hide it. There is no reference to your character dating anyone in game. No dialogue changes, or additional dialogue during random scenes, nothing. Hence why it is always the bad end in these harem endings, because the main character was a liar and a cheat and went behind everyones backs.
Ghost and I knew this and knew that if we wanted to go with the harem route, we had to justify it. Meaning the girls knowing about each other and agreeing to share. Hence why Ann and Shiho where the first members of the harem, the two are best friends and of course they would talk to each other if they fell in love with a guy and talk it through. We had this planned before any other aditional stuff later on. Hahaha!
UltimateCCC: Okay, call me an idiot... but how?
DJPlaysGames: Little bit of making him spend a lot of money, a little bit of wanting to help out the newbies.
Firem78910: Well, a good amount of girls are very dominant while others are more submissive. Ren kinda needs to be.
deathstalker982: Hehe. Nice count, dude.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
MashiroNguyen: Well, glad that you enjoy this.
Fabianthecat: Thank you for your high praise.
delubyo420: We've got plans for certain characters turning up, don't worry.
StevieBond: Of course it's adorable and yes, she does.
kira444: Hey, it started with Persona 3 and Makoto. We're following a tradition.
UltimateCCC: How did you know what his free time is filled with?
StacheKing: Thanks for your support, this means a lot.
Drakolf: It's hard to say, Yaldabaoth may or may not know about Ren remembering the first timeline. But it's like a dream of a memory.
tumraz07: Glad you've enjoyed the hilarity in this chapter.
DJPlaysGames: Well, that's why there are some intelligent ladies involved in this harem.
kurokitsune028: Well... if he's not careful, he will.
deathstalker982: Well, you're going to have to find out if that's the number of ladies who turn up in this.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Well, here we are again.
Time for some more fun with the world of Persona 5. At least our version.
Also, yes! Saw the news for P5R and P3P coming to Xbox (which I don't play) and Steam! This is awesome!
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 36
Shopping Trip Part 2, Lunch Time & The Next Day
We return outside of the adult store where Ren had finished buying the needed 'weapons' and 'armour' for Ms Kawakami as the girls had a serious heart to heart talk... All the while Makoto and Futaba had some Big Bang Burger drinks. Ryuji and Yusuke had joined up with them after a while, the four members of the team waiting for Ren, Ann, Shiho and Kawakami to return
"So, enjoying the drinks?" Ryuji asked.
"Hmm, Makoto treated me." Futaba nodded as she hid in the back corner of their booth
"Are you sure that you don't need company?" Yusuke asked kindly to her.
"I'm good. Thanks, Inari." Futaba responded.
"Where are those guys? They said they wouldn't be long." Ryuji groaned
Makoto hummed a bit, sitting back.
"Just be patient. I'm sure they won't be long." Yusuke responded.
"Easy for you to say. I'm itching to know where they are." Ryuji huffed
"Is this seat taken?" Ren askled as he sat down, carrying a bunch of drinks
"Oh thank god, you guys are here." Ryuji sighed in relief.
"Hmm~" Ann hummed, sipping her Strawberry and Chocote Galaxy Milkshake
"Sorry for the wait." Shiho smiled as she drunk her small Eispep Diet
"Don't you want something bigger?" Makoto asked.
"We've already asked too much of Ren." Shiho admitted. "Plus I'm not the biggest fan of fizz. I have some water in my bag, but still."
"Ah, right. I see." Makoto nodded.
"Guys. Help?" Morgana spoke through the full bag.
"Oh crap, Mona!" Ren panicked opening the bag and helped him out just enough so he wasn't noticed by the workers in the shop. "Sorry, I'm sorry." He apologised.
"Bwah! So. Cramped." Morgana whispered, taking freed breaths.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Makoto asked
"I was sleeping most of the time; it's warm, lots of bags next to me. And these new clothes are just nice to curl up in." Morgana explained, showing his new clothing.
"... Why do you look like a 'Neko-Zorro'?" Ryuji deadpanned.
"Because I'm that awesome!" Morgana snickered
"Hmm... You must allow me to paint you in that, Mona." Yusuke spoke, giving his 'artistic eye' to observe the black and white cat.
"Err... We'll talk about it." Mona answered, hiding as they were still in a restaurant while lowering his head into the bag some more
"So, how much did you get?" Ryuji asked.
"You don't ask a gentleman that, Ryuji." Ann pouted.
"Doesn't that only apply to girls?" Ryuji debated.
"Here, dude." Ren passed the drink to his best friend.
"Thanks bro."
"Is anyone hungry?" Kawakami asked
"I could go for something." Yusuke raised his hand as Ryuji drunk his drink.
"I'll pay for-"
"No, Ren. You've already spent a half a million on us already." Kawakami stated calmly
"PPBBT!" Ryuji coughed and spat into his lap. "The FUCK!?"
