Goro Akechi (P4 AU) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
fogboundcrow) wrote2024-11-20 10:22 pm
fogboundcrow) wrote2024-11-20 10:22 pm
Entry tags:
Memory Tapes
For Ken (vessel_ken_amada)
Kanji's Persona dived down, pummeling Akechi's Shadow with its massive fists, but despite the impact sending him skidding several meters back, he laughed all the same.
"Are you sure it's wise to keep attacking?"
"If that's what it takes to show Akechi-kun we mean business!" Chie rushed in, and Tomoe descended, shooting across the battlefield on a wild rampage. Though the Shadow took a few more hits, he parried Tomoe's spear, chuckling, and retaliated by slamming into Chie.
Yosuke watched the two fighters tango before whistling for Jiraya, who blasted the Shadow into the air with a surprise whirlwind.
The Shadow backflipped, landing on his feet. Yukiko waved her fan, and her Persona swept over the party with another healing wave just as the Shadow spread his arms out.
Naoto hesitated. A quivering hand raised his gun. He aimed at the Shadow's leg, but even as he fired, he grimaced. Unfortunately, that moment of hesitation gave the Shadow just enough warning to dash out of the way, and the bullet instead struck a lamppost and ricocheted back.
Naoto dropped to his belly to avoid taking the hit.
"A valiant effort, Senpai, but I can tell you were afraid of hurting me." He shook his head. "In a real fight, you can't afford to hold back!"
That was the Shadow's only warning before the whole room rumbled violently. Akechi's eyes flew wide open. Impulsively, he grappled for his laser gun. A swarm of massive purple spheres flared over the entire party. Akechi sprinted into the fray. The orbs flashed, sparkled, and blasted the team with beams of bright, unrelenting energy. Everyone cried out. Teddie shrieked and curled on the ground, shivering. Akechi's heart raced.
Everyone fell to their knees. Shadow Akechi crept closer, and—
Akechi blasted him repeatedly with his laser gun, screaming so loud his voice grew hoarse. "That's enough!"
The Shadow took every hit from the lasers, doubling over and grunting as Akechi fired yet again. Akechi's hand trembled. His trigger finger twitched. "I've seen enough! You don't have to…" His voice cracked. His eyes welled with tears. Everyone was still down on the ground, barely conscious and gasping for air. He did this to them.
The Shadow ignored him at first. He shook off the pain, walked up to Yu, and pointed the tip of his energy blade at his neck. "So what you're saying is… You care about Yu Narukami, and if I were to—"
Akechi fired another laser, though this one flew past the Shadow. "Yes, damn it! I get your point. I…"
The Shadow peered over his shoulder. "Then you realize this entire ordeal was selfish, stupid, and could have seriously risked their lives."
Damn it. The tears wouldn't stop. "Of course it was! But…"
"Hey, cut him some slack!" Yosuke shouted. Slowly but surely, he stumbled back on his feet. "You're the one who put him up to this." He extended a hand, pulling Yu up in short order.
Chie and Yukiko leaned on each other, steadily standing. Then came Kanji, who'd acted as a shield for Naoto. He let go of him and helped him up as well.
Every one of them was frazzled, soaked in sweat and still clearly short of breath. Yet, despite everything, they still stood, brandishing their weapons anew.
"Heh… It's like I said." Kanji bumped a fist against his chest. "Keep knockin' us down, and we'll get right back up!"
Teddie slowly pried his hands away from his eyes. He pushed his palms against the ground, wobbling upright, and then, to Akechi's surprise, he toddled to the front of the group, spreading his arms as if he could conceivably shield them. "Me too! I might not have a Persona or any kinda powers, but if you're gonna hurt them, then you gotta go through me, too!"
The Shadow looked at Akechi, raising an eyebrow. "Even after all that, they're still willing to fight for you. But I think this charade's gone on long enough, don't you?" He stepped aside, motioning to the party. "There's just one more thing you have to do, and then you can finally join them as an equal, just the way you wanted."
It was true. Akechi couldn't deny it any longer. That they'd all take spell after spell just to show him their convictions… That his Shadow would fight just as valiantly to test them, to bring out the best in them, and let himself be seen… There was no room for any lingering doubts, and yet…
Akechi gulped, wiping his tears with his sleeve. "But what will happen to you? Are you really all right with becoming my Persona after everything you've experienced?"
The others stared at the two Akechis as if the true reality of the situation hadn't fully set in. Chie frowned, turning to Teddie. "Right. And you two seemed pretty close…"
"Yeah… I know." Teddie sighed, slightly droopy. "But… it's not like he'll be gone, right? Even if I can't see him all the time, he'll be right there with Ake-chan, fighting alongside us!"
"Still, talk about weird," Yosuke said. "All the other Shadows we fought barely stuck around to make an impact, but you stood with us, just like a part of the team. Feels kinda weird to say goodbye after all that…"
"Don't think of it as goodbye." The Shadow placed a hand over his heart. "I am Goro Akechi. Every bit of good in me exists within his heart. He just may need a little help seeing it for himself."
Kanji beamed, chin up and hands on his hips. "Well, I see it clear as day! Always have."
"Kanji…" Akechi looked away to mask the tears that refused to stop.
"I saw it the day you came to warn me," Yukiko added. "And again when you and Kanji-kun visited me when it was all over."
"While the town obsesses over the murders like foolish spectators, you have shown a genuine desire to unearth the truth," Naoto said. "That, I believe, speaks volumes."
"And that night, when everything seemed hopeless for Nanako, you held her close until the tears stopped," Yu said. "You let yourself be a part of the family, just to make one little girl smile. If that's not good, I don't know what is."
"...And Saki-senpai, too," Yosuke finally managed to admit. "I think she'd be proud to see how far you've come."
"D—Damn it! You're all so…" Akechi squeezed his eyes shut, inhaling through his nose. It was all so much. So saccharine, but so, so validating. And this time, he knew it was sincere. The proof was in the Shadow before him.
So… very well. Akechi closed the distance between them. "All right. Fine. You are me… but you're also you. You said you wished to etch yourself into our memories? Then I would say you've exceeded expectations."
A tiny gasp escaped his Shadow. He looked at Akechi with wide eyes, almost like that of a young child, and like Akechi himself, tears streamed down his cheeks. "Goro…"
"Whatever form you take, don't lose sight of that." Akechi extended his left hand, and for a moment, the Shadow stared down at it.
Then, taking a deep breath, he accepted the handshake. "Deal."
As the two shook hands, Akechi's Shadow began to glow. He released his hold, floating into the air. His eyes slid shut, and the glow intensified until it drowned out the entire cityscape, forcing Akechi to shield his eyes.
