Mistress Yasogami
"There, all done," Nanako beamed, placing the finished omelette meal onto her own plate.
"Mmm. That smells good, Nanako," Yu grinned, sniffing the warm aroma out of the air. "Good work."
"I couldn't have done it without you, big bro!" she replied. The older boy returned the gentle smile and held out his hand to her, which she gleefully smacked. "We did it!"
"Heh, I guess we did."
Yu lifted both plates and brought them to the table as Nanako retrieved several utensils and handed half over to her close sibling. "My teacher said you need to eat well in the morning! So eat up, Big Bro!"
"Don't worry about that, Nanako. I intend to." Yu gave an audible chomp as he bit into the fluffy omelette, before making an exaggerated moan. "Excellent work, Apprentice Nanako." The brunette beamed at the compliment and happily dug into her own plate, the two quietly enjoying their meals as Nanako told the older boy about what kind of activities she had lined up together.
"I can't wait until the Culture Festival tonight! Can we play games there and eat lots of festival food?"
"I hope so. I'll be busy with school stuff, so you and Dojima have to do that stuff on your own until I'm done." I may not be perfect, but even I'm not evil enough to trick Nanako into seeing Kanji in a dress. No child deserves that punishment, he joked. The young man paused from his meal as he noticed his relative's expression suddenly plummet. The light in her eyes dulled, almost vanishing completely.
"What if dad doesn't have enough time for me? What if he has to work?"
Yu glanced at the girl and sighed. He placed his utensils down and looked at his cousin, or as she preferred to be called, his little sister. "He's not a very good father," he remarked. Nanako's mood seemed to fall even lower at that comment. "But he's trying. Be patient with him Nanako. I know it looks like bad parenting is hardwired into our genetics, but I know Dojima is trying."
"Huh? Gene... ethics? What's that?"
"Er... Nothing. Nothing." Yu waved his hand in the air, trying to change the subject as quickly as possible. As luck would have it, the doorbell echoed through the kitchen, catching both youths' attention. Nanako stood up from her seat and walked over to the door, voicing both their thoughts.
"Huh? Someone's here?" Yu heard Nanako slide open the door as he quietly devoured his meal. He only stopped when a familiar voice greeted his cousin, shocking the silver-tongued man.
"Y-yo."
What the hell is he doing here?
"Good morning, Kanji!"
Yu gulped his food down as his rival for Naoto's heart entered the kitchen. Nanako skipped ahead of him with a gleeful smile on her face, ignorant of the rising tension as both boys saw the other. Yu tried faking a smile, but he just couldn't muster it. Instead, he just raised his brow as he noticed Kanji was lugging several small boxes in his arms.
"Sorry to show up this early in the morning, man. The old hag wouldn't shut up about me taking this to ya... I thought it'd be a pain to lug all around school, so I brought it now. Uh... Y-you don't want it, do you?" Yu just observed Kanji as both refused to look the other in the eyes. The older boy's face twisted and curled into a slight scowl, but the sound of Nanako's voice pushed it aside.
"Ooh! We're having breakfast right now! Let's eat it!" Nanako cheered.
"Here. Let me help you with that, Kanji," Yu uttered, standing up and walking over to the younger man. Kanji seemed reluctant to accept the silverette's help at first, but he reluctantly allowed him to take some of the boxes. Yu hid the strain the boxes were putting him under well, refusing to appear weak to the blonde. As Nanako began looking through them, Yu glanced at Kanji who finally returned the stare.
Well, this is awkward, the older boy thought.
"Senpai, can... can I talk to you, man?" Kanji motioned to the front door with his head, briefly glancing at Nanako as she picked through the boxes. "It's kind of... er... private, I guess?"
"We'll be right back, Nanako. Don't eat everything while I'm not looking, and make sure you're ready for school," Yu teased, ruffling his cousin's hair with a grin. Despite the smile, his stomach writhed and churned, and it wasn't out of hunger. He ignored the twisting jealousy in his stomach as he followed after Kanji.
"Okay, Big Bro! Have fun!"
The two walked out of the front door. Yu let the door swing open as he pushed it forward, before closing with a minor crash. "You two seem close," commented Kanji. "I mean, she calls you her big brother, so I guess that makes sense. Um... How do you feel about it?"
"I'm working on it." Yu's grin had long vanished. Now that he was out of his innocent cousin's sight, the boy had no reason to hide his true nature. The corners of his lips fell, and his eyes held a dark edge to them, but there was no fire in them. He merely watched Kanji with a sharp eye. "Why are you here, Kanji? I'd imagine this would be the last place you'd want to be at."
"I just came to talk, I guess."
"Then talk." The words held an unnecessary sharpness to them, a fact even Yu seemed to realize. "Sorry," he muttered, glancing away.
"S'cool." He kicked at the asphalt under his feet. "I just had a question I wanted to ask ya..."
