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[there are certainly worse places to get lost within, it's true. maybe they can even let themselves forget for just a millisecond that everything here is purposefully engineered to simulate the natural environment. that'll help it feel more real, right?]

[Akira watches as Minato's head tilts back, gaze flickering towards the fake sky. he chooses a cobbled stone path on their right, framed with large green ferns and flowering bushes, and begins strolling down it. his mind drifts towards the flower shop back in Shibuya, and the days he spent crafting beautiful bouquets for the customers who would visit]

[. . . idly, he wonders. . . what kind of flowers would Minato like? other than cherry blossoms, of course]

This is probably my favorite place in the entire resort. [he admits, tone quiet with some kind of perceived reverence for the silence of their surroundings] The only place that doesn't feel stupidly gaudy.

[ A more ostentatious arrangement of flowers would be in better line with the rest of the resort. But maybe the House decided, out of the goodness of its heart, to provide a place of reprieve from that uncomfortable extravagance.

Minato's attention returns to Akira as he trails after him, footsteps scuffing quietly against the cobblestone path. From time to time, his gaze breaks from Akira's back to take a glimpse of the green life lining the walkway. ]

How did you find this place?

[ It's not like they'd been given maps of the resort, and even if they had, it'd likely be so sprawling to the point of being overwhelming. The garden would probably blend in with the rest of the resort's locations. ]

[fortunately for Akira, he had some pretty good tour guides to help him out upon his arrival. he can't say he's familiar with the entire resort's layout, as large and maze-like as it can be. but he has a list of favorite haunts and knows where to go when he is in need of necessities. that is good enough!]

One of my teammates-- his name is Kitagawa Yusuke, if you ever meet him-- has been here for over a year now.

[the smile he wears is fond as he thinks back on his friend. but there's an edge of tension underlying it, too]

He told me about this place.

[ Over a year...?

If Ann hadn't noticed Yusuke missing, then it definitely sounds like time passes differently compared with their homes. ]

Oh. ...he's been here awhile then.

[ Well, Minato supposed he can only hope time passes just as slowly back home. Leaving the Seal unattended doesn't bode very well. Or, perhaps, it was the Seal itself that had whisked him here?

Minato's quiet for an unusually long while he considers this, but the silence is probably easily attributed to him mulling over how long they might be trapped here. ]

Mm. That's good, you have your teammates here.

[ ...but now that he's thinking about it -- Minato wrinkles his nose. It's a catch-22. Akira probably wishes his friends didn't have to suffer through this place. ]

Or at least, it's... good, that those of you here have each other.

[yeah, it sure does! ask Akira about that and how some of his Phantom Thieves don't remember their amazing summer roadtrip :(]

. . . yeah.

[for a moment, Akira's gaze grows distant, the smile fading slightly as he thinks back to Yusuke's haggard looks and jumpy paranoia. it is a catch-22. as happy as he is to be able to see his friends again, to be here to take care of them and shower them in the affection they deserve. . . it's hard to see how the resort has worn Yusuke down]

[has made him unhappy, feeding into his paranoia and his fear of true, honest desire]

[. . .]

I'm happy to be here for now now. [he eventually replies, head canted to the side] He is one of the reasons I wanted to stay.

[and not just be a temporary resort wild card who was sent home at the end of his "trial period."]

[ It's always a little easier to weather trials and tribulations with friends at your side.

...Akira really is the sort who takes good care of those he seems his own, isn't he? ]

That's good then. If you're okay with it for now.

[ As for himself -- perhaps he'd return to where he belonged in due time. Otherwise, it's not as if Minato had much to return to. It's not like Red, who'd mentioned she had people waiting for her.

Yu and Kotone... they had others here as well, didn't they? Good. It's good that they had old friends to rely upon. Maybe it was the same for them, wanting to stay to support their old friends. ]

[mmm. . . Akira makes a face, nose wrinkled]

I don't know if I'm "okay" with it.

[he isn't okay with any of them being here. he has such strong feelings about the things the resort does to them all. the lack of control that they all experience while trapped within these walls. but. . .]

. . . but there's only so much I can do. So. . . I choose to focus to do what I can.

[to grasp at those bits of agency whenever he can. to make himself available for those he cares about to lean upon when things get dicey. it may not seem like much, but. . . it's enough. it has to be]

Is there anyone from your team here, Minato?

[he knows Mitsuru was on SEES, thanks to Kotone. but he doesn't know if she is from Kotone or Minato's universe]

[ It's a familiar line of strategy. Focus on what's in front of you. Make decisions on the things within one's control. One might even argue it's an essential lesson all leaders must learn. ]

...yeah. That's all you probably can do.

[ "You," and not "we," in this instance.

And as for Akira's question -- it takes a bit of thought. Technically, there was another teammate here, but that version of Kirijo-senpai is one who didn't recognize him. If that's the case...

Minato shakes his head. ]

No. It's just me.

[ Perhaps he should offer some context? ]

I was part of SEES with Kirijo-senpai, but she didn't recognize me. She must be part of Kotone's team.

