Work Text:
When Yusuke opens his eyes, he faintly remembers hearing a slight buzz. He groans and flips to his side. He's got a slight headache. Who knows why. He grabs his phone and sees he has a text from Ann. Surprised, he sits up on his futon and reads the message. Or, more precisely, messages.
Hey, Yusuke! Good morning!
Sorry if it's too early but I was wondering if you would be willing to come with me to my modeling session this afternoon.
Tbh, I've been feeling quite nervous about this one and I thought having you there would help me relax. It’s a very important gig so I’m also very excited!
Yusuke doesn't know what to make of this. He never expected Ann to ask him of all people to accompany her to a modeling session. Sure, he had apologized for his behavior when they first met just a few weeks prior and he did everything he could to make it up to her, yet he had imagined Ann's trust in him would be on thin ice even after apologizing and talking it out. Why would she want him to be present in something as personal as a modeling session? In any case, she could’ve just asked Ren or Ryuji, as she seemingly trusted them more. Probably none of them were available. Ah yes, that must be it.
The texts keep coming.
Anyway, I’d like you to be there. Perhaps you could grab some inspo for a painting.
Also, I'll get some sweets for us after that. What you say?
Yusuke ponders for a second. He's got quite a load of work for the next couple of days, he doesn’t know if it will serve him well to be distracted. Not to mention that this mysterious headache apparently will only get worse.
Yet, he can't even fathom the thought of declining Ann's offer. He did promise he would be there for her anytime she needed him. And as the image of her smile pops into his mind he realizes that nothing would bring him more joy than seeing it in person one more time.
Good morning, Ann. It would be my pleasure. Just let me know the details and I’ll meet you there.
Sooner than he expected, the reply comes in.
Oh my god, thank you so much! I’ll text you later with the address ;)
Yusuke can’t explain it, but a warm feeling flows through his chest when he reads the last text. Inspiration must be, inspiration from his muse. Yes, that must be it.
–
As the time approaches, Yusuke finds it very hard to concentrate on the current piece he's working on. Ann’s been on his mind the whole time and even with all the inspiration he thought he had, he’s not really going anywhere with this one. The headache is definitely not helping. Yet again, he’s been able to work with a headache and all kinds of pain before. What is wrong with him today?
Perhaps watching Ann actually model will help him get the creative juices flowing. Resigned, he packs his sketchbook and goes out the door to meet Ann. Some fresh air would surely do him some good. At least, that’s what Ann always says.
–
When he finally sees Ann approach him in the station, a huge smile plastered on her lovely face, he feels an unfamiliar sensation and without noticing, an equally huge smile grows on his own face.
“Hi Yusuke! Thank you so much for coming.” Ann says cheerfully.
Yusuke only smiles. He probably should say something, shouldn’t he?
“Thank you for inviting me.” He simply says.
“Ryuji will be joining us at the entrance of the set.” Ann says with an even bigger smile.
“Oh,” Yusuke says. Another unfamiliar sensation invades him. He’s been getting many of those lately. It’s getting pretty annoying. “That’s nice.” He says with a smile.
When they arrive at the set, Ryuji greets them with a smile almost as bright as Ann’s, after which they go inside. Ann politely greets the team while Ryuji and Yusuke look around the place, both of them amazed at the utter enormity of the set. The amount of people working here is also impressive. Yusuke wonders if this is something Ann is used to. Nevertheless, this must be a very important agency. Therefore, it’s important to Ann. He must remember this. He can’t be going around the place making people uncomfortable. The last thing he wants is to ruin this for her with his eccentricities. He has to remain focused and try his best not to be a weirdo.
When he returns his attention to her, she’s looking at him with a nervous smile. She exchanges pleasantries with a woman and she returns to Ryuji and Yusuke. “We’ll start in about 15 minutes.” She says exchanging a glance and a smile with them.
Suddenly, a tall man approaches them from behind Ann and greets them politely. Ann is a little bit startled when he touches her back, but immediately smiles at him.
“Oh, this is Ryota Kobayashi. The project director.” Ann says politely as she bows. “These are my friends Yusuke and Ryuji. They came to cheer me on, I hope it’s not a problem.”