"Then ask away." Yu walked towards the outside wall of the Dojima Residence and fell against it, sliding down until he sat on the ground. Kanji followed him, and when the older student said nothing, sat beside him. The two sat side by side, nearly drowning in silence.
"What do you like about Naoto?"
Yu blinked, his eyes widened for a moment as his mouth fell slack. "Oh. Um..." Kanji turned his head to face him, and the cherry hue on his cheeks did nothing to defuse the interrogative stare. Yu finally closed his mouth and cleared his throat slightly as he assembled an answer.
"She sees me. I mean, she saw the real me. You never really got the full story about us, did you?" Kanji didn't answer as the corners of Yu's lips curled upwards. "I used to be a real scumbag, Kanji. You have no idea the kind of person I was, but I was bad. Mean, arrogant, cruel... I was awful. I knew I was back then, but it didn't stop me. I was a bad guy."
"You want to know how bad...? There was this guy about a year ago. Looking back, he was a lot like you. Big, tough looking fellow." He paused, giving Kanji a chance to stop the story now. When the younger boy said nothing, Yu continued. "I was dating his little sister. I don't even remember her name, honestly. Sakura? Shino? I don't know. What matters is that I cheated on her."
Kanji's eyes grew into dinner plates, but Yu just scoffed. "It gets worse. Trust me. Her big brother found her crying one day, and she tells him all about how I cheated on her. So the next day, he finds me and starts demanding answers and threatening me. It was the start of school and there were students and teachers all around us. I played dumb, all the while pushing buttons to piss him off more and more. Eventually, he just pops. He punches me, nearly knocking some teeth out, but I wasn't even upset. I knew I won, because suddenly students are screaming and teachers are running at him. It was all according to plan. He was suspended and I was treated like a victim."
"J-Jesus, Senpai..."
"Call me Yu," he corrected. He let out a quiet sigh as he chewed the inside of his cheek. "That was the kind of guy I was when you met me. You just never knew it. But Naoto did. She saw right through my shit and... I guess that was nice. It was nice having someone who didn't buy my shit so easily. Hell, nice doesn't ever cover it. It was liberating. After that, she just got better and better."
"I like her intelligence." Love, not like. "The way she doesn't take anyone's bullshit. The way she's so determined to solve this case. She has resolve. She's amazing. Brave and kind and... beautiful. Unattainable, almost. I've never met anyone like her before. She has this work-obsessed, determined, never give up attitude about the case, but in social situations, she stumbles around and stutters and blushes and it's just amazing to watch her. She's always so perfect. Not to mention she just has this confidence and strength to her that is just... stunning, I guess. Even when it involves stuff she isn't good at, like socializing, she has this grace to her."
Yu realized his face was warmer than normal. He rubbed his head, avoiding the other boy's stare as he realized he had devolved into rambling. "You get my point."
Kanji silently nodded his head, absentmindedly chewing on his lower lip as he nodded. Neither boy said anything for a moment, before Kanji broke the silence. "I told Naoto I liked her last night at the festival."
Yu didn't react. "Oh?"
"Yeah. She and I are going out on a date next week." Kanji's eyes focused on the silverette, as if he was searching for something. "She likes me."
"That so?"
"We kissed."
Finally, a reaction- Kanji watched as Yu's face wrinkled into a scowl. "You're full of shit, Tatsumi."
"H-huh?"
"You're a terrible liar." His silver eyes drifted to the side, glancing at Kanji as his face twitched. "Trust me, I wrote the book on lying. Why are you really here, Kanji?"
"I want to get to know you, Senpai. The real you. The one Naoto and Rise know."
Yu's face relaxed into a more curious, less tense expression. He stared at the front yard of the Dojima Residence, before he finally muttered a reply. "Well, I used to be a bad guy. A very, very bad guy. Then I met Naoto. Now I'm trying to be better. That's the short version, at least."
"That's it?"
"It's the short version. I told you, Naoto makes me want to be better. Because I want to be worthy of her love. I guess, that's how you know it's true love on my part," he mused. The corners of his lips rose, before he glanced back at Kanji. "I imagine it's the same for you." He expected a blush to form on the blonde's cheeks, but instead he only looked away, as if ashamed.
"I came here cause I wanted to see if you were serious about her," explained Kanji. "I wanted to know why you liked Naoto, and I needed to make sure you were going to treat her right." Kanji sighed, and his voice spoke with the slightest tremble, an effect that Yu hadn't expected to hear from the young man. "Last night, I asked her out on a date. I told her I liked her, like... y'know. Like, like."
"You love her." Just saying the words left a bad taste in his mouth, but he cast the thought aside and tried to focus.
"Does it piss you off that I do?"
"It used to." The silverette shrugged his shoulders. "Now, I guess, I'm just happy she has the option."
"Option?"
"I'm not a good guy, Kanji. I used to be worse, but I'm a long way from good still." Yu let out a melancholic sigh, shaking his head. He crossed his arms over his knees and stared off into the asphalt floor. "I want her to be happy. You're not perfect, but you're a good man, Kanji. I know you'd treat her right."
