Work Text:
Wonder was going to scream. Usually the regaining of memories lost once entering a Not-Palace wasn’t that bad, just a few seconds needed to organise the new information and everything was fine. It was a happy thing, remembering friends you cared deeply about but could scarcely keep in your head.
Except the last conversation he had with Joker…
Maybe, just maybe, if Wonder was lucky, Joker wouldn’t be involved with this Not-Palace at all!
“There you are, Nacchan.”
Nevermind, Wonder had never been lucky a day in his life.
Wonder turned around, his face pinched into a smile. “Joker.”
Joker looked around idly, as if there would be anything to see in the halls of the stark white Not-Palace that he hasn’t seen already. “Your boyfriend won’t get jealous of me calling you that, will he? Is he around?”
“Not my boyfriend.” Wonder instantly refuted, ignoring the way his hand burned at the statement. “And probably? As far as I’m aware none of my Thieves are here with me so if he is then he’ll probably show his face soon enough.”
“You mean your face.”
Wonder rolled his eyes. “We have joint custody. Where’s the rest of your team?”
“Ahead, It’s Skull, Queen and Panther with me this time.”
“There’s… not a single navigator on that team.”
“Good thing you have me then, huh Nacchan?”
Wonder is unashamed to say that he jumped. He is slightly ashamed to say that Joker did not. “Jesus fucking Christ Wonder.”
White Mask smiled innocently, like he had done nothing wrong. “How could Jesus fuck Christ? They’re the same person you know.”
Joker gave White Mask a look. “I wonder how. Kind of you to show your face early this time.”
“You’re a Navigator?” Wonder questioned, ignoring Joker’s comment. “But you can cast spells… Not as good as Wind or Oracle then”
“Who says I can’t do both? Casting spells and being a dedicated Navigator.” Wonder shrugged, “I am a man of many talents Mr. Wildcard.”
That led to a curious question. Was White Mask a Wildcard? Wonder had never seen him using a persona but he probably had one, to cast spells without a persona was…? Well Wonder couldn’t say it was impossible, very little was truly impossible to Wonder’s mind anymore, especially within a Not-Palace.
“Is honesty one of those talents?” Sardonic was the most accurate way to describe Joker’s expression towards White Mask. “If I asked you a question about you and Red, would you answer honestly?”
“Oh I’m terrible at this honesty thing.” White Mask admitted without remorse. “Nacchan doesn’t tend to believe half the words I say even when I really am being honest. But! I’ll never give up an opportunity to gush about Nacchan.”
Wonder swatted White Mask’s hand away before his nose could get booped again, taking pride in the resulting pout.
“How’d you meet?” Joker asked, as if he didn’t already know.
“Nacchan found a phone on the ground and I shot it out of his hands.”
“More specifically,” Wonder started, “I found his phone on the ground.”
“I couldn’t have you getting into my notes app, that’d be a problem.”
Wonder did a double take. “You admit it?”
“You won’t remember anyway so sure.” White Mask grinned, “It was my phone and it was me in the picture.”
If Wonder punched White Mask right now there theoretically wouldn’t be any consequences due to the memory wipe.
Except… Nacchan was a nickname developed in a Not-Palace and it carried on outside of them, because of course it would. Nevermind then, White Mask simply got more confusing by the second.
“Don’t you need your phone to get in and out of the Metaverse?” Joker didn’t show his confusion but it was clear in his voice.
“No.” White Mask scoffed, “I use the same method the mascots use.”
Wonder silently turned to Joker as if to ask if he knew what method Cattle and Mona used. Joker shook his head in response, as expected really.
With a sigh Wonder started to walk forward, towards where Joker had come from, Joker and White Mask caught up without issue.
The three of them quickly fell into a rhythm, Joker held mostly attack oriented Persona on him while Wonder held mostly support oriented Persona, coupled with White Mask’s navigation allowing them to avoid as many fights as possible, they had no issue making it back to Joker’s team.
Joker’s team that were gaping at the two Wonder.
“So uh, you need help with your evil twin situation Wonder?” Skull tried.
“The red visor is intimidating, isn’t it.” White Mask agreed, but Wonder knew that White Mask knew that Skull wasn’t talking to him. “Though I’m not sure I like the insinuation that we’re related.”
