A/N: It feels a bit strange to be uploading less. Work has piled up and I'm behind on some stuff. I got more hours, but it's not enough. Regardless, we're about to enter the climax of the first half of this fic. Things will start to pick up by the end of the next chapter. You'll figure out why soon. But anyway, it's Christmas time in this chapter! Let's get to it!

Chapter 31

12/25

It's finally here; the day peace returns to the planet. Christmas Day brings a level of calm and joy to the world that some consider magical. Children laugh, adults can be at ease… there isn't a grinch in sight. In Tokyo, two couples are to meet up at a particular train platform, just before they are to depart to a particular small town. The first to arrive is the older pair.

"Hm… Rise-chan isn't here. Nor is Masato-kun." Yukiko ponders to herself, hand clasping against her beloved.

"They'll be fine. They both know the time the train will be here." Only a few minutes until it arrives, however.

The two scour the platform, but no sign of them as there aren't that many people here to begin with. But behind them, steps can be heard making their way up as two figures approach them.

"Senpai! Sorry about being late! We had to take the long way to get here." It was Rise! She was wearing thick black pants and a vermillion sweater. A matching scarf to complete the set.

"Rise got spotted by a fan, so that might be an issue later if we don't go now." Masato comments. The young man is wearing a thick jacket over his long sleeve, the same one he wore during the Sapporo trip. Each person was carrying a bag containing the clothes they needed for this trip, although Rise not as much. She had more clothes at her Inaba home so it wasn't much of an issue compared to the boys.

"It's alright. The train will be here any minute now." Souji assures the two.

"Will you be alright, Rise-chan?"

"Yeah! I talked to Inoue-san; he said he'll handle anything while we're in Inaba, so it shouldn't be a problem! He wants me to enjoy the Holidays with nothing to fear!" Rise enthusiastically declares.

"...Right." Souji sighs, content with enough news drama to last a lifetime.

Before the subject can reach into any further details, the rumbling in the ground indicates one thing. The train is coming! And in only a few seconds, their assumption comes true.

"Right on time. Let's go home, everyone." Souji orders, grabbing his bag with a little more firmness.

"Yeah!" Rise follows up, sticking close to Masato. "Ready to go home… Masato-kun?"

"Yeah. I'm ready to relax for once." He replies as the train doors start to open. Time to board. Time to go home.

Everyone got a spot to themselves, plenty of space was available this morning. Most tend to do their holiday traveling before the big day itself. That or even earlier in the day than right now. It will be the early afternoon by the time they get there. It will be a long enough travel time, with stops along the way. After their first stop, which was at the edge of the city, the seats only face forward, so Souji and Yukiko sit to the parallel side of Masato and Rise. Their conversations were kept on the down low just to make sure no one else felt bothered by their voices. Once they reached the Yasoinaba transfer, they sat across each other on the seats that face opposite of one another. The couples sat with their preferred partner, although it seems Yukiko and Souji don't quite know that Rise and Masato are now a pair… a fact the Imposter preferred keeping this way for now. Wouldn't want to be the center of attention, now would he?

"-So yeah! Sapporo was such a beautiful place to be during wintertime! I wish you two got to see it!"

"It does seem to be worth a visit even during such a cold time. Maybe one day I'll get the opportunity myself." Yukiko replies, as she and Rise are engrossed in idle banter.

"Souji, how long will you be in Inaba this time?" Masato asks, trying to have a conversation of his own.

"For two weeks. My family will be coming over in January, however."

"I see. Sounds like you'll have the rest of the year to yourself."

"Yeah. I'll probably spend tomorrow around the house. After that, I'll for sure be around Inaba somewhere."

"Haha, I bet. I believe I still have my apartment here, or at least, Lady Mitsuru said I did." Masato trails, wondering if some of the things like the futon still remained there.

"Well, if you don't mind, do you want to come with me to my house? I could use some help getting the food ready."

"Uh… sure. I'd be fine with that."

"Ooh, you two are gonna cook? I can't wait!" Rise comments, Yukiko also shifting her focus to the boys.

"I don't think everyone will be arriving right away, so there should be time to get things started. I think Chie said she and Yosuke-kun will be a little late."

