True Senpai
May. 2nd, 2018 11:49 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
madimpossibledreamera) it is really hard to write without pronouns but b) i managed it so take that!
(More notes under the cut b/c spoilers. i mean, for a game that came out years ago, but still. I didn't find it the year it came out so)
~Dreamer~
Main Points:
Persona 4 Average AU
Chapter Summary: Yosuke just wants Naoto to know he's there to help.
Word Count: 1007 + bonus notes under the cut
Rating: teen for yosuke's swearing
Naoto's a really interesting case, because I have no idea what the Detective Prince identifies as. (I did include Naoto and Kanji on an essay on depictions of alternate sexual/gender identity a while ago. I wonder where that is, and if it was any good. I should re-read it. The source, too. It was actually super interesting.
Anyway. I vaguely recall finding a source that said that even after the big reveal, Naoto kept using -kun and boku (and other masculine verbs). That might suggest that Naoto thinks of (themself?) as male, and how uncomfortable (he?) seems with anyone pointing out the actual underlying biology (the females on the team kinda harassing [him?] about the figure, the hospital results, the pageant) would also seem to indicate this. Personally, I think that Naoto really hasn't figured (themself?) out yet and how (they?) identify. Hasn't figured out whether the Shadow really was that much of an exaggeration (finding the line between the truth and the exaggeration is ridiculously hard with Shadows), whether Naoto really wants that gender transition surgery to change (their?) life, or whether it's simply a matter of wanting the secondary problems (people not taking you seriously, people wanting to protect you because you're a girl and don't have a brain) to go away. And, being a teen, exploring the truth about that is perfectly natural. Not everyone has their life figured out when they're just a teenager--and they shouldn't be expected to have it all together.
Found that article: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/denial-of-the-self-queer-characters-in-persona-4/1100-6404712/
The worst part of it is the Fortune romantic social link. Especially rank 10. Naoto's pretty clearly putting on the persona (ha! but no, this really isn't funny rn) of the stereotypical schoolgirl. I could see the Detective Prince being in love with Souji|Yu because to be honest pretty much everyone in Inaba is, but putting on an act like that when it clearly makes you very uncomfortable just because you think your date would like it....that's not a healthy relationship. You should feel comfortable being yourself in front of a date and not think well, they'd prefer me better if I'm someone else BECAUSE THEN THEY COULD JUST GO FREAKIN' DATE SOMEONE ELSE AND NOT FORCE YOU TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE. Not saying that you shouldn't push yourself out of your comfort zone, or stop changing or growing or becoming a better person, because you should also do none of those things. But if the creep at your school has been trying to force all the girls into anime outfits and then wants sex out of them and just makes everyone uncomfortable--that's not the way any of this is supposed to work.
If written better than in the game, Naoto could continue being the awesome detective he/she/they is, deciding to be a boyish girl or a guy or eschew gender entirely, and Kanji could date someone of indiscriminate gender because he fell in love with the personality, not the gender. (I might've spoiled some of Yosuke's dialogue below, but...whatever.)
also I headcanon that any not-completely-dumb-boy written yosuke is also just as annoying about naoto to kanji. especially in this because he's heartbroken and his love life is going awful so he wants to see someone else who's happy
Naoto raises an eyebrow. Yosuke-senpai appears to be dancing on the spot. Hopefully this isn’t a confession of some kind, but from what has been observed so far, he’s the type to be shallow and do so after he’s learned of the biology behind the Detective Prince. “Please, go ahead, senpai.” Neutral tone. Not encouraging. Hopefully that will be enough.
“SoIdon’tknowwhatpronounsIshouldkeepusing,” he blurts. It takes Naoto a moment to decipher what he’d said—is he seriously asking about the correct pronouns to use? Which—wait.
Both he and Chie-senpai had continued to say ‘Naoto-kun’ and had used male pronouns, even after they had seen the Shadow. Teddie had immediately switched over and used Nao-chan, which was irritating. Yukiko-senpai and Souji-senpai at least used Naoto-chan, and Kanji-kun had been unable to stumble over a string of four words in observable range.
Unexpected, but that’s no reason to get sloppy. The clues have been there.
