''This was your big idea?''
Ann shot Ryuji a look before walking ahead. Namine privately thought the boy had a point. It had been nearly an hour and the line hardly seemed to move. Sad to say, this was the better alternative.
''You just have no taste. I mean, come on, did you really expect anyone to want to go to that festival place in this weather?'' Morgana shot back.
''Are you ever going to let that go?''
Ryuji had invited the team to check out a meat festival event he'd heard about in passing but given the location, they'd all agreed that it would be a terrible idea to go in this heat. Having been wondering about this new place which had been gaining reptuation in Kichijoji had Ann suggesting that they come here instead.
''It does seem like the line goes on and on...'' Makoto sighed.
''Come on, not you too. I'm sure it'd be fine since Lady Ann recommends the place!'' The feline insisted.
The blonde shuffled a foot ''T-thanks, Mona...''
Ryuji looked at the girls while they continued to converse, Morgana fawning over her as usual. ''...Is anyone else getting a bit weirded out when he goes on like that?''
''It'd be hard not to...'' The brunette felt bad but Morgana was laying it on really thick.
Namine nodded ''Ann is too, she just doesn't know how to get him to stop.''
The boy was admittedly relieved to hear that, it did explain Ann's sudden awkwardness ''Even if he's right about the whole human thing, he doesn't have to keep pushing. Ann's clearly not interested, it's getting obnoxious. Plus, half the time he keeps going on about Ann's appearance but almost nothing else. Does he even see her for who she is?''
Makoto hadn't expected that but thinking it over, Ryuji actually had a point. She'd stopped paying attention but most of Morgana's compliments were indeed just about Ann's beauty. ''...We really need to talk about this.''
''I used to just dismiss it as a crush that would go away but yeah, ignoring this isn't going to solve a thing.'' Morgana really should know better, at least Namine hoped he wasn't so shallow. Ann had people judging her for her appearance nearly her whole life. Enough was enough.
It took a while longer but they were able to reach the store, Ann and Makoto wound up getting the last meat cutlets, the most famous dish in the store and the one the boys had been especially looking forward to. But with Namine pointing out the rest of the selection, they agreed to choose other things and share.
As Ann happily ate her pancakes, Makoto restrained herself from reminding Ann about her diet this time. The girl had come a long way since she started modeling seriously. She supposed change wouldn't come about without falling into old habits every once in a while.
''That's all you guys are going to eat? You've got a long way to go until you learn to appreciate sweetness, you can get better.'' Ann smiled.
Namine finished her croquettes ''Honestly, I felt full just watching you eat that.''
''Same here.'' Morgana concurred.
''And how would one get better in pancakes exactly?'' Makoto added.
''Maybe...something like the Big Bang burger challenge stuff? I heard of people who failed it and came back to try months later, it sure sounded like they trained.'' Ryuji offered.
''Good enough explanation as any...''
''Yeesh...good thing Yusuke never considered a pet.''
Morgana's sudden remark came as a surprise, the cat turning Namine's phone around for them to see. On screen was a picture of their artist friend with a dog nearby. It seemed a bit shaky, but considering the state of Yusuke's hand and the dog's bared teeth, they assumed the dog had bit him.
''Bet you anything he was 'admiring the aesthetics and bond of a canine with its family' or something.'' Ryuji droned.
Ann shot him an amused look ''I'd say something about and a dictionary but yeah, that totally sounds like Yusuke. Anyway, he barely takes care of him-half the time we're the ones reminding him to do it-so yeah a pet's definitely a no go.''
Shaking her head, their leader had one thing to say ''If it was anyone else, I might actually agree with you.''
''...Good point.''
Makoto quirked a brow ''You don't think he'd really...?''
''Well, if he thought it'd help his art in anyway...''
Morgana didn't go any further but there was no need, she could certainly picture that as well. One could only hope they were wrong.
With Ann heading home, Morgana also retreating for a nap and Ryuji deciding to do some practice, Namine and Makoto were off to their intended destination.