"That was violent, Ryuji." Shiho frowned.
"A half-million? Where'd you get that? Robbing a bank?" Ryuji coughed as he couldn't believe the amount that his friend had.
"It's... just-" Ren tried to explain.
"Don't even call it 'walking around money'!" Ryuji interrupted.
"Palaces, Ryuji. Or weren't you paying attention when we looted a lot of the rooms and fought those Shadows?" Ann responded.
"I was gonna comment about Kanashiro." Ren joked "Also, she was exaggerating."
"Urgh... Okay." Ryuji groaned as he wiped his lips.
"That was... definitely an overreaction." Makoto responded.
"Sheesh, sorry." Ryuji apologised.
"So... What are we doing now?" Futaba asked. "Aside from drinks."
"Hang out?" Ren shrugged
"That's something I can handle." Ryuji leaned back and sighed in relief.
"Such simple desires." Makoto shook her head.
"Oh please, it's the little things that stop us from going crazy." Futaba responded.
"Yeah, you need to relax more Queen." Ren smirked, pushing his glasses up
"Oh, this raises a question. What is my 'codenamed?" Ms Kawakami asked since she was still technically the newest member.
The Phantom Thieves looked at each other and pondered that. "Ooh... Jeez. Right." Ann mumbled, realising they had not named her
"What do you think?" Yusuke asked.
"Well, you've got that whole 'maid motif', right? Maybe something to do with that?" Futaba asked.
"I-I suppose." She muttered.
Ren looked around at the cafe, trying to think of something as they were thinking of names. Then, he happened to see a painting of flowers, seeing how they looked like the maid attire she often wore. "What about 'Fleur'?"
"Huh?" Everyone blinked
"That's... kind of unique." Ann commented.
"I know. Is that okay with you, Ms Kawakami?" Ren asked
"I feel like it fits." she nodded
All around them, their Persona flouted unseen by all. Surrounded by soft blue flames.
"It seems our Other Selves are having a good time." Mercurius spoke positively.
"Aye, though it's embarrassing to see Ryuji having coke stains on his shorts looking like he pissed himself." Captain Kidd commented.
Goemon hummed to himself as he took a puff from his pipe "He does tent to have situations like this often."
"Thank you for including us in your group." Arachne spoke, lying on her spider legs and thorax.
"You're quite welcome." Circe smiled as she had a fellow Greek figure in the group.
Necronomicon was floating above them, not speaking but observing. It was silent...and honestly felt ominous as a tentacle came down and reached down to the group.
"Hey, what're you-?" Carmen asked as she saw it lowering down towards Futaba! Its long slithering tentacle getting closer and closer to her face
...
And tried to take her drink.
"She always does that." Arsene smirked
"I honestly thought she was trying to-" Carmen spoke, relieved but a little guilty.
"You know she'd never do anything like that in public." Arsene responded.
"She's been known to flirt." Circe answered.
"... Where's Johanna?" Captain Kidd pondered.
"I'm outside." Johanna called out.
"Why?" Arsene responded.
"Because I am a motorbike. No bike's allowed in the cafe." Johanna responded.
...
"I'm on a frigging boat! Necronomicon is a hentai spaceship! You being a bike is literally the most normal thing right now!" Captain Kidd deadpanned.
"... I suppose that you have a point." Johanna answered.
"Besides, we can change size. So it's not that big of a problem." Arsene added as he flew outside, picking the bike up. A fact that shocked the other inner selves. The other Persona looked at each other, surprised by that fact.
"I thought we could only stay as this size." Carmen commented.
"How'd you do that anyway?" Circe asked.
"Just think 'small'." Mercurius responded, now the size of Mona and much more manageable.
"Hmm. Interesting." Goemon commented as he shrunk down himself.
"So, what's there left to do?" Yusuke asked as they finished their drinks.
"We could head home. Make some curry." Futaba suggested as she hugged Ren's arm
"Sounds great. I'm starving." Ryuji commented.
"If it's not to much trouble." Yusuke nodded, trying to silence his stomach.
"Guys, you're more than welcome. I just have to make it first." Ren chuckled.
"More food?" Makoto pointed out
"... Err... Yeah. You're right. My mum's gonna be mad if I miss dinner." Ryuji admitted, rubbing the back of his head.
"And my school dorm will be empty for quite some time." Yusuke agreed.
"And I have to get back home myself." Ms Kawakami added.
"W-Well I'm going!" Shiho stuttered out
"Okay...? Anyone else?" Ren nervously asked.
"I actually have to go back home. My sister will be wondering where I've been." Makoto added.
"Yeah, I need to get home." Ann added as she gave Shiho a wink
"Right." Ren nodded "In three days from now, we are getting this done."