Apparently, the silence has gone on long enough, because Yosuke-senpai starts babbling to fill it. He’s incredibly nervous. “I mean, I don’t know if you still identify as a boy, in which case, I’m doing it right, but I’m never sure how much to read into a Shadow because they’re so exaggerated, so I thought the best approach was to ask you, except it took me a few days to work up the nerve. Stupid, am I right? I mean, we’re team, now, but you can be intimidating. Actually, all of you kohai can be intimidat—”
“I haven’t decided. I feel no great attachment one way or another, although Teddie is being rather irritating about it,” Naoto answers, and the boy falls silent, one hand coming up to play nervously with the headphones around his neck.
“Haha, yeah, he does that,” he eventually offers, a kind of silent apology. “I’d try talking to him but he shares everything with his Sensei and I don’t think he’d really get it.”
“Well, then you would run the risk of exposing your own secret.” It’s a gamble as to whether this applies to Chie-senpai or Yosuke-senpai. By the way he gulps and his eyes widen with fear, the gamble paid off. The sympathy and understanding tipped it a little in that direction, but it’s gratifying to know that when paying attention, the correct conclusions can still be drawn. Even if it is a bit embarrassing that the realization had not come sooner. “I am somewhat surprised that Souji-senpai cannot be trusted with this secret.”
Yosuke-senpai winces and instinctively flinches. From that reaction, this is indeed the case, although—
“It’s just…if I needed any proof, the way he immediately switched pronouns for you kind of just sealed the deal.” He’s begun tapping a rather nervous rhythm on his headphones, fidgeting. “People are the biological sex they were born. I’m surprised he hasn’t noticed how uncomfortable you are when he refers to you that way.”
“It is easy to miss clues when you are not looking for them,” Naoto points out, and his eyes are sad and in pain as he glances downward. “I assume the inflexibilities are due to his own upbringing?”
Yosuke-senpai nods, miserable, and Naoto manages, for the first time since being thrown into the TV, a smile. “Do not worry, Yosuke-senpai. You’re certainly a boy, although you try too hard at times.” It takes a moment before the decision to continue is made. “Thank you for not changing how you treat me.”
If any further proof was needed that he really meant well, this confirmed it. His eyes are wide, surprised. “What the hell, Naoto-kun, of course I wouldn’t change how I treated you! I—I mean, I might be bi, but you’re so not my type.”
That had not been what was meant, but the suspicion arises that Yosuke-senpai will continue to deflect rather than accept the compliment for how it was meant. If he really had been solely the pervert he played, Naoto’s opinion would not have mattered, only the shape of the biological body. Instead, Yosuke-senpai corners the Detective Prince only to make sure he continued to use the comfortable manner of address. Went out of his way to make sure the newest teammate was comfortable. It is likely that the aforementioned behavior is a combination of the hormone treatment and an act to convince all ‘this is a boy, look no further’. For a moment, it’s surprising that he knows of different sexualities as well, until the realization of the likely culprit strikes.
Souji-senpai. Who by all indications would not be quite so open to a transgender boy.
Naoto doesn’t ask. Not about that. Curiosity would most likely lead to pain, since even Souji-senpai would probably have noticed the almost ever-present sadness. Instead, there’s a different question to ask. “Chie-senpai is aware of the situation?”
That earns a genuinely cheerful grin. It is good to see. “Oh, yeah, she’s cool about it. She doesn’t quite get it, but she tries, and I think she understands it more than she consciously realizes, y’know? If you ever need someone to talk to, me and Chie are the best ones to talk to. At least, if it’s about this kinda thing.”
“Chie and I,” Naoto corrects absently, and nods, pulling the cap down a little. “I will do so.”
“Also…” he hesitates before plowing on. “Kanji-kun. He’s being dumb about it now, but I think once someone smacks some sense into him he’ll be totally cool about all this.” His hands flail helplessly, but it’s easy enough to read his meaning.
And yes, that is definitely a blush. How embarrassing. But it’s also a logical point. The detective will take this into consideration. “I…I am not prioritizing romance, at least for the moment.”
“Fair enough,” he agrees happily. “I just think it’d be cool if one of us actually didn’t suck at this.” He’s a romantic at heart, clearly.
“Yo, Yosuke, Naoto-kun!” Chie calls, running up to them, and Naoto hides the smile at the enthusiastic way Yosuke-senpai waves back.
