Chapter 28 / Choice
February 13th, 2012 / Evening
Hallow Forest
RISE'S POINT OF VIEW
I wrapped my arms around Kayane's neck as Kouzeon helped me re-connect with Yu and Yukiko. Being held in Kayane's arms while using Kouzeon felt a little strange at first, but after a moment it was oddly comforting and felt right. I focused my efforts on Yu and Yukiko. I could feel them fighting still and after a moment I could see the whole battle clearly. But this was different than how it was before. No, I could still feel it. The Shadow versions of Yu and Yukiko were definitely a mass of Shadows but when Kayane and I had faced ours they had been formless at first. They only took our form after encountering us directly. But no, these Shadows kept their form flawlessly. So I had to wonder what was different about them?
Or maybe it was a different factor that Kayane and I didn't have? Yu and Yukiko had known each other for quite some time and if this was something that had been building since we left the TV world the last time. Did that mean something? If I assumed it did, then did it mean that these Shadows were building over time in conjunction with our own problems? It was the same as our Shadows but this was formed between two people. Shadows formed between a bond, thoughts and feelings that they don't express or hide from one another. People with the power of Persona. Was that it? Were the Shadows born of dissonance between Persona users? No, it had to be one step further than that. Considering it had happened to Kayane and myself, and now Yu and Yukiko. It had to be between two Persona users that were close to each other. I hesitated to say they had to be in a relationship but they had to be close.
Yu and Yukiko moved around each other, seemingly dancing. That was just how well coordinated that they seemed to be. In a spin, Yukiko turned and smacked her fan hard against the Shadow Yu and continued to spin. Yu was at her back and spun with her, and he quickly swept the legs out from underneath Shadow Yu. Then Yukiko jumped as she broke a tarot card and her Persona landed an attack on Shadow Yukiko. It knocked the Shadow off balance as Yu came around and kicked her back and on top of Shadow Yu.
"Now, Yukiko!" Yu caught Yukiko as she came down from her jump in a Princess carry and spun her around towards the Shadows. The Arcana Card appearing before her as she shattered it. with her left hand, with her right arm was around Yu.
"Burning Petals!" Yukiko summoned Sumeo-Okami as flower petals covered the two Shadows before bursting into flames. Yu gracefully put Yukiko back on her feet before jumping into the air, adjusting his grip on his katana and driving it through both of the Shadows. Finally the two Shadows disappeared.
Yu looked back at Yukiko, "Yukiko."
She shook her head, "Not now Yu. We'll talk about it tonight, alone."
"Hey you two! You need to get back here now! The world is on the verge of disappearing!" I quikcly communicated with them.
Yu went over to Yukiko and pulled her into his arms. "We'll be there shortly. Hold on, Yukiko."
I cut off my connection to them and dismissed Kouzeon. I forgot for a moment that Kayane was holding me. And nearly let go of him. He instead pulled me close. Oh how I wish I had time to be close like this a bit longer. "Kayane, they're on the way back."
"So they won huh? I shouldn't be surprised," Kayane gave a light chuckle. "Still I imagine the two of them have a lot to talk about. Here I'm going to let you down, we're going to have to leave this place soon."
"Only if you promise to hold me like this later," I couldn't help myself as he put me back on my feet. I took the moment to quickly kiss his cheek. "On second thought you don't get any choice in the matter."
He shook his head but was smiling, "Of course I don't." This smile, how long had I been wanting to see it? Hmm, I wonder. It hasn't been that long though. Still things moved so fast and refused to slow down. I was okay with that as long as we had opportunities to stop and enjoy ourselves.
I finally noticed that we were the only ones here. "You sent the others through?" I looked to Kayane.
He just shrugged as he often did, "I told them we would stay and support them. And drag them back if needed. I doubt I would be needed though."
"So you say," I couldn't stop from smiling. He didn't know just being here was a big help to me, or the others. I think emotional support is just as important when it came to us as Persona users. And I think problems like what Yu and Yukiko were dealing with were proof enough. The next moment, Yu and Yukiko appeared out of no where, likely with one of the abilities Yu had from one of his Personae. Yu was holding Yukiko. "No time for that you two, let's get through the TV now." Kayane moved and pushed me through the TV first. There was no time to fight him on this so I went through before the others. I came tumbling out of the TV in the snow cottage, the next was Yukiko. Then Yu and finally Kayane was the last to come out. For some reason I knew he would be the last one out.
"Man that TV is small," Kayane muttered as he sat up against the wall. I was helping Yukiko up to her feet in the mean time.
"Yeah, I forgot how tiny the TV here was when we left," Kanji went over and offered a hand to Kayane. He took it and Kanji pulled him up to his feet. "Impressive fighting today, Senpai."
"I'm still not up to par with the rest of you," Kayane shook his head.
"Heh, says you," Kanji chuckled.
Suddenly the television that we had all just come out of, shattered, the screen was now in hundreds of pieces on the floor. "Whoa, watch out Yukiko-senpai," I spoke as I pulled her away from it.
"The TV..." Yukiko commented.
"That was never a television. Not really anyway. The Hollow Forest has vanished," Marie stepped forward but hung her head. "After all, there's no more reason for it to exist. No, there should have never been a need for it. And because of me, I nearly ruined the relationship between two very dear friends. Yu-san, Yukiko-san, I'm so sorry for what I've done."
"No, that isn't true," Yu said as he got up to his feet. "What happened between Yukiko and I, was my own fault. I was avoiding my own feelings. All because I was afraid."
"No," Yukiko moved next to him. "It was both of ours. We were both scared. We weren't honest with each other, and because of that, it put everyone at risk. Marie, Chie, Rise, Naoto...and of course all the guys. Because of us...we put everyone in danger. Because we couldn't talk when we should have."
"Can we stop this, please?" Kayane's voice interrupted them. I looked over to see anger clearly on his face, and I was suddenly confused.
"Senpai we need to..." Yu turned but suddenly Kayane stepped forward and punched Yu hard.
"Kayane!" I stepped forward but he put his hand up to stop me. He knew what he was doing...right? No, of course he did. Kayane always thought about his actions, he knew what he was doing. And maybe Yu did need this.