"Are... are you serious?"
"Why are you so shocked at that?" Yu raised his brow, sounding more annoyed than anything else. "Yeah, you're not as smart as me, but who is? You're a nice guy, you've got that whole... Teddy bear thing."
"Why does everyone call me a teddy bear...?"
"Cause you're big and grizzly, but deep down you're soft and cuddly. So cute." Yu chuckled at the sight of Kanji's scarlet cheeks. "I'm just busting your balls, dude. Calm down."
Kanji nodded his head, but still seemed perturbed. "Can't believe you're saying what you're saying, Senpai..."
"Surprised I'm not the goody-two-shoes you thought I was? Heh. Yeah, Rise had a similar reaction..."
"Yeah, I guess," Kanji sighed. There was a pregnant pause before he spoke again. "You really think I'd have been good for her?"
"Yeah, I do." The older boy hoisted himself up, groaning as he stood on his two legs. "You got anymore questions, or can I go back inside to enjoy breakfast with my little sister now?" Yu held out his hand to Kanji, but he didn't take it.
"I told her the truth last night. That I liked her." Yu's arm fell to his side as the younger boy sighed and rubbed his head. He waited with sympathetic patience as Kanji tried to form the words to his feelings. "She... she said we wanted us to just be friends."
Ouch. "I'm sorry, Kanji." Yu could feel the elation in his heart, but he tried not to show. He plastered an expression of pity and sympathy instead, biting down on his cheek to fight himself. "That sucks."
"I mean, we can't both be with her. Someone had to lose, right?"
"Guess you got a point. Still, sorry it had to be you." But glad it wasn't me. But also worried that it isn't me. Conflicted. Gah. Emotions... "How you taking it, man?"
"Rise's been helping me. She's been, like, my best friend for all of this."
"Rise?" Yu bit his cheek again, holding back the smile that nearly formed on his face. "Good. I'm glad. She's a good friend. Was my first."
"You care about her, right?" Kanji asked, hesitantly.
"Like a sister." Finally, Kanji offered his hand in a silent plead for help. Yu took it and lifted the taller boy up, lifting him up to his feet.
"Hey, Senpai?" Kanji's face was neutral, almost unreadable from Yu's silver eyes. He appeared cautious, almost frightened by the question on his lips.
"Yeah?"
"Take care of Naoto, okay? Make her happy."
Yu blinked at the request, before sighing. His hand slipped from Kanji's as he crossed his arms, leaning on one foot and bouncing onto the other. "Just because she didn't pick you doesn't mean she'll want to be with me."
"Yeah, you're right. She'll pick you cause she likes you." Kanji's fist gently pushed against the stunned boy's shoulder. "We should probably get ready for school. We're gonna be late." As Kanji walked back into the Dojima Residence, Yu was still reeling from what he had heard.
Kanji is giving me a pep-talk about girls? What has become of my life...?!
"Kanji, wait!" The delinquent froze in the doorway, staring at his upperclassmen with a raised brow. "So does this mean we're cool? You and me? Friends." Narukami let out a breath he hadn't even realized he had been holding when he saw Kanji's response.
The leather-clad delinquent smiled at his silver counterpart. He held up a fist and tapped it against his chest. "Yeah, I think so. We're cool, Senpai."
Yu, Kanji, and Yosuke stood in the classroom. In all honesty, it felt like being in front of a firing squad. The look of utter desperation and hopelessness on the other boys' face did not do much to dissuade the mood. The girls had faces ranging from the teasing, glee on Yukiko's face, the mocking innocence on Chie's, to Rise holding back a fit of giggles.
"Why are you guys just standing there? Come on, hurry up and sit down!" ordered Chie.
"Come on, Kanji-kun! Over here!" declared Rise, patting a desk in front of her for the boy to sit in. She had a smile on her face, despite her partner's vibrant blush.
Yukiko said something, but Yu's attention was on Naoto, examining the detective's posture and mood. She was doing an excellent job with hiding her emotions. If she found the particular situation humiliating, laughable, or just embarrassing to be around, she made no signs of showing it. The sight actually earned her a grin from the silverette's face, shattering his stoic facade.
"Yu-kun?"
"Huh?" The ebony-eyed innkeeper was staring at him, a glint of concern and curiosity in her eyes. Yu's smile faltered for a half-moment, only to be caught and hoisted up like a crippled soldier. "I'm sorry, Yukiko-san. Did you say something?"
"I was wondering if you were ready for me to dress you up?" In her hands were an assortment of cosmetic products, but again, he hardly listened to her. His eyes watched as Naoto talked to an excited Teddie. The blonde boy cheered as the bluette blushed. "Yu-kun?"
"I'm sorry, Yukiko, but I'd rather work alone on this. Maybe you can help Chie with Yosuke?" he suggested. His tone was soft, considerate, even helpful, but it felt on deaf ears.