When the flash subsided, the familiar mirror image was gone. In its place, a valiant, muscled figure appeared, clad in white with black and gold accents. A red, pointed hat rested upon his head with large, golden wings adorning each side. The letters RH appeared upon his blue breastplate, yellow with red framing, like a superhero's emblem. Gold and white epaulets topped with red gemstones rested atop his broad shoulders, and in his hand he glutched an enormous, golden bow and arrow adorned with the name Robin Hood. A flowing, two piece cape, white with a blue underside, completed the Persona's valiant appearance.
And as this Persona nodded to Akechi, the faintest trace of tears trickled down his face. Time itself seemed to stop, and a whisper reverberated in Akechi's mind.
I am thou, thou art I.
Through hardship and adversity, thou hast accepted thine inner self, and with it, gained the strength to reshape your future.
May the birth of the Fool Arcana bless you as your journey begins anew…
With one final bow, Robin Hood faded away, and Akechi fell to the ground. Everyone rushed around him, only intensifying his tears and the broken sobs that followed.
"I… I'm so sorry…"
Yu knelt beside him, speaking softly. "Hey, it's okay." He placed a tentative hand on Akechi's shoulder. "You're safe now. That's all that matters."
Yosuke moved beside Yu, a crooked smile on his face. "What you did was stupid as hell, but I can't say I blame you. I probably woulda done the same thing."
Yukiko crouched down next, speaking just as soft and soothingly as Yu. "Facing yourself isn't easy, and I can only imagine how difficult it was after the life you've lived. But now you're one of us."
"I mean, you already were." Chie grinned down at him, both hands on her hips. "But now you've got an awesome Persona! I mean, did you guys see how cool it looked?"
"Hell yeah, I did!" Kanji pumped his fist in the air. "A real hero of justice, just like ya always wanted to be."
"...My proof of justice." Akechi cradled his toy gun close to his chest, sniffling. "Mama… I did it…"
It seemed his fatigue finally, truly got to him, and he nearly toppled over until Yu caught him. When he did, Akechi made no protest. Instead, he just… clung.
For Kanji (very_elaborate) - CW for referenced death/murder
Midway through the day, the intercom buzzed to life once more, tearing Akechi from the depths of his own self-pity. "Attention all students. There has been another accident within the school zone. We ask that for your own safety that you travel in groups and return home as swiftly as possible. That is all."
"Another accident?" one girl asked.
"Yo, you think it's another murder? I heard the cops this morning!" an idiot boy who should have kept quiet dared to say, as if it was some exciting scandal.
Akechi had half a mind to stand up. To shout. To scream at everyone to shut up.
Then his phone vibrated, and Akechi hastily whipped it out to find a message from Kanji.
[>I'm heading your way. Hang tight.]
A wave of relief smashed over Akechi. He clutched the phone close, shutting his eyes for a moment and breathing in. In the end, he could only manage an [>ok] in response.
How pathetic. Couldn't even bother to use proper grammar this time…
More pitiful was the way, when the class finally let its students free, he rushed out the door, scrambling outside in the hopes that he'd see—
Kanji. He was right there, umbrella in hand, a deep frown on his face that told all without the need for words, and Akechi—
He ran, rushed, dived at him, skidding to a stop once he realized what he was doing and just… stood there, head down. What was he thinking? What was he doing?
Why was he so…
Abruptly and without warning, Kanji grabbed Akechi and pulled him into a tight, one-armed hug. The sudden contact made Akechi go limp.
He just stood there, motionless, as the waterworks began anew. Right in front of the school. How embarrassing. How weak.
"Hey, Akechi. C'mon. It's not your fault, all right?"
This sucked. All Akechi could do was just… press his forehead against Kanji's chest. So humiliating. He'd endured far more personal hardships over the years, and this was what pushed him to a breaking point again?
"I knew this would happen. I knew, and I couldn't even do anything. Damn it! I told her it'd get better. Well, now, it will never get better for her!" Ha… Hahaha…
What was he thinking, offering such sugar-coated reassurances?
"...You did more than just about anyone in this damn town. You knew somethin' was up, and you got us both lookin' out for her. Hell, I wouldn't've even looked at that Midnight Channel if you hadn't clued me in."
He was right, of course. Akechi had done more than the idiotic bystanders who'd sooner gossip and speculate than actually care about the serial murders going on in their hometown. Akechi had gathered clues. Akechi had taken initiative…
He sniffled, and he hated that. He hated sounding like a whimpering child. "But it wasn't enough. Maybe if I had the power… If I could have gone after her—"
"Power?" Kanji paused, releasing his hold on Akechi, but he only slightly moved back before he crouched down slightly. "Hey. How 'bout we go fetch Nanako-chan, and we can talk about this back at your place?"
…Right. Nanako probably heard something, too. They couldn't leave her alone.
Wiping his eyes, Akechi finally took out his umbrella. "All right. Then let's make haste."
For Ann (fireandfaith)
The meeting adjourned, but while the others fanned out to do their own thing, Yu and Akechi headed down to the main sales floor to gather groceries. Side by side, they scooped up a basket of fresh produce, some assorted spices and meats, and made their way toward the dairy department when a familiar voice reached Akechi's ear.
"So it's pertinent that you keep these with you, not only to help disguise you, but in case the worst comes to pass. It's rather difficult to prove through words alone, but—"
Akechi rounded the corner just in time to spot Naoto with a petite figure in a baggy sweatshirt, with the hood pulled up and a face mask concealing the lower half of their face. Additionally, this person wore Naoto's TV world glasses. However, the slim figure coupled with the uneasy brown eyes and Naoto's close proximity planted suspicions in Akechi's mind.
Suddenly very self-conscious, Akechi bowed and said, "Ah… hello."
Footsteps from behind, coupled with the sound of wheels rolling against the floor informed him that Yu was close behind. "Hey, Naoto." He paused. "Is that…?"
The hooded girl's eyes went wide. She stood stiff as a lamppost, clutching her shopping basket tight.
Naoto looked to her and says, "It's all right. These are two of the acquaintances I told you about."
"Oh." She visibly relaxed, and the sound of her voice provided the last clue Akechi needed to confirm Rise's identity. "Sorry. Everything's happened so fast, it's a little overwhelming."
"Nah, don't worry about it." Yu smiled warmly. "We're sorry you have to put up with all this."
"Your secret's safe with us," Akechi added. "Far be it from us to jeopardize what little privacy you have."
The slight crinkle in her eyes hinted at a smile beneath her mask. "Aw. That's sweet. And you're Akechi-kun, right?"
"That I am." He smiled sheepishly in turn. How odd to meet someone so famous in a casual environment. "It's a pleasure."
Naoto peered down the aisle. A fair few customers passed to and fro with their own carts and baskets. "I suggest we all relocate. It'll be easier to speak to one another without the prying eyes of the public."