"You need to what, exactly? Apologize? You need to wake the hell up! You may be a good friend of mine but you are an idiot when it comes to realizing your own feelings. And just because you've both realized what happened doesn't mean the two of you have dealt with it. It's still a problem right? So don't give your speeches and put it off, you hear me?" Kayane was yelling and I could see the tears in his eyes. Despite his protesting I approached him once more and wrapped my arms around him. I understood now why he was mad. No, mad wasn't the right word. He was frustrated seeing his friends like this.
"Yeah, I got it, loud and clear, Senpai," Yu was holding his face as he got to his feet. He turned to the others and bowed fully to everyone. "I'm sorry, Marie-san. I'm sorry, Yosuke. I'm sorry everyone. For today, Yukiko and I are heading back early. We have a lot to talk about."
"Actually, we better not see you tomorrow either. Both of you," Yosuke added.
"Huh? What's tomorrow?" Marie asked.
"Tomorrow is Valentines Day," Chie said after a moment.
"Yeah, its a day where girls give chocolate to the person they hold dear," I said as I squeezed Kayane in my arms. He wasn't resisting me now. Looks like he had said what he wanted to do. Or rather, do what he wanted. But I could tell he was still fighting his emotions but attempting to come off as casual. I don't think the others would notice but I did.
"I see, then Yukiko-san. Please take care of Yu-san," Marie said bowing herself. Marie probably would still feel guilty either way. I know I would if I had come between two of my friends, even if the real problem wasn't related, it still contributed to the situation going bad. And all of that was likely relatively new experience for Marie as well. The situation was pretty complicated.
"I promise," Yukiko grabbed Yu's arm. "We'll be leaving first then."
The two of them left which left the cabin in silence.
"Ikakure-san, do you feel that it was necessary to do what you did?" Naoto turned towards Kayane and I.
"Do you have a problem with it? All of you know how Yu is. What do you think would have happened if you just let him have his way? He'd still be standing here, thanking all of you, apologizing to you. When not one of us care to hear it. Am I right or not?" Kayane moved again, but I stayed at his side. I was in full agreement.
"No he's right," Yosuke chuckled. "Yu is stubborn and cares more about others than himself. For once, he needs to learn to be a little selfish."
Marie nodded in agreement, "He's an idiot that spends to much time worrying about others. Always moving a mile a minute and never stops to catch his breath. Then he went and fell in love with Yukiko-san and didn't even realize what that meant."
"He's helped all of us, though. Helped us face the different sides we wanted to deny for so long. Even to come and accept and find a way to become better," Naoto hugged herself. "But, what have we done to help him?"
"Sensei, he cares so much about others, but doesn't seem to do a good job of taking care of himself," Teddie said softly.
"Come on guys, give him a little credit," Kayane was laughing. It definitely helped eased the tension. I think everyone knew what was really happening and why Kayane did what he did. "All he needed was a reminder." A wake up call that Yu could hardly ignore, and it wasn't like Kayane had punched Yu to hurt him either.
Yosuke started laughing, "Sometimes you got to get a little rough to get a message through, is that right? Still I feel bad for not realizing it myself. Maybe we've all been a little too focused on our selves and not each other."
"You all, are amazing friends," Marie said although she was blushing. "Seeing you all come rush to stop me. I didn't think that it would happen. It wasn't even a possibility in my mind. I really thought it would be better for all of you if I simply just disappeared. But I guess I can't just do that can I?"
"I wanted to do the same, remember?" Kayane moved away from me and towards Marie. Wait. Was this, my Kayane? The one who had spent so much time suffering and isolating himself from others? Now he was smiling. Smiling and doing what he thought was right, to help his friends. "I learned that doing what I thought was best for others, doesn't mean I'm right. Even if you don't see it or realize it. There are people all around you that want you to keep living. Even if your existence is different. Even if you are from the other side. You still exist right now and have people that care about you. That means you find a way to make it work, for the sake of those you call friends. And for yourself. After all, you feel more like who you truly are when you're with them, right? That's how it is for me."
Marie nodded, "You're absolutely right and...Rise-chan?" Marie moved past Kayane and over to me. "Is everything alright?"
I was smiling but I knew I was crying. Kayane was by my side as well. He was smiling at me, his real smile. This was it. This was the man I had decided to fall in love with. Seeing him happy and smiling was indescribable to me. "I'm so happy. Truly, happy." I cried as Marie hugged me and then so did Kayane. How long had it been since I started to wish to make Kayane happy? It started with me just wanting to help him experience life, to show him
"Group hug!" Teddie exclaimed as he jumped into it. Soon everyone was here.
"Teddie, watch your hands or you won't be able to hug anything every again," Chie commented with a near low growl.
"I'm innocent, innocent!" Teddie said.
"Welcome back, Marie. And don't you ever go anywhere like this again," Kayane spoke everyone's sentiments.
"Thank you, all of you," Marie was close to tears herself, while I had long since lost that battle. Seeing Kayane so happy told me just how far he had come since I first met him face to face when we rescued him. I had cried then as well, but because I felt so horrible for the things that were done to him. Had it been pity then? Or was it because I just couldn't fathom how someone could be so mistreated? I cried because of the frustration and how lonely Kayane must have been. I knew I would never be able to deal with that kind of situation. Now the tears I shed were because of how happy I was, not just for Kayane but me too.
How could I have known that things would happen this way? I suppose you don't plan when you fall in love with someone. Sometimes it happens in the blink of an eye, or when you aren't paying attention. Before you know it your thoughts are consumed by that individual. And really that was how it was from the beginning for me. I saw that awful Troubled Teens program, or whatever it was that showed Kayane in his all black attire and he was labeled without any sort of attempt to know who he was. At the time, he was another target, he became known through the media, and many of those that did interact with him somehow bought into the crap they were giving on the TV special. It was maddening. Then Naoto presented what Kayane had been through. I couldn't believe it at the time. I was sure once we found him, everything would be fine. However Kayane's dungeon had shown something to me, and that his past haunted him still.
What many of them don't realize is that I can feel the emotions of those dungeons, and something about Kayane's dungeon connected with me and chilled me with every instance we saw more of his past. Hearing it from his Shadow. It was cold, bleak and crushingly lonely. It wasn't someone that was reaching out for someone to help, or wanting someone to hear them out. It had been the feeling of someone who had given up and no longer cared what the world thought. The bitter truth was that Kayane didn't care to be saved at the time. His complete surprise by us showing up was equally a strong emotional impact on me. He told me my tears were a waste on him, but he was wrong. I knew that they weren't. That was why I wanted to prove to him that it was worth it, that he was worth it.