She saw the way his eyes traced around the room, chasing after something she couldn't see. But she could guess. He wasn't looking at her, not even bothering to glance her way. "B-but I want to help you!" she protested.
"I'm okay." He was already walking away from her before he even spoke. He was walking after Naoto, who had just ran out the door with Teddie.
"I want to help you!" She grabbed his hand, but all that earned her was a look of momentary frustration. It hurt to have him look at her like that, but how else could she get his attention? He kept ignoring her. He wouldn't give her even a moment of his time. He pretended he wasn't angry with her, but she could still see the strain in his eyes. Trying to look happy that she was holding his hand. Trying to look like he wasn't bothered by her.
Trying to hold back his frustration with her.
"I appreciate that, but I don't need your help." He pulled his hand from hers. He was blind to the shimmer in the corners of her eyes as he walked out of the room.
The girls left their friends to their own devices. Naoto imagined the others had put the boys under enough punishment, but it seemed all four boys were still going through with the pageant. She was sympathetic to their plight, feeling herself in a similar situation. She gave the four boys a solemn nod of camaraderie before leaving with the other girls. Now they waited for the show to begin, Rise, Yukiko, and Chie all standing closer to the front while Naoto stood alone in the back of the audience.
It wasn't that she did not feel comfortable with the other girls, though Yukiko-senpai was behaving rather oddly, she merely wished to have some time alone to examine some facts. The subject of her thoughts? The silver-haired snake that led the team, Yu Narukami...
Narukami...
What was it about the young man that led Naoto's mind to chaos? Her walls, built over the years, crumbled within moments of speaking to him. Her mind, usually so articulate and stoic, fell apart into embarrassed gibberish around him. He had an effect on her, turning her from the hard-boiled detective she sought to be to a... a... frivolous girl!
You are a girl, a voice chided her. More importantly, you're his girl.
I'm not his possession!
No, you're not his possession. You're his friend. Would it really be so bad to be something more? The voice teased her like her Shadow had. Perhaps this was its' echo? Perhaps Naoto was merely losing her mind. Perhaps Narukami was merely driving her insane. Would you rather be crazy or in love?
As if the two are any different, sighed the detective.
The lights had turned on and music blared. A loud pop filled the air as confetti fell from above. Naoto rolled her eyes and brushed some of the paper and color from her shoulder. The announcer ran onto stage, his pink afro swaying in the air as he greeted the audience. The detective assumed he was some student with a wig on his head, or perhaps a hired MC. Whoever he was, he spoke with a heated passion at the show that was about to begin.
Naoto did not pay much of what the announcer said much mind. The way he acted was rather grating on her senses, to be honest. Far too loud and explosive for her liking. All the same, when she heard the name of one of her classmates, she turned her eyes to the spotlight. Even her stoic mask was broken as she physically cringed at the sight of Kanji Tatsumi dolled up like some movie starlet.
"What's up?!" he proudly declared, flexing his muscles for the crowd.
"Ewwww!"
"He does not make a pretty lady!"
"Whoo! Go, Kanji!"
That voice piqued Naoto's curiosity. Her cobalt eyes scanned over the crowd, gliding over them as her ears honed in on the voice. It took her only a moment to find a pair of raised arms, bouncing up and down in praise for Tasumi. Rise Kujikawa was throwing her hands into the air, vocal about her support for their mutual friend. It was odd seeing the retired idol so invested in Kanji-kun's performance, but Naoto found herself thankful for it.
With all of the insults and jeers being thrown his way, Kanji needed someone on his side.
Especially considering recent events. Naoto bit her lip and scowled at the bubbling memory. She tried to push it aside and focus on the obnoxious voice of the announcer. He was in the midst of introducing the second contest, building them up as some sort of heiress to a massive company. To the disappointment of many, the heiress in question was far from a graceful princess.
Yosuke-senpai looked ready to die as he stood on the stage. His arm raised to pointlessly wave at the crowd. Naoto could only imagine the near silence of the crowd was far worse than the jeers and indignity Kanji-kun elected. There were a few quiet mutters and whispers as people simply wished for the pageant to go on.
"Looking good, Yosuke!"
"Go to hell, Chie!"
Naoto rolled her eyes at the couple's hissy-fit. It was clear the two were attracted to one another. Their heated debates and fiery discussions were just an attempt to mask it. They were a pair of children drowning in a hormonal ocean and neither seemed willing to accept it for what it was. She had no idea how they could live with themselves acting so immature and frustrated.
Cause you're so mature.
Naoto really needed to do something about her second train of thought. It was growing more and more annoying to have a voice announce her inner thoughts. Not that she was thinking what it was saying. Naoto let out a quiet sigh as the show went on, moving to introduce the third victim of this accursed contest.
"Give a round of applause for Miss Yu Narukami!"
