Back kinda too early but as a reminder to everyone, do review because nothing demotivates an author more than a bad ratio, like 253 hits and 4 reviews, ouch hurts the soul.

Like the review hound that I am, I was going to wait for a while but a friend had a request for a lighter and fluffier (is that a word, fuck it) so I wrote this within like... 3 hours because I wouldn't want them to wait a month or two for their request. I am too much of a nice guy. Hopefully you enjoy this and it helps, you know who you are.

Also, watcha think of the new cover? I do not own the image. :P found it on tumblr so whoever made this, thank you.

GO!

After finding a dead teenager in the dorm, Minato had no choice but to call Mitsuru from her meeting so they could avoid facing possible jail time.

Mitsuru quickly arrived with a group of medical personals and they got to work on the dead body, which by their estimation was killed just half an hour ago, which meant the killing took place during the Dark Hour.

Minato glanced at Mitsuru and bit his lip. She looked weary and tired, the pressure of the group and the death of her father still was heavy on her mind and shoulders.

"I'm sorry for calling you," Minato apologized. "I had no choice…"

"You don't have to worry about that," Mitsuru forced a smile. "This is not a normal occurrence that you could handle on your own."

"Yeah," Minato shivered slightly. "We find body parts in Tartarus and then this in our dorm. I don't think this is a work of a normal shadow…"

"Miss Kirijo," the senior most doctor spoke and the two persona user turned towards him. "Almost everything in his body is crushed, every vital organ and almost every single bone."

"I see…" Mitsuru replied. "Are you sure he is not one of the Lost?"

"No mam," the male replied. "I do believe his death was caused by suffocation. His throat was probably the first thing the killer crushed."

"So he killed him and still ended up crushing every single bone in his body?" Minato spat. "Disgusting…"

"Inform his family and give him a burial," Mitsuru said. "The expenses will be taken by the group, understood?"

"Yes mam," the team bowed their heads and carried the corpse away but the disgusting smell remained in the dorm and it made Minato nauseous.

"I shouldn't be saying this because of what I've done before," Minato opened his mouth to speak but Hamuko cut him off with a harsh glare, which was followed by the rest of his friends scolding him. "But this is…. Inhumane…"

"And what we saw in the tower," Fuuka said. "I think this is the work of the same…." she looked down, trying to think of an appropriate word. "I don't think shadows are this brutal."

"Yeah man," Junpei shuddered. "Going by the autopsy report, almost everything inside the poor guy was crushed."

"About that," Mitsuru said, facing Minato. "You mentioned that he pushed you today?"

Minato nodded slowly. "Now I understand that you'd suspect me…" he said. "But I swear I didn't do anything!"

Mitsuru frowned. "I should hit you…"

"Yes," Hamuko clapped.

"Also who gave you permission to head out without someone from the dorm?" Mitsuru said, scolding him like a mother would. "You and I are going to have a talk about this, Minato."

Hamuko pumped her fist into the air. "Yes senpai! Teach him a lesson, he never listens to me."

Mitsuru nodded slowly and Minato felt a shiver crawl up his already damaged spine. "We will have a talk about that too but going back to the topic, you say he pushed you and if you dare belittle yourself, I will execute you where you stand."

"Uh yeah… He pushed me today," Minato scratched the back of his head. "I beat him up when we tried to investigate Fuuka's disappearance back in the summer."

Yukari, Hamuko and Junpei recalled the night and cringed with Yukari cussing herself for her stupidity that night.

"I was showing Ryoji around the island and he ended up in the back of the station," Minato continued. "I ran there to get him and well he saw me. I tried to calm him down but he ended up pushing me and I fell to the ground."

"Why didn't you kick his ass!?"

To Minato's surprise, that question came from Junpei, not from Sho who was leaning against the wall, quietly listening to the conversation that was going on.

"I've done that enough," Minato shook his head. "I even dragged Ryoji away when he was about to attack them."

"Forgive me but who is Ryoji-san?" Aigis asked. "I am not familiar with that name."

"He's a new student," Yukari explained. "He just enrolled in the school."

"And he's an asshole," Junpei sighed. "I'd advise you to stay away from him Ai-chan. I can't count the number of times he's snapped at me for like… no reason."

"He's pretty friendly with Minato though," Hamuko said. "I think he looks up to you."