No doubt it was my mind set that eventually led to me falling in love with him. And why I had been so devastated when I nearly lost him. Well, maybe I'm still too young to know if this is really love. But I wanted to take this journey with him to find out. And we were...we would do it together.
This was it, this moment with all of us. This was the reason we fought for Marie. It was the reason we all took a stand against Shadows. These were all my friends. And all of them had been there for me when I needed it. And I know they would continue to be there for me in the future. That was the real truth of it. Nothing in the world made me happier than the people in this room.
February 14th, 2012 / After School
Rooftop
"I'm sorry could you repeat that?" Yosuke asked, probably thinking he didn't hear Yu correctly. I was certainly surprised by the question as well.
Both Yu and Yukiko were bowing in front of Chie, Yosuke, Rise and I. This must have been very important to them. I scratched my head for a moment, "Okay so let's start from the beginning because you two aren't making much sense."
"Sorry," Yu said as he raised his head. "Yukiko and I talked a lot last night. We both want to make our relationship work. So we arranged to have dinner with Yukiko's parents tonight. And we want all of you there." I imagine that would be a hard conversation. Well, my Mom had known about my relationship with Rise from the beginning, so luckily that wasn't a problem on that end. But Rise's parents were difficult for another reason. And I'm sure Rise had left out the detail of us dating to her Mother. Well, maybe she had. I should probably talk to her about this at some point.
"Yu, you're still leaving out the details," Yukiko glanced at him for a moment before looking to us. "We're going to tell my parents everything. That we're dating and for how long we've been dating and how serious we are."
"Oh, I see. That's why you want us there," Chie sighed. "Your Dad probably won't be very happy but I'm sure it'll be alright. But why us? I mean won't it look like..."
"A Valentines Date?" I provided. This made Chie burn a bright red, obviously not wanting to point out that detail.
"You mean Chie and I?" Yosuke looked over to Yu. Yosuke didn't seem opposed to it but more curious as to why. "Partner, is this really necessary? For us to be there I mean?"
"Necessary? No not really. But you're my best friend. And Chie is Yukiko's best friend. We both want you there. That's all," Yu was honest. It wasn't a set up he just wanted their support.
"But you don't want it to be uncomfortable for them so you invited us too," Rise crossed her arms. "Normally I'd be okay with this but did it have to be tonight? I had plans for Kayane and I, you know."
I shook my head, "By plans she means putting on a bunch of romance movies and then unceremoniously falling asleep in my lap. After which she would conveniently lose track of time and convince Mom to let her stay in the guest room. And then she would accidentally end up in my room and claim she didn't realize she was crawling into bed with me."
"Aw, Kayane! Were you looking in my diary? Looks my plans are a bust then," Rise fake pouted, and was still smiling. It wasn't like I had ever been in her room so I wouldn't know she even had a diary. Besides, even if I had the capacity to do that it wouldn't change anything. Even if Rise was aware that I knew her plans she would still try it anyway.
"You're pretty bold, Rise-chan," Yukiko paused seemingly interested in it, she glanced at Yu before looking back to Rise. "Has it worked before?"
"You bet. Just last week I made sure we practiced extra long, and kept him distracted so he wouldn't notice what time it was. And Nanase-san really doesn't care if I stay over in the Guest Room. But Kayane was so wiped out that he didn't even notice," Rise grinned, proud of herself for some reason. I just shook my head.
"You were also so tired yourself that you didn't even fully make it in to the bed. I woke up and put you in the bed, and I just brought your futon in the room and slept on the floor," I added which just made Yu laugh and Yosuke and Chie seemed somewhat baffled.
"Wait, don't tell me that you can Rise-san have...you know..." Yosuke eyed me.
"Ha," I let out a short single laugh. "She wishes." And man, I was putting it lightly. She had legitimately tried to get me into the mood many times over. I mean, I enjoyed being desired but there were a lot of other problems that would come if we gave into those desires.
"Senpai's playing hard to get, but I'll get him eventually," Rise was clutching my arm.
"Anyway, what time?" I attempted to put the conversation on track, and get Rise off of one of her tangents, which Yukiko looked way too interested in hearing about. Yosuke probably wondered why I wouldn't want to get that close to Rise. Or maybe he just found it strange because it was typically in most relationships the other way around. Well, we were far off from being that intimate. Despite Rise's number of attempts. There was no point in us rushing it though. Especially since it could cause a lot of problems for both of us. Plus the fact that I'm not sure I could handle that kind of intimacy at the moment. Not entirely sure what I could handle, but we could wait to find out. We had already discussed that much so it wasn't really a point of contention between us at this point.
"Whoa, hold on, we didn't agree to this," Chie was shaking her head.
"Oh, do you already have Valentines plans, Chie-Senpei?" Rise was obviously baiting her.
"I, well, no but I mean going as Yosuke's date!?" Chie exclaimed.
"I'm standing right here you know," Yosuke muttered dryly. "If this is what you guys want then I don't have a problem. I didn't have anything planned for tonight anyway, and Teddie has to work the late shift again. Look at it this way, Chie-san. Free food."
Chie had a difficult look on her face. "I don't get to eat at the Inn that often either."
"You should have just mentioned the dinner part of it first," Yosuke shook his head and turned away. And I'm pretty sure he was...angry? Disappointed? It wasn't like Chie acted any different than usual. But Yosuke was and Chie turned to watch him for a long moment.
"Oh and try to wear something nice you two," Yukiko added quickly. "Dinner is at 7:30 tonight."
Chie nodded, "Um, hey, Yosuke-kun. Want to meet up in front of Junes?" She called out to him.
"I'll pick you up. You're closer to the bus station anyway," Yosuke waved as he walked away.
"Wait, hold on! Yosuke-kun!" Chie ran off after him.
I scratched the back of my head and then looked to Yu and Yukiko who looked to be smiling a little too big. Naturally, so was Rise. "You guys are the worst. I mean I get it. You two do want them there because they are your best friends. But you are curious if there isn't something more between them."
