burningblossoms | Recolle Inbox

That may be a good idea. These memories are triggered by something I think. But I don't know what.

[A pause, several minutes of it.]

Naoto texted me. She's convinced I'm lying about remembering her. :(

[She has no clue, and wishes she did.]

I don't have your patience. I couldn't deal with a significant other that disappeared on me.

[It's the metal bird lady thanks. Her Stand, Metal Sax.]

Like I forgot, yes. Like...I have always had this power, and never known about it.

[That's about the shape of things.]

I'm sure something will come to you in time.

What?

[ That's .... a much harsher treatment than he himself received from Naoto, and he finds himself frowning at his phone. ]

Yukiko-san, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. Accusing you of being a liar... you wouldn't do something like that.

[ What can they do? ]

I'll try and talk to her again.

I think she doesn't understand that I have trouble reading people and their intentions.

I mean, I admit it. I don't get clues sometimes. Ms. Menodora taught me a lot about American life and expectations, but I'm still learning.

I think she believed I'm lying because she can't believe I understand she's a girl, but didn't understand that she was deliberately trying to seem like a boy. I haven't ever met someone who's like that before, so how should I know?

To be honest, I feel similarly. If she's a girl dressing as a boy, she must have a reason for doing it. I don't really care what that reason is. She can do what she wants.

But it seems Shirogane-san cares a lot about that reason, and seems to think we might have some reason to try and uncover it, or think her gender matters.

Again, I'm sorry. You didn't do anything wrong. Her anger should be directed at me, if at anyone.

Right. I couldn't care less what gender she is. It doesn't change who she is at all. She's still Naoto. Boy or girl, she's still brilliant.

It's not your fault though, but thank you. I don't even remember telling you. It just didn't seem important, much like her gender.

That's exactly how I feel. I hope she knows that. Girl or boy, we'll absolutely need Shirogane-san's help in the coming months. I don't think we can do without her.

You barely did. From what I remember, we were talking about her, and you called her "she." That was all. All I really needed to do was see her again to get confirmation that you were right.

How strange. Is it that hard to believe I'm perceptive? =|

[ She chuckles. ] I don't think I'm patient. I'm just used to it.

[ Her mother's death. Nobu's disappearance. The fear of holding someone tightly—or not tight enough—before what Yuuko knows to be the inevitable.

But, Nobu came back. Ryoji came back, too. ]

Besides, I can always find another boyfriend. There's only one Ryoji.

[ When she opens her mouth to continue, an ache begins in her head. Then, her heart. A lump forms in her throat. ]

... Sorry. I'll talk to you when you get here. Take care, okay?

Personas.

They're called Personas.

Not really?

I hope we can work all this out.

[Yukiko doesn't respond to that, she just drives into the twilight, pulling into the park and hopping out with Al Capug on a leash. The dog yaps happily, immediately darting towards the grass and Yuuko, fast enough that his trilby nearly flies off. Good thing it has a strap.]

H-Hey! Calm down, Al!

[Nope. Here he comes. Fast enough to slip the leash and bolt up to Yuuko, puggy eyes bright and tail wagging.

Someone's happy to see you.]

I know.

I remembered.

I know that they come from Shadows, too.

I'm sure we will.

Shadows?

Perhaps you should have realized that you never see me using the women's restroom at school?
Either you're lying or you're incredibly insensitive.
And I have no reason to assume you're telling the truth about anything now.
My identity is my own and it's for a reason.

[Jesus, way to make her cry, Naoto.]

If I may be blunt?
I don't pay attention to who comes and goes from restrooms.
Just as I've never questioned your identity.
You are who you are, and if you want to be male, then I'll refer to you as male from now on.

I am probably being insensitive and I sincerely beg your forgiveness. I have no experience with anything like this, and all I ask that you give me an opportunity to learn. Clearly I need to, if I have offended you in any way.

I also ask that you not accuse me of lying. I would not lie to you, I have no reason to do so, and your gender has no bearing on that whatsoever.

Shadows. Those...things we've seen. The monsters we fight in the memories, those are Shadows.

The ones that look like people with golden eyes are also Shadows.

I
It's not that

[She deletes and tries again]

I do not "want" to be male. But I do "want"
the world to perceive me as such. The reasons are mine alone.

Would you want people walking around casually telling others your secrets?
I don't think I'm being that unreasonable.

I don't want or need to know your reasons, Naoto. I haven't asked, because it is not my place to do anything but support you. That's what I want.

And Yu told me how I told him. At his party I referred to you as She. It was an accident, and I swear it will not happen again, all the more so now that I know. You aren't being unreasonable in asking me to keep your secret.

I don't want to lose what connection we have. Is it unreasonable for me to request the chance to do right by you?

Edited 2017-06-01 23:51 (UTC)

[ If there's anything that can bring a smile to Yuuko's face, it's a cute animal. Al runs and she crouches to welcome him with bright eyes and open arms. Yuuko and dogs don't get along but as with love and hate, there are always exceptions to the rule. ]

Aww, it's Al! Here, boy!

[ She giggles and scoops him up and he kisses her cheek, or something like it. It's probably the happiest Yuuko's been in days. ]

Hey, Yukiko! I didn't think you'd bring him...

[Trotting up, Yukiko laughs lightly, amused by Al's antics already. He really was the best dog you could ask for, honestly. He just had a lot of love, nevermind the gangster attitude and the hat. Al Capug may burn your doghouse down for the insurance money, but he'd slobber all over you happily.]

Why wouldn't I? You sounded like you could use some pug in your life.

[Can't we all?]

He definitely likes you, too.

Hm. I see.

[That makes her feel a little better, she supposes?]

I suppose it's not unreasonable to want a second chance.
I'll likely give it.
But I need a few days. Whatever your actions or intentions, this felt like a betrayal.

That's up to you.

Contact me when you feel ready to talk again.

Please take care of yourself, Naoto.

[And she won't respond again unless asked a direct question.]

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