"Oh yeah! Kanji and Naoto-kun will be too! Wonder what has them all held up."

"Well, it is Christmas, after all. It's probably family members wanting a little bit of their time."

"That's true…"

"Souji-kun, are Nanako-chan and Dojima-san going to greet us at the train station?"

"Nanako wouldn't miss this for the world. I think Teddie will be with them, too." He presumes, but he's absolutely right.

"Well, I just need to leave my stuff at my grandma's house, then I'll be going along straight to your place, Senpai!"

"That's fine. Actually, Uncle's car probably wouldn't fit all of us, anyway."

"If that's the case, then I'll stay behind too. Just so Rise won't be left alone."

"Hey! I can take care of myself, Masato-kun!" She pouts fiercely, causing Yukiko to giggle.

"Mhmhm, you take your new job seriously, Masato-kun!"

"Yeah… right." Has she caught on? Doesn't look like it.

With less than an hour to go until they reach Inaba, the four travelers continue to banter and enjoy the ride back, their company a much needed thing compared to Souji's usually solo rides to and from the city.

Time moves faster when you're having fun, and here it's no different. The Chatty Christmas conversations come to an end as they all rise from their seats as the train slows upon reaching the Yasoinaba station.

"YASO-INABA! YASO-INABA!"

It's so good to be home.

All four start to disembark, with the leader stepping out first, to an immediate embrace.

"Big Bro!" Of course the little firecracker of energy named Nanako would be the first to greet him.

"Sensei! Welcome back!" And Teddie was indeed also here to greet everyone.

"Good to be back, you two." Souji was fortunate to have taken a few steps off the platform; otherwise the others behind him would find themselves stuck.

"Rise-chan, Yuki-chan! You're here too!"

"Huh, you really were here, after all." Yukiko passively remarks, causing Teddie to frown in disappointment.

"Welcome back, all of you." Dojima states with the classic nonchalance everyone was used to as the last member now disembarked the train.

Rise gets a good stretch of her limbs, letting out a moan of relief now that she can loosen up.

"Mmm! It's good to be back home!" Rise, with raised fists, declares before pulling her arms back in. "Oof, it's cold here too!"

"Haha, of course it would be." Masato remarks. "You guys go on ahead. We got some things to take care of. It won't be long until the others arrive, yeah?"

"That's true. Uncle, you mind taking us home?"

"Like that's even a problem. I got everything you said you needed for the food. Surprised you plan to make all this."

"Well, I won't be alone, Uncle. Isn't that right, Chef?" Souji speaks with a somewhat unserious tone.

"Yeah. I ain't a chef, yet. But I'll help." Masato clears the air immediately.

"Well, let's get going then. It is pretty chilly today." Dojima scoffs, ready to take the show on the road. Souji, Nanako, Yukiko, and Teddie all board the somewhat large vehicle, leaving Rise and Masato to walk to the Shopping District, the idol wasting no time holding Masato's hand.

"Rise…!"

"I've been waiting to do this for so long and I'm taking my chances!" She giggles playfully, now clinging to him while her bag is on her other arm. "Pleaaaase? No one here will leak it to the press. The people here don't care about that stupid stuff."

"...Hah… fine. Just… stick close, okay?" She has this dumb smirk across her face from the moment he finished that sentence. He definitely likes this. Having such a cute idol cling to him, the male fantasy for boys his age. Her fans would kill him if they knew this was going on.

"Yeahhh, of course I will…!" The two march forward. Though she definitely isn't in any hurry. In fact, she prays that winter vacation takes its sweet time. She absolutely intends to get away with many PDA acts alongside normal couple things while they remain here in Inaba!

While the younger couple is walking to the Shopping District, the Dojima family arrives with their guests at the family household in no time flat. Everyone made their way inside, although Souji made a beeline up the stairs to his room to leave his bag.

…Just like how he left it. The room remains as consistent as before, his remaining figures still waiting for him, and some of his other clothes likely still in their drawers. Taking a deep breath, he almost wanted to relax on the sofa for a moment before he heard a knock on the door.