(More notes under the cut b/c spoilers. i mean, for a game that came out years ago, but still. I didn't find it the year it came out so)
~Dreamer~
Main Points:
Persona 4 Average AU
Chapter Summary: Yosuke just wants Naoto to know he's there to help.
Word Count: 1007 + bonus notes under the cut
Rating: teen for yosuke's swearing
Naoto's a really interesting case, because I have no idea what the Detective Prince identifies as. (I did include Naoto and Kanji on an essay on depictions of alternate sexual/gender identity a while ago. I wonder where that is, and if it was any good. I should re-read it. The source, too. It was actually super interesting.
Anyway. I vaguely recall finding a source that said that even after the big reveal, Naoto kept using -kun and boku (and other masculine verbs). That might suggest that Naoto thinks of (themself?) as male, and how uncomfortable (he?) seems with anyone pointing out the actual underlying biology (the females on the team kinda harassing [him?] about the figure, the hospital results, the pageant) would also seem to indicate this. Personally, I think that Naoto really hasn't figured (themself?) out yet and how (they?) identify. Hasn't figured out whether the Shadow really was that much of an exaggeration (finding the line between the truth and the exaggeration is ridiculously hard with Shadows), whether Naoto really wants that gender transition surgery to change (their?) life, or whether it's simply a matter of wanting the secondary problems (people not taking you seriously, people wanting to protect you because you're a girl and don't have a brain) to go away. And, being a teen, exploring the truth about that is perfectly natural. Not everyone has their life figured out when they're just a teenager--and they shouldn't be expected to have it all together.
Found that article: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/denial-of-the-self-queer-characters-in-persona-4/1100-6404712/
The worst part of it is the Fortune romantic social link. Especially rank 10. Naoto's pretty clearly putting on the persona (ha! but no, this really isn't funny rn) of the stereotypical schoolgirl. I could see the Detective Prince being in love with Souji|Yu because to be honest pretty much everyone in Inaba is, but putting on an act like that when it clearly makes you very uncomfortable just because you think your date would like it....that's not a healthy relationship. You should feel comfortable being yourself in front of a date and not think well, they'd prefer me better if I'm someone else BECAUSE THEN THEY COULD JUST GO FREAKIN' DATE SOMEONE ELSE AND NOT FORCE YOU TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE. Not saying that you shouldn't push yourself out of your comfort zone, or stop changing or growing or becoming a better person, because you should also do none of those things. But if the creep at your school has been trying to force all the girls into anime outfits and then wants sex out of them and just makes everyone uncomfortable--that's not the way any of this is supposed to work.
If written better than in the game, Naoto could continue being the awesome detective he/she/they is, deciding to be a boyish girl or a guy or eschew gender entirely, and Kanji could date someone of indiscriminate gender because he fell in love with the personality, not the gender. (I might've spoiled some of Yosuke's dialogue below, but...whatever.)
also I headcanon that any not-completely-dumb-boy written yosuke is also just as annoying about naoto to kanji. especially in this because he's heartbroken and his love life is going awful so he wants to see someone else who's happy
“Naoto-kun. Afternoon. Uuuh…”
Naoto raises an eyebrow. Yosuke-senpai appears to be dancing on the spot. Hopefully this isn’t a confession of some kind, but from what has been observed so far, he’s the type to be shallow and do so after he’s learned of the biology behind the Detective Prince. “Please, go ahead, senpai.” Neutral tone. Not encouraging. Hopefully that will be enough.
“SoIdon’tknowwhatpronounsIshouldkeepusing,” he blurts. It takes Naoto a moment to decipher what he’d said—is he seriously asking about the correct pronouns to use? Which—wait.
Both he and Chie-senpai had continued to say ‘Naoto-kun’ and had used male pronouns, even after they had seen the Shadow. Teddie had immediately switched over and used Nao-chan, which was irritating. Yukiko-senpai and Souji-senpai at least used Naoto-chan, and Kanji-kun had been unable to stumble over a string of four words in observable range.
Unexpected, but that’s no reason to get sloppy. The clues have been there.