"Yeah, good call," Rise said, grabbing a medium sized carton of milk and sliding it into her basket.
After checking out their groceries, they all relocated to the gazebo out on the flood plain. It was a bit silly to gather there with their bags of assorted goods, but it remained the closest, quietest place between Junes and the shopping district.
They sat down in pairs, Yu and Akechi on one side and Naoto and Rise on the other. After settling comfortably on the bench, Rise lowered her hood and mask, though the borrowed glasses remained.
She took a glance around before exhaling softly. "Good. Looks like it's just us."
Akechi's lips pulled into a frown, and he rested his hands on the tabletop. "I'm so sorry you've been thrust into such dire circumstances when you're supposed to be taking a break."
"Yeah… I'd say it's nothing new, but everything Naoto-kun's told me…" She winced, looking down. "Well, it's a lot. Especially all the pictures."
Yu gasped, as if he didn't anticipate this outcome. "You mean you showed her—"
"Yes," Naoto said. "It was pertinent that I provide evidence to the supernatural circumstances unfolding throughout Inaba."
Aha. That made sense. Akechi eyed Rise curiously, her expression difficult to read. "Is that also why she's wearing your glasses?"
The corners of Rise's mouth perked ever so slightly. "Naoto-kun said they'd keep me safe on the 'other side.'" The half-formed smile faded, and she shook her head. "Honestly, I wanted to believe it was all special effects, but the photos were taken straight from his camera, and the sorta tricks you'd need to pull off to make two of the same person appear are way too complicated to do on the fly."
…Goodness, he was thorough. Akechi blinked a few times, processing it all. "So he showed you everything."
"Yep! The castle, that creepy hotel room, you and that other you…" She glanced at Naoto again. "You said they're called Shadows?"
"Correct. Akechi-kun's was benevolent, as his repressed feelings were more positive in nature, but the temperament of these Shadows varies from person to person."
Rise's attention returned to Akechi, and he braced himself for pity. Instead, Rise looked at him with a weak little smile, far too sincere to be belittling. "You must've been through a lot…"
Akechi relaxed, nodding silently. It took a few more moments for him to speak up. "My life has been… difficult, up until recently. I'm doing better now, but it was hard to accept the other side of myself for fear of getting hurt."
"It's a lot to think about." Rise held her cheek up with one hand, drawing circles on the table with the other. "If I end up in this TV world, I'll have to face myself, right? And Naoto-kun said I can't reject it, or it'll turn into some kind of monster."
"It's hard for everyone, I think," Yu said. "Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, and Kanji all had their Shadows go berserk, but we supported each other, and in the end, they all worked things out." He sent a brief glance to Naoto, who averted his eyes.
Rise giggled. "So even if I get kidnapped, you'll come rescue me?" There was a playful edge to her voice. Was she flirting?
Yu chuckled back. "Sure, but I'm afraid it'll have to be platonic. Thanks to this guy, I'm stuck with a 'no girlfriends' policy." He smirked at Akechi, who simply shrugged in turn.
"We're roommates, you see, and I'd rather not have my innocence tarnished any further."
Rise covered her mouth with her hand, laughing again, but whereas Yukiko's laughter often turned explosive, hers was a touch more restrained. "Harsh, but I understand. You're just a middle schooler, right?"
"A middle schooler who grew up in the red light district and whose mother had to scrape by with sex work…" Rise's subsequent gawking came as no surprise. The admission must have blindsided her. "...I say this not to hurt or offend, but because I can understand the struggles you must go through in such a demanding field of work. Not that they're the same, but—"
"It's okay." Though she smiled again, it faded just as swiftly as it formed. "I guess it is kinda similar, sometimes. When you're an idol, you have to be 'eye candy.' We can't really date because that means we aren't 'available' to our fans, and we have to stick to strict diets."
"Equal parts service and entertainment, and at such a young age. That you've persisted this long is nothing short of admirable."
"Yeah, but sometimes it's too much. No one really knows me. They just see Risette the idol…" The bitter tinge to her words spoke volumes, only intensified by her faint scowl.
"Well, if it's any consolation, I haven't really followed your idol career very closely. Ergo, you're effectively a blank slate in my eyes."
"Not even a little, huh?"
"No, but my little sister is a big fan. When she heard you were coming to Inaba, she was ecstatic." A crooked smirk crossed Akechi's lips, but like Rise, it soon shrank away. "If you need me to temper her expectations…"
Another little laugh slipped out of her. "Aw, that's okay. It's not that I hate all my fans. It's just…"
"Exhausting, right?" Yu offered a smile of his own. "Huge crowds, all that attention, plus now you gotta be under constant surveillance 'cause of the culprit."
"...Yeah. And the fact that there's someone out there who wants to kill me…" She wrung her hands together, eyes on the tabletop. "I've dealt with some pretty crazy stalkers before, but nothing like this."
"None of us could've imagined it'd turn out like this," Yu said. "I came here for the year 'cause I needed a place to stay, but now I have superpowers and lead a team of wannabe investigators."
Akechi gave him a small push. "I think we're more than 'wannabes' at this point, Yu." He opened his phone and selected the album so that Rise could peruse it. "These are some of the photos and videos I gathered over the past few months."
"Aw. You really are a little detective, aren't you?" She accepted the phone, toggling through. Her expression flashed from tight concentration, to wide eyed shock, and when the Yukiko clip played, she had to pause as the ditzier 'princess' Yukiko started talking about her harem. "...Wow, it's like a low budget TV show."
Naoto coughed. "I believe you get the gist of it now, correct? This program is what occurs after a target has entered the TV world and their Shadow has manifested."
"Yeah." Yu peered toward the distant shopping district. "The same thing probably would've happened with Kanji's Shadow if we didn't save him beforehand."
"But that's only if we're gone during a rainy night, right? So if someone were to go in there, face their Shadow, and get out, it wouldn't be a problem?" The fiery determination in Rise's eyes gave Akechi pause. Her intentions were utterly transparent.
Strangely, Naoto didn't object. Instead, he met Rise's piercing gaze with equal conviction. "Theoretically, we could arrange it so you find your Shadow and awaken to a Persona independent of the kidnapper. It would arm you for the dangers of the TV world, but if we pursue this path, we will need time to plan accordingly."
"Wanna see how it works?" Yu asked, which immediately grabbed Rise's attention. "Dunno if it's a good idea to head back to Junes, but if you've got a TV, I can at least prove that this is the real deal."
"Why not?" Rise stood, pulling her hood back up. "If I'm gonna be involved in this case anyway, I might as well see it for myself."
Naoto rose next. "Then let's take the backroads. It'll draw less attention."