"Souji-kun?" Yukiko speaks his name before entering.

"Yes, Yukiko?"

"About tomorrow… I was wondering if we could spend some time together. If you don't mind, that is."

Souji finds it humorous that she would ask him such a silly question.

"Of course, I don't mind. I wasn't planning on going anywhere so soon. I wanted to spend tomorrow with Nanako as well if you don't mind that."

"Hmhm… that's fine. Actually, she was hoping this might happen." So Nanako put Yukiko up to this. Clever girl.

Back in the shopping district, Masato waited in the store area for Rise to finish leaving her belongings and say hello to her grandma. When she came down from the stairs, Masato spotted a plastic bag now in her arms.

"Tofu?"

"Mhm! Grandma thought you might need some for tonight." Rise bounced along, ready to get going.

"Oh, cool. Then I'll see what we can make with it."

"Oh, by the way…" Rise gets too close to Masato, sneaking a peck against his lips. "She might already know about you being my boyfriend, so… be sure to say hello next time, eheehee!" She giggles with a devilish smirk, catching him in an impromptu trap.

"Uh… I'll remember that for next time..." He almost stumbles on his own words, his shaky tone a sign he indeed wasn't ready for that.

"Good! Now let's go!" Rise pulls him along to the door, and the two are back out in the cold. As they reach the street, the idol spots someone off the corner of her eye.

"Wait…. Is that… Naoto-kun…!?" She sees someone in blue farther down the street.

"Is that her…? It's hard to tell from here."

"Let's go see if it's her!" Before Rise could rush off, Masato grabs her wrist. "H-Hey!"

"Let's not be hasty… I want to see too, but what would she be doing here? Let's approach from a distance, just in case." She didn't peg him as the type to be interested in doing something like that. But… this was something she was down for!

"Okay! Then let's keep our distance!" She pulls him along once more to follow Naoto from a distance without being caught in the forefront of her mind.

Their trailing doesn't last long however, as Naoto knocks on the Tatsumi Textiles' front door and enters hastily.

"Whoa…! That really is Naoto-kun. What's she doing in Kanji's house?" Rise's head tilts as she poked her head behind the light pole.

"Are they good friends?"

"Well… I dunno if I'd say they're that close…"

"Oh." He just realized what she's implying. "We probably shouldn't stick around then…"

"Aww-! But this is getting juicy! What if they're actually…?"

"Rise, what if they see us were we to get any closer? I don't think we can explain our way past Naoto-san."

She groans quietly… he has a point. And they do need to get to Souji's place soon.

"Fiiine. Then let's go back before she comes back outside." With a defeated sigh, the idol turns around and starts to walk away, Masato keeping up and getting a hold of her hand to cheer her up. Drama like this was something she really enjoyed, it seems. It might be ideal to steel his mind for future situations similar to this.

The two, with Rise pouting now and again along the way, make their way to the Dojima residence. The sky was a sea of gray, the remnants of the wintry mix that hit Tokyo and the surrounding areas last night. It's clear that the snow didn't stick around here, if they got any. But at least nothing was Ivy. The snow will come soon, but for now, it's easy to traverse around the town.

They arrive and stand a few feet before the door, her eyes light up with an idea.

"Hey, Masato-kun… you know a lot about Christmas stuff?"

"Not that much… why?"

"Oh, I was gonna say… I think that's a mistletoe up there!" She points with only her finger to get him to look a certain way.

"Wait, wha-hm!?" He tries to observe, clearly aware of what that is, but he is tugged down, receiving a much stronger kiss compared to before. He cannot drop his guard around this girl for even a second!

"Heehee! Got you!" She cooed, a cute grin remains on her face as she steps closer to the door. "C'mon, let's not keep Senpai and the others waiting!" She's so chipper, acting like nothing happened at all.

"Rise… you're something else, you know that?"

"Mhm! And don't you forget it." With an iota of pride, she rings the bell. Looks like this topic is being shelved, with her being the winner of this moment.

With a sigh to signal his defeat, he steps up closer as it was Teddie who answered the door.

"Rise-chan! There you are! Massy is here too! C'mon in, Sensei has been beary much in need of your support in the kitchen!"

