⌛ Who: Minato Arisato and YOU ⌛ What: Open permanent log for top levels ⌛ When: Whenever ⌛ Where: Wherever ⌛ Warnings:We're meant to be together Will label in the top levels
[It had taken some time for Minato to not only work up the nerve to ask Ren on a date, but to also figure out what exactly to do on said date. It was technically Halloween but the creepy scary stuff was happening in Kyoto and Nara and it wasn't the fun kind from what he understood (also the stars disappeared???), so Minato wasn't sure he wanted to continue the theme of Halloween this time around and merely stick to a birthday date. Tokyo was largely untouched aside from the extra darkness. He knew by now that Ren really liked coffee and curry and was only slightly pretentious about it.
It was adorable, really. But Minato couldn't really blame him, he made really good of both. But Minato wasn't exactly a cook himself so he couldn't just bust that out for Ren either. So, it had taken some scouring the area but he found a place that, in his opinion, served a very good version of curry. Most places just didn't sell coffee with their curry so he instead settled to take Ren for dessert at that new coffee place afterwards. Did Minato like his weird coffees like pheromone coffee and now this Mr. Coffee Bean Man? Yup, would Ren like it? He had no idea but now it was time to find out!
So, with Koromaru's leash in hand, he walked over to Ren's place. He planned on leaving Koromaru with Morgana to keep each other company while they went out on their date. He knocked on the door, giving a small smile when Ren answered.]
Ready to go?
[Despite it being Halloween, Minato was dressed pretty plainly but that was done on purpose.]
[Ren had been lucky to avoid the situation in Kyoto and Nara as well. It certainly would have put a downer on his birthday. His 18th one no less.
He was so happy that Morgana showed up, especially during the festival. He truly missed the cat, even if Morgana was still confused about the situation and his memory fuzzy about the time loops. Maybe it'll come back eventually.
It was Morgana that even told Minato that Ren's birthday is on Halloween. He wanted Ren to celebrate it this year since they couldn't really enjoy it last year. Due to having been during the time they were going through Sae's Palace, as well as the stress over keeping Akechi in the dark.
Well he can't help that Sojiro turned Ren into a coffee snob.
Ren decided to wear a more western style steampunk outfit. It was one of the "modern" clothes he got a couple months back during his modeling gig. So went he answered the door, he definitely stood out compared to Minato's outfit.]
Yeah I'm ready to go.
[Morgana is not far away. While at first he was nervous around Koromaru, he did calm down. But not after being teased over it due to Morgana being a cat. Whom out of habit, claimed he's not a cat.]
Have fun you two. Make sure this guy eats some cake this time or something.
[That makes Ren laugh.] Don't worry, I'll be fine.
[He couldn't help but chuckle softly as he let Koromaru off the leash and set it aside. The shiba trotted in and immediately went to sit with Morgana.]
I feel underdressed now.
[He wasn't that into fashion, so he never went for a lot of the steampunk styles. But he was starting to think he probably should. Maybe some other time. He nodded to Morgana.]
That's the plan. Koro-chan, be a good boy for Morgana. [Arf!] He already ate and did his business, so he should be good for a few hours. Have fun.
[He didn't exactly plan to keep Ren out the whole night, since it wouldn't be fair for the animals but also because as much as he didn't want to show it, the darkness was a little unnerving so being in a familiar place later on would be better. It felt a bit like the Dark Hour, but even that had the moon.]
[Morgana remains sitting in his spot while Ren makes a sheepish smile.]
Whoops, my bad.
[Ren would help him if he wanted to change up his look.]
Good 'cause I can't cook if he hadn't.
[While he hadn't experienced the Dark Hour, the Metaverse could be unnerving too. But in a different way.
Hopefully they won't have to resort to using their personas to light the way.
Ren follows Minato out, letting himself hold Minato's hand. Not only so they don't lose each other but also as a romantic gesture. Good thing the darkness hides the sudden blue streak in Ren's hair again.]
[Minato smiled lightly with his hand was taken. It was almost pitch black by now but the street lights were bright enough. Not being much of a talker, he didn’t say much. He didn’t tell Ren where they were going but he hoped Ren liked it so the same.
He would get a hint soon enough anyway when a familiar scent wafted their way.]
