Chapter Text
You've been staring at Joker for a while until he finally asks, "What's up?"
Despite his crossed arms and the annoyance that you might expect, his tone is friendly.
That mask around his eyes that holds a physical, spiritual, embodiment of his will. And the current subject of your curiosity.
Well, you should probably respond. Don't want to keep him waiting.
"I'm a bit curious about your Personas-" you begin. Would expressing this much interest in manifestations of his soul make him uncomfortable? Only one way to find out.
The trickster, in his benevolence, mercifully summons Arsene with a rush of flame. It towers over you, though its disposition is harmless.
"What do you want to find out?"
There's amusement in his voice, by now familiar with your curiosity. It's enough encouragement for you to start asking questions.
"First, when your Personas get hurt, where do you feel it?"
"Usually in the corresponding area of my own body. For the less human-shaped ones, usually around here." He motions towards his chest. "Regardless of the type of attack, I feel a kind of burning sensation. Like when you touch something hot and immediately move away, but if you couldn't move away."
With how casually he says it, you can only imagine this sort of suffering must have become routine.
"And what about human-shaped ones with wings or extra arms?"
He thinks for a second. "I haven't given it that much attention. I'm not sure. We could find out now if you'd like."
On second thought, maybe it isn't a problem for him.
You look back at Arsene and slowly reach a hand towards black feathered wings. "May I..."
Joker nods, because of course he would.
You carefully put a hand on the feathered wing. It's surreal, being able to touch a bird wing without its owner pecking you and flying away if nothing else. Other than that, it's what you'd expect.
"I don't feel anything right now," Joker comments.
The invitation to do something painful isn't lost on you, but you instead decide on gently stroking the feathers. Arsene makes a pleased sound.
"What are you doing?" Joker asks, his expression already softening.
You ignore his question, holding Arsene's wing with one hand and moving the other along it. Arsene practically purrs.
Joker, being especially strong-willed, looks around to make sure no one's nearby before putting his arms around your body and flopping against you from behind.
"What are you feeling now?" You ask playfully.
You can feel his relaxed breath on your skin and hair.
"Not sure it's something I can describe..." He manages, voice content. His eyes seem to be fluttering closed.
It's strange to see his Metaverse alter ego so vulnerable, but not unwelcome.
He draws in a breath and in the commanding tone you're used to, whispers "That's enough."
You immediately stop and Joker groggily pushes himself back up.
Arsene takes your hand and kisses it tenderly before returning to a mask.
Joker steps away from you, takes his mask, and quickly puts it back on. For a moment, you both stand there. You wonder if you accidentally crossed some boundaries until he scoops you up and peppers you with kisses. You're a bit confused but it seems like you made him happy.
"Sorry, that was..." He puts you down, offering a hand for balance. "To answer your question, it felt like drifting into the embrace of sleep. But the embrace was yours. I nearly forgot about my role as leader for a second."
Seeing his shameful look, you find yourself putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Being a leader doesn't mean you can't also be a person. Who needs to be taken care of like anyone else."
He says nothing, but doesn't resist as you bring him to a safe room. Or as you sit with him on a couch. Or as you instruct him to summon Arsene.