A/N: Apologies for the delay! I was away from my computer for a while and that set me back for a while. And… I also may have been digging into Nocturne and DDS so… yeah. I was planning on keeping this one short but I just want to throw some things out there for those who are inclined to leave a review to comment on. First off, I hope nobody comes off as OOC, I've tried my best to keep them in character buy hey, everyone has their moments, so let me know about that. That's actually pretty much it, but hey, feel free to leave any other feedback or just let me know how awesome (or not awesome) this turned out. A quick reply session to those who reviewed.

Mr. Raumulus: I'm glad! I was really happy how the last one turned out and appreciate your continued patience and support!

Mr.88: Glad you like it. As for the social link, I actually thought the same thing but apparently in vanilla p4 videos I occasionally look at for reference, Yu doesn't put the moves on until SL 9. Maybe they changed it for Golden (the version I played) but eh, who knows. I think you'll find some more slight deviations here and there so stick around!

LongSean22: Man this is the kind of review that gets me motivated. I'm glad I've caught your interest and appreciate the review. I agree that there is a lack in the MC/Chie dept. which is why I started writing this fic in the first place. I hope you enjoy this one!

Whelp, that's all for now! I have an inkling of a suspicion that most of you are gonna like this one. *cough.* Read on!

Chie had to keep herself from audibly groaning out loud. The Investigation Team had gathered for a study session at their usual haunt in the Junes food court, yet much like their previous attempts at such gatherings, there was a remarkable lack of actual studying. Not to mention that Rise was fawning over Yu with all the subtleness of a roaring bullet train. Fortunately, although Yu was being as polite as usual, he seemed completely unaffected by the former idols advances, though whether that was due to his lack of interest or sheer obliviousness remained to be seen.

"Senpai!" Rise cheered, as bubbly as ever since being rescued from the shadow world. "I heard that you had super good test scores on the other exams so you should help me study!"

"Wouldn't it be better so study with Kanji-kun, since you're both first years?" Chie asked, her eyes narrowed. It was blatantly obvious that Rise was after more than some friendly study advice, a fact that irked her to no end.

Rise pondered for a moment. "Well yeah, but Kanji barely pays attention in class, and that's just when he decides not to ditch in the first place!"

"What're you tryin' to say? That I'm a dumbass or somthin'?" Kanji growled, eyes narrowed dangerously. "Tch, sides, ma's been on my ass even harder now recently to go to class, so don't give me that shit!"

"Calm down Kanji-kun, Rise-chan just meant that both of you both need a little extra help," Yukiko interjected diplomatically.

Kanji merely clicked his tongue as he leant back in his seat. "Got me there senpai, I barely know the basic shit we're supposed to be tested on."

"Well… why don't we start with geometry?" Yukiko suggested. Kanji shrugged and began to listen attentively as his senior classmate patiently began to explain some basic high school level math.

"Senpai, could you tutor me in literature?" Rise-chan asked, and Chie could barely suppress and eye roll at the girl's sweet tone. Yu quickly assented, agreeable as always; He briefly skimmed over the assigned curriculum and began to quiz Rise on various passages from Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet.

Chie took a deep breath, trying to focus on the notes Yukiko had given her earlier with little success. However it was becoming increasing difficult to ignore the alien emotion of jealousy gathering inside of her. No, she shook her head. Not alien, at least not really. The sensation was familiar to the pangs that came from noticing her friend's superior intelligence and uncanny attention to gain the attention of their male coeds, however unintentionally. However, at no point could she recall a specific instance in which she had been jealous when a girl was putting the moves on a guy she was interested in. She had been far too busy keeping off hoards of ill-intentioned classmates from taking advantage of Yukiko's good nature, leaving her little time to focus on much else.