"Right." Everyone nodded as they stood up, gathering their stuff
"Ren, can I speak to you?" Makoto asked "In private?"
"Yeah, sure." Ren nodded
"Don't worry, I'll take Futaba home." Shiho smiled
"Thanks." Ren nodded.
"I'll see you all then." Ms Kawakami answered, trying to remain silent as she saw this.
As the group 'disbanded' for the day, Makoto and Ren were the last ones there. "So, what did you want to talk about, Makoto?" Ren asked politely.
Makoto sighed, pulling out her phone as she looked around awkwardly.
Bwoop
Ren blinked as he pulled out his phone as it messaged him and suddenly they where in the Metaverse "Whoa! Okay!" Ren blinked as he was now here, Mona and Queen were there with him.
"What the-? Why did we come here?" Mona wondered, wearing his new 'Phantom Thief' attire.
"I need... The confidence." Makoto stated
"'Confidence'?" Joker asked as he looked at Queen. "Queen, what's wrong?"
...
"Mona? Privacy please?" She sighed as she hugged herself a bit, rubbing her arm
"Um. Yeah, no problem, Queen." He nodded, leaving the two to their own devices.
"Bye!" He waved, wandering down the stress of the warped world. Safe, mostly.
Joker sighed and waved back. "Okay, Queen."
"Joker... I..." She sighed, trying to keep her mind focused
Joker remained quiet, letting Queen have all the time she needed to collect her thoughts. If it was going to be something, it would be better for her to say it without him urging her.
...
"Do you think I'm attractive?!" She called
Joker was taken back by that comment. 'Was she attractive?' He scratched his cheek and thought about it. She was one of their friends...and to say that 'she wasn't' was NOT on the table. "Yes. I think you're attractive."
Queen nodded nervously as she heard that, feeling her heart thump loudly in her chest. "Then. I-I need to. Need to tell you something."
Joker walked a little closer to Queen, wanting her to be comfortable.
She held her hands in front of her, taking deep breath after deep breath. It was odly cute, but not distracting. "Joker I..."
"Yeah?" He asked, frowning in worry
...
"Oh god damn it!" Johanna snapped in Makoto's mind "Just tell him!"
"This is embarrassing." Arsene whispered
...
"Joker I... I like you." Queen mumbled, looking into his eyes "I'm not... I'm not good with all this. But I want to learn. And I want to learn with you."
Joker's eyes widened just slightly. With everything that has been happening with Shiho, Tae and Ann...at this point he was taking these romantic confessions in his stride.
She took a step forwards and grasped his hands, setting them on her hips "Could you... Teach me?" She asked "If you'd have me."
"Of course, Queen. I'll teach you." He reassured her and squeezed her hands gently as to reassure her. "And I know you will be great." He held her leather clad waist tightly, pulling her close.
Queen looked up at Joker and got flustered, seeing his face so close to her own. "Th-thank you." before he kissed her. She blinked in shock, before almost melting by his touch and embraced him in her arms. She returned the kiss, holding his coat while feeling his hands on her ass. Not that she minded, this was something potential couples did to show affection. And Joker was an honest gentleman after all. Arsene was proof of that. In fact she kind of enjoyed it, knowing he enjoyed her and her body. 'He's. So tough.' She thought as they embraced as she imagined what could be between them soon.
Joker slowly broke the kiss and looked into Queen's eyes with confidence. "We'll figure this out together. Okay?"
"Okay." She nodded
...
"This doesn't mean I'm letting you drive." She added
Joker dropped a little as he heard that. "Seriously? I'm a great driver!"
"And I have a licence." she shot back, her red eyes narrowing
"Queen." Joker groaned, pulling her closer
"I said 'no'. And I mean 'no'." She responded, getting a little flustered as she was brought in.
"Please?" He asked, giving her a kiss on the cheek
Queen shuddered as her face turned red as she felt his lips on her cheek. 'What do I do? What do I do? WhatdoIdo?'
...
"If you're good, maybe." She squeaked out, her voice echoing a bit as Johanna spike through her
Joker blinked before giving a toothy smile. "Alright, I'll be very good." As he spoke with Arsene's voice.
Queen shuddered as she heard that overlapped voice coming from Joker, hugging him close as she could -feel- the oozing confidence coming from their leader. 'How is he so god damn charming?!'
"Okay, Queen?" He pulled back and brushed her cheek a little.
"Yes?"
"I can drive the car now?" He asked.
"... No." She answered.
"Queen!" he complained
...
And the two began to laugh
*time skip*
Ren went back home, after some lengthy discussions with Makoto about driving Mona in the Metaverse. "So~, everything sorted?" Morgana asked from inside the bag.
"Yeah, I managed it." He nodded as he closed the door behind him.