"That's Mistress Yasogami, thank you very much." The crack of a whip silenced the crowd. The sight of Narukami kept them silent, mouth agape; even Naoto found herself stunned by the sight of the leather-clad man.
Yu Narukami was... he was... He had dressed himself up as some sort of dominatrix-esque character. His body was held together tightly by a leather corset, accenting his hips and making him appear more curvaceous than his body would typically allow. The top was loosed towards the top, the thread holding the two sides together loosened to the point where they exposed the smooth, firm chest Narukami often hid under his shirt. A pair of leather shorts hung tightly to his lower half, zipped together. Naoto tried not to pay any more attention to the noticeable bugle than was acceptable as a fire began to rise from her neck. Finally, a pair of black high heels accented the already tall boy, making him look practically amazonian as he looked down on everyone.
Naoto felt warm.
Very warm...
Narukami wore a wig that perfectly matched his silver locks, but the hair was unkempt, messy, draped over on one. Rather than make him appear uncouth, it merely enhanced his image of a dominance and passion. The crack of the whip in his hand caused a united reaction. Fear, followed by confusion, followed by shortness of breath from staring at the beautiful image. He gently brushed some hair from his eye, only for it to flow back into place like a stream of silver water.
It wasn't just that Narukami passed off as a girl. It was that Narukami passed off as a beautiful woman. The confidence in his eye when he looked over the crowd, it was as if a tiger had found a pack of gazelle and, hiding behind his silvery locks, he inspected the crew to pick out which would make the most delicious meal. Naoto swore she saw the boy lick his glossy lips.
Is he wearing lipstick?
"T-that's a guy?"
"W-wow, Senpai looks really... Wow."
"I feel funny..."
Naoto felt her throat dry up, but she quickly dispelled herself of whatever effect Narukami was having on her. She took a slow breath in, before exhaling. She opened her eyes to the sight of her upperclassmen staring down at her, specifically her, and smiling coyly. She did not grant him the satisfaction of watching her squirm under his predatory gaze. Instead, she glared back with cobalt eyes, ignoring the rosy glow to her cheeks.
"Wow! What a babe!" The announcer pumped his fist into the air as the stunned masses finally began to applaud and cheer towards the contest's first real 'success.' "Sounds like your entrance is causing quite the stir! Tell me, did you sign yourself up?"
"Damn straight," he admitted. Yosuke-senpai and Kanji-kun looked at him, confused with what they perceived as a lie. Naoto had to fight the slight tugging in the corner of her lips. He was, after all, up there in her honor...
"Oh my! And tell me, what is your best feature?"
Narukami's eyes shimmered with a sharp light. "Well, I'm smart, handsome, beautiful, strong, fast, I've got an amazing personality," he answered, counting off on his hand as he recited his supposed traits. "I'm basically the complete package, but if I had to pick my absolute best feature?" His eyes fell on Naoto again, and she felt her throat tighten under his stare.
He smiled. "I just want to be a good friend. Be a better person than I was yesterday." His voice lost any trace of arrogance and deceit. He spoke with an almost vulnerability. It was enough to make Naoto smile in pride for her friend. "That, and my utter perfection."
And then he ruined the moment.
Yosuke was so freakin' confused.
He was pretty embarrassed and pissed off, but yeah. Confused. He was really confused.
He didn't think much of his partner leaving him and Kanji behind while the girls 'prettied' them up. Yu Narukami was a lot of things, but he never went against his word. He wouldn't leave Kanji and him hanging. That just wasn't the kind of guy his partner was.
But neither was he the self-titled 'Miss Yasogami' either! Yu Narukami wasn't the kind of guy who dressed up in tight, leather and winked at the audience! He wasn't the kind of guy who enjoyed this sort of crap! He wasn't the kind of guy who cracked a whip and savored all the panting stares he got from both guys and girls! So what the hell was going on?!
"Can't believe I lost to Teddie."
"I mean, he was dressed pretty cute."
"Yeah, and I'm hot. I'm just saying, there's a gross stigma that guys who crossdress have to be cute. They're not allowed to be sexy." Yu flipped his head, and grinned at the falling silver waterfall of his wig. He fluttered his eyes flirtatiously, before he laughed at Kanji's embarrassment.
Yu and Kanji continued to speak and trade comments with one another, which was just another thing Yosuke knew his partner wouldn't do. Yu was treating Kanji like his best friend, and Yosuke like... like he barely knew either of them! It didn't make any sense! It was like Yu's personality had done a complete 180 since last night!
"You're upset you lost?"
"You're not? I mean, Rise did promise to make you pretty. I'd be calling her a liar right now if I were you," ridiculed Yu. He lightly jabbed the taller boy with his elbow. "Next time, come to me. I'll make you look good."
"Yeah, yeah..." Kanji's azure eyes drifted away from the older boy, but it seemed obvious he had a question on his mind. He kept glancing at the silverette, his eyes becoming shifty and erratic."Hey, Senpai, can I ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"How'd you get to be so good at dressing up like that anyways?"
