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WHO: Akira Kurusu and Makoto Niijima
WHERE: RAMEN because Akira wants to stay warm and hasn't learned his lesson from December.
WHEN: February 15th, his day off from dying in Magatus.
WHAT: A talk that they've been meaning to have, but thought would be better to have in person.
WARNINGS: At most possible Persona 5 spoilers??

[ Retrospec's timing is impeccable as ever. With a mission on top of his pen pal's grand arrival, he can feel the weight slowly dragging him down. His stiff shoulders sink as he lets out a sigh, occasionally admiring RAMEN's storefront and menu. Not even the enticing and fiery aroma that swathes his sinuses clear can empty his mind. Futaba's palace, the Magatus wolves' offer, and whatever that waits for him when he talks to Makoto... It’s exasperating to put on record, but the small wave of solace from the heart stone comforts him. It only takes a roll between his fingers to put him at ease.

There's a time and place for everything, all of that. He can do this. His friends can also do this.

A bit antsy (anyway), he sluggishly unlocks and locks his phone in a rhythm. Seconds tick away with each flash of the digital clock; waning dark circles sometimes rest in the glass screen. He had hoped that they could talk about this when the mission is done, but Makoto's activism in seeking answers is the guillotine he, and his friends, didn't anticipate.

Soon he will engage with the keeper of a good handful of his dark secrets. He hums thoughtfully before checking himself with the front view camera on his phone. Is his hair graying out yet? ]

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[Ramen... it seemed like such a call back to home, to Tokyo. And normally, she would've only been excited. But now? She's a little nervous. Akira had asked her to meet-- and while she was relieved to see him okay and relatively unharmed, these memories were confusing.

But she had to believe that they had little bearing on their current life... Right?

When she steps into the ramenya, she glances around, before her eyes finally find him in the crowd-- staring at his phone. When she approaches the table,]

Still getting use out of your camera, I see.

[ Not only has he been hiding things from Makoto, but he also didn't tell her this isn't a ramen place. It's fine. She'll probably like it? They do have a mild spice level.

He almost jerks back when he hears her voice, but straightens up and puts his phone away. Rubbing his neck, he's a little embarrassed. ]

I had to make sure I look good?

[ Totally. ]

At least I look the same in my photos.

[ A jab at how she cut her hair... Have a seat!!! ]

[oh no, he lied to her. this is a good start. But she self consciously wraps a strand of hair around her fingers, before finally sitting down across from him.]

My hair was longer than I wanted to deal with. And I didn't think I'd need to send an updated picture so soon.

But, alright, point taken.

[ He never said this was a ramen place?? It is called RAMEN. Seeing her become sheepish puts him at ease. Sinking into his seat some more, he idly browses the menu like he totally wanted to eat here. ]

I'm joking. [ Please. ] This cut really suits you. Very nice.

[ Raising his hand, he gets a waiter to bring them water. ]

Sorry if you were expecting ramen. I heard mapo tofu is good.

It is.

[Well, weird naming conventions probably exist everywhere... Though, admittedly, she wasn't quite hungry yet, and wanted to talk to him about other things. But she's just not sure how to broach the subject.

Except very directly.]

But... I think we both have something more important to talk about first?

[ How forward. Sometimes Akira wishes he has her temerity when he needs it. He had been thinking this over for a couple of days, on and off, but he still feels lost for the first couple of seconds. ]

You must have a lot of questions, but I need you to answer one of mine before we dive into this. [ He knows this sounds overdramatic. ] Are you ready—do you really want to hear the truth?

You might already know, but we didn't come from a world of sugar, spice, and everything nice.

...

[she pauses, her face impenetrable for a moment as she mulls over his question. She really didn't think she needed to hide her cards, at least not anymore. So, she closes her eyes and then,]

Queen.

That is my code name, correct?

Yes, you were part of our group, the Phantom Thieves. We changed the hearts of many in the name of justice.

[ Queen has a nice ring to it, though he wouldn't have expected it from her costume if it weren't for other connotations. He fiddles with his bangs a bit, a little relieved that he doesn't need to be the bearer of all news. ]

I don't know how you joined, but I can see why we needed someone like you.

[ But that's not what this is about. ]

How are you feeling about that so far?