“Oh, of course not. I’m glad you have such supportive friends.” He says looking at them.
Yusuke thinks the man is good looking and charismatic. But the way he’s looking at Ann is a bit unsettling. Also, the man’s expression when he acknowledged Ryuji and him was nothing short of suspicious. Ryuji seems to think the same thing since he turns to Yusuke with a concerned expression. Fortunately, neither of them say anything until the man is out of earshot.
“Ok, I’ll go and get dressed. You guys behave yourselves, please.” She says nervously and disappears into the changing rooms.
“There’s something fishy about that man.” Ryuji says as soon as Ann is gone. Yusuke is pulled back to reality by his voice. It takes him a moment to catch what Ryuji said.
“Yes, I thought so too. His gaze on Ann was somewhat disquieting.” Yusuke says quietly, recalling how Ann looked in his presence. She wasn’t very visibly shaken or uncomfortable but she did sound kind of nervous. It probably just was because that was the project director and her future on the project depended on him. Yet, he didn’t like the way he approached Ann and touched her back without her consent. Even if it was just ephemeral.
“Let’s keep an eye on him.“ Ryuji states simply. Yusuke nods.
—
The photoshoot begins and Yusuke can’t help but admire the way Ann navigates each pose with grace and confidence. It is a truly beautiful sight to behold. He feels compelled to take out his sketchbook and start drawing, but for some reason he can’t get himself to stare away from her. He’s just too entranced by the sheer grace she portrays.
The shoot ends and Ann joins them again. “So, how was it?” She asks with a slight tremble in her voice. She looks nervous, excited and tired all at the same time. It was a long one, a lot of people involved, she must be having some kind of sensory over stimulation. At least that’s what Yusuke can compare it to.
“You were great, dude! Sure as hell you impressed everyone.” Ryuji says energetically.
“You were magnificent, Ann.” Yusuke says. “They would be blind not to see how gorgeous you are.”
Ann fails to hide the blush that appears on her cheeks. “Th-Thank you.” She says shyly. She’s just adorable when she’s embarrassed.
"Ann-chan!" Ryota yells.
Everybody turns towards him. Upon seeing him Yusuke's expression sours. There’s just something about the man that rubs him the wrong way.
"That was fantastic! I’m sure everybody would love to have you on the campaign.” Ann’s expression brightens immediately.
“Would you like that?” Ryota asks with a big grin plastered on his face. Yusuke strongly dislikes it.
“Are you serious?” Ann asks excitedly. Ryota nods and his smirk grows. “Yes! Of course I would, thank you so much!” Ann’s expression is as bright as the sun.
“It would be a joy to have you. I just need to work some things out very quickly. You know, bureaucracy.” Ann nods. “Would you mind accompanying me to my office for a second, please?”
“Oh, sure.” Ann says politely. Ryota begins dismissing the rest of the staff while they start to walk towards the office. Ryuji and Yusuke begin following intently.
“Alone, if you wouldn’t mind.” Ryota says. He doesn’t even turn to look at the boys.
Ryuji and Yusuke turn to look at Ann concerned, but she nods and mouths ‘it’s okay’. Although Yusuke can clearly see she’s anxious. He watches her disappear behind the door to Ryota’s office.
–
Yusuke waits outside of the office while he observes the last members of the staff leave the premises. After about 20 minutes that felt much longer to him, Yusuke can hear loud voices on the other side of the door. He can hear Ann almost shout, her tone serious. But he can’t understand what’s being said. He stands up right away, alarmed. He turns to look for Ryuji but the blond boy is nowhere to be found. He still must be in the bathroom. That guy’s timing is horrible.
Ann’s voice is getting louder by the minute and this time he can hear her yell: “No! You won’t be using me to satisfy your perverted desires! Forget about me!” Yusuke hears Ann approaching the door.
“You’re not getting anywhere with that bitchy attitude! I could skyrocket you to fame! I’m just asking for a little something in return.” Ryota yells.
“I said no!” Ann tries to open the door but Ryota stops her. “Hey! Don’t touch me!”
