The phone rang once...twice...three times… hour times.

"Ren, dear, is that you?!"

"M-Mom?"

He hated how shaky his voice shouted.

"Oh, thank goodness you're ok!" his mom cried. "When your probation officer said he hadn't heard from you, I was so worried… and then your father heard something about a kid from your school committing suicide. I… I couldn't help but fear the worst."

"I… I'm sorry I worried you." he said.

"What happened? Where did you go?"

He struggled to think of a lie. "Um… I got into a bit of an accident."

"WHAT?"

He nearly flinched at how loud she was.

"How did it happen? Are you ok? You're not hurt, are you?" his mother frantically asked.

She always was a worrier.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." he told her. "I'll be out of school for a while, but I'm fine."

"W-Well, all right. If you're sure…"

"Hey… is dad home?" he asked.

"Yes, he is." she responded. "I'll go fetch him."

He waited a few seconds until he heard his father's voice.

"Ren?"

"Dad?"

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine.

"You haven't been causing trouble for Sojiro, have you?"

"No, I haven't."

"Good."

Another few seconds of silence passed.

His father never was one for conversation.

"Dad?"

"I'm sorry." his father replied.

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry for what I said to you after the incident."

Oh. That.

"That's all right." he said. "I know that you just were worried about me."

"I went too far." his father argued. "I said some things I shouldn't have said. I'm sorry."

"R-Really, it's o-

"Ren, let me speak." his father said, cutting him off. "When we didn't hear back from you, and when we heard that someone from your school committed suicide… even I feared the worst. And I felt horrible, not just because I thought you might be dead… but I thought you might have died having the last memory of your family being your father calling you a burden."

"Dad…" he trailed off.

"I always thought I went too far, but I was too afraid to talk to you again after that." his father confessed. "That's why I never called. But that wasn't fair to you. When I was afraid that you had died… I was also afraid that I had failed you as a father."

"No, dad, that's not… I could have called too. I'm at fault too." he said.

"Ren, listen to me. Your mother and I… you are our entire world." his father confessed. "Both of us love you more than anything else. Please, never forget that."

"I… I love you and mom too." he choked out, thankful no one was around to see that his tears.

"I'm glad." his father said. "Your mother wants to speak to you some more."

"Ok…"

He heard his mother quickly take the phone.

"Ren, dear… how have you been doing?" his mother asked. "Has everything been going ok?"

"It's been very good, actually." he told her. "I'll tell you all about my time here."

He began telling her about everything, save for Phantom Thief business.

She fretted at first, when she heard about the rumors at school, but as he told her about his friends and experiences, she gradually calmed down.

"Goodness! Top of your class and part time jobs!" his mother exclaimed. "Your father and I are so proud of you!"

"Thanks, mom." he smiled.

"But make sure you take a break every now and again, ok?" she requested.

"Yes, mom." he responded

"But still… top of your class." she repeated. "You'll do wonderful once you come back home!"

He frowned. Now came the hard part.

"Actually… mom, when I finish high school, I want to return to Tokyo."

Silence.

"I see…" his mother whispered. "This… this is probably my fault. I was too afraid to call, and I wasn't there for you… but I'm sure your friends were…"

"Mom… no, don't blame yourself." he told her. "I want to spend the last year of high school with you and dad. I want to spend time with you too?"

"T-Then why are you heading back to Tokyo?" his mother asked, her voice shaking.

"Please don't cry, Mom." he pleaded. "I've just been thinking about my future, and… I realized that I wanted to be a politician."

"A politician?" she repeated.

"Yeah. But I'll need to get into a good university."

"I understand. There aren't really any opportunities for that in our small town." she realized. "I only want what's best for you."

"I'll be sure to call more often!" he promised. "For the rest of my probation, and in the future, too!"

"I'm so happy to hear that!" his mother exclaimed. "And… I'm very glad that you've been putting yourself out there and making friends. Although, I have to ask…"

"Ask what?" he wondered.

"Have you met any nice girls?" she asked, a hint of a teasing tone in her voice.

"I… um… well… I told you Makoto, right?" he asked.

"Yes, you did mention her alongside the rest of your friends." his mother noted. "Wait… are you two…?"

"We've been dating for several months." he confessed.

"O-Oh!" his mother gasped. "R-Ren, dear, I was only teasing before. I didn't think… aren't you a little young to date?"

He heard his father scoff in the background. "Quit coddling him. Why, when we were his age, we were already-"

"T-That's quite enough!" his mother stammered.

"It feels like just yesterday you were my little baby, flicking at my hair." his mother sighed. "So, when do we meet her?"

"Meet her?" he repeated. "Well, I suppose I could ask her to visit when my probation is over."

"Alright then." she agreed. "Your father wants to talk to you again now."

"Ok. I love you, Mom."

"I love you two, dear."

She handed the phone back to his father.

"So… a politician."

"Yeah."

"Ok." his father said.

"Ok?"

"Just from hearing your voice, and hearing you describe your actions in Tokyo, I can tell that you've changed." his father observed. "You're a man now. And a man can make his own decisions."

"Thank you for understanding." he said.

"Just remember that we'll always support you." his father stressed. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

They continued speaking for a while longer, until his mother insisted that he get some rest.

He ended the call, and despite the pain, he couldn't help but smile.

Sae sat down on the couch, letting out a deep sigh as she poured herself a drink.

"I deserve this." she muttered, quickly downing the wine.