"Well, I'll get started right away." With a smile of confidence from Rise, Masato steps forth and enters the warm home. Shoes removed, he immediately goes to the kitchen and washes his hands; Souji is already doing prep work further down.

"Right on time, Masato."

"I'm ready. What are we making today?"

"Let me show you. I asked Dojima to get some of these ingredients ready. The others will be here soon, but we got enough time to get it all ready." The gathering of the Investigation Team was well underway. Half the members were here; besides these two in the kitchen. The others were in the Living room area, the girls and Teddie keeping Nanako occupied. But as the hour zoomed by, a sudden ringing of the doorbell interrupted all the early festivities. It seems someone has arrived. With Teddie appointing himself as the esteemed guest greeter, he zooms like a bright bolt to the door, finding it was not one, not two, but all four of the remaining guests!

"Yo, Merry Christmas, guys!" Yosuke exclaims.

"Merry Christmas!" Kanji follows suit, with the ladies behind him also sharing their warmest greetings. Chie was in a yellow sweater, with some patterns on it. Alongside some boots to handle the snow. Naoto was wearing something… different. Masato and Rise both spotted the oddity together as the idol scurried past them once she exchanged greetings with her friend, whispering to Masato.

"Hey, she… wasn't wearing that before, was she?"

"Yeah. She was wearing that jacket she's holding. And that sweater wouldn't make sense to wear underneath it…" The Impostor murmered.

The Detective was donning a handmade blue sweater, the opposite of Chie's store bought sweater. It seems this was designed to fit her, as it looked clearly comfortable for her, her bust unrestrained. This appearance was only visible when she was away from work, home where it is safe and comfortable.

"Do we…?"

"Yeah. Keep it to ourselves for now." The two agreed as the others are chatting about.

"Rise, Masato. Can you two get the kitchenware ready?" Souji interjects from the kitchen, the two caught off guard.

"O-Oh, sure Senpai!" Rise steps away with some shakiness. Masato kept a bit more composure compared to his girlfriend; not wanting to give away that they were discussing something that might cause some feathers to be ruffled. Not worth it right now; as this time with friends should be as enjoyable as possible.

Once everything was set up, everyone helped themselves to some food and took their seats. At this point, there were too many of them. So Masato settled to sit by the dining table. Yosuke of all people chose to sit with him so he wouldn't feel like the odd man out. And after giving thanks for the meal, the group of friends, and the family that resided within this home all would dig in.

"Yo dude." Yosuke gets the attention of the Imposter. "You two make some great stuff together. This is good."

"Oh, thanks. I just followed his lead." Masato replies calmly.

"Were you always good at cooking?"

"I was just okay at it until I got that job. I had to put a lot of hours in during and after work just to get up to that standard."

"Yeah. That's a quality Inn, so you gotta be cooking some of the best stuff out there or else it's unacceptable." The work ethic Masato had to adapt towards was clear; he pushed himself to make sure he could blend in properly, and live up to both the expectations of his workplace and Mitsuru herself.

"Yeah. Yukiko's father made it very clear when I started training. I had to be at that level in a short time. The rest came with experience."

"You're a fast learner, ain't ya?"

"Have to be." Masato allows a sigh to escape.

"Well, it's good to have you on the team. Those skills are good to have." Yosuke nods, helping himself to more food.

Masato was surprised to see the Magician turn around on his stance towards the Impostor. It's a good sign that maybe, perhaps, the opinions towards him are able to shift towards a more positive angle.

Christmas Day continues peacefully.

12/26

It's the late afternoon, past 4PM, Nanako has fallen asleep from all the excitement of playing with her Big Bro and Big Sis, and now the two have some time alone for themselves until Dojima returns from work. The couple relaxes in Souji's room, the chilly looking backdrop behind them shows a cloudy atmosphere as the cold weather was here to stay. Yukiko's head rests on Souji's shoulder, a smile on her face completes her eased expression.

"I'm glad we all can finally relax. No more tests, distance, or any other problems. It's just us." She exhales loudly, a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad too. I missed this place. It's so relaxing to be back home. I missed the quiet. And I missed you too." Around his beloved, his guard and stoic look are dropped to the side. He does not need them for her.