''You seem so sure we're heading the right way, a bunch of those streets look the same to me.'' The brunette confessed.
''Yeah, that's how I felt at first. But you just have to keep an eye out. It gets easier once you're used to the area.''
That reminded her of just how much her friend had come to know the city. Makoto had lived here all her life and yet it still felt like Namine had experienced more here than she herself ever had. A reassuring hum from Johanna reminded her that she was already broadening her horizons with her friends' help, and that was more than enough.
And just a few weeks ago, she wouldn't have imagined any of this. She would've been the same straight-laced student council president who kept doing what the adults wanted despite how much it chafed at her. But now she had found her path forward, she could finally strive for what she believed in with amazing friends who would be there for her. The thought never failed to make her smile.
To think barely even a month had passed since she decided to become a Phantom Thief. It was one of the best choices she ever made.
''Ugh, you again?!''
Both stopped at the voice, finding a girl walking away from a slightly older boy who was telling her to wait. Makoto's eyes narrowed as the two continued to squabble, the boy clearly trying to get her to listen.
''Namine? Can we take a small detour?''
Namine sat at the bench, laughing weakly at the muffled groan that reached her ears ''Come on, it wasn't that bad.''
''Yes, it was.'' Makoto didn't bother lifting her head from her knees. ''I'm such an idiot...''
''Hey, hey, you meant well. She knew it too.'' The girl patted her back comfortingly.
What had seemed like trouble turned out to be a complete misunderstanding. The girl had been taking a shortcut home when she realized she was being followed. And it was far from the first time, the two having had much arguments about this. Being very suspicious of the boy, Makoto chose to intercede, a few pointed questions along with her intimidating tone served to make him crack...only for it to turn out that he had a big crush on the girl and he was trying to figure out how to approch her.
His target of affection had been completely clueless but flattered, the two apparently having known each other for a while. A mortified Makoto could only apologize repeatedly, but the responses hadn't been what she expected.
'Hey, hey, I get it. That did look pretty bad. And I probably wasn't help by biting his head off back there. Although, it's also his fault for being so weird and awkward.'
'Ugh...you're right...that's what I get for dragging my feet out. Sorry you two go the wrong idea. My friends have been pushing me to do something about it and I thought I could but...yeah, I'm a totally awkward dork.'
'Ain't that the truth. Anywho, thanks for trying to help. This would've been bad in any other situation but I can't think of too many people who'd interfere. You were like a policewoman or something!'
The remark had been a complete surprise but it seemed that like her, the girl had quite a bit of faith in the police so they were a naturally reassuring presence. Embarrasing as the situation was, that had been nice to hear. Makoto herself had always felt safe around her father and his colleagues, so she knew exactly how it felt.
''Well, at least you helped make sure the guy finally got the words out. He flat out said he'd probably drag things out even longer.'' Namine offered after a minute of thought.
A slight chuckle escaped Makoto ''I suppose so...''
''See, you're laughing about it already!'' Namine jabbed her side. ''Not so bad now, huh?''
''Well, you're a powerful influence, leader. So, how close are were to the bookstore now?''
''We're almost there!''
Later that night...
''Mm...this isn't bad at all!''
Perking up, Namine focused back on the mixing bowl in her hold. Morgana peered over curiously ''This looks different from the recipes we were looking up before.''
''Haru sent me the details before. It sounds like some sort of family recipe,'' In fact, the heiress' sheer enthusiasm over the idea had Namine promising to give her a piece before she even asked. ''I figure I can test it out now and make Boss some once I get this right.''
''Oh, great idea!'' Morgana had a feeling he knew exactly what started this. For Sojiro had been in a somewhat subdued, if melancholy mood as of late. The regulars taking in this stride was a sign that this wasn't the first time and it left him wondering if they knew anything. Thus he tried to pay close attention to their conversations but the one thing he'd been able to glean was that it had to do with this time of the year.