"I guess she had others to hang around now, instead of me." she sighed. "But I deserve that too…"

It was ironic. She had finally wanted to spend more time with her sister, but now she was too busy, hanging out with her friends and… boyfriend.

Not that she could blame her for preferring their company to hers, with how she had acted.

She shifted her eyes to the other side of the couch, seeing her Buchimaru plush discarded there.

"I guess you've been replaced too, huh?" she empathized. "She has her boyfriend to cuddle with now."

The stuffed animal, predictably, said nothing.

"...And now I'm talking to stuffed animals." she said. "It's official; I've gone insane."

As she prepared to pour another drink, the door opened.

"Makoto."

Her elder sister smiled at her, greeting her from her spot on the couch.

It was time to let her sister know how she felt.

She ran up to her elder sister and hugged her.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she cried.

Surprised, Sae hugged her back. "Why are you thanking me?"

"For bringing Ren back to us. Back to me. And for believing in him."

"... He really makes you happy, doesn't he?" Sae asked.

"He does." she nodded. "I… I love him, sis. I love him so much."

Sae sighed, gently patting her head. "You're not mad, then?"

"Why would I be mad?" she asked, confused.

"I've just… caused a lot of trouble to you and your friends." Sae mumbled. "I was worried that you wouldn't want to speak to me."

"Sis… I… no, that's not what I feel at all." she insisted. "When I was thinking of a plan to save Ren, I was also thinking of a plan to save you."

"Save me?" Sae repeated.

"When I saw that you had a palace… when I saw what you had become… I was so worried about you." she confessed.

"So, you agreed to change my heart…"

"I... was the first to find out that you had a palace." she admitted "And… I think that a part of me was hoping that it was a mistake… that things would get better."

"But they didn't, did they?" Sae guessed.

"When I told Ren… all I could do was cry as he held me. When I stopped crying… I told him that I thought that it was my fault. For stressing you out."

Every word out of his mouth was like a dagger to her heart.

"Oh, Makoto..." Sae whispered, holding her closer. "Please, don't blame yourself. Please, don't ever blame yourself for my actions."

"Ren… helped me through it." she said. "We talked, and he convinced me that she wasn't at fault."

"He's right, Makoto..."

"He told me that we'd never change your heart unless everyone, myself included, agreed to it." she told her elder sister. "It was the hardest decision I've ever made in my life."

"I'm glad you made it." Sae confessed. "In the interrogation room… I heard your voice."

"You did?"

"You told me to remember how I used to me. To remember the reason I became a prosecutor in the first place."

"I… said those things to your shadow." she explained. "I was hoping that I would be able to change your heart that way, even though we couldn't steal your treasure.

"You did, Makoto." the elder Niijima smiled. "You did."

After she had taken a few moments to compose herself, she got up, grabbing a coffee mug for her sister before they continued speaking.

"The others thieves actually all pitched in to get me this coffee mug that Futaba picked out." she smiled. "It was thanks for helping them with their studies."

Well, everyone who was able to pitch on did so.

Yusuke simply gift wrapped it, which was still nice of him.

"I thought that belonged to our parents." Sae said, confused.

"You did? Why?"

"Because it says, 'World's Best Mom' on it." her elder sister deadpanned.

She sighed.

"Don't ask, sis. Just… don't ask."

She sat down, giving her sister her coffee.

"I know it wasn't his fault, but I was jealous of how much time Akechi spent with you."

"I suppose I can understand… even outside of work, I spent more time with him." Sae mumbled, a guilt-ridden expression on her face.

"Akechi, and many others would compare me to you a lot." she admitted. "And… well, I always looked up to you, but… I was a little envious of you too."

"That's funny." Sae said. "I… was actually envious of you."

"Really?" she asked.

"I know I should have been happier for you… but recently, you seemed so happy, so free… while I felt shackled by my responsibilities."

"Sis…"

"Akechi really is a murderer, isn't he…" Sae trailed off, changing the subject.

"I'm sorry, sis." she apologized. "I wanted to believe that he was sincere, but…"

"It's ok." Sae whispered. "Maybe I did lose my partner… but at least I have my sister."

At the mention of Akechi, the discussion turned towards the plan she had come up with.

"So, this cognitive Akechi… did you hurt him?" she asked.

"A little…" she confessed. "Well, ok… maybe a lot."

"Good." Sae chuckled.

"Um… I'm going to continue working as a Phantom Thief." she declared. "And… we might run into Akechi again in the Metaverse."

"Going to give him a 'Fist of Justice' to the face?" Sae teased.

"Urgh… Please don't tease me." she whimpered. "Ren teases me enough."

"I have to ask… did he really say that he'd be your study partner?"

"Yes…"

And then… her sister… suddenly started laughing.

"W-What's so funny?!" she stammered.

"I-I'm sorry." her sister chuckled. "It's just… I've had a lot of men flirt with me before… but I've never heard a line that corny before."

"I-I thought it was really sweet!" she defended.

"Sweet?" Sae laughed. "That's worse than the guy who called me the prosecutest!"

"P-P-Prosecutest?" she squeaked.

"I think he mentioned that before you found your path in life, you were going to become a prosecutor like me." Sae mentioned. "What, were you thinking about him calling him that?

Her older sister continued to laugh as she simply buried her face in her hands in embarrassment.

She began to explain to her sister what went on in the Metaverse, her sister listening intently.

