Pairing(s):
- Souji x Naoto
- Original character x Naoto
- Sprinkles of pairings made on the spot?
Warning(s):
- Huge possibilities of people being out of their characters
- Appearance of an original character
- Ratings may or may not go up
- Wrong grammars and misspellings, plus missing words
- -.-.-Page Break-.-.-
Disclaimer:
All rights are owned by Atlus. :)
Prior Engagements
Rolling Cue
"See you guys on Tuesday!"
Looking out the window as she walked through clean halls of the Inaba Police Department, the twenty-five year old policewoman acknowledged the sky. It was clear, bright, and blue even as white cotton-like clothes slowly drifted across the vast area that floated above the small rural town she had loved. Chie, right then and there, knew that from that very day until Tuesday, long weekend will be amazing.
Especially now that the Investigation Team was complete.
"This is gonna be awesome!" The light brunette sang to herself before coming to a slow halt. "Naoto-kun?" She called wonderingly upon the sight of her friend coming her way.
Blue eyes shot up from the sheet of paper they were previously on while their owner came to a stop as well. "Ah, Chie-senpai." The younger of the two greeted. "Taking an early leave from work, I see."
The latter grinned in absolute delight – "Yeah, how about you?"
Naoto shook her head, a gentle hum of 'no' resounded from her lips.
"Why not?" Honey brown eyes blinked. "Don't tell me you have a case this weekend—"
"Fortunately, no," The blue detective answered. "I just have to show these files to Dojima-san."
"That's it, right?" Chie happily offered, placing her hands on the back of her head. "I'll wait for you, then!"
Naoto's eyes widened at her upperclassman's offer. "Uh – huh? That wouldn't be necessary, Senpai!"
"Nonsense!" The brunette announced, swiftly slinging one of her arms over the blue-haired lady's shoulder, forcing the younger to keep up with her own pace. "You show it to Dojima-san, he comments, and we're all set for lunch!"
"B – but…!"
"Let's go!"
At that moment, Kito appeared behind the women. "I guess I'm today's driver, then?" He chuckled, earning him the attention of the two who attempted to venture towards their destination.
"Kito-kun?" Naoto resounded.
"Kito-kun?" Chie followed with a curious tone, looking from the raven male to the smaller female in her hold. "A – ah! Mizuki Kito, t – the guy from Tokyo Metropolitan! Naoto, you know him?"
The lone male chuckled.
The smallest, in turn, sighed.
"I know you've been informed of our situation," The detective muttered darkly, somewhat scaring the woman who still had her arm around her. "Rise-chan told you."
At that, Satonaka Chie gulped as she released a soft laugh of discomfort.
Also, at that point, she feared for her arm.
"Ah, by the way," Kito's earlier expression, shifting to a more serious look – "Naoto-san, may I talk to you for a while? Before meeting with Dojima-san, that is."
Naoto, noting the seriousness that graced her fiancé's face upon stating those words, responded with a curt nod. Turning to the lady beside her, locking her eyes with the latter's, she opened her mouth to speak. "Chie-san, please wait a moment." With those words, the detective calmly moved out of the policewoman's arm.
Chie could only watch as her friend walked towards the raven man before them. She continued doing so even as the couple walked away side-by-side. The light brunette briefly, upon observing the two disappear from her sight, wondered what could have happened to have the atmosphere change quite suddenly.
-.-.-
They gathered at the Samegawa floodplain, specifically, at the gazebo located towards the far end of the small field. Food and drinks colorfully filled the rectangular table – it was a picnic. Moreover, it was a small gathering planned by the inn's heiress to celebrate the incoming long weekend. The weekends, after all, would still be busy.
"Did you cook this, Yukiko-senpai?" Kanji blinked, shoving a sushi roll into his mouth. "It's delicious!"
"Wow, Senpai!" Rise beamed, following Kanji. "You've improved!"
At those comments, the raven woman sighed. Dejectedly.
"…Souji cooked those." Yukiko frowned, gesturing towards the silver's direction. "…I still fail at some areas at cooking. I tried… though."
"Ever the savior, Souji." Yosuke announced upon munching on his riceball—"OW!" The Junes manager winced at the impact of the Amagi heiress' hand on his upper arm. "What the hell did you do that for?"
Teddie – however – paid little heed to the violence as he blinked, looking around.
"Where's Chie-chan and Nao-chan?"
"Chie texted a minute ago," Yukiko answered automatically changing her mood from bad to good. "She said she's on her way."
The idol continued, "Naoto-kun's scheduled for a lunch date." She said, tasting more of the delectable food before her. "Gosh, Senpai, if I eat more from your cooking, my agency will have a field day!"
It was a statement that made Souji chuckle.