"I see boss already left." He whispered to himself
Creak~
"Someone's up there." Ren whispered, hearing a creak from upstairs.
"Great." Morgana hissed
Ren readied himself ready for an attack, carefully going up the stairs as he was ready to strike at a moment's notice.
Creeeak~
'Stupid floorboard.' He thought.
"Ren? Is that you?" A familiar voice spoke.
"Shiho?" Both Ren and Mona asked in shock as they heard that.
Ren's feet quickened as he rose up the stairs and saw Shiho standing there, almost on ceremony waiting for him
"Shiho?" he blinked
"Hi, Ren." Shiho gulped nervously as she saw him. "Welcome back."
"Yeah... How was Futaba when you-?"
"She's fine. Sojiro's with her." Shiho explained "She convinced him to let me stay."
"Oh, okay. I should thank her later." Ren muttered as he carefully put his bag with Mona down.
"I need to go out again, don't I?" Morgana joked
"Um. Yes. Please, Morgana." Shiho nodded nervously.
"I'll see what Futaba is doing tonight." Morgana yawned and jumped away, out of the room
"Bye." Ren waved, before looking at her. "Do you want anything?" He asked politely.
Shiho was quiet... Before putting a pair of fake glasses on ... "... You."
GULP!
Ren blinked as he saw Shiho put those glasses on, seeing her now getting this aura about her. He did smile though. This... Was nice. She liked using his fake glasses to feel calm/confident. Now she had her own.
"What do you say, Joker?" She asked, stepping forwards and with a sway in her step. A sway she had Ann teach her
"Well, Dove. I'd say, I like this confidence." Ren said proudly
"Thank you Joker." She smiled "Now... It's my first Time."
"I'll be gentle, Dove. Promise." He responded, pulling her close and kissed her.
Shiho's eyes fluttered shut as she felt his lips on her own. She was a little jealous that Ann had more time with Ren, but right now... this was her time. She held his shirt tightly, her eyes fluttering closed as they fell back onto his bed. It was a sort of low 'thump' as the two embraced together, holding each other in their arms. Shiho began to strip, looking up into Ren's eyes
She saw his deep eyes staring back at her, almost penetrating her soul as she stripped off and shuddered from excitement. She pulled off her shirt and exposed her bra covered C-Cup breasts to her shared boyfriend, a little worried that she wasn't pretty enough, but her confidence was overtaking that.
"You're wonderful." He said, kissing her "Beautiful."
Shiho kissed back, pressing her chest against his as she pulled off his shirt, hoping to see his chet. And she was happy with the sight she received 'Wow. Abs.' She looked at his body.
"My eyes are up here." Ren joked.
"You've wanted to say that for a while." She joked
"Yes, I have. And it's still funny to be on this side of the comment." He chuckled as he held her hips, straddling her on him.
"A little." she admitted, smiling down at him
Ren just smiled, trying to carefully remove his trousers while she sat upon him, he wanted to make Shiho feel like a woman right now. "Ren. We don't need to rush." she encourgaed, undoing her hair tie
He simply nodded and took in Shiho's appearance, gently pushing her glasses back on her face to keep them from falling. He gave her another simple kiss, his hands slipping into her pants and rubbing her through her panties.
Shiho moaned as she felt his hands slip between her panties, his fingers caressing her delicate flower.
'She's so soft.' Ren thought to himself, feeling her warm pink slit as his fingers began to tease her but not too much. The third pussy he had touched, while still dating the two women he's already been with. He didn't know how lucky he was, but he was enjoying it. He kissed her neck, watching Shiho's beautiful face
Shiho shuddered as her glasses jiggled on her nose while her chest bounced a little. "Ren... It feels good..." She panted
"It's going to feel better soon." Ren whispered tenderly into her ears as he removed both of their pants. The two of them were there on his old bed, the hard mattress being supportive while he positioned himself slightly. He rolled them over so she was on her back, Ren gently moving one of her legs into his shoulder
Shiho's glasses almost fell off her face, but she put them back in place on her face as she looked up at Ren. Blushing but remaining calm as she was ready. "Please." She nodded
Ren positioned himself and pressed his member against her virgin flower, guiding himself before pushing inside. "Ah~!"
Shiho gasped as she felt Ren penetrate her, her body shuddering as she could feel his size inside. "Hurts..." She mumbled
"I'm sorry. Just a bit more?" Ren urged
"Y-yes. I can handle it." She answered, slowly relaxing to take Ren inside.
Ren nodded, leaning down and kissed her as he entered her fully, feeling her tight flower take his member as they were connected finally.
Shiho's body arched and shuddered, the feeling of him inside her made her heart thump happily as she could feel his warmth. "Oh yes~!"