That's not a bad question, but figures Kanji would be the one to ask it, thought Yosuke as he looked towards Yu as well. He was curious about this question too. Maybe it'd help him figure out just what was up with his partner. But the answer Yu gave only made him more confused.
Yu's smile turned aberrant, completely unlike the soft smile or stoic grins Yosuke knew. Yu's smile coiled and twisted into a toothy smirk as he answered. "Kanji, I'm me. I'm good at everything."
Okay. What the hell? That settled it. Something crazy was happening. Not only was Yu acting like a completely different person, Kanji was just rolling his eyes and shrugging it off like Yu hadn't just gone crazy! "S-so, Kanji, excited for the girls' turn?" Both of the boys looked at him as if they had just remembered he was there too. Yosuke tried to brush off his irritation at the idea. "Sounds like we're gonna see Naoto in a swimsuit."
Instead of the stuttering, red-faced shock that he was expecting, Kanji just looked away. His warm cheeks seemed to slowly drift away as his shoulders fell. "Yeah," he muttered.
Okay, that's weird. "You know, Kanji, I never got a chance to hear. How'd your date go?" His tone was meant to be teasing. He was just trying to give Kanji a hard time, and he was genuinely curious, but if it was possibly, Kanji's mood seemed to plummet ever further.
"It went fine. I'm going to go get changed. I'll see you later, Senpai." Kanji walked away with as much dignity a dress-wearing, blushing thug could, leaving Yu and Yosuke alone.
"Hey, Yosuke?"
What? No Hanamura-san?
"Try not to mention Naoto around Kanji, alright?" Yu's voice lost the light and mirth it had earlier. His smirk was completely gone, replaced with a more neutral frown. He almost resembled his usual self, but he still spoke with more fire and heat than Yosuke was used to. "It's a long story, and it ain't my place to say, but just go easy on Kanji, okay?"
"Um... Y-yeah, no problem, partner."
"Good." Yu nodded his head. "I'm going to go. I got to do some stuff before the show. I'll see you later."
And then he left too, leaving Yosuke alone with only his own confusion as company. There was a lot of confusion. He was very, very confused.
"What the hell is going on?"
Naoto felt mortified. Utterly mortified.
It was bad enough having Narukami look at her like some slab of meat on a hook, it was even worse to know some hormone-laced part of her mind was almost enjoying the silver ogling, now this accursed pageant she was a part of it was going to have a swimsuit section?!
Naoto desperately wished she could go find Narukami and sit down somewhere quiet. No one watching. No announcer. No stage. Just them. She cursed under her breath and massaged the bridge of her nose. The silver-haired man continued to plague her mind like a virus. Damn him.
"I've got to ask Senpai where he got that outfit. He was rocking it," Rise laughed, skipping by Naoto's side.
"Yeah, it was... something," uttered Chie-senpai. She glanced towards her raven-haired friend, who was leaving the other girls behind. "We'll see you guys in the classroom," sighed the martial artist as she chased after Yukiko. They both slipped around the corner and through the doorway, leaving the two first-years to themselves.
"Is... is something wrong with Yukiko-senpai?" wondered Rise. "I've never seen her so upset."
"Hm. It is rather strange. Perhaps we should-"
"Hello, ladies!" Both girls nearly jumped as an arm fell on their opposite shoulders. They both turned their heads to see the grinning, toothy smile of Narukami. He winked a silver eye to them, before pulling away and posturing before them. Naoto felt her cheeks flare up as her collar suddenly tightened against her neck. Rise laughed, putting her hand over her mouth as Narukami posed for them, still dressed out in leather.
"W-why are you still wearing that?!"
"What? Don't hate, appreciate," he joked, brushing some hair from his eyes as he placed a hand on his raised hip. "What do you think, Rise? Ten out of ten, or a hundred out of a hundred?"
Yu leaned his body closer to Rise, who didn't share the same fiery cheeks and labored breaths as Naoto did. Instead the girl reeled back, snorting and laughing as she pushed her hands against the older boy. "S-Senpai! Quit it! I can't take you seriously when you're dressed like that!" Narukami joined her chortling, the two laughing together. Afterwards, the taller boy gently pushed Rise aside and smiled at Naoto.
"Hey, Rise? You mind if Naoto and I talk privately for a bit?"
The copper-haired idol glanced between the two. It didn't take long for a small, knowing smile to form on her lips. "Sure thing, Yu-senpai. Just don't hold onto her for too long!" she teased.
"W-wait!" Naoto's plead fell on deaf ears as the third party left, skipping down the hall and entering the classroom after the others. "Darn it, Rise," she muttered. She had her head turned away from Narukami, hiding her rosy cheeks behind her hat.
"Hey. You okay?"
