Ren pointed to the blond haired boy standing on the corner of the street. Yu pulled the car over stopping it in front of Ryuji. Ren's best friend clearly didn't recognize the car and was clearly expecting Ren to just walk up to him. Rolling down the front passenger window, Ryuji had a surprised look on his face before he followed Ren's signal to get into the back of the car. Yosuke greeted Ryuji as he got in before Yu pulled the car out and back onto the busy streets.
"Where we going Ren?" Ryuji asked, eyeing the adults.
"The best ramen place in the city." Yosuke smirked.
"Ah so we are heading to Ogikubo then?" Ryuji suddenly sounded excited.
"No." Yu called from the driver's seat.
"Yeah but all the ramen shops are in Ogikubo, most of the ones outside of it are pretty lame 'cause only the best thrive in Ogikubo." Ryuji explained folding his arms over his chest.
"Trust us, this place is so far from subpar it could be in Ogikubo but it's not. We wouldn't take ya to a place that we didn't personally recommend." Yosuke explained.
"Well let's see what this place has got. I'm up for tryin' something new." Ryuji sounded even more excited to try this new place.
After the Palace, the group had decided to split up. Kanji and the girls decided to head back to the condo. Both Naoto and Rise had work to do and Kanji just wanted to take a nap. Teddie was going to go with him, but Rise said she could use his help. Teddie then wanted to stay with the ladies. Morgana didn't want to hang out with Ryuji so he was dropped off at Sakura's place to go hang out with Futaba. The cat clearly knew what she was working on but refused to say what it was. Ren knew he'd find out soon enough so he really wasn't going to press the issue. Either way that just left Yosuke and Yu, as Yosuke was going back in a few days Yu wanted to just hang out with his best friend. They'd be all getting ramen at that place Yu had taken Ren a few night before. Ren figured he was close to a true bond with Ryuji, after all Ryuji was his best friend but it just needed a little push.
"Good luck Ren, remember you can't force it." Yu called to his young protégé as he pulled the car into a parking spot.
Ren glanced at his mentor. "Yeah." He got out of the car and glanced at Ryuji. "I think I got this Yu-senpai!" There was a confidence to Ren's voice that seemed to make Yu smirk in return back at him.
"Senpai?" Ryuji's voice echoed behind Ren. "Jeez aren't you two buddy buddy?"
"I'd hope so. I did spend the night at his girlfriend place after we went for some midnight ramen." Ren casually explained glancing towards his best friend.
"W-wait! For REAL?! You slept over at Risette's house? You've been to Risette's house?! Midnight ramen? Why didn't you tell me?" Ryuji was clearly flustered.
Ren thought about it a minute. "Yu-senpai, do you think we could use Rise-san's condo to meet tomorrow?"
"That's probably a better idea then using Leblanc." Yu took out his phone to no doubt make arrangements with everyone via the group chat before he looked at Ryuji before looking back at Ren. "I take it you didn't tell him about last night either?"
"No." Ren calmly remarked.
Ryuji looked at Ren before he threw his arm around his shoulders pulling him down. "Keeping stuff from me? Your best friend of all people?!"
"I'm dating Makoto." Ren said flatly as he quickly got free of Ryuji's grasp and headed after Yu and Yosuke towards the diner.
Ryuji stood there for a minute. Ren didn't know if it was how he had delivered the information or the information itself that caused Ryuji to look that stunned. It was more than likely a combination of the two, but it was pretty humorous to watch his best friend stumble with the information he was just presented.
"REN!" Was the first word that came out Ryuji's mouth before he ran and caught up with Ren. "You need to tell me all the details! How did you successfully do it? Seriously Makoto? The student council prez?! Uh, so you have a thing for older women, can't say I don't see the appeal. Especially when she is Queen. Seriously though, I always pictured you going with Ann. That body man… She is definitely hot; too bad for her personality." Ryuji sighed. "How long were you plannin' on keeping this all from me?!"
Ren glanced at his best friend. "Why do you think I invited you out for ramen?"
"I'm goin' to need to know everything man! Don't hold back." Ryuji grinned.
Ren just nodded as he headed into the small diner. Yu and Yosuke had just finished ordering and moved to sit down at the same spot Ren had sat with Yu a few days before. They chatted idly about various things not heeding the teens. It was never really in the plan for them all to hang out together. This was purely for Ren and Ryuji to bond, but Yu and Yosuke weren't going to pass up an opportunity to hang out too. It was just proof to Ren that even if he did achieve a true bond, it didn't just end there. Ryuji ordered first and Ren went after him before they both took a seat at the bar top counter. The diner wasn't super crowded as it was about an hour before one could expect the dinner rush, but it was still fairly crowded.
"This place does seem pretty awesome, but the proof will be the taste." Ryuji stated as he looked around. "Like one of those hole in the wall places that have the best food. So you were here with Yu? When was that?"
Ren who wasn't known for being the most talkative person, just explained everything to Ryuji. There was nothing to hide after all. Ryuji learned about his late night adventure with Yu, sleeping over at Risette's place, Akechi's Palace, and lastly his getting together with Makoto. Ryuji had a million questions, but Ren just calmly responded until his best friend was up to date on everything that had happened in the past week. Finally a woman set their Ramen in front of them.