And occasionally, being very vocal about things she objected to, like her Queen outfit…

Finally, she had finished all that she had wanted to say on the matter.

"I… don't exactly feel comfortable having you be in such a dangerous place." Sae confessed.

"They need me sis." she argued. "I have to help them. Help everyone affected by Shido and Akechi."

"That fierce, determined look in your eye… that's the same look I would see in father." Sae sighed. "I see there's no arguing with you. You're so… confident and assertive now."

"I have to be. I have to be strong for Ren and the others." she said.

"Don't get me wrong… I think it's a good thing." Sae assured her. "I'm just not used to it, that's all."

"Do you think father would be proud? Proud of how I am?"

"I remember when you asked me if he would approve of the Phantom Thieves." Sae mentioned. "I think I finally have an answer."

"Then…?"

"Father was always on the side of justice. He always believed in protecting the weak." Sae smiled. "So yes, I do think he would be very proud of you. And I'm proud of you too."

"Thanks, sis…" she beamed. "Um… I think he was always proud of you too."

"Yes… I know that now." Sae said.

"Father was a great man, wasn't he?"

"Yes… yes he was, Makoto."

Her elder sister sighed.

"I… Just promise me that you'll be careful." Sae muttered. "I… I don't want to lose you too…"

"I will." she promised.

"I still remember when you were little." Sae reminisced. "What ever happened to the innocent little girl who would always copy everything I did and would wake me up every Sunday morning to watch Buchimaru on television with her?"

"She grew up." she answered, giving a sympathetic smile. "But she still loves her sister just as much as she did back then."

Apparently, that had been the right thing to say, as her elder sister had immediately wrapped her into a hug, not even bothering to hide her tears.

She was back. She finally had her sister back.

She returned the hug, and soon found herself crying as well.

"I'm sorry I never told you any of this!"

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me!"

"I'm sorry I was so reckless!"

"I'm sorry for all the horrible things I said to you!"

"I love you, sis!"

"I love you, Makoto!"

They sat there for what felt like forever, muttering I'm sorrys and I love yous to each other.

The last time she had seen her sister cry, and the last time she had held her, both happened to be when their father had died.

Their relationship had soured afterwards, and she never wanted that to happen again.

So, when her sister reluctantly released her, saying she needed to get to work, and that the Phantom Thief case would no doubt have her pulling another all-nighter, she quickly stood up and spoke.

"Sis, we… we're still going to the hot springs, right? Just the two of us? I know I have a boyfriend and great friends now, but I want to spend time with you too!"

"Of course we will." Sae beamed. "I can't guarantee when, but we will. I promise."

"Um… and maybe… in the days you get home early… we could eat together again. As a family."

"I'd like that, Makoto."

As she walked towards the door, she took one last look at her sister, who looked happier than she could ever remember her being.

And… she felt happier too. She hadn't felt this happy in a long time.

"Ren Amamiya." Sae whispered. "I guess you and Makoto really did change my heart in the end."

"Sis?"

"One more thing." she smiled. "You're a grown woman now, so my approval doesn't really matter, but for what it's worth… if Ren-kun really makes you happy… then I suppose that's good enough for me."

Her little sister's face practically lit up.

"Just… don't get ahead of yourselves." Sae warned. "I know my hair is… greying, but that doesn't mean I'm old enough to be an aunt!"

"SIS!"

As she rode the train back to Leblanc, she checked her phone, checking if she missed any messages.

Sure enough…

Eiko: You see Glasses-Kun yet?

She quickly responded.

Makoto: I'm on my way. I hope I can at least help him feel a little better.

Eiko: Just don't keep him up too late. ;)

She sighed, figuring that her cheeks might end up permanently red at this point.

"Excuse me."

She quickly turned around.

"O-Oh… Takemi-san!"

She nodded. "Where is he?"

"Upstairs." she answered.

The two of them ascended the stairs to Leblanc.

"Ren…?" she whispered.

"H-Hey…"

He sounded so weak… as if he was straining himself just by talking…

"Guess the news isn't very reliable these days." the doctor smirked. "You look very alive to me."

"Well, I feel like death." he muttered. "There's lots of bruises…"

"Well, all right. Time for you to strip then."

"W-What?"

"I need to check your injuries." the doctor explained. "So strip down to your boxers."

"Oh…"

"Um… I could leave if it'd make you feel more comfortable," she offered.

"N-No, I…"

He had gotten better at showing vulnerability, but he still struggled at times. Considering Takemi was here as well, she supposed it was understandable.

"Do you want me to stay, Ren?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"P-Please…"

The doctor nodded, giving her an appreciative smile before getting to work.

Slowly, they helped him out of most of his clothing

There… were bruises everywhere.

His skin looked more purple at this point…

"Oh my God…" she whispered.

"What the hell did they do to you?" she questioned.

"T-They beat me until I signed a confession… and they drugged me with truth serum."

She desperately tried holding back her tears. She needed to be strong for him.

He was trying to be strong too, but those memories proved too much for him, a few stray tears falling down his face.

Slowly, carefully as not to hurt him, she guided Ren's head to her shoulder.

"It's ok, Ren." she consoled. "They can't hurt you anymore."

She heard Takemi curse under her breath.

The doctor tried to keep a professional look about her, but she couldn't help but scowl whenever she came across a particularly nasty looking bruise.

She observed that Takemi was very careful as she searched for injuries, not wanting to cause him any more pain than necessary.

Some pain was inevitable, however, and whenever he would hiss or grunt in pain, she would attempt to soothe said pain with feathery kisses.