Yu looked down at his groceries. "Hey, uh… Maybe we can stop at my place instead? I've still gotta refrigerate the meat, so…"
"Wow. Inviting me to your house already?" Rise winked, but their earlier conversation made it clear that this was just banter. Hopefully.
He played it off with a casual shrug. "Saves us the trouble of explaining to Dojima-san why a bunch of boys wanna hang in your room."
"On the other hand, we are bringing a girl into our room." Still, Akechi hopped to his feet without protest. "Thankfully, Dojima-san likely has his hands full at Marukyu."
For Vampire!Ren (vampirethief)
As Adachi disappeared inside the elevator, Naoto removed his own joke glasses and watched… almost warily. Then he turned the other way and sighed. "Well, I suppose we should continue with the festivities?"
"Yep! And don't worry, Naoto-kun, we saved some cake for you." Rise patted the box.
"Right, the cake!" Teddie eyed his own plate, sitting on a side table beside a sparkling water bottle. "Hehe… I got so caught up in all the fun, I almost forgot!" He scurried over to the table and then… reached for his zipper. "Hoo boy. It's getting kinda hot, anyway. Think it's time I shedded some fur…"
Akechi glanced at Nanako, then back to Teddie. "Teddie! You're going to traumatize her!"
"Huh? How come?" Nanako asked.
Teddie pouted. "Hey, c'mon! I wouldn't show her my empty insides! I'm a whole new bear now. Just watch!" He started unzipping his head, but Yosuke rushed over and grabbed his wrist before he got too far.
"Dude! Knock it off!"
Chie walked closer. "Hey, he said wouldn't show her his empty insides. Maybe something's changed?"
Huh. Akechi and Naoto both approached and both reached for their chins in perfect sync. They shared a look, and it once again dawned on Akechi just how similar they were. Perhaps Naoto was even of similar mind regarding what could have triggered such a shift in Teddie's being.
"...I don't suppose his awakening may have sparked a change?" Naoto whispered.
"You know, that's a good question. He's the first nonhuman we've seen gain the ability, and yet…"
"Be nice, Yosuke!" Nanako said. "If you're too hot, you can get really sick…"
"Yeah, but—"
"Don't be a jerk," Marie said.
"C'mon, how bad can it be?" Rise asked.
"But I wonder what's inside," said Yukiko.
Yu simply shrugged.
Teddie, meanwhile, pushed Yosuke back. "As I was saying…" He unzipped his head, and then he… tossed it back.
Inside was…
Akechi rubbed his eyes. It was…
"No way!" Chie shrieked.
Smooth, porcelain skin. Windswept blond hair. Baby blue eyes.
"That's Teddie?" Rise nearly squeaked.
"W—What…" Akechi clenched his teeth, heat rushing to his cheeks.
To make matters worse, Teddie grabbed that water bottle, popped it open, and drank it so… sensually…
He was… human. But not just human. He was gorgeous.
"What the fuck?!" This wasn't allowed! It was Teddie. He was not supposed to turn into some white pretty boy who practically glittered in the sunlight as he slowly gulped down sparkling water like a model in a TV advert. Akechi didn't even like Teddie like that, and his cheeks were burning and, shit, he just swore in front of Nanako, and it was hot as hell and he just had to come out here in a long sleeved shirt and sweater vest, and—
"Damn it!" Akechi stomped off, past the others, and rushed over to the ice cream stall.
Behind, he could just hear the confusion in Teddie's voice. "Sheesh. What's his problem?"
"Goro doesn't usually say bad words like that…" At least Nanako recognized them as bad words, but…
"...Chocolate soft serve, please," Akechi grunted to the cashier, slapping down the appropriate amount of yen.
The others just kept chattering behind him.
"Perhaps you just startled him?" Yukiko said. "It is weird to see you so…"
"They grow up so fast." Yu sniffled, obviously faking it. "It's okay, Akechi-kun. If you need a wingman—"
Akechi glared back at Yu. "I am not interested in dating Teddie! I just cannot fathom how he went from mascot bear to… Well, look at him!" Ironic that he said that right before tearing his eyes away, but it was just far too much right now.
Though it certainly settled the matter of Akechi's sexuality once and for all, but that made it worse! Fucking Teddie as the final arbiter of his orientation…
And of course he remained as jovial as ever. "Hehe! I toldja I was a whole new bear! But, uh, hey. D'you guys have anything to wear? I'm like a newborn in here…"
Shit. So not only did Teddie dare to turn into an annoyingly attractive human, but he was also in the nude? Akechi tried not to snarl as he accepted his ice cream and almost reluctantly dragged himself back to the others.
Chie's cheeks tinted bright pink. "Then don't take your costume off! We've got a little kid here."
"Screw it." Kanji set down his half-eaten cake slice. "Yo, Ted. Let's getcha some threads."
Whew. Akechi relaxed a little as he licked his ice cream. "I suppose you are the most equipped to select a wardrobe for him…"
"Hold on." Yu walked up to Kanji, offering a stack of yen. "I don't want you covering all of it."
Kanji pushed Yu's hand back. "Nah, man. I can't have ya shellin' out on your birthday."
"Then let me." Rise offered her own wad of yen. "I've still got money to spare."
"Nah. Let me do it." Marie marched over, dug into her pocket, and pulled out an absurd amount of paper bills. Everyone just stared, barring Akechi.
Yosuke in particular looked upon her with buggy eyed, slack-jawed stupor. "Where'd you even get all that?!"
"Trade secret." Marie plopped the money into Kanji's hand. "Now, c'mon! The faster you get him those threads, the faster you can make him clothes."
Chie patted her on the shoulder. "Pretty sure the threads are clothes."
"Yeah, it's slang!" Rise said.
"...That's dumb. You use threads to make clothes, so why would they be clothes?"
"Language is a frankly puzzling thing," Akechi finally said. Thank god the ice cream was cool enough to cool him off. He still avoided direct eye contact with Teddie, but, "Apologies for the reaction, Teddie. You simply took me by surprise."
Yosuke sent him the cheekiest, toothiest grin imaginable. "Didn't know he was your type."
"He is not my type, damn it! I already told you I was surprised and nothing more!" Damn it. Was this payback? It must have been. Fucking Yosuke Hanamura, back with a ruthless vengeance. "I am allowed to be startled when a person I knew for his goofy mascot suit suddenly reveals himself to be a freaking bishonen."
Yu walked up, grasping his shoulder. "That's what we call puberty in action…"
Teddie tilted his head and gave the most ridiculous, puppy-eyed look. "Pu-bear-dy? What's that?"
"That's when testosterone makes you act funny!" Nanako said, because of course testosterone would enter the conversation again.