[ And there'd been Ryoji, too, but it seems he'd returned to where he belonged.

...was he on the rooftop of Tartarus now, facing SEES with all his might? Could he fight freely now and without any trepidation or fear, knowing that humanity would ultimately prove triumphant?

It's a good thing then that he'd kept his own fate concealed from his old friend. ]

[it's the biggest lesson Akira had taken away from his Journey. so many things during his adventures had been beyond him. but slowly chipping away at the things within his reach had led him to fighting against a god or three to preserve humanity's right to freedom.]

[one step at a time, right. . .?]

[his features fall a bit at Minato's answer]

Ah. . .

[he can't. . . even imagine how that must feel. the ache that would pierce his heart if one of his Phantom Thieves didn't recognize him]

. . . I see. [a pause] You can still be her friend too, right?

[even if that relationship would have to be built from scratch]

Hm?

[ Minato watches as Akira's expression falls a bit. It's true; it had been a little strange going unrecognized by an old teammate, but that wasn't anyone's fault. This was simply another "version" of Kirijo-senpai.

Perhaps he'd prefer that others had familiar company over himself, too. ]

...maybe someday, yeah.

[ And because he'd seen Akira's features fall, Minato raises a hand to rest it over a heart that's miraculously started beating anew. ]

She's still here though. ...they all are.

[ It's as he'd told Ann. Even here, on his own, he wasn't necessarily alone. Not when he still had all of his memories of everyone he'd once held dear. ]

[god. that's so sentimental. and yet. . . it speaks to him. it is as he said when all four of them were together, isn't it? they all understand the importance of bonds. . . and how vital they are not only to the strength of their Personas, but also to the strength of their heart]

[besides. . . even if Minato's teammates existed only in his heart, didn't he still have--]

And we're here for you, too.

[Akira himself, and Kotone, and Yu. none of them would let Minato navigate the complexities of this resort alone. not now that they were all together]

[ Minato's expression falters into the wide-eyed gaze he was so prone to wearing when caught off guard. The earnest delivery of Akira's words leaves him stunned into silence.

It's not that he ever doubted he could lean on the other three Velvet Room guests. Rather -- it's an odd feeling to have a hand extended towards him even after he'd steeled his heart for an eternity alone.

...is this why he'd been set free from the Seal? To further strengthen his heart before returning to his duty?

Minato exhales, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding onto. ]

Right. ...I guess you are.

[ ... ]

Then, I'll be in your care.

[Akira rocks to the side, bumping his shoulder against Minato's in a gentle display of camaraderie. they've already cuddled (and that memory still stands out in vivid color in crevices of Akira's mind), so. . . a little bit of physical reassurance isn't beyond him]

And us, in yours.

[because that's how relationships work, right? and. . . even though he doesn't say it, because he doesn't want to make assumptions for Kotone or Mitsuru. . . he thinks the both of them will welcome Minato with open arms, whether they're from the same universe or not]

[Akira tilts his chin up as a flash of pink ahead crosses his vision, his smile widening, almost excited]

Minato, look--

[CHERRY BLOSSOMS! REAL CHERRY BLOSSOMS!]

[ The gentle nudge against his shoulder is reassurance, a physical reminder that what Akira says is true: there's nothing that says they can't lean on each other to support both of their burdens, that it must remain as only one relying upon the other. The tiny smile on Minato's face speaks for itself. They'll be in each other's care.

His gaze follows Akira's, glancing ahead where a canopy of pastel pink and white stretches before them. Minato inhales sharply at the sight; it's one he'd thought he'd never get to lay eyes upon ever again.

The gentle fragrance of those delicate petals weaves through the air too. It was similar that morning, wasn't it? Even with an artificial sun and false clouds, it's almost the same, and it has him breaking into a sudden run to get a closer look. Only when he slows and finally stops beneath the trees does his astonished expression melt into something more wistful, eyes softening as he tilts his head head up to take in the sight.

The flowers are still in full bloom even now. Something clenches within his chest as a lump forms in his throat.

That day -- he'd managed to grasp onto his waning strength for a similar sight. He blinks as his eyes begin to sting, standing in silence.

Looks like Akira was right after all. ]

[oh. . .?]

[and there Minato goes, bolting towards the trees before Akira can say anything else. the enthusiasm feels almost uncharacteristic for someone as mild as the blue-haired Wild Card, and Akira's features slacken in surprise. but nevertheless? he trots right after his companion, slowing to a stop once they are both standing underneath the wisened, twisted branches, gaze flickering up to trace the shapes of those soft pink petals]

[. . . it feels just like home, doesn't it? there's no real wind in the Cloud-Dwelling Garden, but one of those petals shakes itself free of the blossoming flower, floating gently through the air before landing softly on top of Akira's curled, black locks. a pang of nostalgia tugs at his heart, causing him to exhale a sharp, wistful breath]

[a sidelong glance at Minato reveals the moisture accumulating in the corners of the other Wild Card's eyes, and for a moment, something tightens in Akira's chest as well]

[. . .]