His ribs and his leg seemed to be in the worst shape, as when Takemi pressed her fingers there, he let out a series of muffled sobs into her shoulder."

"Shh…" she soothed. "You're safe now, Ren. I'm here for you."

Finally, Takemi finished her examination.

"Not as bad as I thought." the doctor said.

"It feels pretty bad." Ren muttered.

"It could have been a lot worse." Takemi pointed out. "Fractured ribs, minor cuts on your wrists, bruising on the face, chest, stomach, arms, and legs… and speaking of your legs, your left leg has a minor fracture, but it's nothing too serious. Still, I'd recommend against putting too much pressure on that leg."

"What about the drug?" she asked.

"I'm not really sure. I'd like to perform more tests for his injuries later…"

"Don't worry, the side effects weren't nearly as bad as they were in your medicine." He joked.

"Really? Then maybe I should keep my pain medication to myself, just in case." she smirked. "Glad that they couldn't do anything about that sharp wit of yours."

Takemi brought out some bandages and basic pain medication.

"Let's bandage your wrists, now." Takemi suggested.

"I… um…"

Seeing his hesitation, she decided to speak up.

"Um... maybe I could bandage him up?" she asked. "I-If it's not too much trouble."

"That's fine." the doctor nodded. "I'll grab some water to drink with the pain medicine, then."

As she descended down the stairs, she went to the bathroom, lightly wetting a towel before returning.

"Let's get you patched up, ok Ren?" she whispered.

"I-I'm sorry…"

"For what?"

"F-For being weak…" he mumbled. "You… you're so strong…"

"Because of you. I'm strong because of you." she smiled. "Now let me help."

She cautiously wiped up the blood from his cuts, her heart breaking when she saw the fear in his eyes.

"Ren, it's just me."

"I-I know. I'll be fine."

She nodded, applying the bandages with equal precision and caution.

"T-Thank you." he expressed. "They… were very rough…

Takemi came back then, holding a glass of water.

"Here. Now, I'm going to need you to take it easy for a few days. I still want to perform a few tests, but that can wait for now. If… either of you need any assistance, call me."

"A-Ah, wait..." he told her. "Let me… get my wallet…"

"Even after all this time, you're still an idiot." Takemi smiled. "There's no way I'm letting you pay me."

"I don't want to make you work for free." he argued.

"With everything you've done for me, I owe you a few favors." the doctor dismissed.

"Well, I'm not an idiot…" he defended. "I got the top score on my exam out of everyone in my grade."

"I weep for your generation." Takemi joked. "Be safe, guinea pig."

She left the two of them alone, and although she trusted the doctor, she couldn't help but look him over again, just in case they might have missed something.

She was fighting hard to hold back her tears as she took in all the injuries across his body. His entire body was heavily bruised from when they had punched and kicked him… over and over...

When she saw the small prick in his arm, he reluctantly explained that that was where they injected the truth serum.

His eyes started to water from recalling those horrible memories.

She gently pulled him into a hug, letting him sob into her shoulder again. His tears finally sent her over the edge, and she started crying as well.

She wasn't sure how long she sobbed for. Only that, eventually, her sadness gave away to an incredible rage.

She had half a mind to march into Mementos herself and deliver a personal beatdown to all the officers involved, because she knew that anyone who would do this to her Ren would have to have to have distorted desires.

"How dare they do this to him!" she thought angrily.

Beating up the cognitive version of Akechi wasn't enough. Now she wanted to do the same to the real Akechi.

She wanted that smug bastard to bleed.

She took a deep breath to compose herself, slightly disturbed by her own thoughts.

Ren slowly brought a hand to her cheek, sensing her distress.

"Don't worry." he said. "One day, there's going to be a new police commissioner in town to put those bad apples in their place."

"Then… you're not angry about me wanting to be a police commissioner?" she asked. "Even after what the police did to you?"

"Even if we change the hearts of every person in power, that won't matter if they get replaced with people who are just as bad." he pointed out. "We need more good teachers like Ms. Kawakami, more good politicians like Old Man Tora, and more good officers like you and your father."

"I'm relieved." she said. "I was afraid you'd be angry, but I suppose that I was just overthinking things."

"I know what it's like to be blamed for things that aren't your fault." he continued. "That's why I won't group all authority figures as bad. Because without some of them, we wouldn't be as strong as we are."

"Very true." she agreed.

"You said you wanted to change the system, so that no one else would have to go through what I did." he reminded her. "I will never stand in the way of your dreams. Your sense of justice is a big part of what I love about you."

"We're going to change this world for the better." she grinned.

"We will." he agreed. "But first, we need to take down Shido. So tomorrow, I'll-"

"Tomorrow, you'll do nothing but rest!" she interrupted.

"Makoto…"

"I don't believe… that you are in any position to be arguing with a doctor." she said. "I understand that neither of us like being bossed around, but I'm putting my foot down when it comes to your health and safety."

Her smile and tone seemed sweet on the surface, but it also told him that nothing but a stern lecture born out of worry awaited him should he try and argue.

"As your advisor, I would recommend you take it easy." she said. "And as your girlfriend, I demand that you take it easy."

"Still, if I go into the Metaverse and use the medicine-"

"Absolutely not." she interrupted. "You can't even walk by yourself."

"We need to find out those other keywords."

