Chapter Text
Compared to the first half of the trip, the journey back to Yongen-Jaya was pretty uneventful. Once in Shibuya, she got off the train and headed for the next one. She was able to find a seat again so she did some people watching, just to make sure she wasn’t taken by surprise by anything, but her mind was mostly on trying to figure out when she was going to give Tatsuma his gift.
Things were pretty tense these days with everything going on with Makoto’s sister and that Akechi guy, so she wanted to find a good time where it was just the two of them.
It wasn’t going to be that night when they were at the movie, cause that would be weird. Who just sprang headphones on someone when they were just on a normal date? So she had to come up with a better time and place. The day of his birthday wouldn’t work because he wouldn’t be there and she wasn’t sure if she would be able to go and visit him at his house, but maybe she could do it on the day he was leaving?
That was a good option. It could kind of be a birthday/going away gift. Maybe she could even give him a bunch of awesome music to listen to as well!
She smiled slightly as she stepped off the train.
It was a good plan. She would have to think on it some more. At the moment though, she needed to get home to get ready for the movie.
And to hide the present of course.
Walking through Yongen, Futaba felt more at ease. It was more familiar to her so she kind of knew what to expect from the environment and the people who lived there. There was also the fact that it meant that she was almost home. Back in her safe haven.
Nobody bothered her as she strolled along, too busy with their own lives, and she was grateful for it but a part of her also wished that she was able to talk with them like a normal person. She thought back to what had happened earlier. The way she had freaked out whenever a person even looked at her. Getting out on her own was definitely progress but…it didn’t feel like enough sometimes.
Sighing in annoyance of her own thoughts, Futaba suddenly realized that she was near the café.
As she passed the street leading down to it she couldn’t help but take a quick look and see if Tatsuma was around. She was a little disappointed when she didn’t see him, but then she remembered that they would be together in a few minutes.
They were going to the old theater nearby, for which she was glad. Futaba didn’t think she could handle another trip to Shibuya so soon. It was a good thing that they had managed to save it by taking care of the jerk property guy in Mementos. It was nice having a theater so close by so they could watch some epic sci-fi movies together. Futaba was getting excited just thinking about it.
She actually passed by the place as she walked and was glad to see that Tatsuma wasn’t there yet. Running into him while holding his birthday present would have ruined the whole thing.
It didn’t take her long to reach home after that, and as soon as she passed the threshold and the door closed behind her, she heaved out a huge sigh of relief.
All of the tension drained out of her and she leaned back against the wall with her eyes closed. “Well Futaba, you did it. Phase six is done, which means…”
Her eyes shot open in excitement and, after doing a little victory dance, Futaba spun around in a circle before jumping up in the air. “Woohoo! Mission Complete!”
Pride rose up in her and she did another twirl. She couldn’t believe that she’d actually done it. Futaba Sakura had completed her mission, with a few issues, but she’d actually managed it all by herself…mostly.
Mrs. Seta helped a little…and that electronics employee guy…and that woman who helped her up when she was pushed to the ground…and that old man who pointed out that she was about to miss her stop…
“Whatever!” She shouted to the empty house. “I did it mostly by myself! I have officially leveled up!”
She smiled widely before kicking off her shoes and sprinting down the hallway toward her room. Once she was there she kicked the door closed behind her. She couldn’t let anyone see where she was going to stash the present.
There wasn’t anyone in the house except her, but it was the principle of the thing. Besides, she knew better than anyone that the walls had ears…and sometimes eyes.
“Hehehe…” She chuckled to herself as she remembered all the secret conversations she’d heard in the café after she’d bugged it that one time.
Futaba looked around her room and tried to figure out the best spot. Her eyes immediately landed on her closet door. Tatsuma came in her room sometimes so the hiding place had to be out of sight. Nobody ever went in there except her.
Walking over, she wrenched it open to reveal a complete and utter mess. She ignored this of course, and shoved her clothes to the side before moving on to some of her action figures. Once a suitable spot was cleared, she placed the headphones down and then covered them with some blankets she had stored for the winter months. Tatsuma’s gift needed to be protected after all.
Pleased with her handy work, Futaba closed the closet door and placed her hands on her hips in satisfaction.
“Alright then!” It was time to change objectives. “Now it’s time for operation, Movie Date With Tatsuma!” She yelled while pumping her fist into the air.
Spinning around she quickly adjusted her glasses, which had slipped down her nose in her enthusiasm, before running back out to the front door. Her shoes were still right where she left them so she shoved them back on her feet and hurried outside without a moment’s hesitation.