There was Takeshi, Chie reminisced briefly. They had been childhood friends, and Chie admitted to having felt something for him at one point. But he had changed, and not for the better, as the incident with the muggers had proved. Where once he had stood alongside her and her silly 'justice squads,' he now ran away, just like one of the scared kids they had once protected. Even back then, it had always been her to be the one to take the initiative, leaping to her helpless peers' rescue, heedless of danger or consequence. With Yu, and even the rest of the Investigation Team, she felt like she finally had people that stood shoulder to shoulder with her. Heck, they were trying to solve a murder mystery to boot. It was like something out of her wildest fantasies.

Yu though, Chie mused. He had been the first one to try and protect her so overtly. It was strange, she had never imagined such a reversal could make her feel so…

Chie closed her eyes. This feeling… It's why she couldn't just sit by and ignore their team's latest addition's interactions with their leader. Chie sighed. Jeez, it's not like I own him or anything. This is stupid. Such thoughts didn't dispel the nagging feelings and gradually her pen came to a halt.

"Psst," Yosuke whispered, breaking Chie out of her pause. "Can I see those notes? With our ace brainiacs being hogged by those two there isn't much else I can do."

"Sure," Chie replied half-heartedly, handing Yosuke the science section of the notes.

"Woah, seriously?" Yosuke exclaimed, clearly surprised. "Awesome! You've never let me borrow them before!" The brown haired boy quickly began to diligently copy the notes. Noticing the uncharacteristic lack of a retort from Chie, his expression quickly became one of concern. "Everything all right?"

"Yeah, just not really feeling studying right now is all," Chie muttered.

"Man, does anyone?" Yosuke chuckled. "Except maybe partner or Yukiko-san. They're something else aren't they?" The teen glanced longingly over toward Rise, who appeared to somehow be completely captivated by Yu while also somehow hardly listening at all. "Man, that dude's so lucky, now he's got Risette, freaking, Risette practically drooling at his feet."

"You can say that again," Chie scoffed.

"Hmm?" Yosuke's eyes flickered back and forth between Chie and their slate-haired leader. Suddenly he began to grin widely. "Oh I see what's got you all worked up." Chie was about to protest when he continued. "Man that sucks," He added sympathetically, his expression more sincere. "But hey," He started, mischevious glint back in full tilt, "I wouldn't worry too much though."

Chie raised an eyebrow at Yosuke curiously, wondering what he meant. "What are you going on about now?"

"Nothing, nothing, forget I mentioned it," Yosuke replied, smiling knowingly.

"Argh, now I wanna know just what it is you seem to know that I don't!" Chie moaned, frustrated.

"All in good time," Yosuke replied sagely.

"Yeah, yeah," Chie replied, rolling her eyes. Snatching back Yukiko's notes, she quickly began gathering up her things. Clearly no studying was going to get done here.

"Hey! I was using those!"

"Not anymore you aren't," Chie deadpanned. Shifting her gaze over to Yukiko she said, "Mind if I take these home Yukiko? I'm going to try to study some place…" She paused and looked briefly over at Yu's attempts at tutoring Rise, "Quieter."

Her friend offered her consent, prompting Chie to sling her backpack over her shoulder and begin to stroll off. As she was leaving she heard a frustrated Kanji giving up in favor of indulging in some animal crackers along with Yukiko trying to convince him to continue.

"Chie!" A familiar voice rang out. Turning around, she saw Yu looking up from Rise's studying materials. "See you tomorrow," He said, offering her a friendly wave. Chie nodded and smiled in response.

"Senpai, what does this word mean?" Rise asked, popping up over his shoulder, inches from his face.

"Which one?" The silver haired boy asked, suddenly focusing intently on the literature before him. Rise pouted, presumably from his lack of reaction, prompting Chie to cheer internally, before placing her finger on the page.

Turning back towards the food courts exit, Chie began to make her way home, hoping to find solace at home and, if she was lucky, get some studying done as well.

Chie was unable to suppress a yawn; due to her persistently wandering thoughts she had hardly slept at all. Unfortunately, her newest kohai appeared to be attempting to catch up with her, and if she was nearly as bubbly as usual then it was far too early in the morning for her to attempt to deal with her.