"And here I thought you liked the noise of the city." When the two were sleeping together in his bed after an evening of enjoyable and dialogue exciting activities, she realized even all the way up there, noises from the city streets below them never quite faded away completely. They weren't loud to her, just noticeable. She did recall hearing from Naoto once how some people enjoy sleeping with the sound of white noise around them. Noises like the sounds of crickets in the summer, a fan blowing with a gentle hum, or even the sound of a city that never sleeps. She had a feeling her beloved might also appreciate that.

"Personally, it doesn't matter that much, but I've already gotten used to this place. Feels more like home to me now. Especially when you and everyone else are here too."

"Heehee, that's so sweet of you to say…" She coos, her hand over her mouth as she's partially amused by his blunt honesty, but also enjoying him coming out of his shell. "So when you graduate, do you plan to enter college right away?"

"I'm thinking of going in during the fall. My father doesn't like that, but I argued preparing will make for a stronger start than rushing in."

"Did he agree…?"

"Well, he was glad I'm trying to maximize my opportunities in my own way. Take that as you will."

"And your mother?"

"She's fine with it. She believes in being less reckless."

"I can believe that; she tends to stop and think a lot, it seems."

"Yeah. She thinks out loud a lot."

"Heehee. I think my Mother mentioned that before."

"Next week is going to be… a whirlwind."

"You're not looking forward to it?" Yukiko cocks her head, thinking he would rather this be out of the way ASAP.

"I know we would have to settle this at some point, but… I was expecting this to happen way down the line. You know, after we've gotten more serious about our relationship?"

"O-Oh-? More…serious?" Was he talking about…?"

"Never mind. I think it will go well. My father will see this is beneficial for the family and myself being the most optimal choice for you. All he sees you as is potential analytics worth studying and projecting."

"...Is that all he sees women as?" Her tone dropped in mood, irritated by this 'logical' mentality Osamu takes.

"No, just those who might get with me. I still wonder what he saw with my Mother. She should have been the country bumpkin with no experience in the city. I almost want to ask him what he saw in her, but… there's no way he'll clarify that."

"I see…" She exhales an exhausted sigh. This subject was feeling like a prickly one. Best to shift gears to something else. "Souji-kun… can we try making something here? I… want to help this time. Even if it's little things."

This wasn't too surprising, but normally she wants bigger roles. Why settle now…?

"I'm surprised you want me to teach you."

"Well, Masato-kun seems busy; and I want to learn from other people too, so…"

"I understand. I think I have an idea of what we can make. Are you fine with prep?"

"Mhm. I'm good with a knife!" She says with a smile. Some might find that… frightening.

"Then it sounds like we have a plan… although, I want to stay like this a little longer."

"Oh, you… and you call me selfish."

"Says the girl clinging to me… like always." It's like he has a retort for anything. Yukiko merely rolls her eyes at him.

"I have the most handsome man to myself. You're damn right I'm going to be clingy." That confidence… it shines through here.

"And I've got the most lovely woman. Am I the luckiest man alive?"

"...Hm, I think so."

12/28

"I'm surprised you wanted to come here to eat for our very first date in Inaba."

Masato sighs. As it's late in the afternoon; he and his girlfriend had took a walk around the chilled small town, paying a trip to the Hill overlooking everything, chatting for what felt like days, and Rise ends it with a request for some food… made by him. At his place.

"Sure, we could have got something from Aiya's, but I can go with everyone anytime. I wanted to enjoy your cooking! Your food is really good!" Rise's bright enthusiasm can move even him. Best to let her have her way for now.

"Can't change your mind at this point. Well, Mapo Tofu, right?"

"Mhm! You're using my tofu after all. It's going to taste even better!" If there's one thing Rise can actually make without ruining it, it's tofu. He should thank her grandma later.

"Good thing I have everything I need for it. This won't take long."

Meanwhile, at Tatsumi Textiles.

"Kanji-kun, thanks for the sweater. It's a lovely fit." Naoto nods, wearing said sweater again to combat the above freezing temperatures.

