Persona 5: Shot Through the Heart
Shot 12: You Always Come First
With Akechi's assistance, the Phantom Thieves succeed in securing their infiltration route to the Treasure within Sae Nijima's Palace. Now, they wait for November 17th to come so that they can send the calling card. About a week before the promised day, a secret plan is being plotted among the couple of the group.
Wednesday, November 9th 20XX
Thanks to Akira's friendly connection to his homeroom teacher, Class 2-D gets a study hall period. While half of the spends it goofing of and the other studies, Akira and Ann seem to be working on their own personal projects.
Akira is chewing on the eraser of his pencil as he stares at a blank folded card in befuddlement.
"Hmm… You stole my- Ugh! No, that's not right… It has to be my own thing…" Akira pushes up his glasses in frustration.
"Dammit… this might take more than a day."
Meanwhile, Ann is searching through a magazine, looking for a specific item.
"Maybe this?" she asks herself. "Hm… Or maybe that would be better…" She tugs at her hair in frustration.
"Uggghhh, this is gonna take more than a day…!"
Whatever they were doing for their individual projects, it consisted of a long thought process.
xxx
School has ended for the day. After leaving the classroom, Akira approaches Ryuji, who's hanging out at his usual spot in the hallway looking really anxious.
"If you're not careful, you might just stomp a hole in the ground," Akira jokes. Ryuji turns his attention to his best friend.
"Huh? Oh, sorry man," he says. "Do ya blame me though? We're all seriously effed if this last heist goes to shit." Morgana pops out of Akira's bag.
"It's gonna work, no doubt," he says. "Akira's already done all the necessary prep for the mission." Akira counts the list of things he did for heist prep.
"Stocked up on healing supplies, updated everyone's equipment, we've handled all the recent Mementos requests for training, and I've pulled out the absolute best Personas from my arsenal. Trust me. We're more than ready." As always, Akira's show of confidence puts a smile on Ryuji's face.
"Hehe! You're right! The hell am I freakin' out about? It'll work. So, feel like getting some ramen?" Akira looks around in suspicion, then leans in to whisper in his ear.
"Actually, I need your help with something super important." Ryuji cocks an eyebrow.
"Huh? I thought you said you got everything." Akira shakes his head.
"This isn't for the heist. It's for... something else. I can't tell you about it yet though. Mind doin' a little shopping with me?" Ryuji was a bit skeptical of his leader's secrecy, but it's his leader. Who's he to say no?
"Alright. Whatcha need?"
xxx
Outside the Yongen-Jaya supermarket…
"Uh… you sure you're gonna be okay carryin' all that back with you by yourself?" As physically capable as Akira is, Ryuji couldn't help but worry with him carrying all those dozen plastic grocery bags and Morgana all at the same time. Akira didn't seem to mind it as he smiles.
"I'll be fine," Akira says. "This is my exercise for the day." Ryuji crosses his arms.
"C'mon, man. Let me help. Leblanc's just around the corner." Akira shakes his head.
"Nah. You went this far out of your way for me. You can go home. Oh, and don't tell anyone about this." Weirder and weirder.
"Uh… sure." Akira starts waddling towards Leblanc with his luggage in tow.
"Good. See you at school!"
"Please don't drop me!" Morgana shouts. Ryuji awkwardly waves goodbye, then just stands there at the store entrance.
"The hell does he need all that shit for?" As he's thinking, his phone goes off. He pulls it out of his pocket, sees that Ann is calling him, and picks up.
"Hey, Ann. What's up?"
"Hey, Ryuji. Listen. I need a huge favor. I need help with some grocery shopping. Can you meet me at the Yongen-Jaya supermarket?" Ryuji's eyes pop. Was it coincidence or deja vu?
"The supermarket?! Uh… what're you shoppin' for?"
"Uhhh… Sorry. Can't tell you that. Look, can you meet me or not?!" By the tone in her voice, she was really serious about this. All Ryuji could do was sigh.
"That… shouldn't be a big problem…"
"Awesome! I'm on my way now, so I'll see you soon." Ann hangs ups the phone. Ryuji decides to sit against a wall and wait for the next shopping trip.
xxx
Outside the Shibuya Station…
"You sure you don't want me to help you with those bags?" Once again, Ryuji sees another friend carrying more bags than she can handle. Ann smiles and shakes her head.
"N-Nah! You went this far out of your way for me. You can go home. Oh, and don't tell anyone about this!"
I've heard those words before! he thinks.
"Uh… sure." Ann waddles away with her luggage.
"Good. See you at school!" Ryuji scratches his head, then stomps on the ground in frustration.
"What the hell are those two?! Clones?!" As he is shouting, his phone goes off.
"Who is it now?!" He whips out his phone. This time, it's his mom.
"Hey, Mom. What's up?"
"Hey, Ryu-kun! Listen, I forgot to get a really important ingredient for tonight's dinner. Do me a favor and stop by the Yongen-Jaya supermarket?"
"OH! COME! ON!"
Thursday, November 10th, 20XX
Lunchtime at Shujin. Akira has his eyes glued to his smartphone's screen as he walks through the hallways.
"So, it'll be here on Saturday. Good. That's one day before-" He bumps into someone.
