I'm ready to infiltrate Sis's palace.
Makoto watched as the rest of the Phantom Thieves rushed past her, carried on the steel tracks of the Universe Coaster. Ren and Haru were smiling, Haru clinging to Ren's arm. Yusuke seemed to be contemplating something, probably how to translate it all to art. Futaba, Ann, and Ryuji had their arms high in the air. Makoto swore she could hear Ann's screams over the mechanical sounds of the thrill ride. Makoto had declined the ride, partially because seven was an inconvenient number of potential riders, partially so Morgana wouldn't feel too left out, and partially because she was having trouble being properly celebratory knowing that they would soon be fighting in Sis's palace.
Stealing Sis's heart before anything worse happened was the right move, the best Makoto could do to protect her sister. Makoto knew that... and yet, she couldn't help but feel that by revealing the palace, she would be betraying Sis. At the same time, letting the distortion fester would also be a betrayal. Makoto wished something, anything, would happen to give her more time.
In the intervening days, Makoto had found several jobs that Sis would be qualified for, but it was unclear whether they would be available or whether her sister would be blackballed following her change of heart. However, Makoto would be graduating in a few months. She might be able to support them as an office lady until Sis got back on her feet, especially if she augmented their income with a second job. She briefly thought back to the promoters in Shinjuku. Maybe some of those job offers wouldn't be so bad. Eiko had said her employer didn't make her do anything weird. Of course, it would have to be kept secret though. Makoto frowned. How to moonlight in such a position wasn't exactly something she could learn by studying or asking teachers.
"Looks like they're done!" Morgana announced, lifting his head from the flower bed he had been sniffing. Ren and the others were exiting through the Universe Coaster's turnstiles. "They must've ridden that thing at least four times in a row."
"This is the best!" Futaba twirled, led by her big clunky boots that appeared to weigh more than she did. "Destinyland with NO PEOPLE!"
"Havin' the park to ourselves is amazin'!" Ryuji echoed.
"Fufu... We are the rulers of the kingdom of dreams!" Futaba raised herself on the toe of one boot, right index finger held high in the air. As she came down, she resumed her rapid speech. "Oh oh... I know! Let's get costume pictures!"
"I want to see Lady Ann dressed up..." Morgana said dreamily. He looked up at them with glassy eyes, clearly already half in his imagination.
"Eh... I do this stuff for work all the time," said Ann.
"...Actually, I always wanted to have girlfriends I could do these kinds of things with," Haru said shyly as she brought a couple fingers to her chin. She rocked the ankle of her back foot.
"Then it's settled!" Morgana said happily. He and Futaba were soon heading in the direction of the park's main thoroughfare where at least one such photo stage was available. Haru and Ann followed.
"Aw man, no way am I playin' dress up," Ryuji frowned.
"I think it might be interesting," said Yusuke as he strolled towards the girls. "Maybe I'll find some inspiration."
"Go ahead," Ren said to Makoto, motioning his head in the direction of Futaba and the others. Makoto hadn't noticed he had sidled up beside her. She had been trying her hardest to not stare (noticeably at least) at him all evening and to not pick apart the things he did and see only what she wanted to see. Her ruminations on his actions the past several weeks had only left her confused. He smiled at her. It wasn't helping. "I'll make sure Morgana and Ryuji don't kill each other."
"R-right," Makoto hurried to catch the others, feeling her face get warm.
Futaba was already in the shop by the time Makoto caught up. She briefly looked back, seeing Ren and Ryuji leaning against a railing with full view of the shop's set. Morgana was sitting in front of them, keeping out of sight of the shopkeeper. Futaba began giving orders.
"Ann, you be Sleeping Beauty," Futaba shoved a dress into Ann's hands and another into Makoto's. The shopkeeper, a pretty woman, probably around Sis's age, seemed amused at Futaba's enthusiasm. "Makoto, you be Snow White."
"I'll take this one," Haru giggled as she picked a powder blue dress off the racks.