Perhaps sensing the awkwardness building, Kanji nudged Teddie along. "C'mon already. The sooner we get you some new duds, the sooner we can get the party rolling again."
vessel_ken_amada)Kanji's Persona dived down, pummeling Akechi's Shadow with its massive fists, but despite the impact sending him skidding several meters back, he laughed all the same.
"Are you sure it's wise to keep attacking?"
"If that's what it takes to show Akechi-kun we mean business!" Chie rushed in, and Tomoe descended, shooting across the battlefield on a wild rampage. Though the Shadow took a few more hits, he parried Tomoe's spear, chuckling, and retaliated by slamming into Chie.
Yosuke watched the two fighters tango before whistling for Jiraya, who blasted the Shadow into the air with a surprise whirlwind.
The Shadow backflipped, landing on his feet. Yukiko waved her fan, and her Persona swept over the party with another healing wave just as the Shadow spread his arms out.
Naoto hesitated. A quivering hand raised his gun. He aimed at the Shadow's leg, but even as he fired, he grimaced. Unfortunately, that moment of hesitation gave the Shadow just enough warning to dash out of the way, and the bullet instead struck a lamppost and ricocheted back.
Naoto dropped to his belly to avoid taking the hit.
"A valiant effort, Senpai, but I can tell you were afraid of hurting me." He shook his head. "In a real fight, you can't afford to hold back!"
That was the Shadow's only warning before the whole room rumbled violently. Akechi's eyes flew wide open. Impulsively, he grappled for his laser gun. A swarm of massive purple spheres flared over the entire party. Akechi sprinted into the fray. The orbs flashed, sparkled, and blasted the team with beams of bright, unrelenting energy. Everyone cried out. Teddie shrieked and curled on the ground, shivering. Akechi's heart raced.
Everyone fell to their knees. Shadow Akechi crept closer, and—
Akechi blasted him repeatedly with his laser gun, screaming so loud his voice grew hoarse. "That's enough!"
The Shadow took every hit from the lasers, doubling over and grunting as Akechi fired yet again. Akechi's hand trembled. His trigger finger twitched. "I've seen enough! You don't have to…" His voice cracked. His eyes welled with tears. Everyone was still down on the ground, barely conscious and gasping for air. He did this to them.
The Shadow ignored him at first. He shook off the pain, walked up to Yu, and pointed the tip of his energy blade at his neck. "So what you're saying is… You care about Yu Narukami, and if I were to—"
Akechi fired another laser, though this one flew past the Shadow. "Yes, damn it! I get your point. I…"
The Shadow peered over his shoulder. "Then you realize this entire ordeal was selfish, stupid, and could have seriously risked their lives."
Damn it. The tears wouldn't stop. "Of course it was! But…"
"Hey, cut him some slack!" Yosuke shouted. Slowly but surely, he stumbled back on his feet. "You're the one who put him up to this." He extended a hand, pulling Yu up in short order.
Chie and Yukiko leaned on each other, steadily standing. Then came Kanji, who'd acted as a shield for Naoto. He let go of him and helped him up as well.
Every one of them was frazzled, soaked in sweat and still clearly short of breath. Yet, despite everything, they still stood, brandishing their weapons anew.
"Heh… It's like I said." Kanji bumped a fist against his chest. "Keep knockin' us down, and we'll get right back up!"
Teddie slowly pried his hands away from his eyes. He pushed his palms against the ground, wobbling upright, and then, to Akechi's surprise, he toddled to the front of the group, spreading his arms as if he could conceivably shield them. "Me too! I might not have a Persona or any kinda powers, but if you're gonna hurt them, then you gotta go through me, too!"
The Shadow looked at Akechi, raising an eyebrow. "Even after all that, they're still willing to fight for you. But I think this charade's gone on long enough, don't you?" He stepped aside, motioning to the party. "There's just one more thing you have to do, and then you can finally join them as an equal, just the way you wanted."
It was true. Akechi couldn't deny it any longer. That they'd all take spell after spell just to show him their convictions… That his Shadow would fight just as valiantly to test them, to bring out the best in them, and let himself be seen… There was no room for any lingering doubts, and yet…
Akechi gulped, wiping his tears with his sleeve. "But what will happen to you? Are you really all right with becoming my Persona after everything you've experienced?"
The others stared at the two Akechis as if the true reality of the situation hadn't fully set in. Chie frowned, turning to Teddie. "Right. And you two seemed pretty close…"
"Yeah… I know." Teddie sighed, slightly droopy. "But… it's not like he'll be gone, right? Even if I can't see him all the time, he'll be right there with Ake-chan, fighting alongside us!"
"Still, talk about weird," Yosuke said. "All the other Shadows we fought barely stuck around to make an impact, but you stood with us, just like a part of the team. Feels kinda weird to say goodbye after all that…"
"Don't think of it as goodbye." The Shadow placed a hand over his heart. "I am Goro Akechi. Every bit of good in me exists within his heart. He just may need a little help seeing it for himself."
Kanji beamed, chin up and hands on his hips. "Well, I see it clear as day! Always have."
"Kanji…" Akechi looked away to mask the tears that refused to stop.
"I saw it the day you came to warn me," Yukiko added. "And again when you and Kanji-kun visited me when it was all over."
"While the town obsesses over the murders like foolish spectators, you have shown a genuine desire to unearth the truth," Naoto said. "That, I believe, speaks volumes."
"And that night, when everything seemed hopeless for Nanako, you held her close until the tears stopped," Yu said. "You let yourself be a part of the family, just to make one little girl smile. If that's not good, I don't know what is."
"...And Saki-senpai, too," Yosuke finally managed to admit. "I think she'd be proud to see how far you've come."
"D—Damn it! You're all so…" Akechi squeezed his eyes shut, inhaling through his nose. It was all so much. So saccharine, but so, so validating. And this time, he knew it was sincere. The proof was in the Shadow before him.
So… very well. Akechi closed the distance between them. "All right. Fine. You are me… but you're also you. You said you wished to etch yourself into our memories? Then I would say you've exceeded expectations."
A tiny gasp escaped his Shadow. He looked at Akechi with wide eyes, almost like that of a young child, and like Akechi himself, tears streamed down his cheeks. "Goro…"
"Whatever form you take, don't lose sight of that." Akechi extended his left hand, and for a moment, the Shadow stared down at it.
Then, taking a deep breath, he accepted the handshake. "Deal."
As the two shook hands, Akechi's Shadow began to glow. He released his hold, floating into the air. His eyes slid shut, and the glow intensified until it drowned out the entire cityscape, forcing Akechi to shield his eyes.