"Oh! S-Sorry, I-" He sees that it's just Ann. They smile at each other.
"Oh. Hey, Annie."
"H-Hey. Whatcha doin?" Akira quickly puts his phone away.
"N-Nothin in particular. You still busy with helping Makato with those papers? And your job's gone into overdrive, right?" Ann scratches her head and wryly smiles.
"Y-Yeah!" she laughs nervously. "It's a real hassle, but what can you do?!" Akira chuckles.
"And that's what makes you so great. Still, I hope we can go out together again soon."
"Yeah, me too. Well, I'd better get going!" Ann speed walks past her boyfriend, then pulls a folded card out of her bag and stares at it.
"Alright. I have to figure out what to write today."
xxx
School has ended. In the Underground Walkway in Shibuya, Yusuke is doing his usual people watching when he sees Akira walking towards him with a wave.
"Hey, Yusuke." Yusuke waves back.
"Hello, Akira," he says. "What brings you here?" Akira pulls out a folded card.
"Well, you see… Uh, no. Skipping the explanation. I want to give someone a card, but I want it to be something unique. Considering how good you are with the making our calling cards…" Akira suddenly notices a surprised look on Yusuke's face.
"Huh? What's up?" Yusuke shakes his head.
"It's nothing. I've just receiving a lot of requests from people to make greeting cards for them as of late." Akira smirks at him.
"Well, with your skills, do ya blame 'em?"
"Might I ask you something? Is the card in question for Ann, by any chance?" Akira blushes and scratches his head.
"Oh, that's right. You know we're dating, huh? Ha ha… Okay. Don't tell the others about this yet, but… it's Ann's birthday on Saturday and I wanna throw her a late surprise party at Leblanc on Sunday."
"I see. So you require assistance with her birthday card, correct?" Yusuke nods and smiles.
"Very well then. Leave the matter to me. I already have an idea for the theme for it. I'll have it ready by tomorrow." Akira pats Yusuke on his shoulder, hands him the card, and starts walking away.
"Thanks, Yusuke. I'll call you and the others up to help me once everything's ready. See ya!" When Akira disappears, Yusuke crosses his arms in thought.
"This could be… troublesome…"
xxx
At Leblanc, Akira is explaining the situation to Sojiro.
"A late surprise birthday party for Ann-chan?" Sojiro asks.
"Yeah. If it's not too much trouble, ya think you could maybe reserve Leblanc for us on Sunday so we can have it here? I know it's kinda short notice, but I've been so busy with Phantom Thief business. Plus, the big operation's on the 18th, so I want everyone to relax a bit before then." Sojiro crosses his arms.
"I get what you're sayin', kid. It's just-" Akira hears his phone go off. He pulls it out of his pocket to see Futaba's text picture.
"Futaba?"
Futaba: Do me a solid and go down to Electric Town to buy me a USB cord for my computer? I think I misplaced one of mine.
Akira: I thought you said you were fine going out by yourself now.
Futaba: Not at night! PUH-LEEEEASE?!
Akira: You are such a baby... -_-
- Okay, fine. I'll head out now.
Futaba: Thank u! XD
"Apparently, she needs a new USB cord," Akira tells Sojiro as he heads for the door. "I guess that means I'll be out late."
"Oh. A-Alright." After he leaves, Sojiro rubs his neck and sighs.
"Two reservations are gonna be hard to pull off…" Futaba suddenly walks into the shop.
"Futaba?! What're you-" Futaba rushes to the nearest booth.
"No time! Sit in the booth with me. You're gonna be part of an emergency meeting."
"What?! Hold on-" Futaba glares at her foster father.
"E-MER-GEN-CY MEE-TINNN-GAH!" Sojiro hurries over to her as fast as his old legs can carry him.
"Okay! Okay!" The old man sits next to his adopted daughter as she starts up a group chat.
Futaba: E-MER-GEN-CY MEE-TINNNNN-GAH!
Ryuji: Shit! What is it?!
Haru: What's wrong, Futaba-chan? Did something happen?
Ryuji: Don't tell me the police bumped up the day of the investigation!
Yusuke: Wouldn't Makoto or Akechi have contacted us if that was the case?
Makoto: Sis doesn't share details about the case with me anymore, remember?
Akechi: I haven't heard anything of the sort from Sae-san or the upper ups.
Futaba: No investigation. This has nothing to do with the Phantom Thieves.
Ryuji: What?! Dammit, don't freak me out like that!
Futaba: You freaked YOURSELF out, ya moron... -_-
Haru: So what's the emergency? Also, where are Ann-chan and Akira-kun?
Futaba: They're not a part of this chat. In fact, this meeting is being held to discuss their behavior.
- Have any of you noticed either of them acting weird recently? Like, did they ask you guys for anything?
Ryuji: Well yesterday, they both asked me to go grocery shoppin' in Yongen.
- But it was 2 different trips and they told me not to tell anyone.
- … Oh shit.
Futaba: You're one hopeless moron. -_-
- Anything else?
Makoto: Well, Ann told me to tell Akira that she's helping me with Student Council paperwork during lunch if he asked.
- She never told me why.
Haru: I believe I've seen them around the school trying to avoid each other recently.