"I'd rather be a villain," Ann said, raising her eyebrows and flashing an evil smile.
"Nooo... It's more fun when we all match." Futaba all but shoved Ann into the ladies' dressing area. She turned to Yusuke, blushing slightly. "And you have to be a prince."
Yusuke shrugged, putting down the unwieldy mascot costume he had been examining and grabbing an ornate military-esque uniform from the middle of a group of them on the rack.
"Why don't you try the next one?" the shopkeeper said, exchanging hangers with Yusuke. "It will work over your pants."
Makoto changed into her dress with help from Haru lacing up the back. For a general-purpose costume, the fit was surprisingly flattering. Makoto figured that was how they made sales. Ann sat in front of a lighted mirror, taking down her twin tails and affixing a tiara. Makoto and Haru decided to forgo their headpieces.
"I'm surprised Futaba likes this kind of stuff," Makoto watched as Futaba spun around, the jade skirts of her dress floating upwards.
Futaba came to an abrupt stop. She looked at Makoto curiously with a small frown. "Even I like to be girly on occasion."
Makoto didn't respond, embarrassed by her voiced assumption.
"Come on, our camera awaits!" Futaba rushed forward, linking arms with a surprised Makoto and Haru. Ann stood up from the stool she was sitting on, following them.
Yusuke was already in the set piece. It was decorated to look like an opulent ballroom from one of the movies. He was carefully examining the embellishments on the drapery that hung before a fake window. Ren, Ryuji, and Morgana had moved, standing just behind the tripod of a large camera.
"Lady Ann with her hair down..." Morgana's voice couldn't contain his excitement. "So beautiful..."
Ryuji just stared, slack-jawed. Ren seemed amused.
"Hmm. Disappointing," Yusuke said bluntly. "We all look rather pedestrian."
"These are characters from an international conglomerate," Makoto said flatly. "It's to be expected."
Futaba looked at Yusuke and frowned. The artist continued to pick at the set, uninterested in the girls.
Haru put her hand on the smaller girl's shoulder, bending slightly at the knee. "Why don't we take some pictures?"
Futaba nodded vigorously, some affirmative mumbly sounds escaping her throat.
Makoto and Haru flanked Futaba, with Yusuke standing on the other side of Makoto and Ann on the other side of Haru. The shopkeeper took several shots, some serious and some silly. Makoto never knew what face to be making in either type. While Futaba, Haru, and Ann made funny faces at the camera, Makoto starting thinking about how she might bring up Sis's palace with them, how she would frame it, what she would say.
"We should do some romantic photos... have someone dance with the prince!" Haru said over a giggle. Makoto looked over to see that Futaba had dragged Yusuke down to her height for the last photo. Ren seemed to be taking additional pictures with his cell phone. Ryuji was still next to him, looking increasingly uncomfortable. Futaba's eyes were wide at Haru's suggestion. Haru continued. "But who's prince is he?"
"Huh..." Ann looked perplexed, then she laughed. "All the princes look the same, don't they?"
"Then it probably doesn't matter," said Makoto. "He might be from a completely different movie."
"But if we have a pair, shouldn't we get a photo?" asked Haru.
"I wish I could be Lady Ann's prince," Morgana's mumbles were just within earshot. Even with Haru's connections, the team thought it best not to alert the staff to his presence. "Just one photo..."
"Hmm... He has these gold parts on his outfit here," Haru said, pointing to the clasps on Yusuke's jacket. She sounded like she was having fun. "I think that makes him my prince."
"B-but he's wearing black pants," said Futaba. "Doesn't yours wear red?"
As her friends continued to argue, Makoto's eyes wandered towards the big castle at the end of the street, the palace at the center of Destinyland. It was strange to be celebrating in the shadow of it. The very first palace the Phantom Thieves had entered had been a castle. Ann didn't seem bothered by it though. Makoto hadn't ever thought about visiting a casino, but after everything that happened, she was absolutely sure she would never do so.
"Oh! Then he might be Mako-chan's prince!"
"N-no way."