"I'll take that as a compliment," The silver man smiled. "Thank you." He said before turning to the container before him.
California rolls – untouched and arranged in neat manner. It was still as clear as crystal in his memory. That was the very first meal he ever shared with the detective. The twenty-five year old silver man frowned at his recollection; he knew it was a long shot. Seta Souji knew that the chances of seeing the detective during their picnic were small.
He huffed.
"Sensei," Teddie called out, forcing Souji out of his reverie. "Thank you for the food!" His chopsticks, then, swiftly stole a roll. And then he gulfed it down – much to his master's dismay.
Although he – himself – understood there was no point in saving the rolls any longer.
The blond sparkled, literally.
"It's so heavenly!" Teddie exclaimed, savoring the flavor. "Y – you guys should try it!"
"Gimme one!" Yosuke stretched out his hand.
After was Yukiko.
Followed by Rise, then it was Kanji's turn.
In the end, there was only a piece left and Souji merely looked forlornly at it. He could not decide whether he should eat the leftover – but he wanted to. The twitching of his hand signaled his urge as the chopsticks tapped lightly onto each other. At that point, the twenty-five year old was quite contemplative. A part of him still wanted to save the piece for a certain blue woman.
His best friend blinked upon swallowing. "What's up, Souji? Don't you want it?"
"It's not that," The silver man shook his head, eyes still locked at the lone roll. "I was just thinking."
"Chie-senpai!" Kanji called out at the sight of the policewoman, spitting few bits of food in the process – resulting a simultaneous "Ew, Kanji" from the ladies who sat on either of his sides.
"Hey, guys!" The light brunette half-heartedly waved. "Huh? What's this? One piece left?" Chie complained, looking down at the almost empty container of California rolls. She, then, looked up to Souji. "Are you gonna eat that?"
To which the addressed male shook his head. "Go ahead," He nodded with a reluctant tone.
The police officer pursed her lips. "On the second thought, it looks like you've got a lot of food here." Her voice rang knowingly while her hands rested on hips. "I think I'll pig-out on the others – Naoto-kun might need that more right now."
"Naoto-kun?" On cue, Rise spoke. "Isn't she out with—"
"Mizuki-san dropped us off; they're still talking, so I went ahead." Chie sighed, shaking her head. "There was a change in their plans, let's just leave it at that." She added, taking a seat and grabbing the nearest piece of eggroll.
"What?" Dramatically, Teddie perked up as he sensed something off. "Did that he hurt Nao-chan!"
Suddenly, Souji was silently worried. But eased off at the words: "No one has done me harm, Teddie," which had resounded from another area. The detective arrived.
"Nao-chan!" The eccentric Junes mascot beamed at the sight of Shirogane Naoto.
"Everyone." Their newly arrived companion casually greeted as she sat beside Teddie.
"Did Mizuki-san leave already, Naoto-kun?" Chie inquired, popping her head out to see her junior.
The blue lady nodded – her exhaustion was obvious.
"What happened, Naoto-kun?" It was Yukiko's turn to ask – concern had graced her elegance. "I hope it's not anything bad."
"It's nothing," Naoto answered as honest as possible. "He's just needed back at the Tokyo Metropolitan."
"That's so sad," The group's idol frowned in sympathy. "You must miss him now!"
Souji, who was – all the while – finding his drink interesting in an attempt to drown out his jealousy, stole a quick view at the detective's reaction. To his surprise, her face was quite cold for someone who was supposed to be in a relationship; although, he was not complaining. He smirked secretly.
"He just left." Shirogane Naoto was speaking in monotone. "To say I miss him now would be idiotic."
"Aww, she does miss him!" Rise's giggle filled the air. "Isn't that cute!"
"…Rise-chan."
"I know what would cheer Nao-chan up!" Teddie announced, earning him the eyes of the whole group. "Fear not, Teddie is here to make things better!" He beamed, shoving his chopsticks right into Naoto's mouth before she could finish her protest. "Isn't it good…?"
Her feminine blue eyes glared at him whole she forcefully chewed what was fed to her. Then she swallowed. "Teddie, what were –" Naoto paused while she processed the taste. "It's good!"
Male silver eyes blinked in response. "The last piece," He whispered, noticing that the piece was gone. Seta Souji blinked once more, eyeing the detective.
"Right? Right?" The Junes mascot bounced excitedly in his seat. "It was Sensei's special California roll!"
Upon hearing those words, Naoto's slightly cocked to the side. "Senpai?" She said turning from the blond at her side to the man he often called his master. She smiled. "I see. No wonder my palette recognized the taste."
Souji, in turn, smiled back. "I'm glad you still like it." Internally, he was thanking the Japanese security system.
"Whipped." Yosuke snickered in view of the scene.
Chie stepped on his foot.