Akechi: Could they have gotten in a fight?
Ryuji: No way. Those 2 get along way too well.
- I guess you can say they're "thick as thieves."
- ... My bad.
- Hey, what brought this on anyway, Futaba?
Futaba: Question 1: Why are Akira and Ann acting so weird?
- Question 2: What is the meaning behind these weird requests to everyone?
- Answer to both: They're throwing each other a surprise B-day party!
Ryuji: Aw crap! I totally forgot Ann's birthday's this Saturday!
Akechi: Care to explain the reasoning behind this conclusion of yours, Futaba-chan?
Futaba: Akira just asked Sojiro if he could reserve Leblanc for us on for Ann's late surprise B-day party.
"Hold on," Sojiro says. "Akira came in with a bunch of groceries yesterday and asked if he could use the oven. I think there's ice cream, a cake, and box of chocolate truffles in the fridge."
"So he bought the ice cream and truffles, then made the cake himself. Intriguing!" Futaba relays the information to the others.
Ryuji: Well, that explains a lot! Akira bought ice cream and a whole bunch of baking shit yesterday.
- And Ann basically got the same stuff he did.
Haru: I just received a message from Ann-chan. She asked if I could help her bake a cake for Akira-kun's birthday.
Makoto: So she's doing the same thing…
Yusuke: I suppose now would be a good time to mention that they asked me to make each other's birthday cards.
- I did Ann's yesterday and I'm working on Akira's now.
Akechi: And Akira just texted me as well. He wants me to lie to Ann about the investigation on Sunday to lure her to Leblanc.
Ryuji: Damn! They're working hard for this.
Futaba: One problem.
- Ann came by earlier to today and asked Sojiro if he could reserve the store for Sunday too.
Ryuji: What?! Why?!
Haru: His birthday is on a school day like hers, most likely. She probably wanted that time to prepare too.
Makoto: … No. That's not it.
Yusuke: Hm?
Makoto: I just remembered. I was going student files one day and I saw a similarity between theirs.
- Their birthdays? They're BOTH on November the 12th.
Futaba: Say whaaa?! O_O
Ryuji: You're shittin' me! They share the same birthday?!
Haru: Wow. I heard it's rare occurrence to meet two unrelated people that have the same birthday.
Akechi: How ironic that Ann is requesting the same thing from me right now.
Ryuji: Hold on! This makes no sense! If their B-days are same, why don't they just tell us so we could just throw one big party?
Makoto: My guess is they're planning to throw a party for each other instead of for themselves as a selfless gesture.
- However, neither of them know that they're actually mirroring each other.
Ryuji: …
- AGH! MY EFFIN BRAIN HURTS!
Futaba: Akira's throwing a party for Ann.
- Ann's throwing one for him.
- The kicker is that neither of them know that they BOTH know that they share a birthday.
- They're trying to surprise each other by telling them that they gave up their own birthday to celebrate the other's as a special gift.
Ryuji: Ohhhhh! Now I get it!
Futaba: Good. Cuz trying to explain that made my brain hurt too. :(
Ryuji: Ain't all that kinda a hassle though? I mean, just explaining the damn idea is hard.
- Wouldn't you only do that kind of shit if you're a couple?
Futaba: ...
Makoto: ...
Yusuke: ...
Haru: ...
Akechi: …
"Is this kid serious?" Sojiro asks.
Ryuji: What? What did everyone go silent for all of a sudden?
Futaba: Forget it. Anyway, any ideas on what we're gonna do?
Haru: I think the idea is lovely. This has to be the be one of the most generous things you could do for someone's birthday.
- I'd really like for both plans to succeed.
Akechi: The question is how we pull them both off without allowing either of them to catch on to each other.
Ryuji: I dunno. You sure we can't just have the one big party?
Futaba: The "R" in "moron" stands for "Ryuji". Can't spell it without. Cuz that's exactly what you are. -_-
Ryuji: STOP CALLIN' ME A FREAKIN' MORON!
Makoto: Actually… I think that might work.
Yusuke: What will?
Makoto: We kill two birds with one stone. I have a plan.
Makoto explains her plan to the group in full detail. Futaba and Sojiro smile with approval.
"That's one hell of a plan," Sojiro says.
Futaba: It's Sakura Approved! :)
Ryuji: Hell yeah! That'll be easy to pull off!
Yusuke: Simple and discreet. I like it.
Akechi: As expected from Sae-san's younger sister.
Haru: It looks like we're all in agreement.
Makoto: Everyone has their roles. Preparations have to be done by the end of the day tomorrow.
- Then, it's make-or-break on Sunday.
Yusuke: We must make absolutely certain that we do not draw their attention.
- Do you understand, Ryuji?
Ryuji: What're you singling me out for?!
Makoto: The only reason I caught wind of the identities of the Phantom Thieves is because of YOUR mouth.
- I'd rather not have it mess up this plan.
Ryuji: Will you guys let that go already?!
Futaba: Alright! Meeting adjourned!
After finishing that conversation, Futaba starts up another group chat.
Futaba: Hey. So, is Ryuji the only one who doesn't know?
Yusuke: That does appear to be the case.
Futaba: How'd you guys find out? My bug exposed the truth of it for me.