"Chie would never admit she feels anything for him. I think part of it is because she's not cared about anything like that. Not till lately...since Yu and I are dating. And of course the two of you," Yukiko commented.
"Oh I get it. We've unintentionally made the thought of relationships pop up to the others," Rise looked over to me. "You didn't help either."
"Huh? Me?" If I had then I certainly don't remember.
"When we all stayed at the Amagi Inn. We were coming out of the hot spring. You told all of us to think about what we felt for the others. And that I shouldn't hid my relationship with Yu. Because all of the guys already know the worst about us. Or things we would never normally tell anyone," Yukiko supplied. Oh, right...I guess I had said something like that. "Actually now that I think about it, it was around that time that Chie started to act a little differently."
Did she? It wasn't like I would really know how they acted before then. The time at the Amagi Inn was shortly after I had been rescued from the TV world after all. "Still is it alright to push the two of them? It's one thing if it works out but, if something bad happens as a result. You two are the ones that have to deal with the fallout."
Yu looked away for a moment, "I thought about that. Even if it doesn't work out. I feel that this is something the two of them need to face. I think its obvious the two of them are attracted to each other. Whether it is more than that is up to them. Don't worry, I plan to take responsibility for anything bad that could happen."
"Sounds like you're confident that the two of you are right," I gave a sigh. "Then again, the two of you know them best."
"More than likely nothing will happen. I doubt Chie-chan will ever openly admit her feeling to anyone other than Yukiko," Yu shrugged with a sigh of his own. "Anyway, see you two at 7 tonight?"
"Yes, we'll be there," Rise grabbed my arm. "Make sure to wear something good." She eyed me as we started walking away. Well I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea to spoil her on Valentines day.
February 14th, 2012 / Evening
Amagi Inn Dining Room
So in preparation of entering the music industry, I had been expanding my wardrobe and had gotten some nicer clothes. But I didn't want to go too far for a gathering like this. I wore a simple pair of dark blue slacks, white button up shirt and same color of dark blue vest over it. I wore my regular winter coat, which was black over it. It was more than enough. I didn't wear a tie as I was attempting to look nice but casual, so I left the top button undone. At my side was Rise as we were approaching the Inn. She had split off from me on the way home earlier and had ran to her house to change, but I have a feeling she also made another stop before she met up with me. She was wearing her heavy winter coat, so I had no idea what she was wearing. It wasn't until we were inside and I helped her take off her jacket that I finally got to see.
Rise was in a deep red dress, and there was a heart shaped opening above her chest that was enough to tease cleavage, and string straps that went over her shoulders. However her back was bare down to the middle of her spine. The dress itself went to just before her knees, and from the looks of it Rise was wearing stockings and then had red heels. What took my breath away was the fact that her hair wasn't in pigtails but let down and somewhat wavy. She must have done a little bit of curling to her hair.
I didn't even realize I was staring at her until she was grinning and walking up to me. She took back her jacket and then in the same motion kissed my cheek. "If you want, you can appreciate it up close when we get back to your place tonight," she whispered before turning away and hanging her jacket by the door before slipping off her high heels.
I'm sure I would love that. I wanted to reach out and touch her, and maybe even abandon this dinner. Now I was starting to regret coming here. Having her alone though probably wouldn't be the best of ideas. My thoughts right now were such that I might even be likely to make a mistake. On cue, my arousal got a complete douse of ice cold water when the image of Miyuki's Father came to my head. I frowned and took off my jacket.
I knew better, I really did. I wasn't like her Father. Never would be. I know that I would never do anything to intentionally or unintentionally hurt Rise. So why did I keep thinking about that? Something else that I couldn't work past, I still had a lot of things to deal with it seemed. I took a deep breath and shook off the thoughts I had after a moment. Then I looked to Rise again and I felt my body responding all over again. Oh it was going to be a long night. Placing my jacket down next to my shoes I finally came in.
"You're looking pretty good yourself," Rise eyed me head to toe as she was speaking. She moved to my side and took my arm. "I still haven't given you your present yet either."
Oh she is trying really hard to wind me up. And damn is it working. Except that whenever my mind got to a certain point that image came to my head and stopped me cold once again. This whiplash was starting to frustrate me more than anything else. Thankfully, before Rise could tease me again, Yu and Yukiko greeted us.
"Rise-san, Kayane-senpai, thanks for coming. I'm surprised, Chie-san and Yosuke actually got here before you two," Yu commented as he offered me a hand, I shook it. Looks like Yu had gone with something a bit more formal, but he had on a silver dress shirt instead of white. Something that all complimented his hair. He also had his hair somewhat slicked back and definitely looked more...professional? Yeah, that seemed like the right word. Either way, he looked pretty sharp. Yukiko had dressed more traditionally, in a white and pink kimono, mostly pink. It had a bird on it as part of the pattern along with red roses. Her hair pulled up, so she looked very traditional and very much like Yukiko. She was often in kimono's when she worked so that wasn't anything new but this clearly indicated that the two of them were focused on being seen as mature. Probably one of the best ways to break the news that you've been dating for a while. Since August of the previous year. I didn't know what Yukiko's parents were like so who was to say what their reactions would be. I guess that was likely what had the two of them nervous enough to invite us and Chie and Yosuke over.
"Well, I think Rise made a pit stop earlier so we left later than I thought we would." I scratched my head as Yukiko starting leading us towards the dining area. Normally the dining room was available to the guests and the Amagi family had dinner in a different part of the Inn where the Amagi's part of the building actually was, which was not part of the Inn. Or was secured enough that only the family could get into. But since there was eight people dining tonight they instead reserved the Amagi Inn's Dining Room for their use.
"Sorry, Naoto-kun asked me to help with something so I made a quick pit stop and ended up being later than I thought," Rise said as we entered the dining room.
Chie was sitting next to Yosuke. She looked to be wearing a yellow dress with green polka dots. Something that maybe wouldn't work but I think it was odd how fitting and how well Chie wore yellow. I don't know what surprised me more, how good Chie looked or that she owned a dress. And now I feel incredibly mean for having that thought. It wasn't that Chie wasn't attractive, its just that I didn't really think that way. I mean it really wasn't till recently that Rise had somehow made me take more notice of appearances, specifically hers. And it wasn't like I wasn't attracted to her appearance. Especially when she wears the dress she is wearing right now. Appearances weren't important to me. If I had to say what it was that was important I think it would be confidence. I guess that is kinda vague, but it was more or less the truth. Though I suppose as a strange parallel some more revealing and bold outfits required a degree of confidence to wear. Rise didn't lack in confidence, that was for sure.