When sharing these thoughts, he was surprised to find that Namine had an answer ''I wondered about that too but Futaba actually mentioned it back when we were just starting with her palace. It's almost three years since her mom died, I think the date's around the end of this month.''
Well, that explained it. It had been clear just from how he talked about her, Sojiro cared for Wakaba a great deal. They were good friends even before he fell for her and considering how he described the mental shutdown and all that led to it...yeah, it would weigh on anyone. There was also Futaba's situation to consider, he felt he was a failure of a guardian when it couldn't be further from the truth. Then Sae coming along naturally made things worse, while she hadn't done much yet, her actions would just so much grief. Futaba's relatives obviously couldn't wait to get rid of her, at least Sojiro cared, he tried his best to help.
Futaba knew it too. One of her motivations to get her heart changed was helping Sojiro, he distinctly remembered her wishing she wasn't a burden on him too. But Morgana was sure the thought never crossed his mind. The entire situation was all kinds of cruel.
''The Chief does a lot for us too, it's only fitting to show appreciation.''
Namine returned his smile with one of her own. ''Exactly. Now...where'd I leave that bag...?''
When Ryuji arrived at Leblanc, he was very glad to see that Yusuke had done what he asked, a plate of curry in the space next to his friend's own. However, the feeling was rather fleeting.
A couple of bite left him spluttering ''S-so...salty-!''
Sojiro arched an eye ''Hold on, I know for a fact Namine didn't get around to adding much...'' His gaze drifted to Yusuke's side, spottting the small jar near the plate. ''...what're you kids doing? Lemon salt is supposed to be used in small amounts.''
''That explains it...jeez, I just saw Yusuke keeping it there so it seemed like a good idea...'' The ex-athlete's eye twitched ''...would you stop eating already?!''
''I would rather not waste any food, thank you very much.''
''Are you for real?!''
''Don't be ridiculous.'' Sojiro held up a hand ''We can add more so it makes up for the taste, eating that much salt can't be good for you.''
Ryuji made a decision then and there ''We are definitely going to find you a part time job and you don't get to use all your money for art supplies this time.''
''Good call.'' The barista returned, taking both plates back to the kitchen.
''Thanks, Boss!'' Ryuji took a spoonful, glad to see that the taste had indeed improved quite a bit. ''So if this is Namine still trying to figure out the curry, where is she?''
''She hurried off to meet a friend. I think that kid goes to your school too. She was running late, so all I really caught was something about a promise they made the other day...''
The boy wondered what that was about ''Oh hey, actually-Boss? Since we're here, can I get your advice on something? I talked to Mom but it'd be good to have a guy's perspective too.''
''Sure, what is it?''
''See, there's a couple of friends...one of them's really kind of pushy and over the top with the flirting but it's so obvious the other one's not interested. How do we just get them to move on?''
Sojiro crossed his arms ''Hmm...how about you explain a bit more? It'd help if I have more context.''
''Ah, do you mean...'' Yusuke recalled the talk they had over Morgana's crush and how to help Ann in the chat ''...I see, excellent initiative, Ryuji. Boss' insight would indeed be valuable.''
''Right? Now help me out, how do we explain?''
And we're done!
I've been rewriting the chapters and adding stuff which I originally intended to do later. Then I find out I accidentally deleted the original chapter. And given how long it's been since I wrote this, writing a new chapter seemed to be my only choice.
The thing with Mona and Ann was something I planned to do eventually but I completely forgot about until I started re-reading the older chapters so I'm going to get it now. The cake recipe is actually one Haru's grandpa had and she still loves it and I think they mentioned something about it being three years since Wakaba's death when the Medjed calling card came out. Not completely sure though. Yusuke meant to send them a picture of the dog, he just didn't think it bite him thanks to the camera.
Well, thanks for reading my work and I hope you tell me what you think of it so far. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 5)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 8)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 6)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 4)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 5)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 7)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 6)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 3)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 3)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 6)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 3)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 3)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 3)