Makoto: For a... personal mission, I needed Akira-kun to play as my fake boyfriend.
- He told me so I could ask Ann if I could borrow him to avoid any misunderstanding.
Haru: Akira-kun told me when I brought up my fiance while he was helping me with my garden.
Yusuke: I just so happen to catch them spending time together during the Hawaii trip.
Akechi: I could tell just by looking at them.
Futaba: Of course you could. -_-
- Does Mona know?
Yusuke: If he does, he took the news far better than I imagined. I haven't sensed any tension between him and Akira.
Haru: Should we tell Ryuji-kun?
Makoto: I believe this type of thing is on a need-to-know basis.
Futaba: And Ryuji definitely doesn't need to know.
"And now for the last message."
xxx
On a train to Shibuya, Akira receives a call from Futaba.
"The hell do ya mean the cord you lost was in your pocket the whole time?!"
Sunday, November 13th
The deadline has come at last. Ann is walking down Central Street in Shibuya, heading for the DVD store to rent a movie everyone can watch for Akira's surprise party.
"What kind of movie should I get, though?" she asks herself. "Akira seems like the Thriller type. But he also loves to laugh, so maybe a Comedy? Everyone's gonna be there, so no Romance. Hmm..." Ann hears her phone go off. When she pulls it out, utter shock and fear floods her face at the daunting message she received Akechi.
"... W-W-What…? … N-No way…"
"FUTABA!" Ann snaps out of her shock at the sound of Akira's distraught scream. She sees him sprinting towards her with panic plastered on his face.
"Akira-WHOA!" Akira grabs Ann's wrist and drags her with him as he continues to sprint.
"C'MON! WE GOTTA GO! NOW!"
"Agh! Slow down! I can't run that fast!"
xxx
The panicked couple anxiously stand at the train door as they ride to back to Yongen-Jaya.
"The fuck did Akechi mean by "The investigation was moved to today"?!" Akira exclaims. "He said there was no chance Nijima-san would do that!"
"He did say the higher-ups were pressuring her," Ann grimaces. "She must've gotten really desperate all of a sudden. I didn't think they'd go straight for Boss's house, though." Akira balls up his fists and grits his teeth in anger as the train slows to a complete stop.
"They better not lay a damn finger on Futaba!" As soon as the doors open, Akira and Ann rush out and sprint through the streets to get to Leblanc as fast as they can, hoping that the police haven't gotten there yet.
They finally reach Leblanc, relieved to find no police cars flooding the street. All they see is Ryuji and Futaba standing outside calling them over.
"What's the sitch?!" Akira shouts. "Is everyone inside?!" Ryuji and Futaba rush over to push the couple to the doors
"Yeah! C'mon, we can't get started without you!" Ryuji shouts.
"Get started?!" Ann repeats. "We're having a meeting?!" When they get to the front of the store, Futuba rushes to the door.
"No! We just can't get the party started without the birthday couple!" At that point, any tension Akira and Ann felt before had vanished instantly.
Akira+Ann: "... Wait, wha?"
Ryuji and Futuba crack mischievous smiles before Futaba opens the door and Ryuji pushes the two in. Before they had time to recover from their stagger, they are greeted with a thunderous collection of shouts in a room full of party decorations.
"SURPRIIISE~! HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY, AKIRA AND ANN!"
Shocked? Dumbfounded? Any words for surprised that can be used would be an understatement for how surprised they were right now.
"Uh… guys?" Akira says. "What the hell is-" Ryuji wraps his arms around both of their necks.
"You two surprised?" he snickers. "Good! It was a huge pain in the ass trying to get this to work!" Akechi crosses his arms and smiles.
"Killing two birds with one stone," he says. "Or in this case, surprising two birthday sharers with one surprise party."
"Merging the parties together was my idea," Makoto says. "The two individual parties themselves were planned by the birthday couple."
"Two parties?" Ann asks.
"What the hell are you guys-"
As if they were perfectly in sync, the couple solve the puzzle. The only way there would be two individual parties in the works at the same time is if both of them putting the exact same plan into place.
They slowly turn to and point each other with shocked eyes.
"Hold on…" Akira says.
"Wait a sec…"
Akira+Ann: "Did you...?!"
Akira starts dragging Ann out of the cafe.
"Excuse us for a minute!" The two walk into the street. What follows is an argument in which they mirror each other's words.
Akira+Ann: "You were planning a late surprise birthday party for me?!
- Well yeah, but you were doing the same thing for me?!
Why would you wanna celebrate just my birthday when we should be celebrating yours?!
- C'mon! You know I put you first, no matter what!
That being said, what's with you throwing a party for my birthday?!
- You think you're only one who'd put the person they love before themselves?! You come first in my book too, ya stupid moron!
- Hey, you thought the same the thing I did, so that makes you a stupid moron too!
- Well then, I guess we're both stupid morons, ya stupid moron!"
After having a very weird conversation about them putting each other first, the couple can't help but smile from ear to ear at each other's selfless gesture.
"Akira?"
"Ann?"
The two share a cute "aw", a kiss, and a tight, warm embrace.
"Oh my god! You are so sweet!" Ann squeals as she nuzzles on his chest
"Took the words right outta my mouth!" Akira laughs. "I knew I call you "Ann-pan" for a reason!" Ann pushes away a little and giggles.