Chie's dress was simple, but it really fit her and right now she had never looked more feminine. Next to her was Yosuke who was dressed in a simple white dress shirt and forest green tie. He had a gray suit jacket on the chair he was sitting on that he had obviously taken off. The most different thing about his appearance was that he had slicked back his hair. It definitely left him looking sharper than usual. Still something about seeing the two of them felt a little off. Definitely related to the fact that the two weren't really talking and avoiding eye contact with each other. Obvious red flags, but that could also just be nerves for both their parts.
"Evening, you two," I said as I entered.
"Oh Chie-chan! That looks so cute on you! Not many can wear polka-dots and look so darn cute, you know," Rise was grinning. I eyed her for a moment, I knew that grin.
"You gave her that dress didn't you?" I muttered so only she could hear me. She turned, her grin unwavering.
"Oops, caught red handed," she giggled. Guilty but proud of it, huh?
I sighed, "Just take a seat." I pulled out one of the chairs for Rise to take a seat and pused her in before taking the seat next to her.
Chie was now keeping her eyes down at the table, her face was visibly red. She must have been incredibly embarrassed.
"What are you worried about? You do look good you know," Yosuke said casually to Chie but didn't look towards her, instead he looked over to Yu as he and Yukiko were sitting down. "So when is Amagi-san's parents going to join us?"
"Oh they needed to do some last minute arrangements because a large party made reservations as the last moment. I was going to help them but Mother insisted that I make sure everything was fine here," Yukiko quickly explained. "Oh, but they shouldn't be too long."
"So Yu, I heard you had a number of girls give you chocolate today," I casually mentioned.
"I hear it wasn't as bad as you. You had girls from all grades trying to give you chocolate," Yu replied back.
Well, that had certainly been true. I scratched my head, "Yeah, I'm not too big on chocolate though. I mean, I took them but I don't plan to eat any of them. Actually I'm not sure what I should do with any of it. I just didn't want to be rude to the time they must have put into them. And it isn't like I can say I'm dating Rise though. It's actually kind of annoying."
"Didn't Yukiko-san chase off half the girls or more trying to give you chocolate, Yu?" Yosuke commented. "It wasn't like she said anything...I think the girls could just feel her hostility when they got close to him."
Oh yeah, I could totally imagine that. "What about you, Yosuke? I'm sure you got a few."
"No, not like the two of you," Yosuke seemed to wave off the subject. I couldn't help but notice Chie move uncomfortably next to him though. Had she not given him any? Or was she still waiting? Or was I completely wrong about it?
I sat back and sighed, this was probably too tense of a situation for me.
"Sorry about the wait," the voice of an older gentlemen broke the brief silence and I turned to see a man and woman enter. This must have been Yukiko's parents. "I am Amagi Hiroto. And my wife, Amagi Kaiya." The two were in kimono's likely coming straight over from their duties with the Inn. I guess you never got a day off if you lived at your job. I suppose that was its own kind of happiness in a way. Working beside your spouse. Both Amagi's bowed.
I did as well, "It's a pleasure to meet the owners of the Amagi Inn." It was a location that essentially became a symbol of Inaba. The Pride of Inaba was also how it was referred to. Different generations of the Amagi's had inherited the Inn. Well with Yukiko, that name would change...wouldn't it? In Japanese law, except in special cases the Wife and Husband had to have the same name. That way it can be properly transcribed on both family records. After all recording lineage was incredibly important. I guess my Mom was unique. She got an exception due to her career. But that was definitely a special case.
"Ikakure Kayane, correct?" Kaiya smiled as she and her husband moved to sit at the end of the table where Yu and Yukiko were. "Your Mother was a big help to us when we were looking for music to play in the hot springs."
So mood music? Yeah, Mom was pretty good at that stuff. And likely would have given them recommendations on appropriate speakers and whatnot to use in the environment they were going for. "Yeah, Mom learned some stuff when they were putting in the studio at the house I guess. I'm glad she was able to help."
"She certainly was," Hiroto smiled as they both settled in. "Normally we would have prepared dinner ourselves but with how busy things got we had the cooks make us something. I hope nobody minds. Well...all of this was relatively last minute."
"I'm sorry," Yukiko immediately apologized. "I should have given more time to prepare and..."
"Relax dear," Yukiko's Mother giggled slightly. "The timing is a little suspicious but that's also why your Father and I are interested in finding out."
"We can get to that in a moment," Yukiko's Father put up his hand before anyone could speak. "Obviously you thought it was news you wanted your friends here to support you? So I guess that means you're serious. "Well I know Chie-chan, and we know Kayane-san from his Mother. However..."
"Oh I'm a friend to Amagi-san and Narukami-san. They asked both myself and Satonaka to be here," Yosuke provided in a polite tone.
"I see," he chuckled. "Well you and Chie-chan look pretty good together." Yukiko's Father was pretty observant and didn't allow a reaction as he quickly looked to Rise and I. "And you Kayane-san seem to have Risette as your date. Is all those rumors going around true then?"
I sighed and scratched the back of my head, "I'd rather not say in a public capacity for the sake of our futures. Or something along those lines, but there isn't anyone else I'd want to spend Valentines Day with." So denying but confirming in one breath. A lie that is not a lie, it was probably best the both of us got used to it. It wasn't long until an official announcement was going to be made and our privacy would be harder to have.
"You two don't need to worry," Yukiko smiled towards me. "Mom and Dad would never tell anyone."
"I have no doubts, but its more of trying to make sure Rise and I don't get too comfortable talking about it. As soon as the announcement breaks out its going to be us dodging media attempting to get the dirt on us after that. More than likely," I scratched my head for a moment. "I mean, there is going to be enough rumors flying around about the two of us as soon as that starts. Which is why Mom decided to wait till we're closer to the concert date. Anyway, enough about that, it isn't why we're here anyway."