"Well, Minato is special so I'm not surprised," Junpei grinned. "He is still a little hurtful at times… You know, two days ago, he—"

Mitsuru coughed and looked at Minato, gesturing him to continue.

"Oh yeah," Minato started talking again. "Well, that's about it, he didn't chase after me or anything."

"I see…" Mitsuru mused. "Did you see anyone odd in the alley?"

"No, just the usual crowd and Ryoji," Minato answered. "The killing took place in the Dark Hour so that leaves two options…"

"First, the shadows," Mitsuru said.

"Next, Takaya…" Minato hissed through clenched teeth. "He could be behind this since he is a persona user but I doubt he could have done something like this since I damaged so badly in the battle…"

"I doubt Jin could do something like this either," Sho finally spoke. "I did my fair share of damage to that punk."

"I understand but honestly, I think Takaya is behind this," Mitsuru said after a few seconds of thought. "This cannot be a shadow for obvious reasons, they wouldn't drag a corpse and they usually do not kill."

"Oh great, he's still at it?" Junpei sighed in annoyance. "After the beating Minato put on him?"

"He's like a cockroach, I think we have to squash him permanently to stop him," Akihiko said. "Which we will do next time."

"I don't understand," Yukari said. "Why would he kill that guy and then throw him here?"

"In his deluded mind, he probably thought doing this would show superiority over Minato," Mitsuru frowned at Minato. "High chance that he was watching you and because of that you will stay out for too long, understand?"

Minato tensed up for a few seconds after taking in the conversation. Takaya was still after him? Dammit, he doubted he could battle a monster like that with his worn out body-"No, I can't think like that…" he reminded himself and tried to relax.

Hamuko caught that and looked at Sho who nodded back at her, telling her not to worry. "Thanks…"

"To all of you, stay on your guard and no matter what happens, protect Minato," Mitsuru ordered and the others nodded. "Do not leave him alone at night."

"Understood," Aigis nodded dutifully.

"About that," Akihiko stepped forward. "We need to have a talk…"

"Akihiko, do not-" Minato opened his mouth but Hamuko dragged him away.

"Let them talk," she said. "Come on guys, we have homework to do!" She shouted at the juniors and together, they literally carried Minato to the second floor, leaving Mitsuru and Akihiko alone with Sho.

Sho stood upright and Mitsuru looked at him. "Can I trust you?" she asked.

"In regards to Minato yeah," Sho responded. "I'm psychotic but I am loyal and besides, I have a score to settle with Takaya."

"Thank you," Mitsuru chuckled.

…

As much as he liked his friends and despite all the battles he fought alongside them, it was a little awkward to sit between them because every time he glanced at their faces, he recalled the times when he had destroyed them, mentally and physically.

"Come on Minato," Hamuko encourage, rubbing his back. "They are your friends, remember?"

"I don't really deserve them but…" Minato sighed. "I'm grateful."

"Just let it go man," Junpei shook his head. "That wasn't you, you aren't at fault."

"It is still a little hard," Minato admitted. "If you guys didn't bust your sleep and health over me when I was half-dead then maybe I wouldn't feel so bad but you did…"

"Did you seriously forget all the times you saved all of us?" Yukari said. "In this very dorm, you saved all of us from Strega."

"Do you remember what I did before that?" Minato asked wearily.

"We are not having his discussion," Hamuko barged in before the brunette could talk. "Let it go, we're here to talk about good times, so please, say something good!"

"Right," Junpei nodded. "How about the school trip coming up? Kyoto. I would have chosen something else but at least it is something to look forward to, huh guys?"

"Y-Yeah, something to look forward to," Minato smiled slightly. "I haven't really been to many places in Japan before so I'm looking forward to it."

"Aigis, do you want to say something?" Hamuko blinked upon noticing Aigis who was fidgeting on her seat, staring at Minato for the past several minutes. "Let it out."

"Y-Yes," Aigis said and then bowed at Minato with her head low. "Forgive me Minato-san!"

The others released a collective sigh. And here they go again…

"I am sorry for all that I've done and said to you," Aigis said slowly. "I understand you ordered me not to talk about this but I must say it for my own sake."

"Awww," Minato smiled softly.

"If I do not let this out, I will forever feel awkward and ashamed so please, forgive me," Aigis pleaded.