Ren let out a small exhale as he held Shiho in his arms, holding her leg on his shoulder, feeling her athletic leg resting there while he slowly pumped his member in her pussy.
Shiho looked up at Ren, feeling her body thrust onto his member, feeling him mould her flower to his shape, this romantic passion was heartwarming, she wanted to wrap her arms around him, though it was difficult with her leg on his shoulder. She wasn't that flexible. She wanted to be though. It had been a thought for a while, and something she had been training with. And hopefully, she would be good enough to try it. But right now, she was enjoying being with Ren, making love to her shared boyfriend. She shifted her weight, however, putting her other leg on his other shoulder.
"Wh-what?" he gasped as Shiho moved.
"Joker. Go wild." She teased as she knew this would give him more leverage
Ren's 'calm face' dropped as he soon grinned, grabbed her legs and thrust in deep into her pussy, rubbing her thighs to help stimulate her. He had his full Joker smirk as he moved his head, their athletic bodies rocking against each other
Shiho continued to moan, feeling Joker inside of her, gripping his hips to keep him there, she wanted to let loose and enjoy this. And right now, she could feel her Phantom Thief self oozing out. She felt so much more confident, sexy. And eager.
Ren panted, his heart was racing as he looked into Shiho's eyes, seeing the passion and connection between them grow. He felt like the luckiest person in the world with so many wonderful girlfriends with him.
Shiho began to play with her breasts openly, for her pleasure and Ren's enjoyment. She even pulled one towards her mouth, and began to lick her own nipple
"G-God. That-that's sexy, Shiho." Ren panted, looking at the erotic display and felt his member throb within her pussy.
"Damn... Forgot a condom." He realised quickly
"Cum on my stomach." She urged with a moan
"You sure?" He asked.
"Yes, yes I'm sure. I want to feel your cum on my stomach." She panted. "I-I'm so close!"
"Alright!" He nodded as he pulled back.
Shiho moved her hand down and began to run her clit, while watching Ren rub his member. Watching it throb.
He groaned, cumming across the volleyball player's we trained abs
Shiho gasped as she came, feeling Ren's hot seed splurt on her body as she moaned. This was so much better than just using toys. She wished she could have Ann's tongue lapping the cum off her stomach. Or maybe Tae. Maybe they could look into doing this sort of thing eventually...
"What're you thinking?" Ren smiled as he looked at her.
"Sexy thoughts." She smiled back, panting a little as she ran her finger through his cum, licking it a moment later
"Blek. I don't really like it." She flinched
"I guess 'oral' is out of the question." Ren half-joked as he heard that and backed off. "Let me get you a towel."
"I wouldn't mind sucking you off." She informed "But yeah, I'm not swallowing."
Ren nodded and grabbed a fresh towel he was going to use for tomorrow, but right now he didn't mind giving it to Shiho to clean herself. "Did you enjoy it?"
"Of course, I did." She answered, wiping off his cum.
"Do~, you want to cuddle?" He asked, trying to be cute and he got a pillow slapped against his face
thump
"Yeah. Okay." Ren deadpanned, his glasses a little ascued... And they started laughing a bit "I'm gonna get you for that." Ren went to her with an 'ominous' stride and raised his hands playfully.
"What, you gonna spank me?" Dove teased
"Only if you're into it." Ren offered. "I mean, we were in that sex-shop for a few hours."
"Yeah. And you bought stuff, didn't you?" She asked with a blush
"I... Bought a few things. Yes." He nodded, looking away to the side with a twinge of embarrassment.
"Do you want to use them?" She teased, pushing her breasts up playfully. "I dont mind trying if you want to."
"Well, okay." He nodded, going to the bag and brought out a couple of toys. He grabbed the bag from the store. A paddle, some hand cuffs, buttplugs, some different type of vibration toys and so on where on there. Not a lot but good quality items for some experimentation
Shiho gulped in shock as she saw the toys. "I think I can handle the paddle. And maybe the cuffs?"
"Well, you've been naughty." He joked
"Can we agree on a safe word?" She asked.
"Sure. How's... 'Apples'?" He responded.
"That sounds fine." She nodded, gesturing to the cuffs to be 'bound'.
Ren got the handcuffs and put the key and its spare on the side. "Let me know when you want to stop."
"Right." She nodded
click
click
"Not too tight?" he asked in concern
"No, it's perfect." As she leaned over his legs as he held the paddle in his hand.
"Alright, let's do this." He urged
Ren looked down at Shiho's athletic ass, rubbing it gently before holding the paddle... and then.
smack!
"Eep!" She squeaked as she felt the paddle slap her posterior. Her body jumped a bit, surprised by the action
"Was that too hard?" he asked in worry
"N-no. Just, unexpected." She admitted.
"Okay."
Slap!