"Chie-senpai! Wait up!" Rise chimed, disposition as sunny as always.

Chie internally suppressed a moan. Definitely too early. Still, she was one of Rise's first acquaintances in Inaba, so she had to at least try to treat the former idol in a friendly manner. The initial wave of excitement and fascination that had accompanied her enrollment had faded to some extent, but Rise still hadn't really extended her circle of friends outside of the members of the Investigation Team, likely due to other students more superficial reasons to try to befriend her. "'Sup Rise," Chie offered half-heartedly, her morning grogginess preventing her from injecting her usual upbeat attitude into her greeting.

Rise seemed to take it in stride, giggling. "Someone must have been up late. Don't work too hard senpai! You seem like the type who would do that." Putting her finger on her lip she appeared in though for a moment. "Or maybe you're just not a morning person?"

Chie allowed herself to chuckle, swayed by the girls disarming kindness. "Normally I'd be up and raring to go, I usually go on a morning run. But yeah, last night was long one."

"That sounds just like you senpai! You might have to teach me some exercises, I don't want to gain weight just 'cause I'm not in showbiz anymore!"

"I doubt you have to worry about that," Chie mumbled.

"Aww thanks senpai!" Rise replied, overhearing Chie's muttering. "You're too kind! You're pretty cute yourself though y'know? And I'm sure lots of guys appreciate a girl that can keep a fit body like yours."

Chie quickly turned scarlet at her kohai's compliments, stammering, "W-where'd that come from?"

"Just returning the compliment," The younger girl answered, winking at her. "Speaking of boys, how well do you know Yu-senpai?"

Chie felt a wave of dread wash over her. Oh boy. "As well as Yosuke or Yukiko," She settled on. "We've all known him about the same time, he only moved here at the beginning of the term."

Rise frowned slightly. "Then do you know if has eyes for anyone? I've overheard a lot of girls in my class talk about him, maybe one of them?"

"Not that I know of," Chie answered truthfully. Although it certainly true that Yu had definitely received a fair share of flirting and shoe locker notes, he had always made a point of gently turning down advances. Shifting her gaze over to the ex-idol she inquired, "Why do you to know?"

Giggling, Rise said, "Just curious is all. I just figure that since he hasn't asked me out after all the hints I've dropped that I'm interested. Maybe senpai's just the oblivious type and just hasn't noticed?"

"Maybe," Chie answered skeptically. Fat chance. And he isn't the only one who's noticed.

"See, but he doesn't seem like he'd be like that. So I figure there's gotta be someone," Rise noted, her face twisting in thought. Suddenly she smiled widely. "Maybe it's you Chie-senpai!" She giggled.

If Chie had been drinking something, she was sure she would have been choking and sputtering on it. Placing her hand on the back of her head sheepishly she managed, "Heh, who knows?"

"Well if it is, I'm not going down easy," Rise replied cheerily, her tone lacking any undertones of malice. "After all, senpai's a guy worth fighting for right? Well I got to get to class, wouldn't want to get you late, so I'll talk to you later Chie-senpai!"

Chie watched as her junior classmate broke off to go to class, saying under her breath, "Yeah, he is."

"Hey y'know I wasn't finished with those notes yesterday," Yosuke said suddenly, appearing next to her.

"Take it up with Yukiko," Chie said, already put off by the brown haired boy's snarky attitude.

"For your information, I asked her yesterday if I could borrow them after you were done, and she said yes!" Holding out his hand expectantly he continued, "So hand 'em over!"

"Fine," Chie replied, rolling her eyes as she began digging though her backpack for the papers.

"Thank you!" Yosuke said smugly, beginning to take a cursory flip through the pages. His eyes widened and he grinned. "Man, if I actually study these I might actually pass all my exams!"

"If?" Chie asked, eyebrow raised.

"Y'know with work and all… And that whole motivation thing? Way overrated," Yosuke insisted.

"What's the point in asking for them if you don't even plan on using them?"