"Hear me out." she said. "It will probably take us at least a few days to come up with the keywords to the palace. By then, you should have recovered enough to walk on your own. Can you at least wait until then? There's no way you'd be able to make it anywhere without drawing any attention to yourself."

He sighed, but didn't argue.

"You're right…" he said. "I'll rest… at least for a day or two."

"So… Futaba told me that you really let the cognitive version of Akechi have it." Ren said.

She looked away, embarrassed.

"Well, I might have been a little more rough than necessary..." Makoto mumbled.

Ren chuckled. "That's my Queen."

"How… are you doing?" she asked.

"Everything hurts…" he admitted. "I've never felt this much pain in my life.

Seeing him there, the normally strong and confident leader of the Phantom Thieves looked so...small. So fragile. So afraid.

He needed her.

"I'm staying." she said.

"The last train it's going to be leaving soon." Ren said.

"No, I mean… I'm staying the night again." she said. "I-If that's ok, I mean."

For once, he was the one blushing at her.

"Y-Yeah, but isn't school tomorrow?"

"I'm not going to school tomorrow." she said. "I'm going to stay here and take care of you. A few of the others are skipping, but not all."

"I… I'm flattered, but won't Akechi and his boss get suspicious?"

"I considered that, but I think they'd be more suspicious if I went about my everyday life completely the same the day after my boyfriend 'died'."

"You think Akechi knew? About us?"

"Well, considering that you're here, still alive, but the news says your dead, he's clearly not as smart as he thinks he is." she said, unable to help the bitterness from seeping into her tone. "But, he probably noticed that we were close."

"I guess most of the other's did. As for you… you seem pretty proud that you outsmarted the 'Ace Detective'."

"Maybe a little." she admitted. "But it was a group effort. We should all be proud."

Her eyes started to water again.

"If only… I could have accounted for the police…"

"Stop."

"R-Ren?"

"Don't blame yourself." Ren said. "We were strapped for time, and even if we weren't, you couldn't have predicted that the police would do this."

He brought one hand to her cheek while his other hand wiped the tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"It was because of your plan that I'm still alive. And that's the most important thing. That I'm alive and with you."

He kissed her.

"I love you so much Makoto. Thank you."

"Sorry." she mumbled. "I should be the one comforting you, not the other way around."

"You are comforting me." Ren replied. "Just you being here helps so much."

"I'm glad that I'm able to help you." she said. "Hold on a second. I'll lock up Leblanc and change."

"You brought a change of clothes?" he smirked. "You really did come prepared, huh?"

"W-Well, I figured… just in case…" she stammered.

She locked up Leblanc and proceed to change into her pajamas.

Her panda pajamas.

"How do you do it?" he asked.

"Do what?"

"Become cuter every time I see you."

"Alright, move over, you sweet talker." she giggled.

She climbed into bed next to him.

"I… talked to my parents." Ren said. "My probation officer contacted them when I was missing."

"What did they say?" Makoto asked.

"They were worried that something had happened to me." Ren said. "Mom started crying, saying she was sorry. And then dad came on the phone."

"W-What did he say?" Makoto asked, hesitantly.

"He… said he was sorry," Ren answered. "For what he said to me. And then I started crying, saying that I was sorry for worrying them."

"Oh Ren…"

"We talked… about everything." Ren said. "My grades, my friends, all the jobs and activities I did… everything really. Well, not Phantom Thief things, but you know. They… they sounded really happy for me. And… they said they were so proud of me, and that they loved me."

"That's wonderful." she beamed. "I'm so happy for you."

"T-Thanks." he choked. "I… couldn't tell them the truth about the Phantom Thieves."

"That was probably for the best." she admitted.

"I know. I just hate lying to them."

"Do you feel better now that you've talked to them?" she inquired.

"I do." he confessed. "Also, they want to meet you."

"H-Huh?" she gasped.

"I… might have mentioned you and me being together." Ren confessed.

"O-Oh, well that's ok." Makoto said. "They are your parents, after all. I just hope I can make a good impression."

"Relax." he assured her. "I'm sure that they'll adore you."

"Well, that's reassuring." she said. "Sis and I made up too."

"Really?" Ren asked, genuinely happy for her. "That's great!"

"It is. We had a nice heart-to-heart." she explained. "We both ended up hugging and crying..."

"Wait?! Your sister… crying?!" he asked, shocked. "Are we talking about the same person?"

"Of course my sister cries, Ren." she said. "Everyone does."

"Hmm… nope, don't believe it." he said.

"Stop it." she giggled. "I think you've grown on her. She actually approves of you now."

"Well, would you have really stopped dating me if she didn't?"

"Absolutely not!" she beamed. "But it is nice to have."

"It is." he agreed. "I'd hate to have to have you choose between us."

"She told me that due to everything about the Phantom Thieves, she'll be pulling more all-nighters at work, but only for a bit. After that, she said she would try her best to spend more time with me, like the hot springs visit she promised."

"I could tell she really cared for you. You really got through to her shadow."

"I needed to save both of you. I refused to accept anything less. But you helped out too, you know?"

"I… well, it was your plan, after all."

"Even so, it only worked because you got through to her. I'm so thankful for what you did."

"I'm thankful too." he said. "I mean, how many guys can say that their girlfriend is badass enough to have saved their life?!"

"Well, after you recover, we can catch up on our studies." she smiled. "I admit, I am… curious about trying a few things."

"Oh?" he smirked. "What did you have in mind?"

She smirked right back at him.