"Ah!"
"I'm guessing... Ten?" He said awkwardly
"Y-Yes. Please." She panted and nodded, her body shuddering from the slaps.
"Please?" He chuckled
slap!
"Ah~!" Once again exclaiming from the slap, Shiho felt pleasure pulsing through her body. This continued for a bit, leaving her backside bright red "Apples. Apples!" Shiho whimpered as Ren began to soothe her posterior with cream so there was no pain afterwards.
He instant stopped, dropping his paddle "Sorry, was I too rough?" Ren apologised as he reached up to undo her handcuffs
"I... I just had enough." Shiho admitted as she held back her tears
"I wasn't too much, was I?" He repeated
"A-a little. I wasn't used to it." Shiho admitted... "But I DID like it." She assured "Don't worry. But... limits."
"Okay. Okay, good to know." Ren nodded, gave her a reassuring kiss and then grabbed a bottle of 'soothing lotion' that he bought for this situation. "This'll sting, but it'll help."
"Thank you." She mewed "Thank you, Ren."
"Of course, Shiho." he smiled and kissed her gently
"I love you." she smiled weakly, curling up next to him
"Love you to." he whispered gently
*time skip*
"Morning." Ren mumbled as the light filled the room
"Good morning." Shiho whispered, looking at his face.
"Sleep well?" he asked gently
"Yes. My ass is a little tingly, but it's soothed." She smiled as she nuzzled close
Ren simply smiled and nuzzled back, holding her close. 'I love my love life.'He thought to himself, realising how lucky he was.
"HEY! REN! WAKE UP!" Futaba yelled as she ran in
"GAH!" The two screamed as they covered each other.
"Knock, next time!" Ren called out.
"Why? Your my boyfriend." Futaba pouted
"J-Just common courtesy." Ren muttered.
"... Should I get my clothes?" Shiho blushed as Futaba sat between them on the bed
"Nope." Futaba smirked as she sandwiched herself, while the quilt was getting shorter. She set her head against Ren's shoulder, her legs on Shiho's waist. Trapping them there, like a cat sitting on their lap
"Oh... Dear." Shiho muttered. "I'm pinned."
"Kinky." Futaba chuckled.
"As you already know." Both she and Ren deadpanned.
"What time is it?" Ren asked.
"Later than you normally get up." Futaba answered.
"... Is Sojiro mad at me?" Ren flinched.
"Well, he's not 'mad'. More... 'unhappy'. You threw him off the normal routine." Futaba chuckled.
"Urgh... he's mad at me." Ren groaned, realising what it meant. "Can I get changed?"
"Hmm. No. I want to see your abs." she grinned and giggled
"Futaba." He deadpanned
"Futaba, please. We would like to get up." Shiho said seriously "I've gotta get home."
"Make me." Futaba playfully stuck her tongue out.
Chu~
"Now?" Shiho frowned.
"... Okay~." She nodded and got up from the bed.
...
"Wow." Ren blinked, smiling
"When in doubt. Show dominance." Shiho whispered as Futaba got up from the bed and away from them with a goofy grin
"Okay, good to know." Ren nodded, remembering it for next time Futaba would act up. "Hey, Futaba, do you I want to hang out today?"
"Huh? Really?" She asked, turning around and snapped out of her stupour.
"Yeah, some 'family bonding'. No... that sounds wrong." Ren regretted, since he agreed to Futaba joining his girlfriends.
"Your so big, Onii-chan~" Futaba joked in a kiddy tone, her hands resting by her jaw
"That's it. No more hentai for you!" Ren got up, trying to cover his privates.
Futaba's eyes widened in horror has she gasped, falling to her knees "Noooo~! Not fair!"
"... For a week." He followed up, he was still her 'boyfriend' and didn't want to spoil her too much as the two stood up
"Okay, fi~ne~." Futaba nodded, looking at the floor... or at least it looked like she was looking at the floor. 'Hehehehe~' she mentally laughed, evilly
*time skip*
"Well, that was an interesting conversation with Boss." Ren sighed heavily as Futaba hummed next to him "So, what do you want to do?" He asked, turning to Futaba.
"Hmm. That's a good question. I'd have to have a long time to-Akihabara." Futaba began to hum, pretending to think before giving her answer.
"Akihabara?" He asked
"Yeah, my 'Revenge War'. Going to a place with a lot of people." Futaba nodded. "I want to make see if I've gotten more confident since last time."
"Alright. That makes sense." Ren nodded. "It'll take a little while though."
"We've got all day, right?"
"Yeah...yeah. Okay."
"Hey, are you two headed out?" Sojiro asked, overhearing the two's conversation.
"Yeah, to Akihabara." Futaba nodded.