Naoto's eyes widened at the soft touch of his voice. He lacked his usual mischievous char- Ahem. He lacked his usual mischievous tone, meaning this was a rare moment of seriousness from the young man. "I'm-" She froze, hearing the high-pitched tone of her voice. Once again, Narukami caused her to lose control of her walls and armor. She cleared her throat and let out a low sigh. "I'm fine," she responded, her tone controlled and even. "How are you?"
"Well, worried that things are awkward now between the two of us." She could feel his iron gaze lock on her head, but she couldn't bring himself to return the stare. "I don't want things to be weird between us. Nothing's changed, Naoto."
"I beg to differ..."
"You can, but I like to think things are cool between us still. I mean, it sure would suck if you hated me now." She heard him laugh as she stared at the tiled floor, quietly counting the rows to distract herself from the conversation. "Um... You don't, right? I mean, we're still friends?" Naoto detected the slight strain in his voice, breaking her from her quiet distraction.
"Narukami, of course you are my friend. I simply..." She could feel her fingers twist and squeeze the rim of her coat as she tried to articulate the words. "Do not know how to respond to last night."
"Then don't. Case isn't over. You've got time to think this through. All I care about is making sure you're okay."
"You mean that, don't you?" Yu didn't answer the question. Naoto didn't give him the time to. "You wish to simply leave this elephant in the room?"
"I'd prefer it if you didn't compare my feelings as a fat, ugly animal, but yeah." Her eyes finally rose to meet his and she saw the playful smile adorned on his face. Despite that, his eyes showed her the glimmer of anxiety and distress in his eyes. The fear that the two of them were no longer friends had actually seemed to effect him... It shouldn't have surprised her, but it did.
He always did.
"I'll try to, Narukami." She took a deep breath and let it sit within her, before flowing out of her in a steady breeze. "I'll try. All of this is new to me, and I feel as though my body is in the midst of a tornado. Like I am lost as myself. The mystery, the other world, and now the realization that you harbor... an interest in me. There are so many new experiences and feelings within me that I just feel out of my element."
"Totally understandable. I'm here if I can help." The earnest, altruistic tone of his voice brought a smile to her face and a chuckle to her voice. "What?"
"It's just interesting. The contrast between the present and past. I truly believe you mean what you say, Narukami, but to see you acting so caring to me without any ulterior motive is a fascinating sight."
"And how do you know I don't have an ulterior motive?" he teased, flashing a toothy leer at the bluette. The sleuth's lips just curled into her own confident grin. Her cobalt eyes shined with a fire of their own.
"Because I know you don't, and you know I know. I believe I see through your deceits easier and easier with every passing day."
"I certainly hope not. A little lie every now and again can be fun." He winked at the Detective Prince, but Naoto could see the surprise in his shimmering, silver eyes when she didn't blush and trip over herself. Instead she smiled at him with a matching spark in her eyes.
The slight shock in his eyes was a sight Naoto found rather... easy on the eyes. "Perhaps you are right, Narukami, but I find some truths to be rather entertaining as well. Such as the truth of what you are currently wearing."
Narukami laughed at the retort. "Wow. Heh. I must be rubbing off on you. That was a hell of a burn."
"Yes, well, I find myself rubbing against you just as much, Narukami."
"..."
Darn it! Narukami's couldn't hold back the fit of laughter that soon came over him. Naoto felt her already red cheeks turn several shades darker as his laughter echoed down the halls. She resisted the urge to hide behind the rim of her hat as she hissed at the silverette with clenched teeth. "It is not that funny. You know what I meant!"
"I do. That just makes it funnier," he snorted.
The detective considered simply walking away from the chortling crossdresser, but instead focused on another plan. Any defense or argument she could craft for herself would only end in defeat. Her own embarrassment and nervousness spelled that out, clear as day. So instead she decided to go on the attack.
"I shouldn't be surprised you would find this so comedic, Narukami. Only you would be so immature."
Narukami paused at the gentle taunt, before he chuckled, a much softer and lighter laugh than before. "You're really one of a kind, detective." He shook his head from one side to the other as he smiled. "So, are we okay?"
"We are well enough. I cannot promise that I will be able to act around you as I had before last night, but I can at least promise to try."
"All I ask." His fingers combed through the silver locks of his wig as he glanced at the clock on the hall's wall. "Almost time for your time in the limelight. Guess I should get out of your hair, huh?"
"I assume you'll be in the audience, watching the show?"
"And cheering on the prettiest girl there, obviously. That's you, just so you know," he teased, adding a flirtatious wink to goad her further.
"Jokes about how inappropriate I am in this pageant are hardly uplifting, Narukami."
"Who said I was making a joke?" The silver-haired boy placed a finger under her chin and lifted her up, smiling at her with a raised brow. He smirked at her as she felt his warm breath touch her cheek. Her cheeks caught on fire for the millionth time, and just like all the times before, it was because of Narukami. "Good luck out there, Naoto."