"Would you like me to leave the back entrance open?"

She giggled at the sight of his entire face turning bright red.

"You sure you're ok with staying here? I'd hate to keep you from your studies."

"Well, some things in life are more important than studying."

"Makoto!" Ren gasped in mock surprise. "It's like I don't even know you anymore."

"Oh, hush you." she responded, amused.

"So, when did Ms. Student Council President become so rebellious?"

"Mmm… probably around the same time a certain trickster stole her heart."

"Yeah… guess everyone knows about that now." he said.

"It's a bit of a relief, to be honest." she said. "We don't need to hide in front of anyone now, which is good, because…

She trailed off, not finishing her sentence.

"What's wrong, Makoto?" he asked. "Tell me."

"In a few months… you'll be going back to your hometown."

His eyes widened. He hadn't even thought about how this would affect their relationship.

But he only needed a second to figure it out.

"Nothing will change between us." he said with firm conviction.

"Really?"

"We can still call, and text, and video chat, and visit each other on our birthdays, holidays, our anniversary, or whenever we have time. We can plan things out later."

"Yes." she smiled. "You're right. We will make this work."

"And besides..." he said. "... I won't be gone for long. I'm going to return after I finish high school."

"B-But what about your parents?" she asked.

"I love my mom and dad, but Tokyo is my home." he said. "Is has Boss and Futaba, the thieves, all of my friends… and you."

"Ren…"

"And… well, I kinda live in the middle of nowhere, so if I want to go to a good university, I kinda have to go out of town."

"O-Oh, of course." she replied. "I had forgotten you lived in such a remote area."

"I talked with my parents, and they understood." he said. "But they still want me to spend my last year of high school with them, and… that's what I want too."

She smiled brightly at him. "You want to spend time with them now that you've mended your relationship. It's like me and sis."

"Yeah…"

"Ren?"

"Hmm?"

"When you were gone… even if it was for less than a day, it felt like the longest I've ever waited in my life." she admitted. "Waiting a year, knowing that you're safe with your parents, is nothing in comparison."

"Makoto…" he muttered.

He figured now would be a good time to give her that...

"Hey, could you get the box on my desk. I would have gotten it, but…"

"Stay there, I've got it." she insisted.

She got off the bed, grabbed the small wrapped gift box, and climbed back in.

"Unwarp it..." he told her.

She carefully removed the gift wrap, gasping at what was inside.

A Buchimaru pencil case.

"You said your old one was looking a little worn down." he smiled at her. "So I wanted to get you a new one."

"W-Where did you get this?!" she asked. "I've been looking for one for so long!"

"There… are a lot of pawn shops near Leblanc." he answered, a nervous expression on his face. "There's… something else inside of the case."

She opened the pencil case, her expression even more surprised than before.

"I was going to wait until my last day here to give it to you, but it feels like it'd be better to give you it now."

Inside the case… was a ring with a red heart shaped stone.

"R-Ren!" she stammered. "I-Is this… are you… p-proposing?"

"P-P-Proposing?!" he stuttered. "N-No… this, um… this is a promise ring."

Although, to be fair, a promise ring was just one step below an engagement ring.

"Are you sure?" she asked guiltily. "It must have been so expensive…"

"You're worth it." he expressed. "May I put it on… it can go on any finger you want. Or you could attach it to a necklace."

"Please… put it on my finger." she smiled.

He grinned as he carefully placed it on her left ring finger.

"It's beautiful, Ren." she beamed.

"It is beautiful… when I first saw the ring, it reminded me of your eyes." he confessed. "When I leave, I want you all to remember me by that ring. And remember my promise to you."

He cupped her cheek with his hand, staring into her eyes.

"I promise that I will stay with you forever, and that I will always love you… and… when we're older… I'll get you an even better ring."

She said nothing, instead choosing to gently grab the sides of his face and pull him into a deep and passionate kiss.

He could feel the tears rolling down her face and onto his.

"I… don't know what to say." she said, making a noise somewhere between a laugh and a sob. "Um…"

"What is it?" he asked.

"I have a gift for you too… it may not be as glamorous…"

"It's the meaning behind it that matters, not the price." he said.

"Yes, I suppose you're right." she grinned.

She pulled out a basic calculator with Buchimaru on it.

"My father gave it to me when I was very young." she explained. "It's what kickstarted my studying habits."

"From your father?!" he gasped. "I… this must mean so much to you! There's no way I can accept this!"

"You're worth it." she mimicked. "When you get home, I want you to remember me by this calculator, and the other promise we made."

"Other promise…" he repeated. "I see."

"We're both going to study hard, so that we can get into a great university, achieve our dreams, and change this country for the better!" she exclaimed.

"And we'll do it together." he promised.

"Forever." she promised.

The gift exchange over, they snuggled into a position that was easy on Ren's injured body. Her back to him, he wrapped his arms around her stomach and whispered sweet nothings in her ear until they both drifted off to sleep.

If only it could have been a peaceful sleep…

"How?! How could you let that happen to Makoto?!"

"I-I didn't mean for that to happen!"

He was in the interrogation room, an enraged Sae glaring at him.

"Your group pushed her into confronting Kaneshiro! And now she's-"

"I didn't mean it! I tried to take down Kaneshiro, I did!"

"I don't want to hear your excuses!" the prosecutor snapped. "We're done here."

"P-Please, wait…"

She left without another word.

He started shaking in fear. He needed to get out of here, but his body wouldn't move…

A few minutes later, he entered the room.