"Well, be careful. I don't want either of you two getting lost." Sojiro protectively warned, to which Futaba hugged Ren's arm.
"I won't." She smiled.
*Time Skip*
It was a quick ride on the train as Ren and Futaba arrived in Akihabara; the pair of them walked the streets arm in arm, seeing various attractions like an artist making pictures of famous mascots, before going to the technology store where they saw even more people looking for computer deals.
"Hey, did you see that tablet earlier? Whoever drew that was almost as good as Inari." Futaba commented. "Kinda pervy view on art though."
'You don't know the half of it, Futaba.' Ren sighed and nodded. 'The world only gets hornier.' Soon, a wave of hubbub rose from the customers, it was a growing tidal surge of wonder.
"Wh-what's going on?" Futaba panicked, hugging Ren's arm.
A random customer loudly called out. "There's a super-limited sale in the PC Section!"
"Three terabytes for five hundred yen? What a steal!" Another person called out.
"It'll be gone in seconds!" Another person proclaimed as a mob of people tried to get through.
"Eep!" Futaba tried to hold onto Ren as people pushed past them. The two tried to hold onto each other, but the force of the crowd had separated them.
"Futaba!" Ren called out as they lost their grip.
Moments later, Ren was standing on his own. He was panicking, Futaba was gone! Taken by the crowd! "Futaba!" He called out.
Ring, ring
He went to his pockets and pulled out his phone, seeing it was Futaba. -Mayday, mayday... I'm trapped in the 'Home Appliance Kingdom'. The 'Three Terabyte War' wage on outside. So... many. People. Hrgn. I don't know if I can last much longer!"
eeeep
'The call cut out!' Ren thought to himself. "I gotta find her!" As he took a step ready to find her, he caught a shock of red hair in his gaze and saw that she was just around the corner, walking nervously. He ran to her and hugged her.
"There you are!" She whimpered. "I... I, I, I."
"I was going to find you." Ren reassured, hugging her.
"Thank you." She whispered and hugged back. "I didn't think I was gonna see you until the end of time. But then I thought about you while I wandered about and... bam. A wild Ren appeared."
"You're the one who appeared." He smiled and stroked her head gently.
"Did you summon me?" She smirked, feeling better as she looked up at him. "Wait a tick; I just finished a promise. 'Go somewhere with lots of people'! Am I awesome or what?"
Ren sighed and smiled, relieved that Futaba wasn't detered and she had her focus on her goals. "Yep, you are."
"It's 'cause of the Three Terabyte War and you bringing me here!" She added. "Thanks, Onii-chan."
Ren could feel the innocent joy coming from Futaba , their bond growing closer... while she included that little flirty joke
Hermit: Rank 3
"Do you want to go get a smoothie?" Ren asked, thinking of something that they could enjoy without other people separating them again.
"Unless there's a Featherman store close by... sure." She nodded.
Ren smiled, kissing her forehead gently
*Time skip*
Ren was walking back home with Futaba, the two holding a smoothy each and walking with a bag filled with manga and the latest Featherman series merchandise. 'And they wonder why I try and make so much money.' Ren thought, holding back tears
"Thanks for a great day out, Ren." Futaba smiled as she snuggled close.
"Of course." He smiled
"I owe you. And more than just hugs." She added.
"You don't have to do that." He answered.
"Of course, I do. You dropped like five hundred thousand on me." She responded.
"... Please don't remind me how much I spent." Ren whimpered.
"Ah, you two are back." Sojiro spoke as he saw them. "... What on earth did you get? Did you buy a whole toy store?"
"No, Just a few pieces." Futaba answered, lifting her bags.
"Hmm..." Ren frowned.
"You need a pick me up." Sojiro responded. "Here, I just made some curry."
"My favourite one?" Futaba smiled as she put the bags down and went to a booth.
"Didn't you feed her when you were out?" Sojiro joked, to which Ren sighed heavily. "... I don't think I'll ask about rent this week."
"Thank you." He answered as he sighed and rubbed the back of his head.
"Come and sit down. You look exhausted." Sojiro spoke, giving a plate of curry.
"Thanks, Sojiro." Ren smiled gently, sitting down for dinner.
A couple of hours later, Ren was washing up the plates from dinner and was ready to head out again. Spending his time with Shiho and Futaba, he just needed some 'him time'. Destress from this situation. "You need a holiday from this holiday." Morgana chuckled.
"You think?" He asked. "It's not even a holiday."
"Where are you going now?" the cat asked, humminh happily
"Out. Maybe have a wander around the red-light district. Maybe Chihaya will give me some good news about my love life." Ren admitted
"Ooh~, wait... I'm getting a predictio~n!" Morgana teased, pretending to be a psychic. "Your money will be go~ne and your lo~ve li~fe will be filled with exhaustio~n."