Joker grimaced, knowing full well what White Mask meant by that while his friends just seemed unsure.
“You know that’s not what he meant, Hood.” Wonder reprimanded, tugging sharply down on the hood in question. “Ignore him Skull, he’s… mostly harmless.”
Wonder pointedly ignored Joker’s stare.
“Mostly?” It seemed Queen wasn’t willing to let that go either, sending her own suspicious glances towards White Mask. “Just who is he? Why does he look like you, Wonder?”
Everyone turned to Wonder, including White Mask himself.
“This is Wonder.” Wonder introduced with grit teeth. “But he also goes by White Mask. He is me to a certain extent, I just don’t know how far.”
White Mask seemed surprised at the admission but not displeased.
“Okay but how are there two of you?” Panther asked the two, taking it upon herself to ask the one question they were all thinking.
“Cognitive bullshit.” Wonder deadpanned, “in other words, no clue.”
Everyone then turned to White Mask.
“If I said that I’m the original Wonder and Nacchan is the cognitive copy, would any of you believe me?” White Mask gave his most innocent smile but it was clear by expression alone that not a single person believed him. “Worth a shot.”
Queen was starting to look a little murderous in her annoyance. Wonder should probably avoid mentioning that White Mask stabbed him in some cuteness aggression fueled fit.
“Don’t bother, getting answers is like pulling teeth.” Wonder tried to sound reassuring. He didn’t really want White Mask to provide answers anyway, it would feel… unsatisfying to get them this way.
“If you say so.” Queen acquiesced, her eyes still full with suspicion. “Should we continue onward Joker? Now that we’ve found Wonder.”
Joker nodded and scanned the people in front of him. His mind far away with consideration.
“You can keep leading your team while Wonder and I hang back as he navigates.” Wonder suggested, “that’s what you’re used to, right?”
“Are you sure? I don’t think the others would mind watching over him.”
Wonder snorted, of course they would mind but a bleeding heart seemed to be a requirement of the Phantom Thieves no matter the universe or timeline. “We’ll be fine Joker, this is my chance to see you in your element!”
A cocky grin formed on Joker’s face as he willingly took the bait. “Watch and learn Kouhai, Joker-senpai will teach you all you need to know.”
And then they were off. Wonder could really see just how experienced the other Phantom Thieves were in time like these, where he could take a back seat and just watch and learn. They worked like a well oiled machine, Joker barely had to motion to Panther or Skull but Queen was no slouch either when it came to interpreting orders.
Then there was White Mask in all his mysterious glory. No Persona to be found but still managed to Navigate just fine, to the quality of a dedicated navigator even.
It was interesting to witness it from an outside perspective. White Mask was snarky but ultimately truthful, providing assistance when necessary. He was confident, clearly knew what he was doing but it made Wonder curious as to when he may have had the opportunity to Navigate for a team, as far as Wonder was aware White Mask operated alone.
Except, White Mask admitted that the phone was his and it was him in the picture. The picture with Motoha and Noge.
Maybe White Mask did have a team at some point.
“You like what you see?” White Mask interrupted, giving Wonder an almost smug look.
“What, you just standing there?”
White Mask shrugged, “To each their own. I like what I see every time it’s you.”
How could White Mask stand to say such embarrassing things with something bordering on sincerity. But it wasn’t sincere, it couldn’t be.
“Didn’t mean much when you—” Wonder cut himself off, glancing nervously at the Phantom Thieves of Hearts who were negotiating with a shadow for something. Still it was clear what Wonder was alluding to.
“Ah but you look so pretty in red Nacchan.” Before Wonder could refute with something along the lines of ‘that’s not an excuse’ White Mask refocused his attention. “Good job team! You’re all looking tired though, there aren’t any enemies around so you should take a break.”
Wary they may be of White Mask, the exhaustion of the other Thieves was clear. It made Wonder feel a little bad, none of the battles had been particularly difficult, and Wonder knew the importance of having a member in reserve but it still made him feel a bit like dead weight.
Eventually Joker nodded, “We’ll rest here for a bit.”
The four then proceeded to practically collapse, leaving Wonder and White Mask standing awkwardly.
“I don’t think they’re getting up for a while.” White Mask commented, looking vaguely amused and sitting down.