Akechi.

He shot the guard in the room, and started speaking to him, but he couldn't hear any of it…

He aimed the gun at him… and fired.

As his blood spilled onto the table, he swore he could hear her voice…

Ren…

Ren…

"REN!"

His eyes shot open, and once again, he found himself in Leblanc, Makoto laying down right next to him.

"M-Makoto…" he whispered. "Am I dreaming?"

"No, Ren." she assured him. "You're safe now. You're home."

"Home…" he repeated.

More tears started falling…

"Damn it." he cursed. "I'm so fucking sick of crying!"

"What happened, Ren?" she asked. "You were shaking and mumbling in your sleep."

"A nightmare…" he confessed. "I... dreamed that I died in the interrogation room. And that Kaneshiro… that you…"

"It's ok, Ren." she comforted. "I'm still here, and you're alive. We're safe…"

"I think… it was because of the truth serum…" he mentioned. "That truth serum was brutal. There were several times when I nearly lost it, recalling horrible things that never happened. But… talking about you guys, and what you all did for me… that gave me the strength to go on."

She calmly listened to him go on about his experience in the interrogation.

"I w-wanted to tell you, but there was just many things going through my mind, and-"

"Shh...it's ok, Ren."

She slowly ran her fingers through his hair, gently scratching his scalp.

"It's ok." she whispered. "I'm here for you. We're both safe. Everything's going to be ok."

She held out her hand, showing him her gift.

"Look at this ring, Ren." she said. "It shows that I'm always here for you. That was just a nightmare."

"Makoto, I'm so-"

He started to apologize, but was cut off by her lips.

"You have nothing to apologize for." she said. "I'll interrupt you like that every time you try."

He managed a weak smile. "That's just going to make me want to apologize more."

"Well then, I suppose I have no choice but to keep kissing you then."

"Sure you're up to it? I'm told that I can be very stubborn."

"And I can be quite stubborn myself." she smiled. "Hey… Ren?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you able to turn around ok?" she asked. "Or would it hurt too much?"

"I'm good." he assured her. "I think the pain medicine it starting to take effect. Why though?"

"I… want to try something."

He did as she asked, turning his back his back to her.

And she wrapped her arms around him.

"How's this…" she whispered. "How do you feel?"

"Safe. I feel safe."

He awoke, seeing her arms still wrapped around him.

He carefully adjusted himself so that he was facing her.

A few minutes later, her eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning, Makoto."

She gave a peaceful smile upon hearing his voice.

"Good morning, Ren. Are you hungry now? I can make breakfast if you'd like?"

"Are you sure?"

"I told you I'd take care of you today." she reminded him.

Waking up and eating breakfast together as a couple. He figured he could easily get used to this.

"Sure, let's eat."

"Ok, let me just… let me just…"

She let out a loud yawn.

"Tired?"

"A little." she said, rubbing her eyes.

"Guess we did wake up in the middle of the night." he muttered.

"S'okay." she mumbled, before yawning again. "I'll just make some coffee first…"

"I mean, we have all day to ourselves, and yesterday was a long day for both of us." Ren said. "Let's just sleep in."

"That sounds lovely." she smiled. She began gently nuzzling into his chest, careful not to hurt him.

"You know, you look really cute with bedhead." he complimented, wrapping an arm behind her back.

"I'd say the same, but your hair looks just as messy as it always does." she joked.

He chuckled.

"I know that you can't move around much, so I brought some manga and movies in my bag." she said. "We could read and watch them together later if you'd like?"

"I would love that." Ren said. "Well, as long as we're not reading the manga upside down."

"You're never going to let that go, are you?" she asked.

"I could never forget an instance of my Queen showing how cute she is." he said.

"I-I suppose that I was really bad at trying to get you to divulge your secrets at first." she said. "I should have just been tailing the others."

"You never did tell the teachers about my stalking complaint." Ren said. "I was going to ask the other Phantom Thieves for help, but I fear that I've already stolen my stalker's heart."

She giggled. "Come on, it was investigating, not stalking."

"As you say, my Queen." he said. "Although I'm surprised you weren't better at it. Sae-san said that you've been pulling that whole 'hide behind the manga trick' since before you could actually read manga!"

She gasped. "S-She actually told you?!"

"Glad to know that my Queen has always been this cute, even when she was a little princess." he teased.

"Please tell me she didn't tell you anything else." she pleaded.

"It's fine, it's fine." he assured her. "Still, I guess it wasn't a bad thing that you started investigating us in the end, and playing a game of 'follow the leader.'"

"I suppose." she said. "I wouldn't have joined the Phantom Thieves if I didn't start investigating you."

"And you would have never stolen my heart." he whispered. "Even if it took me a while to notice."

"Ren…"

"Of course, now you have both." he continued. "My secrets and my feelings. My heart and my soul. They are yours."

She smiled. "And mine are yours as well."

"Thank you." he smiled back. "And if we're going to be sharing everything, there's something I want to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Did you ever finish Arsene Lupin vs Sherlock Holmes?" he asked.

She gasped, then smiled brightly at him.

"I completely forgot! I had just finished it a few days ago! I couldn't tear my eyes away once I started! You'll have to tell me your thoughts on it!"

She was just as excited as she was when they first talked about Johanna back in the library, hands balled into fits, and an elated look on her face as she looked up at him.

This time, however, she didn't get embarrassed when he smiled back at her.