Pondering further on the subject, Makoto couldn't help but note that the gaudy, fake spectacle that was Destinyland was very much like a palace. She wondered what it meant that the collective cognition was an eerie place like Mementos, instead of a big commercial theme park like the one in which she stood. Viewed as a palace, the bright lights of all the shops and attractions took on a sinister cast. The costumed characters and shopkeepers they shared the park with seemed all the more perverse. The looping festive themes playing in the background seemed somehow oppressive. Makoto thought back to the loud, glaring lights of Sis's casino, a symptom of the sick manifestation of her sister's distortion. They would be there soon. Everything around Makoto appeared to be distorting. She blinked several times, finding it hard to focus.
"My Lady Queen."
Makoto snapped to attention, noticing Ren kneeling next to her. His head was down with one knee and the opposite arm touching the ground. A small laugh escaped her lips. "Are you a knight?"
Ren lifted his head slightly, his eyes raising to meet hers over his frames. He grinned. "I'm a thief come to steal you away."
With that, Ren grabbed Makoto's wrist, dragging her off the set. He called to the others. "I think Makoto needs to sit down."
Haru and Futaba looked up from the binder they were going over with the shopkeeper and nodded. Ann smiled and waved before returning to making weird one-legged, arms-out poses with Yusuke, which seemed extra weird given she was in a ballgown. The two appeared to be correcting each other's form. Ryuji had taken to reading something on his phone, not noticing them.
Makoto followed Ren as he led her to the large fountain in front of the castle, sitting her down on the edge of it. Fortunately, the center pillar blocked most of the castle's brightest lights. "Stay right there, I'm going to get some water."
Ren returned shortly, twisting open the cap of the bottle he received from the nearest food cart. He handed it to Makoto as he sat down on the fountain ledge next to her. "Are you okay? I was worried you were going to hyperventilate."
Makoto grasped the bottle in both hands. She looked at Ren, lips parting briefly. Instead she just nodded and took a sip from the bottle. She hadn't realized how heavily she had been breathing. Her head felt cloudy.
"What happened?"
"I don't know... I was thinking about the lights and Sis's palace and suddenly everything..."
Ren regarded Makoto with a serious expression.
"Don't worry, I'll tell them," said Makoto. "I've been thinking about how to all evening. I know. We have to stop my sister before it gets any worse. It's just..."
"Don't do it tonight." Ren sighed, running one of his hands through his hair. His lips formed a small, reassuring smile. "We'll handle it next meeting. We're celebrating tonight. For Haru. Try not to think about it right now."
I can't...
"Mmm." Makoto gave a terse, affirmative nod. She took another sip from the water bottle. Ren sat with her, watching as she continued to drink. It was comforting to have him there, even if he didn't say anything. The quiet was welcome. The soothing sound of flowing waters behind them blocked out most of the cacophony of the park. As Makoto finished the water, she looked up at Ren. His expression was calm. "Thank you. I needed that."
Ren simply smiled. Sitting there, alone with Ren, away from the chaos of the team, the bright lights, and the competing noises, Makoto found herself letting her worries relax their hold. Even though she didn't have a plan and was unsure, she felt as if she could voice her feelings. "Ren, I-"
"Ready to head back?" Ren stood up abruptly, his expression unreadable. He offered her a hand. Makoto looked at it, unsure what to think. "Makoto?"
"Y-yes." After a pause, Makoto took Ren's hand, letting him spot her but not meeting his gaze. To her surprise, he placed her hand in the crook of his arm as she stood.
"Let me escort you my queen," Ren teased. Why did he have to be so confusing?
"Sure..." Makoto cupped her hand around Ren's upper arm.
When the pair returned, Ann was standing outside the set, still in her gown. She held Morgana while Haru, also still in costume, took pictures with her cell phone. Ryuji watched, looking bored, his arms folded across his chest. In the fake ballroom, Futaba and Yusuke were having photographs taken by the shopkeeper.
"Mako-chan! Are you okay?"
"Yes. Sorry about that. I must have locked my knees without thinking."