Yusuke’s not having this any longer. He tries to open the door but it’s locked. “Hey! Open the door right now!” He yells, but receives no response. “Ann, are you alright?!” He asks and he hears Ann yell once again: “Leave me alone!”
He feels his blood boil and he’s about to charge into the door when Ryuji suddenly reappears behind him.
“What’s going on?!” Ryuji asks.
“He’s got her locked in with him!” Yusuke responds frantically.
“What?! That dick!” Ryuji yells and starts banging the door loudly. “Hey shithead, let her go!”
Ryuji loses his patience after a couple of seconds. “Fuck this!” And as he’s getting ready to slam the door down, it opens letting a furious Ann through.
“Ann, are you okay?!” Yusuke asks worriedly. “Did he hurt you?!”
“I’m okay, let’s get out of here.” Ann says in a low broken voice. She sounds as if she’s going to cry any second.
Yusuke looks at Ryuji and he certainly looks like he wants to punch the guy, but he controls himself. Yusuke silently thanks him, though he would also like to take a fist to the guy’s face. Nevertheless they start walking to leave.
“Nobody’s gonna want you anywhere else! You could’ve had everything with me!” Ryota yells and Yusuke stops dead in his tracks.
"You could've been perfect, Ann!" Yusuke hears what Ryota says and in that moment something inside him snaps. He slightly turns to face the man and chuckles a little bit. When Ann and Ryuji look at him they see Yusuke staring at the man with an expression Ann and Ryuji had only seen when Yusuke learned what Madarame did to his mom.
"Now, you truly are an utter fool. You are blind!" Yusuke says. He's almost yelling at this point and his stance conveys a defensiveness usually only carried by Fox. "How can you not see that she is already perfect?!"
Ann can only stand there and stare. Completely dumbfounded. "Yusuke…"
“She’s perfect just the way she is and she’ll never need someone as vile as you to reach the heights you never will. So stay away from her, you’re not worthy of her beautiful presence.” Yusuke finishes and turns around.
Both Ann and Ryuji are staring at him, silent. In the time they'd known Yusuke, he's always been so calm and composed. It was astonishing for them to see him this way.
“Yusuke…” Ann tries to say something but she stops herself.
“Let us go, no need to extend our presence here.” Yusuke says and they turn to leave. As they walk away, they hear the door behind them slam.
--
"What an idiot I was…" Ann says once they're walking outside.
"Ann…" Ryuji starts but gets interrupted.
"Let's just go home." Ann says with a broken voice. "I want to forget about this."
"Alright. Let us walk you to the station then." Yusuke offers.
"Oh shit, I forgot I needed to go buy some groceries for my mom before going home." Ryuji says. "It's getting late, sorry."
"Worry not. I'll go with Ann and make sure she arrives home safely." Yusuke offers again.
"Will you be okay, Ann?" Ryuji asks, feeling guilty. He really should be with his friend right now but his mom will be home soon and he needs to tend to her.
"It's fine, Ryuji. I'll be alright. I'm with Yusuke after all." Ann says with a small smile.
"Ok, then. I'll call you later. See ya!" Ryuji says and starts running towards the other side of the street.
Ann and Yusuke walk in silence for a couple of minutes until Ann speaks.
"Thank you for what you did back there. You know, standing up for me and what you said…" Ann says softly with some hesitation in her voice.
"I said nothing but the truth, Ann." Yusuke says calmly.
Ann smiles genuinely for a second before feeling her eyes fill with tears. She looks to the floor and slows down her pace. She stops suddenly and, no longer being able to hold back the tears, she starts sobbing quietly. She covers her face with both her hands, not wanting to be seen like this.
Yusuke stops as well to look at her. His heart shatters with every tear that falls down from Ann's face. This should have been Ann's big opportunity. She should've been happy tonight.
Yusuke takes a step towards her and wraps his long arms around her shaking body. Almost instantly, he feels Ann uncover her face and clench her fists around the fabric of his shirt, letting her head fall to his chest.
He lets her cry for a moment without saying anything, just gently stroking her back and hair, until she tries to talk between sobs.