"I've got a lot of things to say to you right now. But, that can wait til after the party." Akira nods and the two stroll back into Leblanc. The couple smile at their gang of friends.
"You guys are the best," Akira says. "Thanks." Futaba shoots a thumbs up at her pseudo big bro.
"No prob! Now, it's time to par-tay! P-A-R-T! Why?! Because we gotta!"
xxx
The rest of the day consisted of banter, party games, and tons of food. Sojiro made his signature curry, Makoto and Akechi bought plenty of sushi, and Haru brought some of her home-grown vegetables.
The present opening of the party had come and it was Akira's turn first. Akira received a quality pair of running shoes from Ryuji, a scenery painting from Yusuke, and, surprisingly enough, a wooden replica of his Joker mask from Akechi.
"When did you even have time to make this?" Akira asked him.
"I do invest myself in some hobbies, despite my busy schedule," Akechi answered. "Every time I see you wearing your mask... it reminds me of a bird that flies through the sky without being chained down, despite your situation. I just thought this mask would make that more apparent to you." Ann giggles at Akechi.
"I guess that makes you a free bird too with that woodpecker mask!" Akechi's smile suddenly has more of a sad feeling behind it, which Akira senses.
"Akechi? What's wrong?" Akechi shakes his head.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing." Akira puts the mask on his face.
"Alright. Well, thanks! This is really cool- Oh!" The mask immediately falls off his face and onto the ground.
"Too bad it doesn't stay on like the real one," Mona sighs. Everyone laughs.
Moving on, Ann's presents are next. She borrows Akira's room so that she can change into Makoto and Haru's gifts. About fifteen minutes go by until everyone hears clacking from the stairs.
"Guys, this outfit is great!" When Ann gets down from the stairs, everyone's eyes pop in amazement.
The magazine model strikes a mean pose in her stunning new outfit: a white short sleeved cardigan top worn over a small black and red tube top, faded navy blue skinny jeans, and black heel sandals. All topped up with beige designer bag.
"Ann-chan, you look amazing!" Haru gasps.
"Phew! It looks like we managed to pick out the right pieces," Makoto sighs in relief.
"Woo! Panther is definitely the right code name for you!" Futaba shouts.
"Ahhhhh… she's captured my heart yet again," Morgana awes.
"Absolutely radiant," Yusuke says with a nod of approval. "As expected from from my ideal model."
"You definitely possess the experience of a personal model," Akechi says.
"Meh, I've seen you in magazines before," Ryuji admits. "I gotta admit, though. This is really nice."
"I'd say that outfit gets a five-star review," Sojiro says with a smirk. Ann thoroughly examines her outfit.
"I'm in love with this bag," she says. "I wasn't a huge fan of the tube top at first since it showed my belly button. But once I put the whole outfit on, I knew it was so me. Hey, Akira, what do you think?" Everyone turns to Akira, who's just sitting there with shocked, petrified face, not responding to anything.
"Akira?" He still gives no response. Morgana jumps up to the table and waves his tail in front of his face.
"Uh… Lady Ann, I think you broke him," he sighs. Futaba gets in the seat behind him, spreads out her arms, and talks in a robot voice.
"Akira-CPU has crashed. Beginning instantaneous reboot." She smacks Akira on both sides of his head at the same time, snapping him out of his trance.
"-Ig Bang burgers!" Akira rubs his eyes.
"Big Bang burgers… Ugh!"
"You alright, man?" Ryuji laughs.
"Y-Yeah. Perfectly fine. Just uh… the outfit's really great." As Ann keeps checking herself out, Akira quickly sends a text to Makoto and Haru, which they both giggle at.
Akira: THANK! YOU! SO! MUCH! XD
Futaba asked the couple for their phones for her present. As she's playing around with them, Akira decides to ask the big question.
"So, how did you guys pull this party off anyway?"
"Remember how I suggested to both of you that I be the one in charge of the decorations?" Makoto asks. "That was so we could show you both different types until we found a theme that you were both satisfied with. That way, we could set everything up with Akira this morning, send him out to Shibuya to rent a movie, and make Ann think we had gotten a head start and already finished by the time she arrived with her cake and ice cream."
"So... you sent Akira out to Shibuya so that Iwouldn't bump into him here," Ann says, using her fingers to attempt to draw out their plan. "Then sent me out there so that we'd run into each other when Akechi sent the fake text message?"
"Precisely."
"Oh! Speaking of Ann-chan's cake and ice cream," Haru says. "Ryuji-kun, Yusuke-kun, would you mind getting them from Boss's house?" Ryuji starts jogging out of the cafe with Yusuke following after him.
"On it." As they exit the store, Sojiro starts walking towards the kitchen.
"Hey kid, how about helping me get your stuff outta my fridge?" Akira gets out of his seat and heads to the kitchen with Sojiro.
"Sure thing, Boss."
"Ooooh, you had the same idea?" Ann asks.
"Yep! A Triple Chocolate Sea-Salted caramel fudge cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate truffles, and your favorite flavored ice cream~!"
"Cookie Dough and Cream Galore?!"