"Seriously Makoto." Ryuji shook his head. "Good job man but it's just kind of hard to believe." Ryuji picked up his chop sticks and looked at his Ramen. "Ahh this is the perfect way to bond, over some ramen. Granted it's always trainin' or Ramen with us isn't it?"
Ren nodded to his best friend.
"Oh boy! Do I got news for you since you haven't been around at school and all. The track team's up and runnin' again. Yamauchi got taken down pretty quick. You know Takeishi's mom is the PTA prez, right? He told her EVERYTHING. After that, she came stormin' in with the other parents and forbid the whole scoutin' plan. Wish I coulda seen the look on Yamauchi's face. I mean, the school can't ignore the PTA. And as a result, the track team's back. Our old coach's fillin' in for now. Man, it serves that dick right! What a great feelin'! I think they might even go far in the meet."
Ren could feel Ryuji's enthusiasm radiate from him. "We can't lose either."
"Hell yeah! Aw crap, the ramen's gonna get soggy. Let's eat!" Ryuji exclaimed before he dug into the food before him.
Ren followed his best friends lead and also started to eat his ramen. Yu was definitely on to something for even the different kind of ramen Ren had was fantastic. This place was top tier and Ren hoped he'd be able to come here a few times with his friends before he had to leave in a few months. That is if they didn't all die because of Shido or Akechi. Still those thoughts were better left for another time, Ren was here to hang out with Ryuji and that was all he wanted to focus on.
"Phew, that was awesome… Yu got some great tastes!" Ryuji grin before he paused and stared at the empty bowl of ramen. A sigh echoed from him before he started to talk again. "To tell the truth, I was scared of facin' those guys straight up. I-I couldn't stand how much they hated me. It only just made me think of how stupid I was… Most of all, it makes me remember how I lost my place with them." Ryuji shook his head before looking towards Ren again. "Hey, this ain't like me, but… I managed to change 'cause you were here helpin' me. I got you all wrapped up in this shit, but you stayed with me 'til the bitter end. …You didn't abandon me. So… Thanks, man."
"You're welcome." Ren affirmed with a solid nod.
Ryuji let a light chuckle escape him as he wiped at his nose. "…It's funny, huh? This started out as us trainin' for the Phantom Thieves. How'd it end up like this? Either way, it's my turn now. If anything comes up, you tell me. I'll help you with whatever you need… Even with stupid stuff."
The two teenagers nodded to each other in a manly understanding. They were best friends and while it was known before it was said now; they had each others back no matter what. Ren could feel the strong bond he had with Ryuji, it was different then the bond he had with Makoto was it was just as strong. Suddenly Ryuji closed his eyes and at that moment Ren knew he had succeeded. Another true bond.
"I can feel it... My new power..." Ryuji whispered before he pumped his fist. "All right! Now I have that off my chest, let's do this! First up: The Phantom Thieves! I'll be counting' on you leader. And you can count on me too! Now I got all this energy… Shall we race to the station?"
"I got a better idea!" Ren slyly commented before he got up and headed over to Yu and Yosuke.
"Mission success. You guys still up for going?"
Yosuke glanced at Ryuji before nodding. "I'm down."
"Count me in." Yu nodded reaching into his jacket to take out a gray pair of glasses.
Ren nodded. Everyone paid and left the small diner just as the dinner rush started to file in. Moving around the building Ren pulled out his phone. The world faded and soon all four men were no longer standing in an alley but the entrance to Mementos. Both Yosuke and Yu slipped on their glasses as they pulled out their weapons. Skull looked around a bit confused but still ready for anything.
"So let's see your new Persona Skull." Joker said as he pulled at his red gloves, a smirk playing at the corners of his face.
Skull grinned wildly. "Alright let's show 'em Seiten Taisei!"
Instantly the monkey king appeared before the group, spinning its staff in a flourish. It looked more than ready to fight and it definitely seemed more powerful than Skull's previous Persona. A crackle of lighting echoed from the dark cloud it stood upon, as it looked around with a grin. The other day with Queen they had only touched the first few layers of Mementos to test out Anat but with this party Joker knew they could push their luck a little further and put Skull's new Persona through its paces.
"Everyone ready?" Joker asked.
"Hell yeah!" Skull echoed back slamming his fist into his palm and cracking his knuckles.
"It'll make up for the disappointment that happened in Akechi's Palace." Yosuke flipped one of his kunai in his hand as he spoke.
"I'll navigate and support." Yu adjusted his glasses as he smirked.
"You've been waiting too long for this opportunity haven't you?" Yosuke asked a bit dead panned.
"Yes," Yu reached out crushing an arcana card in his hand, there was an undeniable excitement to his voice.
"Which Persona are you using?" Yosuke asked.
"One I've been waiting for the right opportunity to use." Yu smirked to his best friend. "Kaguya hime though, if you are so curious."
"Jeez, I almost forgot that Yu has that same wild card thing you got Joker." Skull commented looking towards Joker. "You gonna use anything fancy today?"