[At least the street lights were a blessing. He doesn't say much either, just letting the comfortable silence continue.
The familiar smell does indeed perk Ren up. It's been a while since he's had some good curry, even if he can make it at home. A shame it doesn't include coffee, but hey, it's still curry.]
[Ren merely just shrugged at that before then looking at the choices. There's differently some good choices here, though sadly nothing fancy like apple curry. Ah well, he can make that at home anyway.
He ordered the standard beef curry and once Minato placed his order, he follows him to a table that's thankfully away from other people so they have some privacy.
Especially if either of them want to have a private conversation.]
[Minato looked out the window they were near, resting his chin in his hand.]
There's something I need to tell you. Before we go any further in this... bond that we have.
[His eyes move back to Ren.]
Sorry, I know it feels like an ulterior motive to bring you here and all but... I did want your birthday to be fun. Just... I also didn't want to ruin it or potentially hurt you if I waited any longer. This isn't an easy thing to confess.
[It took Ren a second to realize which bond he meant. The kizuna bond. Ren had noticed Minato's hair change in the maid cafe when he was there as a customer.]
It's fine. I was surprised that you wanted to go on a real date, and not a fake one like when we first met. Though I would have been okay with another fake date if you needed your sweets fix.
[Although despite saying that, he really has fallen for Minato and not just for his looks and being a fellow Wildcard.
That said, he does sit up a little straighter than it sounds serious.]
In all seriousness though, I'm listening whenever you're ready.
[He huffed a little laugh at that. He really did like Ren, more than he thought he would. Being a fellow wildcard had allowed them to form a near instant connection, but he hadn't realized it would become something more until recently.]
If we're able to go home, you won't be able to meet me there and not because I'll be older than you. I don't... know if you would want a relationship from someone that you'll inevitably lose. It's not a fair choice for you but back home... I never made it to my 3rd year. At least, I won't have since I arrived here just before it happened.
[He gave Ren a sad smile, looking at him fully.]
Either way, it isn't fair for you to date a dead man.
[Ren had been surprised how fast he had developed a crush, but it made sense. He already knew he's bi so it wasn't that strange.
And it's a good thing their food or drinks hadn't come yet or he would have dropped whatever he was holding in his hand at the last bit. Just hearing 'a dead man' felt like he got stabbed in the chest.
He has to take a moment to get a hold of himself emotionally before speaking. Although he tries to put on a poker face, there's no hiding the sadness in his eyes.]
[He could feel it through the bond and he felt awful. He waited for Ren to gather himself, though. If they could get through this... well, he just hoped Ren would at least still want to be friends with him.]
I... [He paused, sighing.] I didn't want my friends to die. Humanity wished for death and I said no. This is why I have the Universe arcana... it granted me exactly one miracle, to defeat the god that could not be defeated, but the cost would be myself. I thought that was worth it.
[It takes a lot for Ren to stop being friends with someone. They would have to do a really horrible thing and even then in Akechi's case, he still considered him a friend despite them being enemies.
He listened. Although it still made him sad, he at least understood.]
I see... It sounds like humanity wasn't brainwashed into wanting death like how Yaldabaoth made people want to be controlled. I can't say I'm surprised, but I'm glad you prevented that from happening. I wouldn't have been able to grow up if the world ended back then. And if I had been in your shoes, I'd make the same choice.
[He then toys with a lock of his hair.]
Since you told me your secret, I should tell mine too for fairness. And well, keeping secrets that serious is not a good foundation for a relationship. Especially a romantic one.
[He then takes a deep breath to brace himself before continuing.]
Truth is... I haven't been fully honest about back home. There's something I've been keeping from you.
No, they weren't but... there were players scheming to bring about the end of the world as we knew it. We played into their hands, it was our fault that Nyx was going to answer humanity's wish. And make no mistake, Nyx isn't like Yaldabaoth. She isn't good or evil, she's neutral and was only coming because it was believed that's what humanity wanted.
[He wanted to make that clear because it wasn't fair that even Nyx was manipulated, and by extension, Ryoji.]
I simply... wished for a way to stop her from hearing that call. That's how I decided to defeat the undefeatable.