"Please don't joke about that." He sighed heavily, having a mental image of his wallet with only moths fluttering out. "Want to come?"
"Yep!" Morgana responded, leaping into the bag and left with Ren to the district.
With a train ride and a quick change later, Ren was in the red light district and walking around with a clearer head. The train ride seemed to help. "Now, where is-? There she is." Ren wondered before seeing her.
"Ah, it's you." Chihaya spoke as she saw him. "It's been a while."
"Yeah, it has." He nodded as he sat down. "Do you have time for a reading?"
"Um, not at the moment." She answered. "But... can you spare an ear?"
"Yeah, of course." He nodded as he lead her away to a bench and next to a vending machine. "Here." He passed her a can of pop.
"Amamiya... Honestly, I still believe in the existence of fate. I mean, the fortunes I see have an extremely high accuracy rate. But... I suppose my divine power isn't completely absolute, huh?" she muttered quietly
"Do you want to test it again?" He responded.
"Well, of course. But I'm sure it'll end in disappointment. You know, I've wondered in the past whether fate really can be changed... But I always concluded that it was something beyond our control." the blonde said thoughtfully "Almost like the laws of nature. Eternal, impossible to defy."
Ren rubbed the back of his neck and sighed, thinking about the whole situation.
"And yet. There exist people like you who ignore those laws and impose their own will upon the world. How... How can I be one of those people, Amamiya?" Chihaya asked
Ren thought for a moment before answering. "Strengthen your will."
"'My will'? Do you mean to say that I'm too easily influenced by my own fortune-telling?" She pondered. "This city... It keeps finding ways to subvert my expectations." She stood up from excitement. "There was nobody like this in my old hometown in the country, Amamiya. It was a small, traditional town deep in the mountains; populated by almost entirely by older people."
'Superstitions among the older generation.' Ren thought. "Tell me more."
"During the winter, it's practically inaccessible due to the snow. That alone should tell you volumes." She admitted. "The youth... they're forced to be strictly obedient to their elders as well. Not explicitly of course. And there's a small shrine in the centre of the village. There, I... It doesn't matter anymore. I left that place to move here, it means nothing to me now." She pulled out a stone in her hand. "I found comfort in this stone after arriving. It came from someone who dared to care about me, even though I'm just a monster with strange powers. That's why I sell 'Holy Stones', to help those who suffer inescapable fates as I had."
Ren nodded as he heard that, seeing how passionately she was speaking.
"But... I wonder if they do anything. After all, you managed to change people's destinies without one." Chihaya continued. "Is it possible to alter fate with nothing more than mere words, passion and attitude?" As she said that, she threw the stone in the trash. "If that's the case, I won't be needing it. I'm going to confront fate head-on, with my own strength." She smiled before frowning. "Although... the chairman would be mad if he found out."
"'The chairman'?" He wondered in confusion.
"O-Oh, don't worry about that! Just forget about it... unless you want to suffer my curse, that is." She frowned. "A-Anyway, if fate can be changed, maybe mine can also be? It didn't work before, but perhaps this time..."
"I think it'll work." Ren answered, patting her shoulder.
"R-Right!" She nodded. "I look forward to our next exchange. At least, until I manage to change my fate. And I'll make sure to put in extra effort for you in my fortune-telling!"
Ren felt Chihaya's motivation growing and smiled gently.
Fortune: Rank 4
"Shall I try now?" She asked.
"Yeah, that'd be good." He nodded as she took the cards out.
Chihaya shuffled the cards and began to draw them, laying them out before Ren and in such a way...it made her doubletake. "I've. I've never seen a prediction quite like this."
'Oh no. Please no.' He thought to himself.
"You will attain great riches, but your romances will continue to grow." Chihaya responded.
"Pppbbbttt!" Morgana snorted and tried to stifle his laughter as he heard that.
"Er... I'm sorry what?" he asked, blinking
"Your future is lined with riches. Riches of various kinds... and your fortunes in romance are to expand even further. I... I'm honestly shocked to see such a fortune." Chihaya commented as she hid her blush
"Oh, I see. Right." He coughed gently. "Thanks... is this a free reading?"
"For you? Yes... This time." She responded with a cheerful smile and a blush 'That future... I would like that.' she thought lovingly
CONFIDANT RECAP:
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Chariot: Rank 10
Sun: Rank 10
Lust: Rank 9
Strength: Rank 8
Death: Rank 7
Temperance: Rank 6
Hierophant: Rank 6
Hanged-Man: Rank 6
World: Rank 5
Emperor: Rank 5
Devil: Rank 5
High Priestess: Rank 4
Star: Rank 4
Moon: Rank 3
Empress: Rank 3
Fortune: Rank 3
Hermit: Rank 2
Tower: Rank 1