Dinner was was a western dish. Specifically, Italian. Apparently Yukiko had wanted something different, so for tonight we were having spaghetti. Maybe she had been watching too many movies. Italian food often was used in romance movies and I can think of a few where spaghetti was the food used. And the "accidents" that followed having that meal when shared between one couple. And that totally sounds like something Yukiko might get a weird idea or two from. Everyone seemed to stay relatively quiet as we started the meal. It wasn't until some time later where the discussion picked back up.
"Mom, Dad, I have something to tell you," Yukiko finally said. She took a deep breath, "I've been dating Narukami Yu since the beginning of August."
"Is that right?" Her Mother giggled. "August you say?"
Her Father put down his fork and crossed his arms, "I could have sworn it had been earlier."
Yukiko blinked, for a moment I don't think she registered what her parents had said. Yu next to her was also equally as flabbergasted. I couldn't help myself and was laughing after a moment while Rise was giggling herself. Yukiko stammered, "Wha-What!?"
"Oh come on dear, you don't think we haven't noticed right?" Her Mother was smiling. "Asking the cooks to help you learn, you buying various books about different career options. I mean, you were trying to hide it but you aren't very good at sneaking around Yukiko."
"Plus the staff aren't exactly unable to gossip," her Father added. He looked over to Yu. "It was only a matter of time before someone was able to catch my daughters interest. I was starting to worry because it didn't appear like anyone even registered in her radar when it came to that aspect in life. Still can't say I'm all too happy about you dating my daughter without me knowing."
Yu was definitely nervous, "I had no real intentions of hiding it. I think a lot of it was the two of us weren't sure about our relationship either. And then a lot of things happened all at once."
"It's also my fault," Yukiko spoke up. "I never had a boyfriend before, so I wasn't sure what you would say. So I told Yu we shouldn't tell anyone, but not deny it if anyone asked." She bowed to her parents.
I couldn't help myself again, "You two are funny."
"Senpai?" Yu looked over to me.
"I suppose all of it makes sense, and the two of you sure kept yourselves busy. But, you can't hide what your relationship has done to change the both of you. Your parents would have definitely seen that. And if they didn't like what they were seeing then they would have confronted you about it. Instead they saw Amagi-san putting effort into various things and consider her future more seriously than she had before. On top of everything she also is ready to jump in and help the Inn. Your relationship has not been negative to her performance in grades or productivity at home. If anything, she has become more focused and determined because of it. So likely they decided to wait for you to come to them, and from the sounds of it took a wager as to when the two of you started dating," I was chuckling at the blank expressions on Yu and Yukiko's face.
"You have a very perceptive friend, Yukiko," her Father smiled.
"Yu is usually the perceptive one, but seems like he has been slipping a bit lately." I added.
"That's true. And it's because in just over a month I'll be leaving Inaba. So I had been considering my relationship with Yukiko. I found myself torn for several reasons. We can't know what will happen in the future. And I'm not entirely sure what I want to do after High School right now. But Yukiko is very important to me, so I want to try keeping my relationship with her, even if it is long distance. But I know Yukiko's heart is here with the Inn and Inaba. I love Yukiko, so with your permission I'd like to be able to continue dating her," Yu bowed to both of Yukiko's parents.
"So, both of you want to keep dating, but you'll be in a different place for your last year of school, is that it?" her Father folded his arms. "What is it that you want Yukiko?"
"I love him," Yukiko said softly looking down at the table. "I know the future is unclear but I have to give it a shot. Even if one day he decides his future is elsewhere. For now, I want to stay with him. And I believe that we can make it work, one way of another."
"Well that settles that then," her Father turned to Yu. "Let me be honest, there is only one thing you have to ask me, if the time ever comes. And that is if you can marry her. But everything up to that point is Yukiko's decision. I never want my daughter to feel like I'm restricting her for her future. And that means everything. Yukiko, I know there is often a little outside pressure. Especially with the media giving us so much attention as of late. But not once did we ever want to force you to take over the Inn. That has never been the Amagi way. Each generation has always had a choice to keep the Inn or not. I met your Mother when I was going to college. For a long time I wanted to become an automotive engineer. But there was an emergency and I had to come back home and run the Inn. I didn't think of how the Inn was run up to that point. I was already dating your Mom, and I told her I was coming back for a while. I just didn't know she would follow me home at the time."
"You should have seen his surprise when I walked through the door," Yukiko's Mother was smiling from the memory of it. This whole conversation was definitely not happening like Yu and Yukiko had likely imagined it going. "We spent a week running the Inn together. At first he hesitated to let me help but I was a business major so he ended up asking me a lot of questions and getting my help anyway."
"I found out a lot about myself in that time. And realized just how much I didn't know went in to running the Inn. Not to mention, your Mother and I became a lot closer in that time. Later we married and I happily took over the Inn along with her," her Father shifted. "I'm not saying you'll ever experience something like that, but the point is that it was still my decision and your Mother's not something that your Grandfather or Grandmother ever forced onto me. All we want is for you to be happy. No matter where that may lead you."
"That's great Yukiko," Chie said.
"Thank you. Thank you Mom and Dad," Yukiko said smiling and tears falling from her eyes.
"Now enough about that, let's have a good dinner. After all, it is Valentines Day after all," her Father grinned. The pressure in the room certainly changed after that. I was glad that things had happened as they did. Yu and Yukiko seemed like they were finally in a place that needed to be. Ready to move on to the future. Together.
February 14th, 2012 / Evening
Amagi Inn
RISE'S POINT OF VIEW
The rest of the night had been a lot more fun then I thought it would be. Right now Yukiko, Chie and I were in the hot spring, while the guys were spending time elsewhere. I still had a gift to give to Kayane, but I wasn't in a rush. But considering how things had gone, time was slipping by faster and faster. I was leaning back a bit and turned to the other girls as they were settling in as well. "It's nice being here when there isn't a murderer running loose, or have to worry about Teddie trying to sneak in on us.
Chie nodded, "It's to bad Naoto-kun couldn't be here to enjoy it with us."
"Are you sure you don't want more time with Hanamura?" I asked raising an eyebrow.
"I..." Chie stopped. She looked away from both Yukiko and me. "I don't know."
"That's good," Yukiko said from next to her best friend. "Though I think you do know but don't want to vocalize it."