When the flash subsided, the familiar mirror image was gone. In its place, a valiant, muscled figure appeared, clad in white with black and gold accents. A red, pointed hat rested upon his head with large, golden wings adorning each side. The letters RH appeared upon his blue breastplate, yellow with red framing, like a superhero's emblem. Gold and white epaulets topped with red gemstones rested atop his broad shoulders, and in his hand he glutched an enormous, golden bow and arrow adorned with the name Robin Hood. A flowing, two piece cape, white with a blue underside, completed the Persona's valiant appearance.
And as this Persona nodded to Akechi, the faintest trace of tears trickled down his face. Time itself seemed to stop, and a whisper reverberated in Akechi's mind.
Through hardship and adversity, thou hast accepted thine inner self, and with it, gained the strength to reshape your future.
May the birth of the Fool Arcana bless you as your journey begins anew…
With one final bow, Robin Hood faded away, and Akechi fell to the ground. Everyone rushed around him, only intensifying his tears and the broken sobs that followed.
"I… I'm so sorry…"
Yu knelt beside him, speaking softly. "Hey, it's okay." He placed a tentative hand on Akechi's shoulder. "You're safe now. That's all that matters."
Yosuke moved beside Yu, a crooked smile on his face. "What you did was stupid as hell, but I can't say I blame you. I probably woulda done the same thing."
Yukiko crouched down next, speaking just as soft and soothingly as Yu. "Facing yourself isn't easy, and I can only imagine how difficult it was after the life you've lived. But now you're one of us."
"I mean, you already were." Chie grinned down at him, both hands on her hips. "But now you've got an awesome Persona! I mean, did you guys see how cool it looked?"
"Hell yeah, I did!" Kanji pumped his fist in the air. "A real hero of justice, just like ya always wanted to be."
"...My proof of justice." Akechi cradled his toy gun close to his chest, sniffling. "Mama… I did it…"
It seemed his fatigue finally, truly got to him, and he nearly toppled over until Yu caught him. When he did, Akechi made no protest. Instead, he just… clung.
For Kanji (
very_elaborate) - CW for referenced death/murderMidway through the day, the intercom buzzed to life once more, tearing Akechi from the depths of his own self-pity. "Attention all students. There has been another accident within the school zone. We ask that for your own safety that you travel in groups and return home as swiftly as possible. That is all."
"Another accident?" one girl asked.
"Yo, you think it's another murder? I heard the cops this morning!" an idiot boy who should have kept quiet dared to say, as if it was some exciting scandal.
Akechi had half a mind to stand up. To shout. To scream at everyone to shut up.
Then his phone vibrated, and Akechi hastily whipped it out to find a message from Kanji.
[>I'm heading your way. Hang tight.]
A wave of relief smashed over Akechi. He clutched the phone close, shutting his eyes for a moment and breathing in. In the end, he could only manage an [>ok] in response.
How pathetic. Couldn't even bother to use proper grammar this time…
More pitiful was the way, when the class finally let its students free, he rushed out the door, scrambling outside in the hopes that he'd see—
Kanji. He was right there, umbrella in hand, a deep frown on his face that told all without the need for words, and Akechi—
He ran, rushed, dived at him, skidding to a stop once he realized what he was doing and just… stood there, head down. What was he thinking? What was he doing?
Why was he so…
Abruptly and without warning, Kanji grabbed Akechi and pulled him into a tight, one-armed hug. The sudden contact made Akechi go limp.
He just stood there, motionless, as the waterworks began anew. Right in front of the school. How embarrassing. How weak.
"Hey, Akechi. C'mon. It's not your fault, all right?"
This sucked. All Akechi could do was just… press his forehead against Kanji's chest. So humiliating. He'd endured far more personal hardships over the years, and this was what pushed him to a breaking point again?
"I knew this would happen. I knew, and I couldn't even do anything. Damn it! I told her it'd get better. Well, now, it will never get better for her!" Ha… Hahaha…
What was he thinking, offering such sugar-coated reassurances?
"...You did more than just about anyone in this damn town. You knew somethin' was up, and you got us both lookin' out for her. Hell, I wouldn't've even looked at that Midnight Channel if you hadn't clued me in."
He was right, of course. Akechi had done more than the idiotic bystanders who'd sooner gossip and speculate than actually care about the serial murders going on in their hometown. Akechi had gathered clues. Akechi had taken initiative…
He sniffled, and he hated that. He hated sounding like a whimpering child. "But it wasn't enough. Maybe if I had the power… If I could have gone after her—"
"Power?" Kanji paused, releasing his hold on Akechi, but he only slightly moved back before he crouched down slightly. "Hey. How 'bout we go fetch Nanako-chan, and we can talk about this back at your place?"
…Right. Nanako probably heard something, too. They couldn't leave her alone.
Wiping his eyes, Akechi finally took out his umbrella. "All right. Then let's make haste."
For Ann (
fireandfaith)The meeting adjourned, but while the others fanned out to do their own thing, Yu and Akechi headed down to the main sales floor to gather groceries. Side by side, they scooped up a basket of fresh produce, some assorted spices and meats, and made their way toward the dairy department when a familiar voice reached Akechi's ear.
"So it's pertinent that you keep these with you, not only to help disguise you, but in case the worst comes to pass. It's rather difficult to prove through words alone, but—"
Akechi rounded the corner just in time to spot Naoto with a petite figure in a baggy sweatshirt, with the hood pulled up and a face mask concealing the lower half of their face. Additionally, this person wore Naoto's TV world glasses. However, the slim figure coupled with the uneasy brown eyes and Naoto's close proximity planted suspicions in Akechi's mind.
Suddenly very self-conscious, Akechi bowed and said, "Ah… hello."
Footsteps from behind, coupled with the sound of wheels rolling against the floor informed him that Yu was close behind. "Hey, Naoto." He paused. "Is that…?"
The hooded girl's eyes went wide. She stood stiff as a lamppost, clutching her shopping basket tight.
Naoto looked to her and says, "It's all right. These are two of the acquaintances I told you about."
"Oh." She visibly relaxed, and the sound of her voice provided the last clue Akechi needed to confirm Rise's identity. "Sorry. Everything's happened so fast, it's a little overwhelming."
"Nah, don't worry about it." Yu smiled warmly. "We're sorry you have to put up with all this."
"Your secret's safe with us," Akechi added. "Far be it from us to jeopardize what little privacy you have."
The slight crinkle in her eyes hinted at a smile beneath her mask. "Aw. That's sweet. And you're Akechi-kun, right?"
"That I am." He smiled sheepishly in turn. How odd to meet someone so famous in a casual environment. "It's a pleasure."
Naoto peered down the aisle. A fair few customers passed to and fro with their own carts and baskets. "I suggest we all relocate. It'll be easier to speak to one another without the prying eyes of the public."