Heading out on a shopping trip alone was a completely different experience to heading out to meet her boyfriend. She blushed again at the thought of it before getting mad that she kept doing that.
“Definitely gotta work on that…” She muttered to herself as she began to make her way to the movie theater.
A few minutes later she rounded the corner and…there he was.
Standing by the entrance, looking as tall and handsome as usual, was Tatsuma. He had his back to her, with his hands in his pockets, as he looked up at the sign listing the movies that were playing. She noticed that his customary Mona carrying bag was nowhere to be seen, and couldn’t help but feel a wave of affection.
He wanted to be alone with her!
Deciding that she couldn’t wait any longer, Futaba ran over and skidded to a stop beside him.
“Sorry I’m late!” She almost yelled as he turned to face her. She wasn’t even sure if she was late or not…she was just a little nervous and it had been something to say to break the ice. He smiled softly at her and didn’t seem put off by her actions at all. He was used to her eccentricities by now.
“Hey Futaba. You’re not late so don’t worry about it okay?”
She nodded in happiness. “Okay. Sooo, what are we watching?”
He turned to look back at the board. “Have you seen this one yet?” He asked as he pointed to one at the top of the list.
Futaba followed his finger and read the name. It didn’t sound familiar.
“Nope.” She said before suddenly realizing what that meant.
She excitedly grabbed onto his arm. “That means it’s a new one! Awesome!”
Tatsuma smiled down at her. “Well, what are we waiting for then?”
Futaba beamed up at him before dragging him over to the ticket booth. This was going to be epic! She was so happy to finally have someone who actually wanted to see these with her. She’d never realized it before but, watching something you love with someone you love, made it even better.
Once they purchased their tickets they bought some popcorn, found their seats, and settled in.
Futaba was practically bouncing in her seat as she waited for the movie to start. She was so excited. “So do you think it’s gonna be good? I’ve seen a few other movies by this guy and I really like them. He makes the worlds seem so real.”
“I’m sure it will be. You’ll have to pick out a few of the ones you enjoyed and we can have a movie night.”
Futaba’s face lit up and she couldn’t help but lay her head on his shoulder for a minute. He’d said before that that was okay, so it should be…right? She was extremely nervous for a few seconds but Tatsuma didn’t make any move to shove her away or anything so she relaxed slightly.
Until the movie came on of course.
As soon as it started she sat up straight and grabbed her arm rests in anticipation. She was so excited in fact, that she didn’t even hear Tatsuma laughing quietly beside her.
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“That. Was. Awesome!” She nearly squealed as they left the theater a few hours later. “Wasn’t that part where the hero jumped out of the ship without his spacesuit and into the other ship completely epic?! It was just like what we did in Haru’s dad’s palace!”
Tatsuma laughed lightly. “Yeah. And don’t forget the part where he shot down that giant lizard with only one bullet.”
Futaba chuckled beside him. “You would like the shooting part, you gun fanatic.”
“Hey. I’m not a fanatic…I’m just an enthusiast.”
She laughed again before stretching her arms out above her head. The day had started out as nerve wracking and intense but…being around him, she just felt calm. It was the nicest feeling in the world.
She suddenly couldn’t help wondering again, why he put up with her. She was a total mess after all. Being with a former shut-in like her probably wasn’t the easiest relationship in the world.
Futaba turned to look up at him as she lowered her arms. “Hey…Tatsuma?”
He looked down at her with curiosity in his eyes. “What’s up?”
She fiddled with her fingers as she tried to come up with the words she wanted to say.
Why are you always so nice to me?
What is it about me that you like so much?
Why did you choose me?
But…seeing him watching her with nothing but fondness in his eyes…she just couldn’t bring herself to ruin the moment. Shaking her head, she dropped her arms back down to her sides with a rueful smile. “Never mind. It’s nothing.”
Tatsuma stared at her in confusion for a moment before he lifted his right hand and placed it gently on her head.
It was so warm…
Relishing the feeling, Futaba moved forward and rested her head against his chest. “Close…” She murmured against his shirt.
Tatsuma didn’t remove his hand and the two of them stood there, just to the left of the theater exit, completely content.
It was absolutely amazing how, just being with him, made her anxiety vanish. She really hoped that she would never have to find out what it would be like if she lost him. With everything going on in their lives at the moment…nothing was guaranteed. Especially after what had happened to her mom.