Admittedly... A little confused.

[she drags a finger across the table, and then sits back, wrapping her arms around herself.]

It's so... contradictory. [another pause, where it's obvious she isn't satisfied with that word.] It's like... there is a clear piece of evidence, and I'm missing it. I'm glad we weren't enemies in the end, but still...

At least... I guess, I'm mostly relieved that someone else will know what my memories mean.

I know what you mean... I've come to accept the gaps since they'll come eventually. Only recently have I pieced together that you must have joined us after you saw our justice. It's a solid hunch, I think.

[ The waiter comes back with a pitcher and their glasses, taking Akira's order at the same time. Actually, they're going to share a platter. Once that's done, he reaches out to a glass and takes a sip. ]

Yeah, you have my support if you ever need it. [ ... ] Speaking of which, I do have this one specific memory of you if you want to hear it?

[she lets him order, mulling over what he's said. There must be some reason for it, true. And he was one of her only friends in Recolle, she couldn't let a past life's mistrust bother her now.

Especially if it was likely to change?]

I think it's a logical conclusion. But I'd be interested in knowing what memories you have of me? And who the others are... I know Ann, Yusuke... But I got the feeling that there are some I'm not remembering. And they're here.

[she saw u, futaba]

I'm sure I don't need to say it, but if you can promise to keep the Phantom Thieves a little secret, then I'll tell you who the rest are. Of course you can tell those you trust wholeheartedly...

[ He doesn't want Makoto to feel stressed over it, but he feels the mention of Phantom Thieves to most people brings up more questions that would be too much for them to address all the time. Not everyone accepts their ways even if it's in the past, either.

Better to lay low.

As for the memory, his rather solemn disposition breaks into one that looks... Amused? ]

We were visiting Futaba's house, but no one came to the door. It was going to rain, the gate wasn't locked, and the door was slightly open, so we took shelter inside for the time being. It was dark inside—kind of like a haunted house. You were scared by the lightning and the loud scream we heard, so you asked if you could hold my hand. I don't know why, but you also said you couldn't move your legs? We saw a figure during a flash of lightning and you started screaming.

[ Stroking his chin, he closes his eyes to recall it vividly. ]

You dropped to the floor and clung onto my leg. Ann was trying her best to be brave, but she was also drowned out by your apologies and call for help. お姉ちゃん、助けて!!

[Sister... It just reminded her vaguely of that conversation with Baren, about how her brother... wasn't her brother, in their past life. At least, potentially, her sister was still the same. But then she realizes that he's teasing her, and telling her an embarrassing memory.

And she leans back a little bit, straightening as much as possible]

T-That-- Why of all memories of me do you have that one?

[ Akira has very little knowledge of Sae in the other life (good thing), but he wonders what kind of sister is she... What kind of life Makoto led before, but in the end knows that doesn't matter. He covers his mouth to stifle a couple of snickers, trying to haul himself back before it can get any worse. ]

... I actually don't know. Sometimes I get memories at random—this might be one of them.

[ Revenge for dragging him on the public network is nice, though. Very sweet. ]

My leg must have been very comforting.

[She has no reason to be embarrassed, but embarrassed she is. Something about how she knows already how real those memories can feel-- and how it feels like the type of thing she'd do under the right circumstances.

For now, the water was looking good, to buy herself a little time.]

You brought this up on purpose, didn't you?

[and then she takes a sip]

[ He doesn't know if Makoto would do the same thing, but the memory felt so real. He could feel his leg lose circulation and the weight of a cat in his bag. It's all strange, but the lighthearted memories come as comfort. ]

I thought it would be a great ice breaker.

[ It's something he thinks they needed—something he needed. He takes a sip of his water, too. ]

We're still friends, right? Even though I hid this from you...

[ Disoriented by friends and roommates leaving, left to the chimeras and missing people in Recolle. It must have been hard while carrying the weight of new memories for the first time. Eyes downcast, maybe the right time was immediately in this case. ]

I should have been there for you, like you were for me in those letters. I'm sorry.

[she finally relaxes, just a bit, and rests her cheek in the palm of her hand as she considers him. He knew the whole time, and didn't tell her immediately. But he also wanted to keep them secret-- just like he had back in their old world.

