asgardmeridiem | (no subject)

Who: Minako and Akihiko.
What: Time for some serious talk and presents.
When: Backdated all the tag to Day 335!
Where: Freya House
Rating: G - PG?

All right!

[ Resting her hands on her hips and grinning, Minako make sure her room was nice and tidy so that her friend wouldn't be walking into a room that looked like a bomb had hit it. Not that there was much for her to put in her room anyway, but it's funny how having nothing can still result in a messy room.

Being productive helped calm down her nerves because while this was meant to be a happy meet up, the catch up part wouldn't be so, well, happy. It was hard not to be nervous with all the new information she was gaining. And about how some of her friends had forgotten important things, or perhaps it never happened to him.

This wasn't the time to worry about them though. She had to make sure to put on her best smile for her senpai after all. It was time to leave her room and head outside where she would be waiting for Akihiko to show up. The air was nice outside and it would be good to get some fresh air while before they went indoors. ]

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[ Oh, right, he did mention about wanting to give her something along with this big talk. When she saw the bag, Minako was able to feel more relaxed and even a bit better bout their current situations.

She never thought that Akihiko would remember what she said and even more so go out and actually buy some of the flowers from their. Her face lit up and she grinned. ]

Thanks! I promise to take good care of them.

[His smile eased, looking more natural, at seeing her reaction.]

There're, um... some books in the bookstore on how to take care of plants. Or you could ask the others here for help, if you need it... [He heard about a growth ability in one of the other houses, that had something to do with plants. Maybe it was like having a green thumb, literally.

With the pleasantries exchanged, Akihiko released a soft sigh, and met her eyes, making sure to keep a strong face. It made more sense to just jump right into the heart of the matter, rather than drag it out.]

What do you... remember? I mean, about Graduation Day.

A book, huh...

[ It looks like there might be more then letting it be in the sunlight and having to water it. A trip to a bookstore might be needed then and hey, when she gets there she might be able to find something to her liking. ]

Thanks. I'll be sure to remember that!

[ There's a small smile.

But, it disappears soon after it appears. ] I remember how we promised to meet up on the roof, and that's what I did with Aigis. ... I got really tired when I was up there, so I was laying on her lap and... then I closed my eyes.

[He nodded somewhat stiffly, suddenly wishing he could have given her something comforting to hold, in this moment. Like a stuffed animal. But that step was a little beyond them at present, since he didn't know where he stood with her.]

Yeah, that's... [Akihiko trailed off and rubbed a hand along the back of his neck. He cleared his throat and tried again.] We took you to the hospital after that. The doctors couldn't explain your condition. And then... [She passed away, inexplicably.] Do you, uh... remember seeing all of us? [He still felt embarrassed about forgetting her after the final fight, even though Ryoji had vaguely warned them it might happen.]

...The Dark Hour's gone, you know. At least, in Iwatodai. But Shadows can pop up in other places too, like they did in Inaba. That's where the other Persona users came from.

[ Furrowing her brows, Minako leans back into the sofa and stays silent. When she was fighting Nyx, when she used everything she had in order to stop her, perhaps that was when her lose had started to drain away. It would make sense because in a way, Minako had used her life to protect the world.

Or so she thought. ]

Seeing you all? ... It will have to depend on when. [ There's a weak smile. ] I don't remember anything after falling asleep, to be honest.

[ There was a pang in her chest when she heard about the shadows. The world wouldn't be safe if they were still lurking around, right? Then what had she died for? Just to prevent The End for a while longer? Or maybe this was for something else.

She had too many questions and Minako was worried that Akihiko might not be able to handle them or know the answer. ]

[His expression turned tense, and try as he might, he couldn't force on a smile to match hers. At least, his voice was low and calm as he reassured her.] Don't worry about it...

[While the silence stretched between, Akihiko took this time to carefully watch her face. She was holding something back... which made sense, considering the sensitivity of this topic. Still, he cared, and couldn't help pushing her a little further.]

You look like you've got something on your mind. Anything I can help with?

[He probably wouldn't have all the answers, but at least, there was now a new group of people they could ask for feedback. Maybe they weren't meant to know everything, anyway. Not as long as they were in Asgard.]

I...! ... If you say so.

[ She started to feel guilt settle into her heart when he said that though, feeling like maybe there was something important that she had been missing. And if that was the case...

Shaking her head, Minako tried to shrug the doubts off her mind.

When she opens her mouth a little, she ends up closing it and pulling her feet onto the sofa. Her arms then wrapped around her legs and she preceded to bury her face into her knees. ] I wonder...

I didn't... you know... it didn't happen in vain, right? Because of these other Shadows popping up... it can't be good if that is what is happening.

[Minako seemed distressed enough. It would be best to back off and not bring up too many of the past... incidents. He really didn't need to pile more on top of her shoulders, given all the weight she was already carrying.

He also wasn't sure what kind of comfort to offer her. She might not have the same memories he did, and being rejected would...]

Yeah? [Akihiko asked quietly, prompting her to continue. Ah, so that was her concern. It made sense, considering she gave up her life to attain their goal. He shook his head firmly.] No. None of it was a waste, Minako. But... Shadows do come back eventually. We already knew that. Still, it was up to us to save everyone from turning into the Lost. In our area, anyway. It looks like more people with the Potential show up too, whenever there are Shadows around.

[ Hanging her head and letting out a heavy breath which she had been holding in, Minako knew that she could relax a little. It was good to hear that. She didn't die for nothing. It was frustrating to hear about the Shadows, but as long as everyone was still 'safe' then it was okay. ]

So there are still people who can fight them..

I wish they didn't have to, it's not an easy job, but as long as everyone stays safe.