Futaba didn’t know how long they stayed like that, totally ignoring the stares they were getting, but eventually she realized that it was getting dark so she reluctantly pulled away.
Tatsuma smiled down at her. “Ready to head back?”
She nodded in acceptance. “Yeah…”
He laughed at her obvious reluctance before reaching out to take her hand in his. Futaba’s face flushed bright red again but she pushed down her embarrassment and just tried to enjoy the feeling.
“Let’s go.” He said.
She smiled up at him and allowed him to start leading her toward home. They only took a few steps before Tatsuma suddenly stopped walking.
It was her turn to look at him in confusion. “Why’d you stop?”
He gave her a quick thoughtful glace before looking over toward the café. “Have you eaten anything yet? If not, do you want to head over to Leblanc? I can make you some curry.”
Futaba quickly grew excited again. “Really?! Yay curry!”
Tatsuma laughed and then changed their direction.
It didn’t take long and they soon found themselves standing outside of the cafe. Tatsuma pulled his hand away and she was saddened by the loss.
He seemed to understand so he placed his hand briefly on her head again before reaching for the door. The little bell jingled and Sojiro looked up from where he was standing behind the counter.
“Hey you two. How was the movie?”
Futaba ran over and plopped herself down on her usual stool. “It was amazing! I wanna go and see it again tomorrow!”
Sojiro laughed. “Maybe you should give it a day or so, let it’s awesomeness sink in a bit.”
Futaba just rolled her eyes and watched as Tatsuma made his way around the counter and toward the fridge. She was practically drooling in anticipation of the delicious curry he was about to make.
“You makin dinner?” Sojiro asked.
Tatsuma responded with a casual “Yup,” Without looking away from what he was doing.
Sojiro shook his head in fond acceptance. “Alright. I guess I’ll close up early tonight. Don’t have any customers anyway.”
Futaba watched as her dad went about closing up the café and her boyfriend started making her favorite meal and, in that moment, she couldn’t be happier.
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The food was absolutely delicious, as she knew it would be, and as she prepared to walk home with Sojiro, Futaba felt like she was floating on a cloud of contentment.
“Don’t forget to lock up after we leave.” Her dad said to Tatsuma as the two of them headed for the door. He just nodded and then looked over at her with a smile as he reached up to briefly play with his hair.
“I’ll see you tomorrow Futaba.”
“Okay.” She said, smiling back at him. “Oh! And I’ll text you a list of movies we need to watch!”
He just nodded again, but that was Tatsuma. He was a man of few words.
Sojiro watched their little exchange with fond eyes before abruptly clearing his throat. “Alright you two lovebirds, time to call it a night.”
“Sojiro!” Futaba whined as her face flushed in embarrassment. Although, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Tatsuma turn a lovely shade of pink as well which made her feel a little better.
Sojiro just laughed before heading outside. She scowled at his back, secretly planning her revenge, before throwing her boyfriend a quick wave and hurrying after him.
The two of them walked silently for a little while, Futaba still annoyed with his previous comment, but it was a comfortable silence. She enjoyed just being with her dad. He was the only adult, other than her mom, that really cared about her. It was a tiny bit embarrassing but she was very grateful that he was in her life.
“So, how did your little shopping trip go today?” He suddenly asked as they passed by the movie theater.
Futaba looked over at him with narrowed eyes, trying to gauge how much he knew. “Fine. I got what I needed.”
“That’s great to hear. I’m sure he’s gonna love it, whatever it is.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “B-but how did you know I got something for Tatsuma?!”
Sojiro chuckled lightly. “A dad always knows.”
Futaba narrowed her eyes at him again but decided not to call him out on his bullshit.
She suddenly felt nervous again. “D-do you really think he’s gonna like it?”
Sojiro stopped walking and looked down at her. “Futaba, it may annoy me to no end, but I’ve seen the way the kid looks at you. Whatever you bought him, he’s going to love. Trust me on that.”
She remained quiet for a moment before looking up at him with a smile. “Okay.”
Sojiro smiled back and then, together, the two of them headed for home.
As she lay in bed that night with a full stomach and Tatsuma’s gift in the closet, Futaba couldn’t help but think that the day had turned out pretty good, all things considered. Her arm still hurt a bit and the image of that annoyed cashier was still fresh in her mind, but she’d accomplished her goal and had even made strides in bettering her interactions with other people.
“Yup…it went pretty darn good…” She mumbled into the silent darkness of her room before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.
The next day would be even better, especially with her key item by her side.