Apparently, the silence has gone on long enough, because Yosuke-senpai starts babbling to fill it. He’s incredibly nervous. “I mean, I don’t know if you still identify as a boy, in which case, I’m doing it right, but I’m never sure how much to read into a Shadow because they’re so exaggerated, so I thought the best approach was to ask you, except it took me a few days to work up the nerve. Stupid, am I right? I mean, we’re team, now, but you can be intimidating. Actually, all of you kohai can be intimidat—”
“I haven’t decided. I feel no great attachment one way or another, although Teddie is being rather irritating about it,” Naoto answers, and the boy falls silent, one hand coming up to play nervously with the headphones around his neck.
“Haha, yeah, he does that,” he eventually offers, a kind of silent apology. “I’d try talking to him but he shares everything with his Sensei and I don’t think he’d really get it.”
“Well, then you would run the risk of exposing your own secret.” It’s a gamble as to whether this applies to Chie-senpai or Yosuke-senpai. By the way he gulps and his eyes widen with fear, the gamble paid off. The sympathy and understanding tipped it a little in that direction, but it’s gratifying to know that when paying attention, the correct conclusions can still be drawn. Even if it is a bit embarrassing that the realization had not come sooner. “I am somewhat surprised that Souji-senpai cannot be trusted with this secret.”
Yosuke-senpai winces and instinctively flinches. From that reaction, this is indeed the case, although—
“It’s just…if I needed any proof, the way he immediately switched pronouns for you kind of just sealed the deal.” He’s begun tapping a rather nervous rhythm on his headphones, fidgeting. “People are the biological sex they were born. I’m surprised he hasn’t noticed how uncomfortable you are when he refers to you that way.”
“It is easy to miss clues when you are not looking for them,” Naoto points out, and his eyes are sad and in pain as he glances downward. “I assume the inflexibilities are due to his own upbringing?”
Yosuke-senpai nods, miserable, and Naoto manages, for the first time since being thrown into the TV, a smile. “Do not worry, Yosuke-senpai. You’re certainly a boy, although you try too hard at times.” It takes a moment before the decision to continue is made. “Thank you for not changing how you treat me.”
If any further proof was needed that he really meant well, this confirmed it. His eyes are wide, surprised. “What the hell, Naoto-kun, of course I wouldn’t change how I treated you! I—I mean, I might be bi, but you’re so not my type.”
That had not been what was meant, but the suspicion arises that Yosuke-senpai will continue to deflect rather than accept the compliment for how it was meant. If he really had been solely the pervert he played, Naoto’s opinion would not have mattered, only the shape of the biological body. Instead, Yosuke-senpai corners the Detective Prince only to make sure he continued to use the comfortable manner of address. Went out of his way to make sure the newest teammate was comfortable. It is likely that the aforementioned behavior is a combination of the hormone treatment and an act to convince all ‘this is a boy, look no further’. For a moment, it’s surprising that he knows of different sexualities as well, until the realization of the likely culprit strikes.
Souji-senpai. Who by all indications would not be quite so open to a transgender boy.
Naoto doesn’t ask. Not about that. Curiosity would most likely lead to pain, since even Souji-senpai would probably have noticed the almost ever-present sadness. Instead, there’s a different question to ask. “Chie-senpai is aware of the situation?”
That earns a genuinely cheerful grin. It is good to see. “Oh, yeah, she’s cool about it. She doesn’t quite get it, but she tries, and I think she understands it more than she consciously realizes, y’know? If you ever need someone to talk to, me and Chie are the best ones to talk to. At least, if it’s about this kinda thing.”
“Chie and I,” Naoto corrects absently, and nods, pulling the cap down a little. “I will do so.”
“Also…” he hesitates before plowing on. “Kanji-kun. He’s being dumb about it now, but I think once someone smacks some sense into him he’ll be totally cool about all this.” His hands flail helplessly, but it’s easy enough to read his meaning.
And yes, that is definitely a blush. How embarrassing. But it’s also a logical point. The detective will take this into consideration. “I…I am not prioritizing romance, at least for the moment.”
“Fair enough,” he agrees happily. “I just think it’d be cool if one of us actually didn’t suck at this.” He’s a romantic at heart, clearly.
“Yo, Yosuke, Naoto-kun!” Chie calls, running up to them, and Naoto hides the smile at the enthusiastic way Yosuke-senpai waves back.