[Minato tilted his head, he had sensed for a time that there was something Ren was keeping from him. But he was patient about it, not everyone had to share their secrets or their life story, after all. He hadn't told Ren about his parents or Ryoji, either. It just hadn't come up.]
[Ren nods. He could understand the frustration of being manipulated and feeling bad over making mistakes because of that.
He mentally braces himself before beginning.]
Before I ended up in Tokyo for a year, I actually come from a small town. Before the start of the school year, something happened.
It was nighttime and I was on my way home when I heard a woman cry for help. I ran over there and a drunk man was trying to take her into his car. I intervened and the drunk asshole fell on his ass and get injured. Because he happened to be a high ranking politician, he had the police called and the woman go with his story that I attacked him.
I got arrested and sued. Lost the case of course.
[He curls a hand into a ball. Gripping the table cloth.]
I lost everything. I lost the friends I had, I was expelled from my old school, even my parents hated me. And I'm pretty sure they still do, since they never once contacted me the entire time I was in Tokyo.
Remember when I said that I worked at Leblanc? Well, I didn't work there at first and I in fact lived there because Sakura-san didn't trust me to stay in his house. He was friends with my parents and he said they paid him, so that was the only reason he agreed to take me in while I stayed in Tokyo for my probation.
We eventually found out the identity of that asshole that ruined my life. Masayoshi Shido.
Shido had a conspiracy running with the goal of becoming Prime Minister of Japan. He ruined other people lives', including ordering the death of one of friends' mom.
We managed to do the heart change, but not before he won the election. He confessed though and then Yaldabaoth stepped in and you know that part.
Once the world was back to normal though, I was approached and asked that in order to make sure Shido went to jail, I had to turn myself in to be a witness. I don't actually remember going the next day on Christmas Day to turn myself in or spending the next month in Juvie.
That's part of a long story.
My friends and Confidants eventually managed to get me out and clear my name right before Valentines day.
[He relaxes his grip but doesn't look at Minato directly.]
So yeah. Even though my record was cleared, I was still scared to tell you in case you would turn me away because I had a record.
[Because anxiety is not logical.]
Anyway, if you rather not date me because of that, I'll understand. But in terms of my own answer, I would still date you even though you're...gone back home. We'll just have to enjoy the time we have here together. However long it takes.
[Now Ren feels really nervous. He really hopes Minato gives him a chance. It would break his heart if he gets rejected.]
Why would I not want to date you? Even if you had told me on day one, it wouldn't have mattered to me.
[He does understand that having a record, even a cleared one, was the equivalent of social suicide. But Minato just didn't care about that stuff. He did understand Ren's trepidation but...]
You should give me a little more credit than that, Ren.
I guess even after all this time, I still worry whenever I meet someone new what they would think. I wasn't exactly popular in school after all.
Well you mentioned how it "wasn't fair to date a dead man". It sounded like you're trying to let me down gently.
[Please let that not be the case. Although not being rejected for his record is comforting. He can't fully relax until Minato outright states that he does want to date him after all.
The blue steak that was in his hair had disappeared after Minato's confession and now Ren's hands are shaking.]
Well… mm, yes and no? Just that it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if you decided you didn’t, that’s all. But if you’re really okay with dating me knowing the future then yes, I’d like to continue this date and any other future dates.
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for Ren
It was adorable, really. But Minato couldn't really blame him, he made really good of both. But Minato wasn't exactly a cook himself so he couldn't just bust that out for Ren either. So, it had taken some scouring the area but he found a place that, in his opinion, served a very good version of curry. Most places just didn't sell coffee with their curry so he instead settled to take Ren for dessert at that new coffee place afterwards. Did Minato like his weird coffees like pheromone coffee and now this Mr. Coffee Bean Man? Yup, would Ren like it? He had no idea but now it was time to find out!
So, with Koromaru's leash in hand, he walked over to Ren's place. He planned on leaving Koromaru with Morgana to keep each other company while they went out on their date. He knocked on the door, giving a small smile when Ren answered.]
Ready to go?
[Despite it being Halloween, Minato was dressed pretty plainly but that was done on purpose.]
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He was so happy that Morgana showed up, especially during the festival. He truly missed the cat, even if Morgana was still confused about the situation and his memory fuzzy about the time loops. Maybe it'll come back eventually.