"I'm sorry… I just…" She tries to say while trying to control her breath.
"It's alright, Ann." Yusuke replies immediately with a gentle low voice. "There's no shame in crying. Just let everything go." He gives her another minute to cry in silence until he feels her head lift and her body moving away from him.
She's still lightly sobbing and sniffing but Yusuke can see she is a bit calmer. He then dares to ask: "Did he touch you? Did he do something to you?"
He tries to sound calm but the mere thought of that man laying his dirty hands on Ann makes his anger rise.
"No," she replies quickly as she wipes her nose with the back of her hand. "I didn't let him."
Yusuke's relief is evident in the way he exhales.
"But he did imply that he wanted some sexual favors in exchange for my participation in the campaign." The anger returns immediately to Yusuke’s face.
“He… also wanted me to do a nude photoshoot for his private collection.” She says with a hint of hesitation in her voice.
Oh… Yusuke thinks and the anger is replaced by guilt and shame. It appears to be evident in his face since Ann soon tries to ease his blame.
“Don’t worry, Yusuke. It’s different. I know your intentions were not like his. His were perverted and vile. I saw it in his expression.” Ann says gently but it doesn’t do much to ease Yusuke’s guilt. He remains silent and watches her take a deep breath.
“He made me feel like when Kamoshida was using Shiho to get to me. Putting something I care about on the line just to get their way with me." Ann said with a low voice, anger lacing her last sentence. "I’m tired of being seen as a sexual object!” She says and another tear makes its way out of her eye.
Yusuke is at a loss for words. He wants to comfort her, he wants to make her see she’s not a possession or something to lust after. But after what he himself did when they met, he doesn’t have the right to say anything to her. Instead, he just apologizes once again. For his own behavior and that of the gender he represents.
“I’m really sorry, Ann.” He says looking downwards.
“Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault.” She says, wiping away her tears.
“It is, somewhat.” Yusuke’s voice almost breaks. “You shouldn’t have to be objectified, you’re not some prized possession someone gets to show off! You’re a kind, smart person who deserves to be free and happy. I wish I could make everyone see that!” Yusuke says out of frustration.
“I’m sorry for the times I’ve made you feel like you’re merely an art piece or a project. I, too, have contributed to that despicable conduct. We men are terrible beings, and I’m ashamed to belong to that category.” Yusuke adds.
“Hey, no. Don’t say that. Not every man is horrible. You’re not horrible. Neither is Ren or Ryuji. You’re different.” Ann says with a small smile. “And there’s also terrible women as well. It’s not the fault of just one gender or one group of people, Yusuke.”
Ann never ceases to amaze Yusuke. How can she remain so gentle and kind? She’s still trying to ease his mind when she’s just been wronged, once again, by someone like himself. She truly is amazing and Yusuke doesn’t feel worthy of her company. Yet, he really doesn’t want to be away from her. He’s got to be better than his former self if he wants to be worthy of her friendship.
Ann sighs and starts walking again. "Let's go." She says softly.
"Ann, would you honor me with your company a little longer? I know a place nearby that might cheer you up." Yusuke says after thinking for a moment.
"Oh, um… Sure." She says with some hesitation, but her curiosity get the better of her.
--
They arrive at a park with a small lake that overlooks a private flower garden. There's some koi fish and a couple ducks in the lake. The park is nicely lit with some floor lamps and the usual street lights, along with the last sun rays that give the trees a magical appearance. The design of the park is simple yet beautiful, displaying some pleasingly trimmed shrubs and a couple of cherry blossoms showing the last of their color.
There's a tiny smoothie shop in a corner of the park and they stop to buy smoothies for both of them. Yusuke pays for both. 'I will just cut on art expenses a little next week' he thinks to himself.
"This place is so cute! I've never been here before." Ann says with a joyful tone as they walk to the railing surrounding the lake. They both lean into the railing to better appreciate the scenery.
"It is indeed a nice place. I used to come here sometimes for inspiration or to clear my mind before-" He stops briefly and Ann turns to look at him. "-before you guys rescued me from Madarame." He finally says.