"Well there's always the chance that if I just look through them the night before the exam then maybe, just maybe, some of Yukiko-san's brilliance will rub off on me!"

"Fat chance," Chie scoffed.

Yosuke deflated, sighing. "No kidding." Looking through the notes again he groaned, "I barely understand any of this, even when it's not in your crappy handwriting." Ignoring Chie's attempt at protest he continued, "Well, maybe next time! Aw who am I kidding! I'll just be happy when all those stupid tests are over and done with!"

That Chie could agree with him on. Exams had never been her strong suit, and given present conditions it didn't look like the next one would go any better. Chie sighed. At least it's almost the weekend. No sense worrying about finals, cramming now probably won't help much anyway… But training… Chie grinned to herself. That's something I can always do!

Chie exhaled heavily in exertion. She had been training for the better part of the past three hours on the nice and sunny Saturday and was just about to wrap up. Her muscles had long sense started to burn, yet the euphoria that came with the adrenaline rush of her routine was more than enough to allow her to ignore it and press on. Wiping sweat off her brow, she allowed herself a long swing from the water bottle she had brought. Turning around to leave she was surprised to see a familiar figure.

"Takeshi?" Chie offered.

The boy stepped out of the shade under a nearby tree, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Hey there Chie…"

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Not long really! I just wanted to uh… y''know thank you for helping me out earlier…"

"Oh yeah," Chie replied recalling the incident. "No problem, I guess…" Frowning she continued, "You bailed on me though, what's with that?"

"W-well, I figured you-"

"Y'know those guys will just keep coming after you unless you stand up for yourself. Don't just let them have their way!"

Takeshi's face suddenly became angry. "I didn't come here to be lectured! Tch, without that sunny disposition, there's nothing else going for ya. And what's up with Yukiko-san, she's all laughing all the time now, not all gloomy like she used to be."

"Well maybe 'cause that's what she's actually like!" Chie snapped.

"Whatever," Takeshi scoffed. "I don't get it or either of you." He quickly turned to leave.

Chie felt her fist's clench as she watched him go. Good for nothing jerk or not, his words had stung. She felt her eyes sting a bit and promptly wiped them when she heard some approaching footsteps. Turning to face her latest visitor, Chie found Yu, wearing what appeared to be a daycare apron. Great, Chie sighed mentally, the last person I'd want to see me like this.

"H-hey Yu," She managed, doing her best to keep her voice level. "What're you up to?"

"Just coming home from work," Yu explained. "I saw you out there, heard you're friend talking to you."

Chie winced. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough," Yu replied simply. Chie waited for him to say something else, not sure what to expect. "He's wrong you know…" Chie's eyes shot over to him, not quite expecting that. "You're one of the strongest, most determined people I know. You always stand up for your friends and fight to protect people you care about." He smiled. "It doesn't hurt that you're easy on the eyes too…"

Chie immediately turned the deepest shade of red possible. "T-thanks…" Not quite sure how to respond fumbled over her next words. "B-but, you don't have to make me feel better or anything, I-I'm fine!" Her mind was spinning. She needed to clear her head. "W-wow, it's getting late! I should really start heading back!" She knew it was cowardly, but she needed to regain her composure or she'd do something really stupid and-

Yu's hand reached out to grab hers. She froze. "Think you could stay with me a little while? I heard that it's nice out here at sunset."

Turning around to face him, she examined his expression and was shocked at the warm tenderness that greeted her. Finally she managed, "O-okay…" Yu smiled wider, than began guiding her back towards the river bank.

Chie was simply shocked, unable to fully comprehend just what exactly was going down. She looked over to Yu, who was gazing peacefully toward the horizon. She looked down to their still joined hands. Finally, she smiled, allowing her fingers to fully intertwine with his. Chancing a glance over to her neighbor, she was happy to find his expression adorned with a slight smile. Joining him in gazing the horizon she exhaled deeply, her mind finding rest for the moment. She didn't know exactly where they stood right now but one thing was certain: she liked where they were right now.