"Yeah, good call," Rise said, grabbing a medium sized carton of milk and sliding it into her basket.
After checking out their groceries, they all relocated to the gazebo out on the flood plain. It was a bit silly to gather there with their bags of assorted goods, but it remained the closest, quietest place between Junes and the shopping district.
They sat down in pairs, Yu and Akechi on one side and Naoto and Rise on the other. After settling comfortably on the bench, Rise lowered her hood and mask, though the borrowed glasses remained.
She took a glance around before exhaling softly. "Good. Looks like it's just us."
Akechi's lips pulled into a frown, and he rested his hands on the tabletop. "I'm so sorry you've been thrust into such dire circumstances when you're supposed to be taking a break."
"Yeah… I'd say it's nothing new, but everything Naoto-kun's told me…" She winced, looking down. "Well, it's a lot. Especially all the pictures."
Yu gasped, as if he didn't anticipate this outcome. "You mean you showed her—"
"Yes," Naoto said. "It was pertinent that I provide evidence to the supernatural circumstances unfolding throughout Inaba."
Aha. That made sense. Akechi eyed Rise curiously, her expression difficult to read. "Is that also why she's wearing your glasses?"
The corners of Rise's mouth perked ever so slightly. "Naoto-kun said they'd keep me safe on the 'other side.'" The half-formed smile faded, and she shook her head. "Honestly, I wanted to believe it was all special effects, but the photos were taken straight from his camera, and the sorta tricks you'd need to pull off to make two of the same person appear are way too complicated to do on the fly."
…Goodness, he was thorough. Akechi blinked a few times, processing it all. "So he showed you everything."
"Yep! The castle, that creepy hotel room, you and that other you…" She glanced at Naoto again. "You said they're called Shadows?"
"Correct. Akechi-kun's was benevolent, as his repressed feelings were more positive in nature, but the temperament of these Shadows varies from person to person."
Rise's attention returned to Akechi, and he braced himself for pity. Instead, Rise looked at him with a weak little smile, far too sincere to be belittling. "You must've been through a lot…"
Akechi relaxed, nodding silently. It took a few more moments for him to speak up. "My life has been… difficult, up until recently. I'm doing better now, but it was hard to accept the other side of myself for fear of getting hurt."
"It's a lot to think about." Rise held her cheek up with one hand, drawing circles on the table with the other. "If I end up in this TV world, I'll have to face myself, right? And Naoto-kun said I can't reject it, or it'll turn into some kind of monster."
"It's hard for everyone, I think," Yu said. "Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, and Kanji all had their Shadows go berserk, but we supported each other, and in the end, they all worked things out." He sent a brief glance to Naoto, who averted his eyes.
Rise giggled. "So even if I get kidnapped, you'll come rescue me?" There was a playful edge to her voice. Was she flirting?
Yu chuckled back. "Sure, but I'm afraid it'll have to be platonic. Thanks to this guy, I'm stuck with a 'no girlfriends' policy." He smirked at Akechi, who simply shrugged in turn.
"We're roommates, you see, and I'd rather not have my innocence tarnished any further."
Rise covered her mouth with her hand, laughing again, but whereas Yukiko's laughter often turned explosive, hers was a touch more restrained. "Harsh, but I understand. You're just a middle schooler, right?"
"A middle schooler who grew up in the red light district and whose mother had to scrape by with sex work…" Rise's subsequent gawking came as no surprise. The admission must have blindsided her. "...I say this not to hurt or offend, but because I can understand the struggles you must go through in such a demanding field of work. Not that they're the same, but—"
"It's okay." Though she smiled again, it faded just as swiftly as it formed. "I guess it is kinda similar, sometimes. When you're an idol, you have to be 'eye candy.' We can't really date because that means we aren't 'available' to our fans, and we have to stick to strict diets."
"Equal parts service and entertainment, and at such a young age. That you've persisted this long is nothing short of admirable."
"Yeah, but sometimes it's too much. No one really knows me. They just see Risette the idol…" The bitter tinge to her words spoke volumes, only intensified by her faint scowl.
"Well, if it's any consolation, I haven't really followed your idol career very closely. Ergo, you're effectively a blank slate in my eyes."
"Not even a little, huh?"
"No, but my little sister is a big fan. When she heard you were coming to Inaba, she was ecstatic." A crooked smirk crossed Akechi's lips, but like Rise, it soon shrank away. "If you need me to temper her expectations…"
Another little laugh slipped out of her. "Aw, that's okay. It's not that I hate all my fans. It's just…"
"Exhausting, right?" Yu offered a smile of his own. "Huge crowds, all that attention, plus now you gotta be under constant surveillance 'cause of the culprit."
"...Yeah. And the fact that there's someone out there who wants to kill me…" She wrung her hands together, eyes on the tabletop. "I've dealt with some pretty crazy stalkers before, but nothing like this."
"None of us could've imagined it'd turn out like this," Yu said. "I came here for the year 'cause I needed a place to stay, but now I have superpowers and lead a team of wannabe investigators."
Akechi gave him a small push. "I think we're more than 'wannabes' at this point, Yu." He opened his phone and selected the album so that Rise could peruse it. "These are some of the photos and videos I gathered over the past few months."
"Aw. You really are a little detective, aren't you?" She accepted the phone, toggling through. Her expression flashed from tight concentration, to wide eyed shock, and when the Yukiko clip played, she had to pause as the ditzier 'princess' Yukiko started talking about her harem. "...Wow, it's like a low budget TV show."
Naoto coughed. "I believe you get the gist of it now, correct? This program is what occurs after a target has entered the TV world and their Shadow has manifested."
"Yeah." Yu peered toward the distant shopping district. "The same thing probably would've happened with Kanji's Shadow if we didn't save him beforehand."
"But that's only if we're gone during a rainy night, right? So if someone were to go in there, face their Shadow, and get out, it wouldn't be a problem?" The fiery determination in Rise's eyes gave Akechi pause. Her intentions were utterly transparent.
Strangely, Naoto didn't object. Instead, he met Rise's piercing gaze with equal conviction. "Theoretically, we could arrange it so you find your Shadow and awaken to a Persona independent of the kidnapper. It would arm you for the dangers of the TV world, but if we pursue this path, we will need time to plan accordingly."
"Wanna see how it works?" Yu asked, which immediately grabbed Rise's attention. "Dunno if it's a good idea to head back to Junes, but if you've got a TV, I can at least prove that this is the real deal."
"Why not?" Rise stood, pulling her hood back up. "If I'm gonna be involved in this case anyway, I might as well see it for myself."
Naoto rose next. "Then let's take the backroads. It'll draw less attention."