[he doesn't ask. now isn't the time. but. . . he does reach out, with fingers pressed warmly against Minato's palm, to hold his companion's hand as they admire the blossoms in complete and utter silence]

[ Something brushes against Minato's palm, his entire hand going rigid at the sudden contact. That's right -- it's a reminder that he's not alone here. He'd nearly forgotten upon allowing himself to get swept away by the past's currents.

The tension eases from his hand as his fingers wrap around Akira's. It's... warm, it gently lifts him from the river of the past and sets him in the present. Minato wipes at his eyes with the back of his free hand.

...mm, maybe one of Akira's Phantom Thieves was right: that remembering one's companions could cause a person to miss them too. But if that is the price of having loved others, then it is one that Minato would gladly pay.

Grief is simply the price of having the opportunity to love or be loved, isn't it? ]

...sorry.

[ Despite his reluctance to tear his gaze away from the treetops, he glances over at his companion with now-dried eyes. ]

Ah... Your hair --

[ And while he'd typically just point out the flower petal to Akira and avoid touching the other wildcard unnecessarily, their palms are pressed against one another, so...

Minato carefully drops the paper bag in hand, letting it gently plop onto the floor before reaching up. Carefully, he plucks the petal from Akira's locks and holds it out to him. In a day or two, the soft petal will dry, wither, and curl at its edges. But for now, it's all Minato can offer as thanks to Akira. ]

No. Don't apologize.

[Akira's reply may be quiet, but it's delivered with a gentle-but-powerful firmness. Minato has no reason to apologize. whatever stormy emotions are tumbling through the depths of his heart. . . he has the right to feel them, to react to them, however he wishes. Akira doesn't mind. he would never mind being given the chance to witness and help carry that burden]

[there must be something about the swath of soft pink that stirs up more of Minato's painful memories. it makes him wonder. . . what hardships did the other Wild Card endure throughout the course of his Journey? perhaps one day, he'll ask. perhaps one day, he'll delve into the unease he feels pounding in his chest whenever he remembers how ephemeral that smile had been]

[but today is for indulging in one of the rare beauties that exist within the Golden Peacock's walls. Akira's grip tightens around Minato's hand in a gentle squeeze as he turns to face his companion just in time to catch softer gray irises with his own darker ones]

Hn. . . ? My hair?

[despite watching the petal flutter to the top of his head, Akira is still taken aback by the ease with which Minato reaches out, fingers brushing through his curls to pluck the petal from its resting place. on instinct, soft pink floods his cheeks, until he is left blinking at the proffered gift, features slack]

[. . . hah. that's. . . cute, isn't it?]

. . . ah. Thanks.

[he has to drop his own bag of burger and fries onto the ground to accept the floral from Minato's fingers, his own brushing warmly against his companion's, lingering for just a half-second too long]

They're really beautiful, aren't they?

[ Maybe Akira simply had an affinity for cherry blossoms, and that's why the petal chose him. Or perhaps it was the other way around, those delicate flowers having an affinity for Akira. Minato's left to contemplate that as Akira's fingers brush against his own.

He nods in response to the question, reluctant to break the comfortable silence that settles between them. The cherry blossoms are a sight to behold, but in a week or so, those pastel pink would be swept away. They would only linger in the memories of those who'd borne witness to them.

Maybe the warmth Minato feels within his chest would last too, easing the grip of melancholy that coiled within it. ]

...thanks for bringing me here.

[ There's no way for Akira to know what he's wrestling with, but perhaps it's clear that some weight has lifted from Minato's shoulders. ]

[Akira may not know exactly why the cherry blossoms had stirred Minato's heart so. . . but he can see the way tension eases from the other Wild Card's shoulders, leaving him light and smiling as they stand underneath the tree's cool shade]

Y-- yeah. [he responds, head bowing slightly] Thanks. . . for coming with me.

[aha. . . it's happening again, isn't it? that strange wave of nostalgic emotion that feels far too powerful to be associated with someone he just met. and yet, he doesn't mind it. in fact. . . it might be nice to let himself get lost in its gentle currents]

Let's eat before our burgers get cold, yeah. . .?

[Minato did say he wanted a "hot sandwich"]

[ That's right -- their food is growing colder with every minute that ticks by. Though even if Minato specifically mentioned "hot sandwich," a cold burger's just as good as a warm one. Both contain a positive number of calories.

He nods before glancing around the garden. Doesn't look like there are picnic tables set up anywhere, but... it's not like anything's stopping them from eating right here, is there? ]

Here?

[ A picnic beneath the cherry blossoms trees would be pretty quaint, but perhaps there's another spot that Akira might prefer. ]

[both contain a positive number of calories, I'm crying]

[and there may be no tables or benches, but Akira agrees that they aren't necessary for an outing like this. he didn't think to bring a blanket, but that's okay! it might be kind of nice to settle against the warm grass, as if they really are stretching out beneath the sun's gentle rays]

Here.

[there is nowhere else he would rather be, made further evident by the way he plops his butt down right beneath the sakura tree's shaded branches]

I can't think of anywhere better.

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