It was Morgana that even told Minato that Ren's birthday is on Halloween. He wanted Ren to celebrate it this year since they couldn't really enjoy it last year. Due to having been during the time they were going through Sae's Palace, as well as the stress over keeping Akechi in the dark.
Well he can't help that Sojiro turned Ren into a coffee snob.
Ren decided to wear a more western style steampunk outfit. It was one of the "modern" clothes he got a couple months back during his
modeling gig. So went he answered the door, he definitely stood out compared to Minato's outfit.]
Yeah I'm ready to go.
[Morgana is not far away. While at first he was nervous around Koromaru, he did calm down. But not after being teased over it due to Morgana being a cat. Whom out of habit, claimed he's not a cat.]
Have fun you two. Make sure this guy eats some cake this time or something.
[That makes Ren laugh.] Don't worry, I'll be fine.
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I feel underdressed now.
[He wasn't that into fashion, so he never went for a lot of the steampunk styles. But he was starting to think he probably should. Maybe some other time. He nodded to Morgana.]
That's the plan. Koro-chan, be a good boy for Morgana. [Arf!] He already ate and did his business, so he should be good for a few hours. Have fun.
[He didn't exactly plan to keep Ren out the whole night, since it wouldn't be fair for the animals but also because as much as he didn't want to show it, the darkness was a little unnerving so being in a familiar place later on would be better. It felt a bit like the Dark Hour, but even that had the moon.]
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Whoops, my bad.
[Ren would help him if he wanted to change up his look.]
Good 'cause I can't cook if he hadn't.
[While he hadn't experienced the Dark Hour, the Metaverse could be unnerving too. But in a different way.
Hopefully they won't have to resort to using their personas to light the way.
Ren follows Minato out, letting himself hold Minato's hand. Not only so they don't lose each other but also as a romantic gesture. Good thing the darkness hides the sudden blue streak in Ren's hair again.]
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[Minato smiled lightly with his hand was taken. It was almost pitch black by now but the street lights were bright enough. Not being much of a talker, he didn’t say much. He didn’t tell Ren where they were going but he hoped Ren liked it so the same.
He would get a hint soon enough anyway when a familiar scent wafted their way.]
Hope you’re hungry.
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The familiar smell does indeed perk Ren up. It's been a while since he's had some good curry, even if he can make it at home. A shame it doesn't include coffee, but hey, it's still curry.]
I always have room for curry even if I wasn't.
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[He led Ren to a small restaurant that had a surprisingly wide variety of curry.]
We have to pick first and then get our seat.
[He pointed to one with a variety of meat and even some cheese. He was in a savory mood today. It was also unsurprisingly a big bowl as well.]
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He ordered the standard beef curry and once Minato placed his order, he follows him to a table that's thankfully away from other people so they have some privacy.
Especially if either of them want to have a private conversation.]
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There's something I need to tell you. Before we go any further in this... bond that we have.
[His eyes move back to Ren.]
Sorry, I know it feels like an ulterior motive to bring you here and all but... I did want your birthday to be fun. Just... I also didn't want to ruin it or potentially hurt you if I waited any longer. This isn't an easy thing to confess.
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It's fine. I was surprised that you wanted to go on a real date, and not a fake one like when we first met. Though I would have been okay with another fake date if you needed your sweets fix.
[Although despite saying that, he really has fallen for Minato and not just for his looks and being a fellow Wildcard.
That said, he does sit up a little straighter than it sounds serious.]
In all seriousness though, I'm listening whenever you're ready.
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If we're able to go home, you won't be able to meet me there and not because I'll be older than you. I don't... know if you would want a relationship from someone that you'll inevitably lose. It's not a fair choice for you but back home... I never made it to my 3rd year. At least, I won't have since I arrived here just before it happened.
[He gave Ren a sad smile, looking at him fully.]
Either way, it isn't fair for you to date a dead man.
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And it's a good thing their food or drinks hadn't come yet or he would have dropped whatever he was holding in his hand at the last bit. Just hearing 'a dead man' felt like he got stabbed in the chest.
He has to take a moment to get a hold of himself emotionally before speaking. Although he tries to put on a poker face, there's no hiding the sadness in his eyes.]
...How did you die?