Yu looked down at his groceries. "Hey, uh… Maybe we can stop at my place instead? I've still gotta refrigerate the meat, so…"
"Wow. Inviting me to your house already?" Rise winked, but their earlier conversation made it clear that this was just banter. Hopefully.
He played it off with a casual shrug. "Saves us the trouble of explaining to Dojima-san why a bunch of boys wanna hang in your room."
"On the other hand, we are bringing a girl into our room." Still, Akechi hopped to his feet without protest. "Thankfully, Dojima-san likely has his hands full at Marukyu."
For Vampire!Ren (
vampirethief)As Adachi disappeared inside the elevator, Naoto removed his own joke glasses and watched… almost warily. Then he turned the other way and sighed. "Well, I suppose we should continue with the festivities?"
"Yep! And don't worry, Naoto-kun, we saved some cake for you." Rise patted the box.
"Right, the cake!" Teddie eyed his own plate, sitting on a side table beside a sparkling water bottle. "Hehe… I got so caught up in all the fun, I almost forgot!" He scurried over to the table and then… reached for his zipper. "Hoo boy. It's getting kinda hot, anyway. Think it's time I shedded some fur…"
Akechi glanced at Nanako, then back to Teddie. "Teddie! You're going to traumatize her!"
"Huh? How come?" Nanako asked.
Teddie pouted. "Hey, c'mon! I wouldn't show her my empty insides! I'm a whole new bear now. Just watch!" He started unzipping his head, but Yosuke rushed over and grabbed his wrist before he got too far.
"Dude! Knock it off!"
Chie walked closer. "Hey, he said wouldn't show her his empty insides. Maybe something's changed?"
Huh. Akechi and Naoto both approached and both reached for their chins in perfect sync. They shared a look, and it once again dawned on Akechi just how similar they were. Perhaps Naoto was even of similar mind regarding what could have triggered such a shift in Teddie's being.
"...I don't suppose his awakening may have sparked a change?" Naoto whispered.
"You know, that's a good question. He's the first nonhuman we've seen gain the ability, and yet…"
"Be nice, Yosuke!" Nanako said. "If you're too hot, you can get really sick…"
"Yeah, but—"
"Don't be a jerk," Marie said.
"C'mon, how bad can it be?" Rise asked.
"But I wonder what's inside," said Yukiko.
Yu simply shrugged.
Teddie, meanwhile, pushed Yosuke back. "As I was saying…" He unzipped his head, and then he… tossed it back.
Inside was…
Akechi rubbed his eyes. It was…
"No way!" Chie shrieked.
Smooth, porcelain skin. Windswept blond hair. Baby blue eyes.
"That's Teddie?" Rise nearly squeaked.
"W—What…" Akechi clenched his teeth, heat rushing to his cheeks.
To make matters worse, Teddie grabbed that water bottle, popped it open, and drank it so… sensually…
He was… human. But not just human. He was gorgeous.
"What the fuck?!" This wasn't allowed! It was Teddie. He was not supposed to turn into some white pretty boy who practically glittered in the sunlight as he slowly gulped down sparkling water like a model in a TV advert. Akechi didn't even like Teddie like that, and his cheeks were burning and, shit, he just swore in front of Nanako, and it was hot as hell and he just had to come out here in a long sleeved shirt and sweater vest, and—
"Damn it!" Akechi stomped off, past the others, and rushed over to the ice cream stall.
Behind, he could just hear the confusion in Teddie's voice. "Sheesh. What's his problem?"
"Goro doesn't usually say bad words like that…" At least Nanako recognized them as bad words, but…
"...Chocolate soft serve, please," Akechi grunted to the cashier, slapping down the appropriate amount of yen.
The others just kept chattering behind him.
"Perhaps you just startled him?" Yukiko said. "It is weird to see you so…"
"They grow up so fast." Yu sniffled, obviously faking it. "It's okay, Akechi-kun. If you need a wingman—"
Akechi glared back at Yu. "I am not interested in dating Teddie! I just cannot fathom how he went from mascot bear to… Well, look at him!" Ironic that he said that right before tearing his eyes away, but it was just far too much right now.
Though it certainly settled the matter of Akechi's sexuality once and for all, but that made it worse! Fucking Teddie as the final arbiter of his orientation…
And of course he remained as jovial as ever. "Hehe! I toldja I was a whole new bear! But, uh, hey. D'you guys have anything to wear? I'm like a newborn in here…"
Shit. So not only did Teddie dare to turn into an annoyingly attractive human, but he was also in the nude? Akechi tried not to snarl as he accepted his ice cream and almost reluctantly dragged himself back to the others.
Chie's cheeks tinted bright pink. "Then don't take your costume off! We've got a little kid here."
"Screw it." Kanji set down his half-eaten cake slice. "Yo, Ted. Let's getcha some threads."
Whew. Akechi relaxed a little as he licked his ice cream. "I suppose you are the most equipped to select a wardrobe for him…"
"Hold on." Yu walked up to Kanji, offering a stack of yen. "I don't want you covering all of it."
Kanji pushed Yu's hand back. "Nah, man. I can't have ya shellin' out on your birthday."
"Then let me." Rise offered her own wad of yen. "I've still got money to spare."
"Nah. Let me do it." Marie marched over, dug into her pocket, and pulled out an absurd amount of paper bills. Everyone just stared, barring Akechi.
Yosuke in particular looked upon her with buggy eyed, slack-jawed stupor. "Where'd you even get all that?!"
"Trade secret." Marie plopped the money into Kanji's hand. "Now, c'mon! The faster you get him those threads, the faster you can make him clothes."
Chie patted her on the shoulder. "Pretty sure the threads are clothes."
"Yeah, it's slang!" Rise said.
"...That's dumb. You use threads to make clothes, so why would they be clothes?"
"Language is a frankly puzzling thing," Akechi finally said. Thank god the ice cream was cool enough to cool him off. He still avoided direct eye contact with Teddie, but, "Apologies for the reaction, Teddie. You simply took me by surprise."
Yosuke sent him the cheekiest, toothiest grin imaginable. "Didn't know he was your type."
"He is not my type, damn it! I already told you I was surprised and nothing more!" Damn it. Was this payback? It must have been. Fucking Yosuke Hanamura, back with a ruthless vengeance. "I am allowed to be startled when a person I knew for his goofy mascot suit suddenly reveals himself to be a freaking bishonen."
Yu walked up, grasping his shoulder. "That's what we call puberty in action…"
Teddie tilted his head and gave the most ridiculous, puppy-eyed look. "Pu-bear-dy? What's that?"
"That's when testosterone makes you act funny!" Nanako said, because of course testosterone would enter the conversation again.
Perhaps sensing the awkwardness building, Kanji nudged Teddie along. "C'mon already. The sooner we get you some new duds, the sooner we can get the party rolling again."