"Yukiko," she started to protest but stopped. "After everything I've said to him, why would he want anything to do with me, even if I wanted to? I always do that, because I never thought about having anything to do with them until, you know after High School. Like, you know, once I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. It's not really important though...right? I pretty much already ruined any chance I had with him a long time ago."
So she had been thinking about it, but it was heartbreaking to hear this confession. "Oh come on, you think a few things here or there is gonna stop Yosuke from being attracted to you? I heard a rumor that he voted for you in the Miss Yasogami pageant," Well Kayane had told me, when he and I had been talking about everything post culture festival. It was pretty much what I had figured before. All the guys in the Investigation Team had an eye on a different girl. I know Yosuke had always been a big fan of mine but it seemed like he always had his eyes on Chie, in one fashion or another. The two of them had even spent most of their time together when skiing. "You're telling me nothing happened when the two of you were snowboarding together?"
"Well, I..." Chie turned red, and it wasn't because of the hot spring. "We did get along, really well. He was really good at teaching me. I don't know. I don't even know how I feel much less how he feels about me."
"Sorry, Chie. We aren't trying to push anything. But I am your best friend, and whether you realize it or not you have spent more time with him lately. You even call him by his first name sometimes," Yukiko was also trying to be helpful. It seemed like Chie and Yosuke were in a weird holding patter where neither of them were sure what they were or where they were going.
"I know," Chie said softly. "Can we, just not talk about this any more? It was hard enough for me to come here with him tonight as it is. He even showed up to my house and introduced himself to my Father. It was super weird and I...no, let's stop this." She shook her head.
A part of me wanted to tease her, but I had a feeling that she was really conflicted by her feelings for Yosuke. She was caught on both sides and had doubts. Which was totally normal when you're attracted to someone. But maybe she just didn't feel brave enough to take that risk. I could understand that. I had hesitated at first with Kayane. I was a lot different than Chie though, I had spent my time as an Idol in front of a lot of people. People lied to me all the time, always complimenting me and made it hard to tell when someone meant what they said. I dealt with a lot of hate mail and people confessing to me quite often. Most of it I just roll with because for every hate mail there is between five to ten more positive mail from fans. And rejection had been a big fear of mine even when I had told Kayane how I felt. I know how easy it would be for him to cut himself off from everyone. It be easier way for him to live that way. And I knew when I talked to him that it have been something he had considered when we first came back after he was rescued. He could have walked away from us and never looked back.
"I hope you know that we're here for you, Chie," Yukiko put her hand on Chie's back. "We won't press it, but you don't need to try and figure it out on your own."
"You started to feel something when Kayane had talked to us the last time we were here together. After all he told us all something that was hard for any of us to really deny. They've seen the worst of us. And they accepted us. Yosuke and Yu were the only ones there with you Chie-chan when your Shadow appeared. That was when Yukiko-chan was kidnapped," I know I was pressing it a bit more but I just wanted to say this. "Our feelings change over time, is all I'm trying to say. So just because you view him differently now as opposed to back then shouldn't surprise you. Everything was crazy then. I mean, this is probably the first time in a long time where we legitimately don't know if we'll ever need to use our Persona's ever again. And now everyone is talking about the future. Is it that weird for you to talk about?"
Chie looked to Yukiko and then over to me. "Kind of. I'm not that girly like either of you. I never thought to try, but I guess its obvious that I've tried lately. I wanted to know how he'd see me. I mean he's weird. He pays attention to detail, especially stuff like that. He always comments on Yukiko's outfits and Rise-chan's. I thought if I put a little bit of effort in then maybe he would...God it sounds so stupid saying it out loud."
"That's why you asked for my help," I smiled. "He did compliment you, but not as direct as you wanted him to be, right?"
She nodded and bashfully looked away, "He told me, I looked cute when we were leaving my house. But then he stopped looking at me the whole way here. And now he's barely even glanced at me. Did he really notice or, is he just being polite?"
So either Yosuke was embarrassed to admit the truth or he was really doing it just to be polite. But I was more on the side of Yosuke not wanting to admit the truth to himself. "Well I can verify that you looked very cute. So if he said you were, then he definitely meant it." The fact he said it at all was proof enough for me. Still it seemed like it was a tense situation between the two. Without support, the two would likely just avoid each other. Was it right for us to interject this time? We just wanted to help, sure...but was that really what they needed? Was it better or worse for them? I wanted to believe that the two of them could legitimately be happy together. They just looked so natural together. Sure they fought but its also because they were afraid to be honest with each other...right?
February 15th, 2012 / Early Morning
Kayane's House
I'm pretty sure I had a blank expression as I was staring at Rise, who was currently standing in the doorway of my room. I was sitting on my bed and had already made myself ready to go to sleep. Then she had lightly knocked on my door and then opened it. The room was dark so I couldn't see her clearly. After a moment she closed the door behind her and stepped forward. "Rise, it's really late. You do realize we have school tomorrow right?" She moved into the light I had from the small lamp on the side of my desk. She had on a bath robe.
"But I haven't given you your Valentines gift yet," Rise stood in front of me. "I mean you kinda already guessed what my original plan had been and I know you don't like chocolate, so instead of putting time into that. I decided to give you something else."
I was somewhat concerned what she was getting at, but there was no point in avoiding it. "Alright, what is it?"
She put her hands down to the knot on the front of the robe. I felt my whole body tense as she did this. She slowly started un-doing the knot, while my stomach was doing the opposite. She had to be doing this on purpose, and she had better not be naked underneath. No she wouldn't do that, she was more than aware of how hard it was for me. She pulled the robe off and let it fall to the ground at the base of the bed. I found myself unable to say anything.
Rise was in a two piece red silk lingerie. She grinned as I just openly stared at her. She took a step towards me and leaned in.
"Wait, Rise, this is too much," I quickly protested and leaned back and found myself against the wall very quickly. I looked away from her. From this angle I could very easily see underneath her lingerie and see the lack of anything underneath it. I had seen her breast bare, and I'm sure it was intentional on her part. As I sat there Rise straddled my lap and then guided my chin so I would turn back to her. My hands shook slightly having her so close. "You look great, sexy, but I..."