"It's okay. I think we're done with group photos."
"So, Yusuke ended up being Futaba's prince after all?"
"No. He is from a different movie." Haru let loose a small laugh. "So we're both going to get dancing pictures."
"Yusuke's being surprisingly accommodating," Makoto noted.
"I may have gently reminded him that it is my party," Haru smiled broadly.
"Hey!" Futaba shouted over from the set. She was leaning backwards, supported at the waist by Yusuke. One of her arms was waving vigorously. "We're done! Can someone help me out of this dress?!"
"I will!" Ann shouted back. As she walked past Makoto, Ren, and Haru, Morgana hopped from Ann's arms to Haru's shoulder.
"It's my turn!" Haru turned towards the set, making her way hastily.
"I wanna see the pictures of me and Lady Ann!" Morgana pointed his nose towards the phone Haru was still grasping in both hands. Makoto could see his tail was waving back and forth behind Haru's back.
"I'm going to change back too." Makoto released Ren's upper arm, but before she could slip free, he brought his other hand over hers, keeping her attached to his arm. She lurched back.
"Makoto."
"Eh?" Makoto turned to face Ren. His eyes didn't meet hers. They were shaded by his hair.
"You..." He paused, then released her. "Nevermind."
"Mmm..." Makoto briefly considered prying, but instead took off for the changing area. When she had closed half the distance, she looked back over her shoulder. Ren was still watching her go. She quickly turned back and continued on.
Ann was putting her hair back up when Makoto entered the dressing room. Futaba was about to leave but stopped to help Makoto unlace her costume.
"Satisfied?" Makoto asked.
Futaba laughed as if she had gotten away with something. "Yes."
The three girls exited together.
"It's about time! That was so boring," said Ryuji. He held out his phone. "But look at the message boards! They're postin' like crazy about tonight's press conference! Everyone's supportin' us!"
Makoto frowned. She felt her fists balling. "The important thing is saving Haru from that slimeball."
"Sure, but this is damn cool," Ryuji beamed.
"Stop wasting time! Destinyland with no people only happens once!" Futaba argued. She stopped for a moment, appearing to be lost in thought. "Ears! We haven't gotten ears yet! Come on!"
"Alright," Ryuji groaned, following Futaba, Ann and Morgana along with him.
Makoto watched as the others headed to a shop across the cobblestone way. She had looked inside it earlier, finding the pair she wanted wasn't available. "I'll wait here and let Haru and Yusuke know where you've gone."
Ren regarded Makoto for a moment, but then nodded. He strolled towards the hat shop. Futaba was trying on several pairs, but a set of rabbit ears with a small top hat never left her hands. Ryuji was browsing through the spinnable shelves at the front.
"Cat ears are perfect for Lady Ann!" Morgana said when Ann emerged from the back of the store wearing a headband with a green and white polka dot bow.
Soon Futaba, Ryuji, and Ann had "purchased" their ear headbands. It was all being covered by Haru's father's company in truth. The trio started posing as Ren held up his phone.
"What's going on with Futaba and Yusuke?" Haru asked with a smile, strolling up next to Makoto. She hadn't realized that Haru and Yusuke were already done with their photoshoot. Futaba was once again glancing over in the artist's direction. Yusuke was sitting on the edge of a planter, sketching away, oblivious of the world around him.
"Hmm... I think he must remind her of the characters from those manga she reads." Makoto thought back to some of the amateur-drawn books Futaba had excitedly shown her once she found out about Makoto's burgeoning interest in manga. Makoto quickly turned her attention to something else, trying to fight back a growing blush. "I don't think it could work though. Yusuke has a very... rigid... conception of the ideal woman. Futaba is more of a free spirit and... she needs someone more gentle and kind."
"Ah. So someone more like Ren then?" Haru's smile widened. The impromptu ear-headband photoshoot had ended. Futaba had both of her arms wrapped around one of Ren's, tugging him in the direction of a park worker holding a very large tree of cotton candy. Ren was looking down at the girl, smiling genuinely. They looked like they were having fun.