"What?" But by the time her rosy face was released, her silver-tongued friend was walking away. She could just see the arrogant grin on his face. She considered calling out to him, but decided against it. She placed her fingers on the rim of her hat and fixed it, pulling it tightly onto her blue locks. "Lecherous liar," she sighed.
There was no way Narukami actually meant what he said. Looking forward to me on a stage? Saying I am on the prettiest girl when Yukiko-senpai or Rise-san is on the stage?! Preposterous. Ridiculous. Inconceivable! Naoto took a deep breath and sighed, her shoulders falling slump as she turned in the opposite direction that Narukami had walked down.
"What did he say to you?" a voice hissed.
Yukiko-senpai?! The raven-haired woman was stomping her way from the classroom, her eyes alight with anger and fiery passion. "W-what?"
"What were you two talking about?" she growled, standing in front of the detective. She leaned closer as her hands trembled, her long nails scratching against the palms of her hands as her chest rose and fell with labored breaths.
"N-nothing!"
"It didn't look like nothing!"
"I-"
"You two are always talking to each other. What, were you laughing about the case together or something?! Why did he need to talk to you?!" Yukiko roared, her voice strainning from the uncharacteristic rage Naoto heard in her voice.
"Y-Yukiko-senpai, I-" Naoto didn't know what was happening. She'd never seen the other girl like this before! Not even in the midst of battle when they went to the other world to train! Naoto had never seen such fury in those ebony eyes.
"Why is it always you!?" Her actions shocked the bluette as Yukiko extended her arms and shoved Naoto, knocking her onto the floor as she huffed. "He always talks to you, he always wants to be alone with you, he always picks you! Why?! What makes you so special?!"
Naoto didn't know what to say. Understanding others' feelings was never her strong suit and now Yukiko-senpai, who was typically a very calm and charming woman, was suddenly exploding at her like Naoto had somehow slighted her.
"Ever since you joined our team, he's been acting like a completely different person! Why? What did you do to him...?!"
"Yukiko!"
"Senpai! Stop!"
Rise and Chie heard the violent wails and shrieks of the inn-keeper. Chie grabbed Yukiko's hand, pulling her away from the fallen detective was helped up by Rise. Both girls shared frightened eyes, but Chie seemed focused almost entirely on her friend. The two whispered something to one another as Rise held Naoto's arm.
"Are you okay, Naoto?"
"I'm fine..."
"Come on, Yukiko. Let's go." Chie tugged on her friend's shoulder, trying to reel her back into the classroom. "Please, Yukiko, just leave it alone... Let's go."
"Fine," she spat. Her black eyes glared daggers at Naoto's dark-blue irises, before she turned away and storming back into the classroom. Chie watched her go with limp arms, before turning to the other girls.
"I'm really sorry, guys. She's not usually like this! I-I'll talk to her..." Without another word, the martial artist followed after her best friend.
"What was that about?" Rise wondered. When both of the upperclassmen left the hall, she turned back to Naoto, finding the girl staring at the ground. "Naoto? Hey? Are you sure you're okay?"
"I-I'm fine, Rise-san. I'm just fine." But while Naoto's mouth said one thing, her mind raced with her true feelings. Yukiko-senpai had been so angry... Her questions, her fury seemed centered around Narukami and herself spending so much time alone, as well as the fact that Narukami was now acting more true to himself instead of hiding behind a mask.
All of this equated to one, simple idea.
Yukiko liked Narukami as more than a friend.
And for reasons Naoto did not understand, or chose not to understand, the idea of another caring for Narukami so intensely left her... It left Naoto with a sick churning in the pit of her stomach.
END
Remember when I said this chapter would probably be lighter than the last one? Heh. It is. Relatively.
Anyways, I'm so sorry for the lack of updates, folks. As you may or may not noticed, I've been writing for RWBY for the last few days. It's been fun, but of course I can't leave behind Delinquent! I'll keep this author note relatively short.
A lot of jumping between perspectives here, as well as a lot of sub-plot stuff. The Kanji/Naoto/Yu love triangle is mostly closed at this point. It might be referenced now and again, but Kanji has decided to step aside basically. I like to think he took the fall gracefully. Naoto doesn't want to date him, fine.
It's not that he's not in pain. He is, but he's trying to move on. It helps that Rise is there to help him. Without their rivalry over Naoto weighing on them, Kanji and Yu have become stronger friends! Hooray! But while their bond grows stronger, Yukiko's jealousy reaches a boiling point. Expect her character chapter in about two chapters or so.
Also, fun fact. Yu's behavior on the stage was one of the first things I thought of when I wrote out Just a Delinquent.
Again, I'm sorry for the lack of updates. I hope this chapter was alright. Please, leave a review to tell me what I got right and wrong so I can further improve, and a great big thank you to all my friends and readers! You guys rock.
Next chapter, the girls go on stage and the boys react. Kanji thinks about the Rise he knows and the Risette the rest of the world knows while Yu Narukami and Naoto have some fluffy moments!
Next Chapter: Date Night