"You don't have to say sorry, Aigis," Minato said, forcing her to look up and then pulling her close for a hug. "I'd be wary of myself if I were you too."

"I still remember when you loosened the ropes and hugged me when I was at my lowest," Minato recalled and ruffled her hair. "My wrists were really hurting back then, thank you."

Aigis looked up at him and hugged him back carefully, giving a small smile in his embrace. "Minato-san…"

"From now on, you and me are best friends," Minato promised. "No more awkwardness, I agree with the others, we let the past go and look forward and that includes you, Aigis."

"I shall," Aigis promised. "Especially with you Minato-san."

Awww," Fuuka fawned at the two. "Cute."

Yukari nervously glanced at Hamuko in fear of an outburst but to her pleasant surprise, the redhead was smiling fondly at the two as well because she knew they needed to get the awkwardness and emotions off their chests.

Minato ended up kissing Aigis on the top of her head in a friendly manner. "We'll walk to school tomorrow, alright?"

"My pleasure," Aigis replied.

"Wow Minato, you are a natural at this," Junpei clapped. "You've walked to school with nearly every popular girl in the school."

"I'll get more haters when Aigis walks to school with me but eh," Minato shrugged. "I ran into a bunch during lunch break and they said they needed to have a talk regarding Hamuko and Yukari."

"Those little brats," Hamuko punched the table. "Did they say anything to you?"

"Nope, well, they were about to but Ryoji came in and they ran off," Minato laughed. "I left school early to avoid another scene."

Junpei grew a little sad at the last part. Minato left early to avoid a conformation? That was a little sad to hear coming from Minato who was so fearless and ready to break heads in the past. "Ryoji, huh? Sounds like you've got yourself a bodyguard."

"I'm surprised," Yukari sighed. "To be honest, I try to stay away from him as much as possible because he has such a short fuse."

"Same here," Fuuka added. "I see the way he treats his fan-club…"

"You're quite friendly with him Minato," Junpei said. "Don't you think he's trouble?"

Minato chuckled. "Who does he remind you of?"

Junpei thought for a few seconds and gulped, trying to form a diversion so Minato wouldn't have to feel bad. "Well, y-you know…"

"Hey man hey," Minato smiled. "Don't sugar-coat it, just spit it out."

"Well…" Junpei looked away and spoke barely in a whisper. "He kind of reminds me of the old you…"

"Yeah," Minato gave a sad smile. "The old me, full of hatred and problems… I'm trying to help him get over it, just like you guys helped me…"

Hamuko didn't look too happy with that but she didn't say anything in return.

"I look forward to meeting Ryoji-san," Aigis said, still in Minato's embrace. "Hopefully we do get along."

Hopefully.

…

The next day, as he said, Minato was accompanied to the school by Aigis who walked by his side. It was her first day in a long while. She had to miss a lot because of the damage she suffered in the battle against Akihiko and it took a while to reverse the modifications that Jin made to her systems.

Aigis nodded at the school building and tried not to pay too much attention to the gossips.

"Ignore them," Minato advised, fixing his eye patch. "This won't ever stop now…"

Minato and Aigis ran into Hamuko at the lockers where she hugged him, only increasing the number of his hate-club. Hamuko stuck out her tongue to the group of boys and walked away with the two.

Minato entered the homeroom and immediately, Ryoji was all up in his personal space, a little too forceful and worried than usual.

"How are your wounds!?" he asked. "Did you get yourself check?"

"Yeah, I'm doing okay," Minato assured. "Hurts a little but-"

"What the fuck are you looking at?" Ryoji stopped worrying and spat out, looking ahead.

Minato followed his line of sight and to his surprise, he saw Aigis glaring at the new student. Aigis rarely glared and the only time she did, it was directed at Makoto who she absolutely hated.

"You are not good," Aigis said, pulling Minato backwards by his hand.

"Yeah, I'm a bad, bad man," Ryoji confirmed, tilting his head to the side and giving a vacant stare to Aigis who visibly flinched in fear. Ryoji clenched his knuckles and staggered forward like a zombie, unnerving the others around him, except for Minato. "How about I show you how bad I am? You stupid bitch."

"Woah," Minato got between them, pushing Ryoji away slightly. "Chill out guys."

"Minato-san, be careful around him," Aigis warned.

"Go fuck yourself!" Ryoji spat with venom, trying to lunge in but Minato blocked it. "You stupid bitch!" his yelling ended up causing a small commotion as the other students barged in, trying to defuse the situation.

