A Weekend Together

(Set in my Life Will Change universe. Takes place in-between the two games.)

Begin!

~Normal POV

Ann was sitting comfortably on the train awaiting her stop. She could see the countryside passing by out the window. It looked quiet and pretty. She liked it well enough- but the city was more her style. Despite living in Japan for some time, she'd spent very little time outside the city area. She knew Yusuke liked to travel to mountainous areas for art inspiration, but she never had a reason to go herself. This was a first for her. She looked down at her phone. Akira had sent her a text saying he would be waiting for her at the station. Good. She had no idea how to get to his house from there, so the help was appreciated.

This was going to be a fun weekend. She had made plans to visit Akira in his hometown and stay over at his family's house. On the condition that she has to sleep in the guest room. His parents weren't that lax. They knew what letting a teenage couple sleep together could lead to. Of course they didn't realize there was a different reason why that wouldn't have happened anyway: it was because Morgana slept in Akira's room too. His parents didn't know that Morgana could talk. Ann giggled to herself imagining what it must look like when Akira can just casually have full conversations with his cat.

Naturally, Akira was just as excited about this visit. He'd love to relax with his girlfriend in person. Talking all the time through texts, and sometimes video calls, could only get you so far. He wanted to be near her again. But he did tell her that she might get bored out here. It had far less to offer in the way of activities, so it might not be too interesting. But he dropped the subject when she reminded him that she didn't care as long as they were able to spend some time together.

The train's intercom announced that they were nearing their stop. Ann pocketed her phone and grabbed her bag. She didn't need to pack much since it was only one night. The train slowed to a stop at the platform. She stepped outside and looked around. It was a small station, and there weren't many people, so it didn't take long to spot Akira waiting nearby. He greeted her with a bright smile as she ran over to hug him.

"Hey! I didn't keep you waiting too long, did I?"

"Nah, we basically just got here," Akira said, happily.

As if right on cue, the bag on his shoulder shuffled and Morgana poked his head out to greet her. "Hi, Lady Ann!"

Ann petted the little cat's head, making him purr. It seemed they decided to keep up their habit of Akira carrying him around when he went out. Or at least for the moment. He probably tagged along just to see her. Morgana may have gotten over his feelings for Ann a while ago, but he was still her friend too.

Akira took her hand and led her out as the three chatted happily. Mainly they talked about updates on everyone else back in the city. Akira kept up with the groupchat regularly, but sometimes it was better to hear it said aloud. Makoto and Haru were having fun at college. Ryuji's physical therapy for his leg was going well, and he and Haru were still going strong, despite the distance issue. Yusuke had won a few recent art contests, and was getting better at managing his cash. Futaba had adjusted well to being in public school again, with Ann and Ryuji around to help her out. Akira had some initial concerns about her choosing to go to Shujin, with its generally awful reputation, but it was nice to hear she was comfortable there.

~...

It took a while, but they made it back to Akira's house. Ann had only been here once before. It was when the team drove him home at the end of his stay in Tokyo. When they arrived at the time, his parents were very welcoming and kind to them. They let them stay for dinner and made an effort to get to know everyone. And Akira was proud to say that he called the team his family too. Ever since they heard him say it aloud that one time in Shido's Palace, they had adopted the title. It sounded much better than just saying they were a team or a gang.