"Y-yes..." Makoto stared at the pair, nursing a twinge of regret. She remembered to act normally. She summoned her advisor voice. "Yes, that would be better for Futaba. I approve."
"Teehee, Mako-chan is like a protective older sister."
"I always wanted a little sister..." Makoto found herself blushing again. She re-tucked a stray hair behind her ear.
"Someone like Futaba?"
"Yes... Futaba is just so cute, but she's also talented and kind and just a little naughty," Makoto smiled briefly, but then cast her eyes down. "Futaba has been through so much. I don't know how she contains it all in that tiny little body. I can't help but want to protect her."
"Perhaps it's Mako-chan who would like to offer herself as Futaba's prince?" Haru beamed her usual smile but as the question lingered her expression fell and a trace of uncertainty seemed to cross her face. Makoto realized she was waiting for an answer.
"I've been told I would 'totally flunk a test about love.'" Makoto offered a weak smile. She watched as Ren laughed while Futaba took a big mouth-filling chomp of cotton candy, their arms still linked. It was time to change the subject. "What about you Haru? Have you ever wanted a sister?"
"I would have liked to have siblings," said Haru. "Futaba is indeed a lot of fun."
Makoto smiled.
"Though ideally..." Haru brought a finger to her lips and looked up as if she was thinking. "I would like a sister who was a little innocent, a little uptight, and a little oblivious—she'd be so much fun to tease!"
"Haru is so imaginative." Makoto's eyes widened. She was impressed.
"Thank you!" Haru smiled sweetly and giggled softly. The two continued to watch the others. Ren ran a finger along Futaba's cheek, removing a pink puff of cotton candy. He then licked it off his finger while Futaba looked on, a light blush crossing her face. Haru mused. "I wonder when she'll realize..."
Makoto's lips parted.
"Hey Mako-chan," Haru started. "What would you do if you and your sister liked the same person? Would you give up or would you fight?"
"Wouldn't it depend more on how the other person feels?"
"Relationships are built by at least two people," Haru said as Futaba began to drag Ren in their direction. Ann, Ryuji, and Morgana followed. Haru turned to Makoto. "Better study hard!"
"Hey guys, let's go to the Haunted Villa!" exclaimed Futaba.
"An' Pirates of the Grand Alliance," Ryuji grinned. Ann gave him a look. "What? It's like right there."
"They should be safe for Mona," Futaba added.
"Finally!" Morgana whined. "It feels like it's been hours."
"I'll stay here." Makoto did not find the thought of the Haunted Villa appealing. "Someone should let the staff know where we are. It looks like they'll be setting up dinner for us soon."
"Are you scared?" Futaba grinned, arching her feet and leaning in to look closer at Makoto's face.
"Come on Makoto, it's for kids," said Ryuji.
"I-I'm sure it is, but someone has to-"
"Hey, let's not force her guys." Ren stood next to Makoto and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We just want you to have fun Makoto," said Ann.
"I am having fun," Makoto offered a small smile. "Go on. I'll be right here."
Futaba skipped off towards Yusuke and was soon dragging the artist in the direction of the Haunted Villa. Ann, Haru, Ryuji, and Morgana headed directly for the ride. Ren looked over towards the castle where park workers were beginning to set up a dining table. He gave a brief nod to Makoto before catching up with Ann and the others.
––––– ––––– –––––
"F-Father...!?" Haru stared into her phone. It was the same thing on all of their screens, an apologetic notice from the broadcasting company, cut in after Okumura had faced the camera, black blood streaming from every orifice, and collapsed. "Mona-chan, what's going on?"
"No..." Morgana's voice sounded weak. "That's impossible!"
"We did everything the same," Ren whispered. His face looked white.
"We followed all the same steps!" Morgana's voice got louder and more frantic. "We made sure we just took the Treasure too..."
"I-I should call home." Haru turned from the table and began typing on her phone.