"Bingo! And God, did it take forever to find a place that sells it!"
"Aw, I'm going to get so fat~! You and Ryuji better help me burn it off!"
"Don't worry. We will. So, what'd you get me?"
"A special strawberry cheesecake and, your favorite mint chip ice cream!"
"Awesome!"
xxx
Everyone sets up Akira and Ann's desert spread on the booth and the two sat next to each other in front of the cakes they made for their respective partners.
"So, how does this work?" Ann asks.
"We'll sing," Ryuji says. "You two just sit there and look real pretty." The couple nod and Haru starts the countdown.
"1, 2, 3!"
Happy birthday to you~!
Futaba sneaks up behind the couple and blows a paper tongue whistle in Akira's face, making him laugh.
Happy birthday to you~!
She does the same to Ann.
Happy birthday, dear Akira and Ann~!
She blows the whistle multiple times in both of their faces.
Happy birthday to you~!
The couple blush in embarrassment as the group applauds and Futaba hugs them both from behind.
"Well, you two know the drill!" she exclaims, the whistle still in her mouth. "Make a wish and fwoooosh!" The birthday boy and girl look at each other, secretly interlocked fingers, take a deep breath, and blew out their candles. They cut a slice out of their own cake and add a scoop of ice cream.
"Ladies first, right?" Akira says. Ann uses her fork to take a bite out of Akira's Triple Chocolate Sea-salted Caramel Fudge cake. Her eyes pop out of her skull as soon as touches her tongue.
"...MMMMMMMMMM-HM!" Everyone backs away from her a little.
"A-Ann-chan?" Haru mumbles.
"You uh... havin' fun over there?" Ryuji asks. She squeals, bounces in her seat, and stomps her feet as multiple explosions of mixed gooey caramel chocolate and cream cheese frosting goodness flood her mouth, putting her taste buds in a super frenzy.
"SHO! GOOD! SHOOOO! HAPPYYYY!" Akira chuckles as his girlfriend goes berserk over his homemade cake.
"I know it's not Wilton Hotel tier, but I'm fine if it's still good." Tears start leaking out of her shut eyes.
"Are you kidding?! You should have them put this as the #1 item on the dessert menu! It's... I-It's... OHMYGOD, I'M CRYING! I THINK MY MOUTH IS IN LOVE!"
"Ha ha! Well, I'm glad you love it so much." Ann overcomes her food orgy, swallows, and points at Akira's piece of cake.
"Try mine! I am so nervous about how mine came out!" Akira takes a bit out of Ann's strawberry cheesecake. The flavor hit him like a hard kick to the teeth and he loved it.
"WOO, that's really sweet! Surprised my teeth aren't rotting away right now! It's good!" Ann sighs in relief.
"Really?! I'm so glad!" Akechi sees the time on the clock on the wall.
"Oh, look at the time!" he says. "All of us should probably get going."
"You guys go ahead," Ann says. "I'm gonna stay for a little bit. I mean, I can't leave without my phone." All of the guests who have to take the train home wave the couple goodbye and wish them a happy birthday as they head out, leaving only them, Sojiro, Futaba, and Morgana in the shop.
"So, Futaba, how long are you gonna hog our phones?" Akira says. Futaba whips out their phones.
"Til right now! Here. Unlock your phones and prepare to be amazed!" The couple take their phones and follow her instructions. When they access their phones, an app called "Lovers Link" opens up.
"Okay, what the heck is this?" Akira asks.
"My custom app! I synced your phones together with a mapping function. Your phones can now tell you where either of you are anywhere in the world. I also added a few other features like games you can play together and stuff." Ann smiles from ear to ear.
"Oh, that's super cool! Thanks! It must've taken forever to make!" Futaba grins and puffs her chest out with pride.
"Ah, it's no biggie. I just did two all nighters in a row to get it done in time. I only slept for eight hours… No, maybe five…" Futaba starts to wobble and lose consciousness.
"... Now that I think about it... maybe it was three… or... was it one…? ... Hang on... Did I… sleep… at aaaaaalll~…?" The crazy hacker finally drops onto the booth and falls asleep. Sojiro sighs and rubs the back of his neck, then walks over to Futaba to carry her by his shoulder.
"Guess I'll take her home. You were planning on spending the night here, right Ann-chan?" Akira wraps his right arm around her waist and pulls her close.
"Oh you were, were you?" he asks with a deep tone and a devilish smirk. Ann giggles as she grabs his shoulders and pulls herself up to him to nuzzle on his cheek.
"Of course I'm gonna spend the night with you on our birthday, you stupid moron. Don't get any funny ideas, though." Akira chuckles as he nuzzles her back.
"What kinda perv do you take me for?" All the lovey dovey hearts flying around in the air are causing Morgana discomfort.
"Well, if you two are sharing the bed," he groans. "Mind asking Boss if I can sleep at his house tonight, Akira?"
"Sure thing. Boss, ya mind taking care of Mona tonight?"
"Fine. Consider it my birthday gift, along with reserving my store for your party. C'mon, little guy." Sojiro holds the door open with his daughter in tow to let Morgana out. Morgana follows the old man out, but not before sighing and giving the two a reluctant farewell.