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I... [He paused, sighing.] I didn't want my friends to die. Humanity wished for death and I said no. This is why I have the Universe arcana... it granted me exactly one miracle, to defeat the god that could not be defeated, but the cost would be myself. I thought that was worth it.
[There was a gentle firmness in his eyes.]
I don't regret it.
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He listened. Although it still made him sad, he at least understood.]
I see... It sounds like humanity wasn't brainwashed into wanting death like how Yaldabaoth made people want to be controlled. I can't say I'm surprised, but I'm glad you prevented that from happening. I wouldn't have been able to grow up if the world ended back then. And if I had been in your shoes, I'd make the same choice.
[He then toys with a lock of his hair.]
Since you told me your secret, I should tell mine too for fairness. And well, keeping secrets that serious is not a good foundation for a relationship. Especially a romantic one.
[He then takes a deep breath to brace himself before continuing.]
Truth is... I haven't been fully honest about back home. There's something I've been keeping from you.
[Hopefully Minato will be willing to listen.]
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[He wanted to make that clear because it wasn't fair that even Nyx was manipulated, and by extension, Ryoji.]
I simply... wished for a way to stop her from hearing that call. That's how I decided to defeat the undefeatable.
[Minato tilted his head, he had sensed for a time that there was something Ren was keeping from him. But he was patient about it, not everyone had to share their secrets or their life story, after all. He hadn't told Ren about his parents or Ryoji, either. It just hadn't come up.]
What is it?
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He mentally braces himself before beginning.]
Before I ended up in Tokyo for a year, I actually come from a small town. Before the start of the school year, something happened.
It was nighttime and I was on my way home when I heard a woman cry for help. I ran over there and a drunk man was trying to take her into his car. I intervened and the drunk asshole fell on his ass and get injured. Because he happened to be a high ranking politician, he had the police called and the woman go with his story that I attacked him.
I got arrested and sued. Lost the case of course.
[He curls a hand into a ball. Gripping the table cloth.]
I lost everything. I lost the friends I had, I was expelled from my old school, even my parents hated me. And I'm pretty sure they still do, since they never once contacted me the entire time I was in Tokyo.
Remember when I said that I worked at Leblanc? Well, I didn't work there at first and I in fact lived there because Sakura-san didn't trust me to stay in his house. He was friends with my parents and he said they paid him, so that was the only reason he agreed to take me in while I stayed in Tokyo for my probation.
We eventually found out the identity of that asshole that ruined my life. Masayoshi Shido.
Shido had a conspiracy running with the goal of becoming Prime Minister of Japan. He ruined other people lives', including ordering the death of one of friends' mom.
We managed to do the heart change, but not before he won the election. He confessed though and then Yaldabaoth stepped in and you know that part.
Once the world was back to normal though, I was approached and asked that in order to make sure Shido went to jail, I had to turn myself in to be a witness. I don't actually remember going the next day on Christmas Day to turn myself in or spending the next month in Juvie.
That's part of a long story.
My friends and Confidants eventually managed to get me out and clear my name right before Valentines day.
[He relaxes his grip but doesn't look at Minato directly.]
So yeah. Even though my record was cleared, I was still scared to tell you in case you would turn me away because I had a record.
[Because anxiety is not logical.]
Anyway, if you rather not date me because of that, I'll understand. But in terms of my own answer, I would still date you even though you're...gone back home. We'll just have to enjoy the time we have here together. However long it takes.
[Now Ren feels really nervous. He really hopes Minato gives him a chance. It would break his heart if he gets rejected.]
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Why would I not want to date you? Even if you had told me on day one, it wouldn't have mattered to me.
[He does understand that having a record, even a cleared one, was the equivalent of social suicide. But Minato just didn't care about that stuff. He did understand Ren's trepidation but...]
You should give me a little more credit than that, Ren.
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Well you mentioned how it "wasn't fair to date a dead man". It sounded like you're trying to let me down gently.
[Please let that not be the case. Although not being rejected for his record is comforting. He can't fully relax until Minato outright states that he does want to date him after all.
The blue steak that was in his hair had disappeared after Minato's confession and now Ren's hands are shaking.]
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You’re sure, Ren?
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Yes, I'm sure.
[He considered reaching to hold a hand, but then their food finally appeared. Ah well, that can be later.]