Ryoji pushed the nearby boys far away with a few shoves. He kicked the desk into the wall and stormed off, heading out of the homeroom. "Stupid people!"

"Stupid people…" Minato repeated and then thought back to his first day in school. It was either a coincidence or just another sick game but he had caused almost the same scene on his first day, minus the whole kicking the desk to the wall because his kick wasn't that strong.

"Calm down Aigis," Minato said, rubbing his back.

"I am sorry," Aigis panted with her face noticeably pale. "But there is something wrong with Ryoji."

"Hamuko, mind handling her?" Minato asked.

Hamuko nodded and made Aigis sit down on her seat.

When he lost it, Hamuko followed to comfort him and Minato did just that, running up the steps, towards the roof where Ryoji was, seething with anger, all alone.

"Fucking city," Ryoji spat, overlooking Iwaotdai from the rooftop of the school. "Hope it burns down and every son of a bitch here dies a horrible death."

The door was slammed open and Ryoji lost it. He turned around to yell. "Who the hell-" it was Minato so he calmed down somewhat. "N-Never mind…"

Minato walked forward and took a seat next to Ryoji who was panting slightly.

"Dammit, this feels so familiar," Minato made a mental note NOT to pet Ryoji on the head because that would be awkward.

"You'll probably stay-"

"No, I won't stay keep my distance from you," Minato assured with a smile, smacking him on the back as a friendly gesture. "Don't worry about it, stuff happens."

"Thanks," Ryoji chuckled. "I mean, usually people stay away after you cause a scene like that."

"I've been through that man," Minato leaned back slightly, taking in the chilly wind and smiling at the city, opposite of Ryoji who was scowling instead. "Try to be nice, okay? She's a friend of mine so…"

"And you're a friend too so I'd rather not have you guys fight," Minato finished and Ryoji blinked.

"Friend?" Ryoji said to himself. Minato considered him a friend? Normally he would be disgusted because in his twisted view, friendship was stupid but this time, he accepted and nodded.

"Just hard to control my anger," Ryoji actually laughed. "I should get some anger management classes."

"I understand," Minato said, having gone through the same phrase but he doubted Ryoji had the same reason as him but he understood some of it. If anything, he'd control his rage like Minato did for Hamuko just so he wouldn't have to worry.

"Thanks for coming up," Ryoji held out his hand.

Minato shook it. "Like I said, you're a friend…" he smiled which Ryoji returned. "We better go back now, class is about to start."

"I'll help you down the down the steps," Ryoji said, pulling Minato up carefully.

"I'm alright…"

"I insist,"

Minato sighed. "Alright fine, let's go."

…

For the rest of the day, Ryoji tried to control his rage but he ended up snapping at Aigis a few times but thankfully, it wasn't as serious as the first time. He bid Minato farewell and quickly left the school to avoid a huge meltdown.

"What happened, Aigis?" Minato asked. "Did you meet him before or something?"

"No," Aigis shook her head. "There is something wrong with him, please believe me."

"I do believe you," Minato said. "But why do you feel like that?"

"I…. do not know," Aigis admitted. "I just have this feeling…. Just… Please be careful around him, Minato-san, I do not want to see you hurt anymore."

"I'll be careful, don't worry," Minato said, patting her head.

Hamuko wanted to say something, something about how Ryoji tried to get in her pants and was real close to doing something but she relented. Minato seemed to consider Ryoji a friend and as much as she disliked Minato giving his attention to others, she never wanted to start a war between two good friends.

"Come on, let's go," Hamuko said, taking Minato's arm and running her hand down. "Hopefully I don't hurt you."

"Never," Minato chuckled and the three left the school.

…

Despite the writing on the wall, Minato begged Mitsuru for another trip to Tartarus and after much persuasion, Mitsuru agreed with a defeated sigh.

"I can see it, you're barely running on fumes," Minato said.

"I am a little worried about you," Mitsuru gave another tired sigh. "Of course I am little tied up and exhausted at the moment too…"

"I understand," Minato hung his head. "I know what it feels to lose a parent…. A part of you dies along with them."

"Yes," Mitsuru breathed out and looked up at the ceiling with a bit of tear in her eyes. "I just want a long rest or something needs to happen. I need closure…"

"Or you need a shoulder," Minato said. "We're worlds apart in terms of status and wealth but you know, two in harmony surpasses one in perfection."