"Have fun… I guess."
xxx
And so, there they were, in that small quiet cafe in the evening, all alone together. A romantic way to end a shared birthday.
"Now that I think about," Akira says. "We haven't really been doing a good job at keeping us a secret, have we?"
"Hey, that's all you. I didn't tell anybody."
"Yeah, I guess so. Still, what was I supposed to do?! I didn't want to start up a misunderstanding with you and Makoto. And I didn't have it in me to lie to Haru. Yusuke, Akechi, and Futaba were out of our control. Ryuji was-"
"Hang on. Ryuji doesn't know." Akira thinks and remembers that Ryuji would've been hounding about "breaking bro code" by now if he knew.
"Oh yeah. You're right… Well, at least he doesn't know." Ann nods in agreement.
"Still, did you really have to tell Mona?" Ann asks, regretting refusing the paranormal cat's advances and breaking his heart a little bit deep down. Akira scratches his head in discomfort.
"Well, he was going on and on about how it'd be enough for him if his actions help keep you happy. It seemed like a good time to tell him. We're lucky all he did was run away again for a day. And that I still have my eyes." Ann smiles.
"Mm hm! Those perfect dark grey eyes that I can't get enough of." Akira smirks at her, sneaks his fingertip into her bellybutton, and wiggles it around, making her shriek and laugh.
"Whoa, hey! W-What're you- Aha ha ha ha ha!" She tries to struggle out of his grip, but he refuses to let go.
"You didn't honestly think I'd hold you close and not torture you when you're dressed like this, did you?!" Akira stops tickling her and rubs his hand up and down her waist.
"I really am super crazy about this outfit. Reminds I'm actually dating the world's future best model, by some freak miracle." Ann blushes and rubs his chest.
"Well, you're Joker. You're the king of pulling off miracles, aren't you?" Ann sits up, grabs the plastic bag she was lugging around today, and gives it to Akira.
"And a king should have nice things." Akira contains his excitement as he pulls the box out of the bag. When he opens the box, he starts laughing, then pulls out a medium-sized leather jacket.
"Duuude! I've always wanted one of these!" he exclaims.
"It has the Phantom Thieves logo on the back. I got really lucky last week. I managed to buy this on the last day they were selling. I especially like the collar cuz it's the same one as your trench coat in the Metaverse." Akira looks at said Phantom Thief logo on the back and nods.
"I might get mixed looks about it when I wear it in public, but I don't care. I am so wearing this every chance I get…"
"Hey, read the card." Akira pulls out the Fool Arcana themed birthday card from inside the box and reads it aloud.
From your sassiness, recklessness, and perversion to your honor, kindness, and loyalty. All of that was put into an oven and baked to perfection all those years ago today.
No day's more special to me than today because nothing's more important to me than you.
Happy Birthday! Luv u 4-ever, baby!
- Ann-pan ;)
"I tried super hard to write something you'd like," Ann says with a tinge of red on her face. Akira chuckles and gives her a peck on her cheek.
"Well, you pulled it off. This is awesome. Thanks." Akira puts the jacket aside and pulls out a small box with a Lovers Arcana themed birthday card attached to it from his bag.
"Now, I gotta hope that my gift is just as good as yours." Ann takes the box, pulls off the card, and opens it to read it aloud.
Flowing hair of gold. Eyes that reflect the sky. Ruby lips that put roses to shame. Face of Heaven's most radiant angel.
These things make you beautiful on the outside, but they fail to match the beauty of your heart. I proudly consider myself a guy who has everything... because you're everything to me.
Happy Birthday, my sweet little Ann-pan!
- Kira ;)
Ann gives her boyfriend a smooch on the cheek and giggles. She then grabs the box, opens it, and her eyes light up as she pulls out a golden chain Topaz heart pendant.
"Oh my god…! This is beautiful!"
"It costed an arm and a leg, but like I keep saying: Anything for you. Want me to put it on?" Ann nods and hands him the pendant. Akira disconnects the chain and moves his hands behind Ann's neck, wrapping the pendant around her and reconnecting the chain. Ann place her hand on the heart and smiles at Akira.
"Who has the best boyfriend ever?" Akira confidently pushes his glasses up and points at her.
"Hm, lemme think… You." Ann gives her boyfriend a passionate kiss and lays her head on his chest. Akira pulls out his phone and readies his camera app.
"Smile for the camera!" She looks at his phone's camera lense and smiles with him as he takes the picture.
"Heh. We really are good together, aren't we?" Akira says as he stares at their picture. Ann's eyes pop and she hurries to pull out her phone.
"Oh! I actually have one more present! Remember when I said I'd give you a reward if you dodged Mr. Ushimara's chalk?" Akira recalls the day he managed to dodge the chalk with style and grace.
"Oh yeah! Whatcha got?" Akira receives a media message from Ann. It contains a picture album. Akira reads the title.
"M-Ann-tage? Boyfriend Edition?
"Just look through it." Akira looks through the first ten pictures of the fifteen picture album. All of them are selfies of Ann posing in different outfits.
"Okay, you look great," he says with a hint of disappointment in his voice. "But I can take pictures of you anytime I want." Ann smirks at him.