"Ow! What'd you do that for?" The manager hissed towards the policewoman who signaled him to shut his mouth. "What're y—"
"—Are you okay?" Souji suddenly asked, genuinely worried.
It was then that Hanamura Yosuke realized he ruined a rather special moment for the latter twenty-five year old male – "It's nothing!" He awkwardly laughed, scratching his head. "You… you two kids go back to staring each other."
Chie snorted: "Idiot."
Everyone, at that, was stuck in silence.
Fortunately, Chie broke the deafening atmosphere with her cough. "Uh, so anyway… it's the long weekend!" She continued with a broad smile on her face, "I was thinking, is anyone up for a road trip tomorrow? Let's all go to the beach or something."
"A road trip?" Yukiko looked to her best friend. "I don't know… with the inn and all."
Yosuke's eyes rolled, "Yukiko's right, Junes is gonna be busy too." He added. "And… beach? Really? It's not even summer!"
"What? We can't go?" Teddie whined to his boss.
"That's why it's the perfect time to go there!"
Rise pouted, "I can't…! I have a shoot for Plush Co. on Monday." She proceeded to pout, turning to Kanji. Who was enjoying his feast. "Stupid Plush Co."
"Huh? Hey, don't blame me! You asked for that schedule!" The taller blond of their group snapped. "'Sides, the invites have to be made by then too."
"Come on, when will we be able to get a chance like this?" Chie insisted. "We'll all be working once the weekend is over! We'll all be busy!" Brown eyes batted to the whole team. "I promise we'll be back by tomorrow night! Latest at 7 p.m.! Please?"
"I'll ask permission first." Naoto answered. "I suppose I'm free for the whole weekend, anyway."
"See!" The policewoman chirped as she pointed to the blue-haired woman. "Naoto-kun's free! We all know how rare it is!"
"Chie-senpai, please don't use me as an excuse. Moreover, I'm not even sure yet."
However, even at the detective's displeasure, everyone was in a state of making a decision.
"…If you put it that way," The idol suddenly spoke. "I guess… I won't tan too much with this weather."
"Yes!"
Kanji stretched and shrugged. "If she's game then I'm game." He said upon hearing his endorser.
"Well, I can always leave the inn with Kasai-san." Yukiko nodded. "I could also use a break."
"I'll go!" Teddie yelled. "Let's make memories of youth together!"
"What about you, partner?" Yosuke looked to the lone silver-head before even answering. "What's your call?"
Souji, at the point of being questioned, observed the faces around him. Peer pressure, apparently, still existed even during adulthood.
"Nanako can come with!" Chie quickly added as she leaned forward. "So?"
The addressed twenty-five year old male's silver eyes moved from each person to the Naoto. She, too, had been watching him as he decided. Quite expectantly, at that. Ironically, there was really nothing to decide – which made him wonder why he was taking so long in responding. After all, he was still free.
With that, "Let's go." Souji smiled.
However, although the answer meant for the whole group, he was still fixed at Naoto. Everyone noted that. Of course, they already had the idea since their high school years.
"Alright, it's a go for me too." Yosuke chuckled.
"So, it's settled then! A beach adventure tomorrow!" Chie announced, holding onto Yukiko's arm. "Anyway, come on Yukiko, let's go to the restroom!"
Taking the hint, the raven woman agreed. "Alright."
The Junes manager grinned while he watched the two leave the gazebo. "I'm feeling a bit generous today, come on Teddie! Let's buy us some ice cream." He knew the plan.
"Yay!"
Rise, on her part, understood the gestures as well. "Come on, Kanji!" She commandingly called as she grabbed the former delinquent by the wrist. "Let's play in the water!"
"Wait! My rice ball!" Kanji snatched the piece of rice ball before being pulled away.
To match-make someone who was spoken for was wrong, and they all knew that. Furthermore, it was beyond unethical as well. Yet, Souji was their leader. They were on his side and they would really rather be on his than the man who claimed himself as Naoto's fiancé. However, they also acknowledged that if the detective had fully decided on marrying another person, they could no longer do anything but grant the leader a few happy moments to cherish Naoto by. The group, for all he had done, at least owed him that.
Sadly, with the motive, they were all too palpable.
Nonetheless, Souji was thankful for their effort.
"…they left us alone." Naoto sighed, nipping off the sandwich she chose to eat.
"You don't want me here?" Her senior teased. "I'm hurt."
The younger finally managed laughed lightly, "You know very well that's not what I meant, Souji-san."
"Ah, there's your smile." The older of the two breathed happily, "It's better than the scowl you had earlier."
"…scowl?" Innocently, the blue one's eyes grew bigger. "I was… scowling?"
"Yeah, you were making a real scary face too." Souji replied, enacting a monster with his hands.