Mitsuru looked at him with wide eyes.

Minato squeezed her shoulder, not caring he'd be on the end of a beat-down since this was Mitsuru but she didn't do anything, either she was too exhausted to care or she really needed that.

"You are coming to Kyoto, right?"

"I… do not know," Mitsuru said. "You don' have to worry about me, do have fun."

"You will come, I can at least say that as a field leader," Minato ordered. "Don't lock yourself up, I did that and lost a lot. Of course, you don't have something locked up inside you but… Hopefully this will help." he got up and made his way up the steps.

Mitsuru let loose a stray tear and a muffled sob.

Minato looked back and grimaced. Dammit, if only he was fast enough to push Takeharu away and save him, he would have done something worthwhile-

"Thank you," Mitsuru said quietly and that brought a small smile to his face.

When the Dark Hour struck the world, the team quickly ran for Tartarus. Minato was again put in charge and he selected the team, hoping a day's rest to his body would be enough but he knew he was kidding himself.

He was not what he used to be. In fact, he was barely a shell of his former self.

Minato gulped as he spawned in Tartarus. Even with a couple of powerhouses behind him, he knew he was in a world of hurt. "No, this is for my atonement!" he yelled to himself mentally and ordered the team to march on.

"Just stop…" Hamuko winced as Minato fell right next to her. "You aren't fooling anyone…"

Like the night before, Minato struggled and hell, even got his ass kicked by the weaker shadows. His team mates had to jump in and take the blows for him and it made him feel worse. Was he really reduced to something like that?

"Watch out!"

"Focus!"

"Dammit Minato, move!"

After getting crushed and trampled by a beast shadow, Minato ended up suffering a couple of fractures on his legs which made Mitsuru cancel the exploration and order the team back to the lobbey.

"I'm done…" Minato said as he took a look around Tartarus while being carried by Sho and Junpei. A part of him was relieved that he wouldn't have to be in that wretched place but another part of him was devastated. Minato sighed and hung his head as they left the tower.

"I-I can stand," Minato said and with little difficulty, he managed to stand up and walk around on his own power. He couldn't mask the next surge of unbearable pain and ended up crying out in the haze of searing pain.

"Minato…" Mitsuru bit her lip. "I have been thinking about this and after talking to Akihiko…"

Minato remained quiet.

"You've done a lot for this team," Mitsuru said. "You were by far the best asset we had but now…"

"…"

"I think…" Mitsuru rubbed her temple as Minato awaited his judgment.

"You should retire…"

Minato's shoulders slumped and he looked down at the ground with a grimace on his face. "Retire huh…?" he looked at his friends and while they were silent, they were also edging him to accept it, especially Hamuko who was clasping her hands together and begging him to rest.

"You want to fight for atonement and that is noble," Mitsuru said. "But remember, you ensured our survival, from Theodore to Takaya, if it weren't for you, all of us would be dead."

"Okay, I can take credit on that…" Minato admitted.

"Now let us take care of the rest," Mitsuru said. "You've done and suffered too much and now, I order to hand over your evoker and retire."

Minato pulled out his evoker and gazed at the device with unblinking eyes. After getting over his past, he hated shooting himself in the head, an act which he enjoyed while he was under the influence but Mitsuru was right, he couldn't go on any longer, all thanks to Makoto who had mercilessly abused him for weeks and of course, his own attempts at mutilation didn't help.

Minato limped forward and after a brief internal struggle, he swallowed the truth and handed the evoker to Mitsuru who took it away. "Thank you for understanding. We think nothing but the best for you." she smiled kindly.

"Do I have to move out of the dorm now that I'm retired?" Minato asked and the smile quickly left Mitsuru's features.

"I should hit you," she said coldly. "Someone please hit him…"

Everyone ended up laughing after the tense moment but Minato turned around to stare at Sho, someone who had a bond built entirely on fighting and respect and after seeing him at his weakest, what would he do?

"You will still stay with us and as the previous leader, you get to pick the next one," Mitsuru said. "Who do you think should lead the team now?"

"Uh…" Minato winced after being put in the terrible position. He looked around his friends and remembered one who always wanted to be leader. "Junpei… he should be the leader."