"Yeah… But then I'd be too embarrassed to take the five Boyfriend Edition ones." Akira gave his girlfriend a confused look at first, but all that changed when he saw the first B.E. picture. His eyes pop and a tinge of red appear on his face as he stares at the picture of Ann posing in her floral bikini.
"U-Uh… what is-"
"Keep going." Akira gulps and proceeds to the next picture. This time, it's her in a coconut bra and a leaf skirt. He covers his mouth.
"Oh god… Wait! Did you take this back in Hawaii?!"
"I snuck away and did it when no one was looking. Took a while to find a coconut bra my size though."
God, have mercy, he thinks.
"Keep going," Ann says. Akira takes a deep breath and proceed to the next one. This time, it's her in a small white T-shirt, blue short shorts, and knee high socks. Akira takes off his glasses and his rubs his eyes.
"I-Is this what you sleep in?!"
"Uh huh! Keep going." Akira puts his glasses back and straightens them out.
"U-Um… I-I kinda don't wanna…" Ann shakes him by his shoulder.
"Keep going!"
"I'm scared! What the hell are you trying to make me see?!" Ann glares at him with a glowing red face.
"Something that took all my courage for me to do! Keep going or I'll smack your brains out!"
"Alright, alright! Sheesh!" Akira takes a few more deep breaths before proceeding. This time, it's her in a dark red bra and panties. He pinches the bridge of his nose, whimpers, and shakes his head.
"No! No! I can't, I can't, I can't! I can't do this!" Ann reels back a fist as a reminder of she will do if he stops. He's tempted to just take the punch, but she obviously put a lot of thought into this.
He regains his composure, takes one last deep breath, and proceeds to the last picture. And her soaking wet in nothing but a towel is one hell of a finale.
He tried as hard as he could to hold it back, but Akira ends up cracking a big sleazy smile and snickering like a lewd fool. Ann laughs and points at his face.
"You should see your face!" Akira glares at her and starts torturing her with merciless tickling.
"SHUDDUP! IT'S YOUR DAMN FAULT, YA EVIL STUPID MORON!" Ann starts laughing and screaming as she tries to struggle out of his grip again.
"W-Wait, no! Sto-ha ha ha ha!"
"You torture me, I torture you! Look at your face! All red and covered in tears and crap!"
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! P-Please, let me go-ho ho ho ho!" After her boyfriend lets her go, Ann looks back to see him tampering with his phone.
"What're you doing?"
"Savin' this where no one can find it." After he accomplishes his deed, he sees that Ann is still lying on her side.
"What? Did I tickle you too hard?" Ann lets out a loud yawn. Akira chuckles and gets out of his seat, grabbing Ann's bag.
"Yeah. It's getting late, huh? C'mere. I'll carry you upstairs." Akira kneels down as Ann sits up and slides to the outside the booth and into his arms. He hoists her up and confidently walks her up the stairs as she giggles and wraps her arms around his neck.
"Someone's enjoying this," Akira chuckles.
"I don't know what it is. I think it's every girl's dream to be carried like a princess." The two make it to Akira's room, the frizzy haired criminal gently lays the model down on his bed, and starts going back downstairs.
"You go ahead and change. I'm gonna lock up and do it downstairs."
xxx
After locking up the store and changing into his pajamas, Akira returns to his room to find his girlfriend laying down on the bed in the pajamas that were advertised in the M-Ann-tage Album. He turns off the lights and walks over to her with the usual smirk.
"That's seriously what you sleep in? Isn't it a little cold for that?" Ann stretches her arms out to him in longing.
"Remember what I said back in Hawaii? You don't know how warm you are." He slides into bed face-up and she crawls her way completely on top of him, making him sink into the mattress because of their shared body weight.
"Oof. Right on top of me tonight, huh?" Ann only responds with a comforted sigh and a nuzzle into his chest. He narrows his eyes and wraps his right arm around her waist.
"Y'know… I've thought this for a while now, but… being with you makes me forget my life's supposed to be ruined." Ann looks up at him with a tinge of red in her cheeks.
"Maybe that's because it's gotten even better… That's what I feel when I'm with you." Akira frowns and brushes his left hand across her cheek.
"... Hey... You're not gonna go anywhere, right…? I've already had my future taken from me… I don't wanna lose anything else… Especially not you…" Ann pushes herself up and stares down at him.
"... Like I have anywhere else to go… Right here, with you. This is where I belong."
Who knew that something so messed up would lead to something so great? That's what both of them thought everyday when they think about how they met and how their together.
"Happy Birthday, Annie."
"Happy Birthday, Kira." The two "problem children" share a sweet birthday kiss before falling asleep.
As for their birthday wish, it couldn't have been more obvious.
I wish we can be together forever...
...
Ann: "HEY! Don't say "Oof" when a girl gets on top of you, you ass! That's rude!"
Akira: "Delayed reaction much?!"
Target: Hit
Author's Note: Nothing important. Just my own rants.
2018's looking like an AWESOME year! First Kingdom Hearts 3, Spiderman for PS4, and Psychonauts 2. Now, P3: Dancing Moon Night, P5: Dancing Star Night, the P5 anime, and PQ2.
Now all we need is some kind of teaser for a P3 HD remake. Seriously, Atlus needs to fix that dating system and Minato's hugs!