It made sense, though. Now that she knew the truth, she wouldn't have posted so abruptly. There was still more that she didn't know, but...

Sounds like the feeling was mutual.]

I think I would've thought it strange if you'd told me right away. And by the time I got my first memory, you... and everyone else, you were already gone.

[there's a faint sign of a scratch on her cheek, but otherwise? She looks whole. There was no need to go into detail.]

I'm glad that you wanted to tell me. It's nice to not have any awkwardness between us... except the embarrassing memories you have of me that I don't have yet. In fact, it's nice to know I wasn't always quite so menacing.

[ A secret, yes... A secret that seems hard to keep with their group from his experience. In the end, that doesn't matter too much, either. He trusts them since their lives may be on a string with this secret alone. They are good people.

And he knows Makoto is a good person, too. ]

You had horrible timing in more ways than one. [ He was almost sure it was due to bad luck. Rubbing his neck, he lets out a chuckle. ] Mundane and simple memories like that are nice. Sometimes they remind me that things aren't always so bad.

But you were pretty scary, though. Do you remember asking me to visit the student council room?

[she opens her mouth to say 'no', but pauses, going white as a sheet, adn then flushing after only a moment or two like that. Then, she slowly puts her head down]

No, but I remembered the other memory...

[ First of all, he can understanding Makoto turning pale as a ghost, but why is she blushing? He had thought that maybe she had the memory where she confronts them about justice, but does something like that warrant blushing?

She's red as a tomato. Concerned, though curious, he doesn't tease her about her reaction. ]

What was it? If you don't mind me asking...

The one you were just talking about, about me asking for my sister's help?

[but now is no time to be easily embarrassed, so she exhales, regathering her wits and. Not thinking about how she was clinging to his leg because of lightning in a dark room.

And Futaba scaring her.]

I only have a few memories. That would make the fifth one I've gotten since I received the app, as a matter of fact.

Sweet onee-chan.

[ He was worried and curious for no reason?! He kind of deflates and leans back into his seat now that it's settled. Actually, he feels a little disappointed? Hm, this at least continues to validate the idea that mentioning the memory has a good chance of triggering it in the other person.

The waiter returns with Akira's share platter—the aroma is warm, enticing, but also shows obvious signs of being SPICY. ]

Wow, that's a handful. I think when I got Retrospec, I received about nine? [ The gives her a small plate, just so they don't look weird for only having one person eating. ] I hope your memories aren't too hectic on your first month.

They only seem to be triggered when I interact with people that are on the app...

[she notes with a slight glance upwards]

I feel like, as long as they're memories like the last one, I would have no problem handling them. But the memory about the girl jumping...

[she trails off, clearly affected by it, but as quickly she brushes past that]

Well, that's only been one memory. It can't be all like that... right?

I can see that connection. Some mundane things like eating a burger also spring memories, too.

[ He's serving himself to some mapo tofu as Makoto tries to reason all of this out. His movements slow at the mention of Shiho. It feels like so long ago since he received it, but he can pull that memory out like it happened yesterday. There's a hint of resentment still left in his heart towards Kamoshida, even if he doesn't exist in Recolle. ]

Not all of them are like that, you're right. Sometimes you get memories of eating with your friends. Going on dates, hanging out at amusement parks, throwing small celebration parties... Stuff like that.

[ Taking a bite, he mulls over how to say it. ]

But as a vigilante group, we come across a lot of dark themes. I'm not going to sugarcoat it.

[she pauses, mulling over what he said, and then just as seriously, she replies]

Then, at least I'll know to expect it.

[she takes her chopsticks to have her own bite of the tofu. And she realizes]

... I guess it's too early to say something that serious. But I mean it.

It's never too early to be prepared...

[ In a way, he wishes there was someone that he could have leaned on back in July. He had Ann, Futaba, and Goro, but the nature of his memories were twisted. Then again, he knows he wouldn't have leaned on this ideal person, anyway.

He takes a bite, savoring the flavor before drinking some water. It's hot, but it's a nice kick. ]

If you ever need someone to hear you out, I'm here. [ This time, for sure. ] It's the least I can do.

[and she takes a bite as he says that-- something about it... is particularly spicy. This place wasn't kidding-- and she has to drink water very fast. 痛い, said under her breath. But hey, it bought her a minute!]