My eyes opened suddenly. Rise was gone and I was in my bed, alone. Had I been dreaming? Yeah, no doubt about that, I definitely had been. Did I want something like that to happen? Wait...no that was close to what had happened. After leaving the Amagi Inn, we had went halfway back with Yosuke and Chie before splitting off, and I went to take Rise home. Instead she insisted we come back to the house. As it turns out, Mom was gone. I had forgotten she would be gone a couple days to set some things up, so she was staying in a hotel.
I sat up and swung my legs over the side of the bed. It was cold, as the nights often had been. My clock showed that it was about one in the morning. Still needed to get some sleep before the next day. Rise had seemed to be marginally happy with out Valentines Day. She apparently had wanted to spend some quality time together but recently it always ended the same way with us. We would kiss, and things would escalate, further and further and then it would always start. I would start shaking. I'd have any desire that had built up be put out as if a flood washed away a raging fire. And she would look at me the same way, half filled with disappointment, the other filled with concern. She said she would wait for me, but every time I could see the frustration on her face and it bothered me.
It certainly wasn't a lack of attraction. Recently I had often imagined Rise in some different outfits, and some she had actually worn for me. I got to my feet and stumbled out of my room. I wish I could let go and give Rise what she wanted. I know she would wait for me, but I wanted to at least fulfill a part of her desires. Despite being two years ahead of her in school, I was actually only a year and a few months older than her. I had started school a year earlier than most. Age wasn't something I was really concerned about. I wasn't going to do anything that would put our future at risk anyway.
A couple steps out into the hall I stopped in front of the guest room and opened it. Rise was there, sleeping on a laid out futon. In the corner of the room was a suitcase which belonged to her, but one that had seemed to take up permanent residence in the house.
"My, oh my, how lovely she looks in her sleep," A voice spoke, no it was my own voice. Then I realized that I was there kneeling next to Rise. No...it was my Shadow. My Shadow was kneeling over Rise's sleeping body. "Don't look so surprised. It isn't like I'm not with you all the time. I am you, after all." My Shadow laughed. "Oh how I want to touch her, kiss her...pleasure her. I mean that is what you've been thinking about."
"None of that is important, we have plenty of time for that in the future," I commented.
"Well, you aren't wrong about that. She's already dedicated herself to us. She'd give up anything for you. Her career, her virginity...her life," My Shadow held a sinister smile looking down at Rise. "Isn't that what we always wanted? Someone to be our plaything? To manipulate and control? Think about it. Right now we control her sexual desire for us. One touch warms her, and embrace pushes her, a kiss causes her to go weak. Imagine what would happen if we truly touched her. Her bare skin under our hands, venturing all across her body. Just how far do you think we can push her before we deny her?"
"That isn't why I stop. You're me, you know why," I shook my head.
My Shadow laughed, "Oh I know. Yet you can't deny the power we hold over her. And I know our desire to be able to reach out and control that. Bringing her step by step closer to ecstasy and yet deny her that complete pleasure. She belongs to us anyway. Don't we have the right to be able to play with her?"
"She is not an object, or a possession. She saved me. From my waste of a life," I muttered as I came in and quickly went to push my Shadow away from her. However, as I approached my Shadow disappeared and then reappeared at the door.
"Don't give me that shit. We made our choice on how to live. Then we got thrown into a TV. Still when you accepted me, in no part did it ever mean you had to change. It was more like an acceptance of what you had known all the while. There would have been nothing wrong for you to turn your back and resume life as you had before. You had no obligation or requirement to become better. Yet she kept showing up, along with that other one, Narukami Yu. You see, everyone has pre-conceptions about how you are supposed to appropriately live your life. That doesn't make them right, and that doesn't make us wrong for how we were before. To push forward with a goal, is that really something that you wished for? That we wished for?" My Shadow gave an amused chuckle. "That's what you've been thinking for a while, isn't it? Rise could hurt us, in more ways than Miyuki ever could. Yet on that flip side of that same coin, so could we. I wonder, how far can we push her? How far would she really go to please us? Aren't you curious?"
I sat down next to Rise, but when I looked up, my Shadow was gone. Leaving only an echo of a laugh behind. I looked back down to Rise. Was I really thinking that? Was that what my hesitation was really about? Did it not have anything to do with the image of Miyuki's Father? Was it some sort of twisted question in my head? To push her...to break her, all to see how dedicated she was to me? But if all that was true, then I held way too much power over her. I leaned down towards her, she was peacefully sleeping. I pushed a stray hair from her and then found myself laying down next to her.
After a moment I pulled her into my arms. If it was just this, it was fine. Rise, unconsciously snuggled to me as I slipped my left arm under neath her neck and then rest my right hand on her stomach and pulled her close to me. I could feel it, the temptation to slip my hand underneath her shirt and on her bare skin. And I knew that she wanted that connection. Now...my Shadow had pointed out just how easy it would be to control her like that. And maybe that was the real reason I stopped. I didn't want to control her, I didn't want to hurt her. So fear took hold on me, and now I held Rise closer hoping that her warmth and presence could somehow keep that fear away.
A/N:
As you might be able to tell, a lot of the conflict going forward will do mostly with the relationships between the cast. And what is born because of that conflict. In the Persona universe, there always seems to be something that exist that is representative of the strongest of emotions. That's how you get series big bads like Nyarlathotep and all that to continually come back.
We get a peek here at the end that there is a lot that Kayane hasn't started to face yet, and that's because he's inexperienced when it comes to relationships of any kind. So what does Kayane do when he doesn't know? You would think with everything he has seen and done thus far he would know better and talk about it with the others. But fear is something that is hard to challenge, and its also something that isn't necessarily covered in Persona 4. We cover the deepest darkest secrets, but those secrets and what we fear isn't always the same. For Kayane, he never really feared anything because he considered himself a non-entity. He never had friends, so he never knew what he was really afraid of because really, he had stopped living.
As he moves forward he is going to face a lot of new experiences and have to face a whole lot of things he didn't have to before. We're closing in on the end of Persona 4, but there is the start of the fighting game coming after that. But there is a couple of months to cover between that. What will he be dealing with? Well I think you'll all have a better idea about that after next weeks chapter.
Thank you so much for your time and reading this Fic. Let me know what you think with a review and I'll see you all next week with the next chapter.