"Sure, sure." he said. "We can do that later, too. The reason I bring it up, though, is because I wanted to thank you again… for saving me from my detective rival."

Her eyes widened in realization, and her smile grew even brighter than before.

"I told you I would, didn't I?" she said.

"And I never doubted you for a second." he responded. "I love you, Makoto."

"I love you too, Ren."

As they lay there in each other's embrace, slowly drifting back to sleep, he knew that he meant every word he said to her.

And also… that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

He was reminiscing again...

Since that day, they had taken down Shido, Akechi, and even a God by the name of Yaldabaoth.

"Preposterous… You dare rob the people's wishes?!"

"Of course!" he smirked. "You taught me that stealing is what a Phantom Thief does best!

He was quite proud of that one-liner.

He smiled, looking back.

It had been so long since he had led the Phantom Thieves…

They had all built names for themselves, establishing their careers and financial stability.

He had a great job, amazing friends…

"Coming to bed, dear?"

And a wonderful wife.

After defeating Yaldabaoth, he had to turn himself in, so that he could testify against Shido.

But she had never given up on him, instead rallying all of his friends and confidants into fighting for his release.

And sure enough, they had managed to clear his name.

Just like she promised she would.

Simply put, she was incredible.

And he had said as much, when we he proposed, his ring hidden in yet another Buchimaru pencil case.

It was probably the corniest proposal ever, but neither of them would have it any other way...

"I was just thinking…" he smiled. "It's around that time again…"

She frowned, wrapping her arms around him.

"Have you been having nightmares?" she asked.

Over the years, he had suffered numerous nightmares about his time being beaten by the police, as well as his time in solitary confinement.

He had gotten help, and with the support of his family and friends, he had managed to overcome them.

"No, nothing like that." he assured her. "It's just… I think back to those days every now and again."

"I do as well." she nodded. "We've been through so much, but we've finally earned our happy ending."

"We have." he agreed. "I used to think that great friends… a loving family… that those were things meant for other people. Not me. But I know better now. Without the bonds I made… I would have never got through that interrogation… never would have had my innocence proven… would never have been happy."

"Thankfully, it all worked out in the end."

"It did." he said. "Actually, speaking of bonds, how did big sis' latest case go?"

Sae had since become a defense attorney, finding that said profession fit much better with her sense of justice.

"It went very well." she answered. "And I know you call her big sis just to be cheeky, but she really does like it when you call her that."

"Really?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"She does, but I don't think she'll ever admit it to you." she giggled. "I think… it's because she feels similar to me."

"What do you mean, Makoto?"

"For the longest time, family was something that only got smaller, not bigger." she whispered. "But it's different now. I have you. I have your parents. And…"

She grasped his hand, slowly guiding it to her stomach.

"Soon… our family will grow even bigger."

His eyes widened in utter shock. "Makoto, are you-"

"YES!" she cried out in sheer joy. "We're going to be parents, Ren!"

Her joy was infectious, and he started laughing as he picked her up and lifted her above him.

"R-Ren! P-Put me down!" she said, laughing as he spun her around.

He spun her a few more times before compiling, bringing her into a hug.

"Thank you." he whispered. "I'm… I'm…"

"You're going to be a dad, Ren."

"And you're going to be a Mamakoto." he smiled.

"I guess so." she giggled. "But..."

"But…"

"T-There's so much to prepare for!" she stammered. "W-We need to tell everyone, and what I can eat, and what I can't eat, the side effects, and we'll need clothes and diapers, and food, a-and-"

"Makoto."

"H-Huh?"

"Relax." he told her. "We'll work through this together, one step at a time. We're a team. And besides, you have plenty of experience being a mom to the other thieves."

"C-Come now, that hardly counts…"

"Talking about and caring for people's needs is very important, I'd say." he pointed out. "And you're always been good at that."

"I suppose…" she admitted. "And I could always ask mother for help."

She had, at his mother's request, taken to calling her mother.

Perhaps that to, had to do with family and loss. She had never really known her own mother...

"I think she'll be almost as excited as us." he chuckled. "Father and her will be visiting for the holidays, so we can tell them then."

"She'll definitely be excited." Makoto agreed. She's been... not so subtly asking when she can expect grandchildren ever since we've gotten married..."

"Yeah… say, I'm curious about something."

"Curious about what?"

"Does my Queen think our child will be a prince or a princess?" he asked.

"I'm not quite sure yet, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough."

"Then… what do you their first heist will be?" he smirked.

"Hmm… maybe they'll steal a cookie from the cookie jar." she answered.

"Taking after their father then." he chuckled.

He let out a yawn. It was getting rather late.

"Let's head to bed now, Ren." Makoto offered. "All three of us."

"Hold on…" he said, bending down, kissing her stomach. "I need to kiss the little one good night."

"Perhaps we should read them a story too." Makoto suggested, beaming.

"A wonderful idea."

He looked through their collection, countless stories of various genres lining the bookshelves. He considered Arsene Lupin, worn as it was from countless readings, but ultimately decided against it.

"I have a story in mind." he grinned as they lied in bed together. "It's the story of the mysterious Phantom Thieves, how they saved the world, and how their leader stole the heart of his Queen. It's a personal favorite of mine."

"Seems we have similar tastes." Makoto smiled.

He told his story with a dramatic flair, recounting many of their adventures together, and how, back then, now, and forever more...

She was his teammate.

His friend.

His lover.

His study partner.

And his confidant.