Joker thought about it before he glanced towards the blue cell door in the corner of Mementos. He knew there was some new Persona he could make and the twins were less… brutal now that he had acquired all the Persona they needed for their list. Still entering that room always made him feel something was off. However if Skull was celebrating his newest Persona, maybe a new one for him would add to the fun.
"Be right back." Joker called to the others before he stepped up to the blue jail door.
"There he goes again… He's gonna zone out for a few minutes then come back." Skull sighed.
"So you guys don't see the twin warden lolis guarding the blue prison door?" Yu asked looking at the other two already knowing the answer but wanting to see the reactions.
"The what?!" Yosuke exclaimed eyes slightly wide.
"T-T-Twin Warden L-Lolis?" Skull stammered clearly trying to get a mental picture.
"Yeah, Joker never told you about them? I mean they are constantly abusing him from what I understand." Yu cocked his head purely enjoying where this conversation as going. "Maybe Joker's into that kind of thing..."
"N-n-no way." Skull shook his head. "Wait he has a girlfriend?! Granted she does seem the type…" Skull looked away his face starting to get red under his mask as if he was putting things together.
"You're horrible at times you know that partner?" Yosuke looked towards his best friend clearly understanding what was going on.
"I have been nothing but honest!" Yu smoothly explained pushing up his glasses but Yosuke wasn't buying it.
"Honest about what?" Joker suddenly asked a curious look reflecting behind his mask.
"Joker… Who are these Twin loli?" Skull asked, suddenly grabbing onto Joker's waist coat.
Joker blinked at the comment as he looked down at his best friend. Twin Loli? Like a lightning bolt Joker suddenly realized exactly who Skull was talking about as he glanced back at Caroline and Justine. It took a few more seconds to click how Skull knew about the two of them before he caught the smirk Yu was desperately trying to hide.
"Inmate! What are you filling your friends head with about us?!" Caroline demanded behind him.
"This is a very serious question, I urge you inmate not to lie." Justine leveled a firm gaze on Joker.
"…" Joker didn't know how to respond as Caroline started to stomp over to him, he could only feel his face get a bit paler.
"Clearly your rehabilitation is still far off, maybe we need to teach you a lesson ourselves." Caroline growled.
Joker was just about to back up before Yu stepped in front of him, putting himself between him and the angry warden. "I assure you his rehabilitation is right on track. Now if you'll excuse us, we need to further it." Yu turned and grabbed Joker pulling him away.
The twins blinked but didn't chase after Joker or Yu. Skull or Yosuke who had no clue how much unforetold danger Joker had been in mere seconds ago followed after their two retreating friends. After clearing the escalators that led down and into the first floor of Mementos, Yu finally let go of Joker. Joker glanced behind them just to affirm that the two were not following him before giving Yu an intense glare. Yu just returned Joker's glare with a small smirk, like a cat that caught a canary.
"Caroline and Justine are going to put me through hell the next time I see them." Joker informed his older mentor.
"So wait, the Twin loli are real?!" Yosuke suddenly exclaimed.
"Yes." Joker sighed. "I don't know why only Yu-senpai and I can see them but they are definitely there, and are going to kill me next time I need to use the velvet room."
"I suppose it would make sense that he has a velvet room too. Are the twin like your Margaret?" Yosuke asked folding his arms across his chest.
"Yes, but he has a much different relationship with them than what I did with Margaret. Margaret was my friend, Caroline and Justine are…" Yu started but was cut off.
"They are devils. Small blond haired she devils who take pleasure from inflicting pain. …Wait, you told your friends about the velvet room?" Joker asked surprised.
"Of course. I had no reason to hide it from them." Yu casually explained after a small chuckle.
"I feel like I'm being left out. What is a velvet room?" Skull questioned looking over the group.
"It's the place I zone out to when I'm gaining new Personas. It's a prison, were I'm bound in chains and am forced to put my Persona though executions to gain new one. The whole place is sadistic and behind it all is a long nosed man named Igor who keeps going on and on about my rehabilitation." Joker tried to tell Skull but the confused look on his face meant he was having trouble believing fully.
"A prison?" Yosuke looked startled but clearly believing Joker. "Kingpin wasn't yours like a limo or something?"
"Yes, and Aigis described hers as an elevator going upwards." Yu folded his arms across his chest as he thought.
"So this velvet room is a real place, Joker has twin loli wardens that abuse him, the room looks like a prison, and is run by some dude named Igor?" Skull put it all together.
"Basically," Joker responded simply.
"That's some real messed up shit man." Skull patted Joker on the shoulder in a consoling action. "Now I'm kind of glad I'm not a wildcard like you."
"… Thanks…" Joker deadpanned.
"Hey are we going to test out some Personas or what? We came here to do that right?" Yosuke spun his kunai around his finger before he grabbed it and pointed it down the tracks.
"Let's go." Joker took off no longer wanting to think of his twin jailers and the wraith they may inflict on him in the future.
I have to wonder if I'm doing something wrong because I'm not getting any reviews... I dunno... Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong?