Hey, everyone! Sorry for the obscenely long wait. Many things came up in the past three months, so I've been busy, but maybe that makes this chapter more exciting? I hope so!

Anyway, the previous Chapter 2 I had planned out was destroyed after I lost my computer, so I had to make a new one, but I decided to rewrite it. I like this version much better because the pacing is slower and it doesn't focus on all the whole entire party, and rather some things that happen while the preparations are being made. :3 And yes, I agree: This chapter doesn't even COMPARE to Chapter 1. ;; Sorry! But I had freshly finished Persona at that time, so that's probably why.

Also, I've been thinking that after I finish this story. . . should I make a Chie's Perspective version as a sort of Epilogue or something, or call it something else? Should I even make it? You tell me, reviewers!

Anyway, enough of my blabbering. ;; Pleaaase enjoy, and pleaaase tell me what you think!

"A-alright, guys... I think the cake's done now." Yosuke said nervously as he pulled the cake from the oven and observed it carefully. He looked at it uneasily right from the oven to the counter- one side had now lopped over, creating a landslide-like look. Yosuke frowned and sighed. 'Why does Souji trust me with these kinds of things...?' He thought, then began to attempt to form it back to a normal shape. He pushed the sides together gently, until a crack formed in the middle of the cake. Yosuke clenched his fists and slammed them on the counter. "Dammit all!" he cried.

Silence crept into the room as everyone turned around. Souji awkwardly glanced at everyone and stood. "Uh, keep talking. He was just... singing along to his music. You know how he is." He said as an excuse, crossing his arms. Everyone turned to each other and shrugged, then continued to discuss how they'd been doing and what happened over the time they hadn't seen each other.

Souji approached Yosuke at his side and looked at him, as Yosuke furiously stared at the cake as if it had done something wrong. "I just saved you back there. What are you yelling about?" He said, a bit bothered at the noisy random outburst. Yosuke glanced at him for a second then back at the cake.

"This stupid cake cracked while I was trying to make it look normal!" he proclaimed, obviously irritated that he would probably have to start again in a rush, with the slim amount of time he had. Souji put his right pointing finger to his forehead and looked up at him from the rim of his glasses.

"You know, all you have to do is put frosting on it and it'll look fine. I actually think it looks pretty unique, sliding down like that," He said, then began to smirk. Yosuke caught this and leaned closer to him.

"You're not being sarcastic, are you?" Yosuke asked threateningly, slamming his palm into the counter. Souji shook his head and continued to smile.

"No. I really mean it. I just had a thought..."

"Huh?"

"If the crack is still noticeable, you can put an x over it and write 'Chie x Yosuke'. Now, wouldn't that be special?" Souji said, almost as if he was completely serious. Yosuke couldn't tell, of course, with that usual enigmatic look in his eyes.

"What! No way... in hell- ever- that I'm going to risk doing that! What if she takes me seriously? She'll kick my ass!" Yosuke proclaimed, cringing at the very thought of it. Souji smiled and chuckled a bit, patting his brunette friend's shoulder in a form of reassurance.

"Hey, you can't know unless you try! But, I was just messing with you anyway. Again, it'll look fine if you just add the frosting..." Souji paused abruptly for a moment, then held his finger up, his eyes lighting up. "Actually, why don't you let me take over from here? You should probably go grab Chie. Adding the frosting won't take me too long."

"Why do I have to do it...?"

"Don't ask questions you already know the answers to." Souji pushed him out of the way and grabbed the apron from atop the counter. "And don't make her wait any longer than she has to." He said with a smile. Yosuke looked at him for a while and smiled back.

"Heh, thanks." Yosuke patted his friend's shoulder and headed towards the door.

Yosuke stood at her door nervously, pacing back and forth, unsure of if he should call her first or just knock. He paused, looked at the door, and raised his hand. Yosuke froze, then considered his options. 'E-either way, don't I have to...? Why am I so nervous anyway?' He scolded his own naivety and knocked forcefully on the door. He looked down at his feet and dug his hands into his coat pockets and waited patiently, until he heard a few clicks and a startling creaking sound. Chie's face appeared behind the door and silence hung in the wind, both unsure of what to say.

Yosuke looked up, to the side, and scratched his head. "This is the first time I've stopped by your house, right? I guess the time you gave me your address was useful after all." He started awkwardly. Shouldn't he of said 'Hello' or 'I've come to pick you up'? 'Stupid!' he scolded once again.

Chie opened the door more, wind blowing softly in her face and swooping her hair back. "Um, y-yeah. I guess it is. Uh, what are you here for, anyway? I thought we were going to Souji's house? Where's everyone else?" She asked so many questions when she was confused, but it made Yosuke smile a little.

"N-no, the party is still gonna be at Souji's. I just came by to..." Yosuke paused, having to pick his words carefully. "Take you home with me." He immediately froze. 'Out of anything I could of said, I just had to pick the worst thing to say! Way to go!' He thought, inclined to just curl up, lie on the ground, and freeze to death.

The door widened and Chie pushed her head forward as if she was observing him. "W-what? You want to take me where! You disgusting little-" She raised her hand, but Yosuke grabbed it hurriedly and lowered it for her. He wasn't going to allow her to remain upset, not today.

"No, no no no! I meant... ugh, what I meant to say was... I came to pick you up. F-for the party, y'know? I-I promise I'm not always perverted." He stumbled across his words and sighed, then looked at his hands, still holding Chie's. He whipped away his grasp and dug his hands back in his pockets, attempting to hide his face behind his hair. Chie looked at her hand as well, and blushed, but decided not to mention it to hide her surprise and affection from not only Yosuke, but herself.

"Ohhh... well, in that case, come on in." She offered a warm smile and opened the door all the way, allowing him to step in. "I'm not really ready yet... and it's getting chilly, so I kinda just want to close the door already." She laughed a bit. Yosuke cocked his head in surprise, but didn't raise any objections.

"Oh, uh... alright, then." He said slowly, and stepped inside. A dim light illuminating from a hallway was on and gave Yosuke a chance to observe what was inside. It was only the living room and there were still kung-fu posters and figures everywhere and on every wall. Were her parents fanatics of this, too, or did they just let her ransack the house? Yosuke was curious, but he didn't want to ask in fear Chie would be offended.

Chie closed the door behind him and walked at his side. "Oh, yeah. Can you sit down for just a minute? There's something I have to tell you. You'll be the first one I tell, too..." She said with a tone that was unfamiliar with Yosuke. He sat at the dining table and looked at her curiously. Chie took the seat across from him and slumped her shoulders. "...don't tell anyone yet, okay? Only you'll know." Yosuke nodded in agreement and tensed a little. 'This isn't awkward at all...' He thought sarcastically.

Chie cleared her throat and looked away. "Well, I... I, uh..." She had an uneasy smile and rubbed her arm. Yosuke froze physically, but his mind was running.

'Who stutters after an 'I'? You only ever stutter when you say... when you say confessions! No, no... She wouldn't... I'm the last person on Earth she would ever say that to... why am I even-'

"I'm going to be gone for two months." Chie's voice crossed into his thoughts. Yosuke stared at her for a moment, rethinking her words, then immediately stood back from the dining table, still staring. Chie stared back at him, and frowned a little. "What?" She questioned. Yosuke relaxed, then slowly sat back down.

"Caught me off guard, is all. Where are you going that's going to take you so long?" He asked casually, but inside he was frantic and disappointed.

"I'm going to visit my Grandparents in Izumo, so I won't be too far away. They haven't seen me in a reeeeally long time, though, so my parents and them decided I should... stay for a while longer." She explained, but smiled a bit. "Really, I want to see them, too, but I wish it wasn't for so long! Ohhh, well..." She trailed off and shrugged. Yosuke leaned back in the chair and looked down.

"I see," Yosuke started, then rubbed his head. "Hopefully you have fun without me around." He mumbled under his breath.

"What?"

"I said... hopefully you don't abuse them too much!" He said with a fake smirk. Chie looked at him with intensity in her eyes and stood quickly.

"Ugh, whatever, you idiot! I'm going to get ready..." She said angrily as she walked around the table and stomped up the stairs. Yosuke watched until she left and sighed. "I should of told her what I really wanted to say... stupid!" He growled under his breath, and hoped that she would hurry, just to forget what she just told him.

"Thanks for walking me here. It's pretty rare you do nice things!" Chie teased as they approached the door, causing Yosuke to frown and look away. "But, I'm still mad about what you said earlier. I wouldn't overwork my grandparents!"

"You make it sound like I do mean things! Tch, just get inside." He replied, ignoring her second statement as he pushed her through the door, and Chie gasped upon what she saw; balloons were touching the ceiling, a huge banner was strung across the room that lovingly said 'Happiest Birthday, Chie! \^o^/', and presents were stacked against the glass door near the television. Chie jumped, throwing her hands in the air and cheering. "Wooo! It's so... colorful and... and everything looks sooo nice! I looove you guys!" She yelled, then ran to the table. "Ooooh, where's the cake, though? Souji always makes the best cakes! I want to see it!" Chie stressed, then noticed it on the counter. Souji wagged his finger before she could do anything and shook his head.

"No, not until you open your gifts. Otherwise, this cake is off-limits." He then stepped in front of it in case she were to attack it.

"Aww. Well, okay..." Chie said with a slight disappointed tone.

"And should I add Yosuke made it this year?" Souji added, almost proudly.

"Yosuke?" Chie turned to Yosuke for a second, then back at Souji. She had a faint red on her face, Souji realized, which pleased him. "Huh. It won't beat yours, but I guess it won't be all bad!" She then hopped back to the table, and sat with everyone else. "Well, let's unwrap these babies!" She exclaimed, thrusting her fist in the air.

"Okay, let's recap. I got Rise's in the mail earlier, since she can't be here, a teal necklace. A panda t-shirt from Souji..."

Yosuke glanced at Souji, and he just shrugged and mouthed, 'I'm not very good at choosing gifts, actually.' Yosuke shook his head, but smiled.

"A Kuzunoha Raidou plush from Kanji, an antique clock from Naoto, handmade casket hat, remastered DVD pack, origami book, and next year's season pass ticket to Kurisutarushi Park from Yukiko, a... dinner coupon from Teddie..." She eyed Teddie suspiciously, who had a grin on his face, and continued. "...and... wait, where's Nanako-chan's?" Chie asked a bit sadly. Nanako smiled and swayed back and forth.

"Mine's with big brother two's!"

"Big brother two?" Chie asked with a confused look.

"Yosuke-san!" Nanako said cheerfully. Souji hung his head and crossed his arms, feeling almost betrayed that he wasn't the only one she considered a 'big brother' anymore.

"Yosuke...?" Chie muttered and looked back at Yosuke. Yosuke stood proud, although slightly embarrassed at his title. "Well, since it's also from Nanako, it has to be good. Where is it, though?" She asked, looking around her.

Yosuke realized it was time for his present to be unwrapped. He could almost feel his heart beating out of his chest. Nervously, he slowly went to the counter and grabbed it. "Right here." He said, then tossed it to Chie, who just barely caught it.

"Hey, don't throw it!" She scolded, then raised it to her ear and shook it. "It's a bit slim, dont'cha think?" She mumbled, and began to tear at the wrapping. 'Make-up case, probably.' She thought, but what she saw lying before her was much more important than a make-up case. She only stared at it, being in a state where she was at a complete loss for words. She almost looked angry, which worried Yosuke.

"Umm... Chie?" Naoto pushed on Chie's shoulder, but she brushed it away.

"I'm fine, it's just... I thought I'd never see this movie again. It's sooo rare here in Inaba..." She said, trailing off and removing the rest of the wrapping. Chie observed the glossy front of the case, then the back, scanning her eyes over the summary. "Yeah, just as I remember it..." She said, then stood. She walked to Nanako, bent, and hugged her tightly. "Thank youuuu!" She said, then started toward Yosuke. Yosuke turned away, hoping she would turn back to the table and ignore him since he was shaking.

"Where did you find this?" Chie asked sternly. Yosuke turned, surprised, then looked at Nanako.

"Well... Junes. Nanako helped me, so, you should just-" He felt a tightness around his chest and noticed Chie was hugging him. He shook more, startled and nervous. Yosuke looked over towards Souji, who was smiling, relieved Yosuke got what he want. He gave a thumbs-up behind his back, and Yosuke slowly replied by giving one back.

"She might of helped you, but you had the idea, right?" Chie said with an odd gratefulness that came out entirely genuine. The entire group looked toward them with a smile, and Yukiko leaned over and whispered something to Nanako that caused both of them to giggle.

'Yes! I got it right on my own for once! ...well, almost. But, still!' Yosuke cheered in his mind, and he assumed he might of been smiling subconsciously, but at this point he didn't mind what he did.

The tightness around his chest disappeared, much to Yosuke's disappointment, and Chie glided toward Souji, grabbing his arms forcefully and shaking him. "Caaaake! Come on, Souji, you can't stop me from eating cake on my birthday! That's like, the worst thing you can do to a person!" She cried, probably close to being dead serious, Yosuke predicted. The group laughed as Souji tried to relieve himself from Chie's grasp until she let go.

"Even if it is, it's not something you attempt to murder someone over!" Souji exclaimed with panic in his voice, then relaxed and swept at his left shoulder with his hand. He hurriedly stepped back to the counter and lifted up the unique cake, carrying it over to the table while making a full half-circle around Chie. Chie and Yosuke followed behind him, peering over his shoulder, Yosuke in curiosity on what Souji wrote on and Chie in pure excitement. "Here it is. Chie and Yosuke don't get a piece because they were pressuring me." Souji said matter-of-factly, placing the cake on the table and sitting with the rest of the group.

"What?" Yosuke and Chie said consecutively, then looked at each other bitterly and back at Souji. He lurched back defensively, then rose one hand and waved it.

"I was only kidding! It's Chie's birthday, so I have no say in who eats what." He said with a smile as the others peered over the cake with a confused face. Yosuke wrinkled his eyebrows together and pulled at his coat collar nervously. Chie didn't seem to notice, however, gallantly walking to the table with her hands on her hips and head raised.

"Thaaaat's what I thought!" She said proudly, then sat with a still-gallant posture. Yosuke followed behind slowly, and sat beside Souji. He leaned his head over to Souji's ear and whispered,

"What did you write on that cake?" He asked threateningly, knowing it probably wasn't anything good. Souji turned to him and smiled.

"Nothing bad. At least, in my standards." He replied, looking forward and at the cake. Yosuke grabbed Souji's lowered arm and tightened his grip.

"Was that supposed to reassure me?" Yosuke whispered back.

"Of course not."