Wonder sat down next to him. “Nope, there were a lot of shadows though so I don’t blame them.”
White Mask hummed. They sat in silence for a bit. Wonder stared on at the Thieves interacting with one another, it was sweet to see their friendship.
But that wasn’t enough to get Wonder to ignore the clear gaze on him. “What?”
“You’re really cute.”
Wonder let out an annoyed huff but part of him preened at the compliment. “So you keep saying.”
“I mean it, Nagisa.”
A shiver trailed down Wonder’s spine as he tried to turn away to hide his blush, but White Mask’s hand carefully redirected Wonder’s gaze back to him.
White Mask leaned in ever so slowly. “Can I?”
Fear gripped at Wonder’s heart but he nodded anyway.
Then for just a moment they were together, becoming one for a second that tested the limits of infinity.
After far too little time, White Mask pulled apart, his smile giddier than Wonder had ever seen it. Wonder pulled him back in for another kiss, unable to keep himself from smiling into it but that was okay, White Mask was smiling too.
They separated again, both panting slightly.
“If I did that outside a Not-Palace, would you be as accepting?” White Mask wondered aloud.
“Probably not…?” Wonder muttered back, his mind struggling to catch up with what just happened.
White Mask kissed him.
He kissed White Mask.
He liked it too! What was wrong with him, Wonder never would have described their relationship as romantic and yet… And yet Wonder was upset, disappointed in the fact that he almost definitely wouldn’t accept a kiss from White Mask outside the Not-Palace. It almost made him not want to leave.
Wonder’s whole body felt warm as he whined and put his head in his knees.
What was his life?
White Mask laughed, completely unashamed. “You are so cute, Nacchan.”
“Shut up!”
Don’t think about how he didn’t say your name. Don’t think about how he didn’t say your name. Don’t think about how he didn’t say your name. Don’t think about it!
“I think we’ve rested enough.” Joker stood up and looked at his team, nodding at each one of his thieves.
Great! A distraction.
“Agreed,” White Mask stood up. “I also think it’s time I take my leave.”
Wonder frowned, “Why?”
“The Not-Treasure is just a few doors down and there aren’t many enemies. Not any new or particularly strong ones either.” White Mask shrugged. “Are you gonna miss me?”
“Are you?” Joker sent Wonder a look full of judgement.
“No…”
White Mask chuckled, easily seeing through Wonder’s flimsy lie. “You’ll see me soon enough.”
Disappointment and relief flooded through Wonder when White Mask placed a kiss on Wonder’s cheek rather than his lips. “I’ll see you around.”
With that, White Mask walked out of sight.
The silence didn’t even get a chance before Joker broke it. “Don’t have a crush, huh?”
“Yeah what the actual fuck was that?!” With Skull’s exclamation the other two Thieves plus Skull himself started airing their grievances.
It would be funny if it was about literally anything else.
“You don’t even know who he is or what his goal is and you’re entering a romantic relationship?” Queen questioned.
“It’s not–It’s not a romantic relationship!” And that was the truth, an intimate one but not inherently romantic. “It’s complicated.”
“But he still looks like you, right? Ain’t that weird?” Skull frowned.
“I think Red–Wonder’s into that.” Joker answered.
“Joker!” Wonder hissed, giving out an exasperated sigh. “The whole ‘looks like me’ thing is a point against him.”
“…Right.”
“He initiated it, right?” Queen waited for Wonder to nod before continuing. “This could be a manipulation tactic.
“It could be.” Wonder agreed, “I think I’m more lenient here than out of here though, and considering the fact that he…” Considering the fact White Mask stabbed him, it seemed unlikely. “White Mask is flirty by nature.”
“You said he was you, are you flirty by nature?” Panther squinted at him like she was trying to envision something.
Wonder snorted, “God no, like I said, it’s complicated.”
Wonder did not miss the look Skull, Panther and Queen sent Joker, nor the look Joker sent back. Something to ask the next time they met. Wonder bet it had something to do with Crow or Violet.
“If you say so.” Joker said, finally dropping the topic, “We’ll talk about this another time. Watch our backs since we have no Navi, yeah?”
“Got it.”
Everyone nodded as they got in formation and headed towards where White Mask said the exit was.
With every step Wonder’s dread grew.
He didn’t want to forget.