About that...

[maybe... she will wait a bit for the next bite.]

Have... you run into a situation where people related here were not in their past lives? Part of why I wanted to come here was to see my older brother. But someone's already told me they don't remember him having a sister.

[ They need to sweat everything out. Their emotions, their issues, their stress, their memories!! Akira is taking smaller bites in order to pace himself. Good thing this platter isn't too large for two. ]

Let me see. [ He's thinking now. ] I know siblings that don't exist in each other's memories, but they're a special case. The only thing that comes to mind is that Futaba had a different last name in my memories. It's more of an implication than anything.

[ ... ]

He's still your brother, Makoto. No matter what happens.

Right...

[her sister still existed (she thinks), but not her brother. But that... was something she'd have to work out later.]

O-of course, I was never doubting that. You were going to be my friend, even if we'd been enemies in a past life.

[ He watches her carefully... While he doesn’t have the closest relationship with his parents here or in his memories, he thinks it’s a solid assumption that finding out you’re not family in the past is heavy in its own way. ]

You haven’t done anything wrong here. Plus, you’ve always been supportive and... I trust you.

[ Long sip of his cup cause awkward. ]

Did you talk about it with your brother?

... No.

[she exhales, and her movements stop as she considers it.]

I didn't want to. I haven't seen him since I was a little girl, when mom and dad separated. I'd rather not talk about how we might not have been siblings in a past life.

[she exhales a breath she didn't even know she was holding, and her chopsticks move forward]

He's the reason I started writing letters.

[ Mmm. Sometimes he would hear about Makoto's family in passing in her letters, but nothing this detailed. They tend to write about other stuff like their day, what's happening in school, or random things. The latter may be his fault. ]

Good call. I should thank him later.

[ If it wasn't for him, he wouldn't have precious letters from Makoto. ]

Got anything planned with him?

Hm...

[she smiles lightly at that, and playfully states,]

I'm trying to play it by ear.

But, we've talked enough about me, haven't we?

[ Smooth, Makoto, very smooth. He gives her a look as he takes another bite, a little suspicious. ]

I gave you text updates every day. [ And like 800 pictures. ] What else do you want from me?

Edited 2018-02-24 04:21 (UTC)

We don't have to talk about you, if that's what you're worried about. Though I do have a lot of... well, questions and some concerns about your tastes in shows.

[said oh-so-smoothly. And yet.

She's forcing him to watch it with her when he gets back, because she doesn't deserve to endure this alone]

I’m not that interesting.

[ Genuinely, he doesn’t think he is. He plays with his food in anticipation, wondering what’s she’ll throw at him. It’s so much easier talking to her through letters, but he remembers this sense of anxiety all the same.

Oh. ]

So you’ve officially caught up... Color me surprised.

I--

[she pauses, and then she sighs covering half her face with her hand]

I couldn't stop watching.

[ A feline smile forms on his lips as he sips his water, looking pleased as can be. ]

Welcome to the Westside.

[ He hopes you appreciate his reference even when you’re dreading. ]

[she stares at him through her fingers, and just gives him the most plaintive look she can manage. How could he do this to her?]

... You did this on purpose. You knew what my reaction would be.

Me?

[ Akira nonchalantly eats like nothing is wrong despite the telling smile on his face. Yes, he knew. Yes, he could have told her more, but there’s no way a person can describe the show eloquently.

He does this because he likes her. ]

I thought it would be fun if we could talk about a show together.

[she pouts, and then sighs, a little dramatically for her. Perhaps... she wishes she could be of more help. Or they could chat, though it seems weird with the little field trips?!]

Well, you'll have plenty to catch up on when you're back. Or is that part of what you used today for, outside of making chocolates?

[ Aw, that’s cute. He keeps smiling like a child having the last laugh, finding the tofu’s heat not as scorching as before. He’s starting to eat it without thinking now. ]

When I come back. [ His expression softens, wondering if he will come back—if everyone will, but... ] I was helping my housemate with his own lunch orders on top of my chocolate, so my day has been busy. What time I have left is better spent with others than a show that can wait.

[ So he’s here!! ]

No spoilers, please.

[ go ahead and rip him to shreds, tbh. ]

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