A High Understanding

[madimpossibledreamer]

reminder mitsuo kubo is the sleazy reporter

Main Points:
Persona 4 Verdict AU (P4/Judgment Fusion)
Chapter Summary: Word gets out about Naoto's status.
Word Count: 325
Rating: Teen
warning: mention of transphobia

        Naoto dreads the phone call, but one would, logically, come.  However, there’s no point in merely letting the phone continue to ring.  Such an action would just postpone the inevitable.  “Shirogane speaking.”
        “I saw the report.  Sorry about Kubo; he sucks at the best of times.  So…”  The lawyer’s classes have already helped his confidence, it seems.  A good thing, other under circumstances.
        “I am still male.  Just…am too young to officially transition.”  The detective removes any trace of emotion; it’s not necessary for this interaction.
        The silence is nerve-wracking.  The detective greatly wishes he’d just voice his thoughts and not extend the torture.  “Okay, got it.  Um…if you’re having trouble getting your hands on testosterone, let me know, okay?  The Kirijo Group can probably source some for you.”
        Naoto’s voice catches, and it becomes hard to breathe.  It’s good the detective met this adorable dork; he’s a sweetheart.  From the sound of things, he doesn’t know what it’s like personally, or maybe he just never expected it, but is willing to believe Naoto instantly, rather than second-guessing.  “Thank you.”
        “And if you want somewhere to hide, or something, or just want to talk, you know who to ask.  Kirijo-san would probably let me sleep at the office if you feel the need to shove yourself in a box.”  He’s talking about his apartment, Naoto deduces, amused. 
        “I…appreciate the offer and may accept your offer to talk.  I’m staying with my grandfather for now.”  The Detective Prince, uncrowned, is taking this a day at a time for now.
        “You got it,” he responds, letting Naoto hang up the call—but a second later the phone buzzes, a picture of a new sweets shop on the screen, one they would both enjoy.  Perhaps the saying ‘you are what you eat’ is more accurate than one would think, Naoto muses with a smile.  At least there’s a few people in the detective’s life to be grateful for.