He can feel Ann looking at him with a sad expression and he immediately tries to divert the conversation. "Look at that flower arrangement. The tulips and the cosmos create a spectacular showcase of color and form. Truly a sight to behold."
Ann turns to look at him, then at the flowers. "Yes, it is very beautiful. Thanks for bringing me here, Yusuke. I'm really enjoying it." Ann says with a genuine smile.
"Ah, it's my pleasure. It's the least you deserve after what you just went through." Yusuke answers.
"Yeah, what a fiasco." Ann chuckles slightly. "I really thought this was it. The opportunity I've been waiting for. But it turned out to be just another rotten man inflicting his depravity on others."
"Do not despair, Ann. I have no doubt you'll find other opportunities soon." Yusuke says, looking at the moon's reflection on the lake.
"You think so?" Ann follows his gaze to the lake.
"Yes. I meant what I said back there. You are perfect, Ann. In every way. And it won't be long until someone realizes that and appreciates you for what you are." Yusuke says in a serious tone. He's not even saying it to cheer her up, he genuinely sees Ann as the most perfect being he's ever known. And he feels fortunate to call her his friend.
Ann silently stares at him for a moment, admiring his defined profile. He's always been this handsome, right? Ann feels something inside her flutter with excitement and after everything that's happened today, she only feels braver than ever. He moves closer to him until their forearms are touching.
"Yusuke?" She calls without taking her eyes off him.
"Yes?" He replies and turns to look at her. Their faces are closer than he remembers.
Without hesitation, she leans closer to him and moves her free hand to his cheek. She closes the distance even more until their lips are touching.
Yusuke feels every sensation at once, everything he's been feeling for the last couple of weeks encased in this brief moment. Wait, was this it all along? He's been in love with Ann all this time? Does this mean Ann is in love with him? He's not sure. He has to tread slowly and carefully.
The kiss only lasts a little over two seconds before Ann pulls away, but the feeling is overwhelming for Yusuke. He's too stunned to say anything. He looks at her and her tiny embarrassed smile makes his heart melt. He's never seen her this red. He finds it extremely endearing.
"I- I'm sorry… I couldn't stop myself." She says with a heavy blush on her face.
"No, it's… it was nice. I very much enjoyed it." Yusuke says with a smile, he's not even trying to hide his own blush. "Th- thank you."
They smile awkwardly at each other for a while, until Ann speaks again.
"You know, when I was in that office alone with him, I actually feared for a moment that he would try to force himself on me. He really looked like he was about to do it and I was almost paralyzed. But then hearing your voice reminded me you were out there and it gave me the courage to fight back." Ann says with a shy smile. "So I pushed him aside and opened the door."
Yusuke looks at her with adoration. "You are incredibly brave, Ann. But I would still like to be there for you. I couldn't stand something bad happening to you." Yusuke tells her with genuine concern. He turns to her and takes her hands in his.
"If you'll allow me, I would like to make a vow to you. I promise to always protect you. Should you ever stumble, I'll be there to catch you. I will never let you fall. That's my promise." Yusuke says looking affectionately into her eyes.
With watery eyes, she smiles and wraps her arms around Yusuke's torso. "Thank you, Yusuke." Yusuke returns the embrace. "I will protect you as well." Ann says. He smiles and places a small kiss atop Ann's head. "Very well." He says. They stay like that for a minute until Yusuke speaks again.
"Well, we should get going. It would be wise to get you home before it gets too late."
"Yes, you're right." Ann says, but she doesn't feel like going home. Or more like she doesn't want to be alone at home. She thinks for a second. Would it be appropriate?
"Yusuke, would you… Would you mind coming to my apartment with me?" She asks, blushing once again. "I- I don't want to be alone tonight."
Yusuke smiles. "It would be my pleasure."
They walk to the nearest station and off to Ann's place. He thinks this is a good way to explore his feelings and to get a clearer idea of how Ann feels towards him. He expects a conversation about friendship and love to happen sometime soon.
What he doesn't expect is for them to end up making out on Ann's couch, or him spending the night in Ann's bed holding her close to him. But he's not one to complain. He'll enjoy this as long as she'll have him.