"S – sorry." The lady bowed. "…I didn't mean to."
The silver male chuckled.
"Naoto," He called gently, making the other look up from her previous position. "Tell me what's wrong. Is it really because he's going back to Tokyo?"
The detective could only sigh, "You don't need to worry, Souji-san. It's not important."
"If it's you, it's always important."
With those words, Shirogane Naoto shook her head in amusement before she rested her chin onto her hands that laced together. A smirk stretched onto her face as she said, "Careful, Senpai, you always had a way with words." She spoke in a tone of combined teasing and knowing.
Seta Souji, in turn, rested his own chin on his hand, "I wouldn't mind if it worked on you."
The twenty-four year old detective's smirk soon stretched into a calm smile. "Still you insist smooth talking your way," Her laughter resounded once more. "Fine, if it's urgent for you to know, Kito-kun doesn't want you around me, Senpai. He's a bit… inse—"
"—jealous." The latter corrected.
"Jealous of you." Naoto confessed with the certain expression that signified her annoyance. "Furthermore, he requested that I stop seeing you and the others. Of course, I refused."
"And then you guys fought." Souji continued from where the other stopped. "I understand if he wanted me out of your life… but Rise-chan and the others?"
A huff emitted from the woman's lips as she fixed her sight at the man before her.
"Anything connected to you is bothersome to him." She admitted once more, "However, knowing him, Kito-kun finds every man I encounter would be troublesome."
"Isn't he wonderful," The silver's voice had laced itself with sarcasm. "He'll come around, don't worry. But a bit of jealousy could do a loving relationship some good."
Naoto inaudibly as well as incoherently whispered, "A loving relation…huh?"
"Sorry, did you say something?"
"It's…nothing."
"If you say so," Souji shrugged. "Anyway, why's he the one jealous? I'm the one who should be." He argued with a frown and a tinge of annoyance. "But… then, if I was in his place, I'd make sure I wouldn't lose you too."
At those words, Naoto only looked at Souji, who – by then – was looking at a distance. Obviously, the latter was attempting to hide his face in fear of what she had to say as a reply to what he just stated. Unfortunately, it was a troublesome posture. The way her upperclassman was at the moment made it difficult for her to decipher whether or not he was aware of what he was saying earlier.
All the blue detective could do was: grab the nearest pair of unused chopsticks and pick something small but edible from one of the containers. She cooed as softly as possible, "Souji-senpai."
The latter turned. "Yeah—"And before the older finished, Shirogane Naoto – who tried to act as mature as possible last time he checked – immaturely forced a Tuna roll into his mouth. The gesture, for him, was both surprising and endearing at the same time.
"I told you," The twenty-four year old blue-haired detective deviously smiled, "Be careful of your words."
The silver man, at that, only shot her a thoughtful look while he ate his own cooking.
-.-.-
Eyes – gray – hid behind his reading glasses as he read the book in his hands. Fading hue of blue, seemingly white, hair rested on top of his aged head, reaching down his chin and above his thin lips. The wrinkles, something he was proud of, lined themselves on parts of his face, hands – his body. They were proof of the time he had spent living and experiencing life.
Those were the evidences of age catching up – of his growing older by the second. Regrettably, the visible physique was not the only proof of his seniority. The Shirogane elder's deteriorating health was reminder not only to him but to the rest of the household too.
"Grandpa?" His attention turned to the door that opened slowly. His book closed at the act. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, but I've knocked thrice." His visitor reasoned upon stepping into his room. "There was no answer."
"Ah, Naoto," The aged man smiled at the sight of his granddaughter, who neared his bed after closing the bedroom door. "I haven't seen you in a while. Come, sit." He insisted, patting an empty space on his bed.
The younger obliged with a nod.
"I have been preoccupied," Naoto politely answered. "Moreover, how have you been?"
A laugh was released from her grandfather's mouth, "I have seen better years." He continued. "But you've known of my condition for a while now. How about you?"
"Grandpa…" Naoto frowned due to worry as she faced to meet the older man's eyes.
"Now, now, a lady like you shouldn't frown like that." The Shirogane patriarch gently scolded, reaching out for her face. "You're too young for expressions like these. Furthermore, although I am happy you've rekindled your love for detective work, you should stop drowning yourself in cases."
Feminine blue eyes blinked – he always had a way of knowing what she needed to hear. It never ceased to intrigue Naoto. However, such could not stop her from worrying about him. After all, he was the only blood relative she had left.
"Don't worry about me." The elder pulled his hand back as his tone sounded off reassuringly, "Go and enjoy life for a while."
The younger of them sighed before a smile stretched its way on her face. She began: "Actually, tomorrow…" His words were her unspoken cue.
To Be Continued
Author's Note: REVIEW, PLEASE! :)