"I'm over it dude," the capped teen laughed. "Don't worry about me and pick who you really want, I'm okay with it, really."

Minato chuckled and then looked straight at Hamuko who blinked back at him.

"Then, Hamuko is the leader," Minato said, picking his sword up and tossing it to the redhead who caught it. "Good luck, make me proud."

"I'll try to fill the shoes," Hamuko promised. "Although I'll never be as good as you..."

"Very well then," Mitsuru said. "Hamuko is the new leader; does anyone have any objections with that?"

Nobody spoke and Mitsuru nodded. "So we are all in agreement then. From now on, you will handle the team in battle."

"I will do my best," Hamuko swore.

…

Minato looked over his back and glanced at Tartarus with gritted teeth. This ended up being the last operation for him. Who would have thought he'd be the first person on the team to retire?

"So without that, I'm apparently nothing," Minato bit his lip. "Gosh, I was always a weakling but that thing had a hand in making me strong…"

He felt terrible just thinking about it. Everything that made him great was due to the demon inside him and as soon as he lost that, he ended up losing almost everything.

"Careful," Sho's rough voice made Minato look up and step over the rock. He breathed out and looked at his side to see Sho walking beside him, matching his slow pace.

"Hopefully you don't quit the team now," Minato said. "I mean, you saw how pathetic I am now."

"That's true, I can probably kill you right now," Sho said bluntly. "Without any effort, for the times you beat my ass."

"Why don't you?" Minato asked. "It's true; you can finish me on the spot, without any effort. Our whole bond was built on us beating the crap outta each other," he chuckled. "I don't think I can beat the crap out of you anymore really, I'm just a weakling now."

"Nah, it's like you've gone beyond a warrior now," Sho said, looking up. "You might be weaker now but that doesn't erase the things you've done before. You took on everyone with the odds against you and you won every single time, you're like a legend now."

"You do know that I was strong only because of that unknown entity inside of me, right?" Minato sighed. "Without that, I'm this…. Worthless."

"You keep saying that," Sho hopped over another rock and kept talking. "Like that entity owned you but in truth, you were the one in control all the time."

Minato blinked.

"Sure, you got angry and had issues but even with that, you managed to bring all of those punks closer to you," Sho said. "Even your girlfriend, if that thing was really in control of you, you would have killed her and everyone else a long time ago."

"Look at them man, they love you," Sho said. "I don't like them as much as you do but when I watching the whole battle against the shadow, I could feel something special going on, there was this powerful bond between you and them and dammit, that made me come out."

Minato chuckled. "I guess you're right…"

"Our friendship and bond has been built now," Sho smirked. "Doesn't matter if you're too weak now, I don't think I can raise a blade against you now."

"And really," Sho gave an annoyed sigh. "If I attack you and them again, I still think you're going to beat my ass."

Minato looked at him with wide eyes. "You've got to be kidding…"

"I honestly think if trouble comes and put our backs against the wall, you'll be the first one to stand and you won't give up, you'll be the one to finish the trouble, even with your broken body."

"I respect the hell outta you Minato," Sho admitted. "I don't give a crap about entities or supernatural shit; you're still a fucking legend."

"Thanks Sho," Minato held out his fist which Sho bumped with his own. "I really appreciate that."

Eventually, the team reached the dorm and Hamuko noted that Minato was still a little sad about retiring. "Well… time to cheer him up, like I always do."

…

"Come on Minato, cheer up," Hamuko said, turning her head up to stare at him since she had her back against his chest. "And keep stroking…"

"Yeah," Minato said, running his hand down her auburn hair. "You got it mam…"

Hamuko purred and sat up a bit, her hair tickling his face which made him shiver. "You will not battle again but please, do this every night, to put me to sleep."

"Well least I can do for our new leader," Minato laughed. "As long as you don't end up thinking I suck or something."

"So much faith, thank you Minato," Hamuko scowled. "I so want to hit you right now."

"Hamuko…" Minato sounded miserable and Hamuko pulled forward and then turned around to look at him. He looked a little misty-eyed and the redhead immediately discarded her sassy persona and stroked his cheek.

"What's wrong?" Hamuko asked softly.

"Y-You have to admit," Minato said, adjusting his eye-patch to hide the grotesque eye. "I'm not what I used to be…"

Hamuko reached forward and pulled off the patch from his face, exposing his wounded eye which made Minato hide it by pulling his fringe down.