"Glad you like it. Ma and I worked hard on that one." Kanji rubs his finger above his lip, proud of his craft. Making something for a girl he is into certainly makes for fine motivation.

"I'm looking forward to purchasing more clothing options from you soon." Naoto bows with genuine satisfaction, Kanji taken aback by her formality and how stiff that felt to him.

"H-Hey, it's not that big a deal! Just making stuff for a friend. I ain't as good as Ma to earn that amount of respect."

"Nonsense, you are definitely qualified. Even if your mother helped you, I know you put plenty of time and effort into seeing it through."

"Heh. Thanks, Naoto."

Needless to say, everyone was enjoying this time off. The days leading up to New Years passed in tranquility and helped ease their stresses as the older members of the team had entrance exams in January. Life was starting to become more prominent than before. And there's still the threat of that individual who seeks chaos and destruction.

12/31

In the lesser known section of the Kirijo Group's HQ, the section that was used by members of the Shadow Operatives; lights were blinking, bringing forth the attention of certain individuals.

"Fukui-san! What's going on? Is this Sho at work?"

"Ah, Yamagishi-chan! And it is good to see you here as well, Aigis; it seems there is a slow rise in Shadow activity. It hasn't quite spiked out of control, but it's all in the Inaba region." The scientist who monitors all the Shadow Activity in Japan, Fukui, was waiting for at least one of the Operatives to come in that door. Now, a third one has joined in. Labrys!

"Has Agent H-A0905 reported anything? I believe he has returned to Inaba to continue his occupation of guarding Rise-san."

"No. I believe they are all unaware of this situation. Shall I call ahead?"

"No… it is New Year's Eve." Aigis spoke with a sharply static tone. "It would do no good to stress them out as they are most likely enjoying the Festivities. Is this Shadow threat level imminent?"

"Not yet. It is still showing green, so nothing truly dangerous yet. But… this is unusual. Flare ups like these don't maintain momentum for so long. I anticipate it might grow… but this is basing off of the anomaly during September.

"I comprehend. Fuuka-san, would you prefer we head to Inaba after the year has moved forward?"

"Yes! But it's just us. Mitsuru-senpai and Akihiko-senpai are currently off in Sapporo investigating a flare up that was detected the other day. They might not be here in time."

"Mitsuru-san will understand, and likely join us when she is able."

"Pardon me, Aigis. But there is one observation I've noticed that I feel you must see." Fukui raises the android's attention. "See this spot here? Well, the Shadows are congregating around this specific part of the town. As if they're watching something. They move in a circular pattern. It's unusual to say the least.

"Then this will absolutely need investigating. Do you not agree, Sister?" Aigis' shifts her blue eyes to focus on Labrys.

"Yeah! Souji-kun and the others don't know what's comin'! We can't let Sho get the jump on us this time if it really is him!"

"Well, that matter seems settled. You all should prepare. I shall continue monitoring this activity until you are ready to depart."

Is he finally showing his hand? Or is this is just another anomaly to add to the charts. Either way, these three cannot simply let this slide. Once 2012 ends and 2013 begins… who knows what might happen. But the Shadow Operatives will prepare for battle as best they can, coming armed with any additional information that can turn the tide of this potential conflict by the time they return to Inaba.

A/C: I didn't plan to leave this on a cliffhanger, but after realizing how short this chapter was, I elected to add this in. So something to note was that I had more stuff planned for this in terms of some filler stuff between Masato and Rise, and also Naoto and Kanji, but... I want to get to the good stuff. I got an itch for action, so I chose to scrap it. Selfish, I know, and I apologize if that's what you were hoping to see. If I do commit to that Substories side fic, then I will definitely add that there.

Today's Musical Reference is "Please Come Home for Christmas" by the Eagles. No one is getting a lonely Christmas if I have something to say about it!

I don't have much else to say but we're going to be picking up in pace and in tension real soon. The main conflict is coming to the forefront. I've held it back until now. 2012 was all about deepening relationships and getting Masato closer to the closest allies he has. Soon, things will be flipped on their head. Hope you've been paying attention. Won't be much longer till I drop the bombshell.