"You don't have to hide from me," Hamuko pinned his bangs to the side and she leaned forward to kiss him softly on the wounded eye, shocking and startling Minato who blushed and cried out in surprise.

"Hamuko!" he shouted. "For God's sake, wash your mouth right now!"

"Sssh," Hamuko hushed him, pulling his face close. "Please tell me you didn't end up losing your memory? If you did then sit down and shut up because I'll take a few days to tell you how much you've done for me and how much I love you."

"Aww dammit," Minato blushed fiercely.

"You know, I could never really forget about you after that one night on the bridge," Hamuko said. "I do admit I started doubting everything after we started fighting…"

Minato remembered that and cringed. "I remember that…"

"I pretty much convinced myself that you loved the piece of that entity inside of me or you just wanted to use me like a toy and then dispose of me," he looked down. "I'm so sorry; I even started wishing death on you…"

"It was my fault, I understand," Minato pulled her face up. "I wanted to kill myself after I got my senses back."

"But when you came back, despite the fact I beat you to near death, despite all the problems you were going through, I knew nothing would ever come between us," Hamuko stroked his cheek again. "I don't care if you lose that cute emo cut or even half of your face, nothing will ever break us apart."

"We've been through much together at his point," Hamuko recalled. "We've both suffered mental breakdowns, beatings, we've kicked ass together and have gotten our asses kick together. We've pretty much done it all, haven't we?"

"And Minato," Hamuko hugged him tightly. "I know, for a fact, whenever troubles come to us and knocks all of us down, you'll be the first one to stand up and you will be the one to finish it, I know it in my heart."

"Aww," Minato said, pulling on her cheek.

"I also know that one day, you'll be completely healed again," Hamuko said. "Because you always do that, you always perform a miracle and set everything right."

"I hope so," Minato finally gave a big smile. "Thanks for cheering me up, you're something else."

"No, you're something else!" Hamuko said, nuzzling against his cheek. "You made me wait ten years to snog you but that's okay, all is well if it ends well."

Minato blushed again. "Yeah, I'm glad I met you…"

"Me too," Hamuko leaned up and kissed him passionately, pushing him away. Minato returned the kiss and the two fell down on the bed and kept kissing with Hamuko unbuttoning her blouse and Minato taking of his jacket, with a wonderful night ahead of them-

SLAM.

Hamuko jolted up straight and hastily buttoned her blouse up.

Minato pushed himself far away and ended up crashing against the frame of the bed."Ow…"

"Y-You!" Hamuko ripped away a few strands of her hair in hate and annoyance. She was still a little too embarrassed to attack him but he was still majorly pissed. "How dare you!?"

Sho was standing in the doorway, blinking rapidly.

"Sho?" Minato was feeling a little annoyed himself. "We were having a goddamn moment!"

"Okay, I know when you two lock your mouths together and do that disgusting thing, I saw that happen after your battle with Theo," Sho said.

"You what!?" Hamuko shrieked. "How dare you spy on us!?"

"But why was she taking off her clothes?" Sho asked, pointing at Hamuko. "Hell, even you started removing your jacket…"

"…" the two remained silent, part horrified and part struggling to think of an answer.

"Is this some new sort of resistance training?" Sho asked. "To achieve maximum with nothing weighing you down?"

Minato widened his eyes. His question was innocent but holy hell did it sound so terribly wrong.

"I thought you were injured?" Sho frowned. "Ah well, mind telling me?"

Hamuko lost it and chucked a nearby pillow for his face which Sho ended up blocking by slamming the door shut before the pillow could hit his face.

An awkward silence ensured with Hamuko panting due to high blood pressure and pulse and Minato looking around with embarrassment plastered all over his face.

"I knew it, he was going to cockblock us one day, our cycle of bad luck wasn't completed without this happening," Minato sighed.

Hamuko grab a fistful of hair and gave him a very intense look.

"Shut up and kiss me!" Hamuko scowled. "And don't you dare stop!"

Minato smirked and placed his forehead against her.

"You got it,"

Sho could hear them kissing again but this time, he ended up blowing a raspberry and smirked as he marched down the steps.

"They kinda deserve this…" he had his fun and it was time to allow the two to have some as well.

See you in a month or so because you already know but again, do review or at least try. Thanks for the read and time, see you later!