"This... This isn't our fault... is it?" Ann asked. "It's been OK all four times so far—ever since Kamoshida!"
"If we let the Shadow live, the real person won't undergo mental shutdown... right?" Makoto imagined Sis with black blood streaming down her face. She felt her heart seize.
"That's how it should work..." A hint of uncertainty found its way into Morgana's speech.
"A-Ah..." Futaba mumbled. Her knees were shaking. She seemed barely able to stand. "Th-This is... the same. I remember now... It's just like... what happened to my mom..."
"Dammit! The hell's goin' on here!?"
"I-I have to go... I'll talk to the staff before I leave. Feel free to take your time..." Haru managed to squeak out before running off.
"Haru!" Ann reached after her.
"I'll get in contact with Haru later," said Makoto. The image of Okumura's bleeding face...and sometimes Sis's... kept coming to her. The team. She had to stay focused on the team. "I think we should all return home."
Makoto stood up and put an arm around Futaba. She started directing the trembling girl towards the exit. Futaba was staring blankly into the distance. Makoto was unsure if the small squeaks she made were acknowledgements or evidence of something else entirely going on in Futaba's head.
The others, with the exception of Ren and Morgana, followed, soon overtaking Makoto and Futaba. Ren was looking up at the sky, his unruly locks falling over his glasses. Morgana waited, watching.
"Ren?" Makoto called to him as she maintained forward progress with Futaba.
Ren let out a breath, lowering his head to face Makoto. "I'm coming."
It was a silent walk to Maihama station. When they arrived, Ann and the others were waiting for them on the platform. As they further waited for the train, Makoto heard snippets of conversation from strangers, most talking about the press conference, both about the revelations about Okumura Foods and about Okumura's startling collapse. Makoto kept her head down and held Futaba close.
Once on the train, Makoto sat Futaba down, continuing to hold her. Yusuke sat on the other side of Futaba. Ren stood in front of them, grasping a hand ring. It afforded them some modicum of privacy, for which Makoto was grateful. Ryuji restlessly paced back and forth across the aisle. Ann sat on the other side of Yusuke, not taking her eyes off of Ryuji. No one said anything. The other people on the train continued their gossip.
The Phantom Thieves parted ways at Shibuya station, each heading towards their respective home.
"I'm going to see that Futaba gets home okay," Makoto told Ryuji. Futaba had fallen asleep on the trip from Maihama. Ren was carrying her in his arms. Makoto carried Ren's bag and her own.
"Right," said Ryuji. He lowered his voice. "Keep an eye on him too."
"I will."
As she had done the previous leg, Makoto tried to focus on Futaba and on Ren. She could possibly do something for them. She could not do anything about the bleeding faces that kept haunting her thoughts nor the memories of her own father's death.
Futaba's head rested in Makoto's lap. As before, Ren stood in front of them.
"I hope this is just a normal sleep," Makoto said, recalling the events following Futaba's palace. "We should warn Sakura-san."
Ren's jaw tightened.
"I-I see..." Makoto cast her eyes downward. "Do you want me to not-"
"No... No. It wasn't your fault. I know that, but..." Ren managed. "Sojiro is one of the few people who gave me a second chance and Futaba... When it comes to them I guess I'm-"
"I understand." The last thing Makoto wanted to do was push Ren, especially given everything that had just happened.
"I'm grateful you're coming with me," Ren said firmly. Makoto smiled weakly in return.
The walk from Yongen-jaya station to Sakura-san's house was uneventful. It was getting late enough that the streets had started to clear out. Only the few bars and a used goods shop remained open. An elderly shopkeeper eyed Makoto and Ren as they walked by.
Sakura-san came to the door quickly when they knocked. His eyes widened for a moment and even as they came to rest, he bore a curious expression.
"W-We were at Destinyland and-" Makoto started.
"Destinyland?" Sakura-san's eyes once again widened before narrowing. Makoto got the sense he was regarding them with suspicion.
"It was reserved for a corporate event that got cancelled. Haru brought us," Makoto explained. "Um... we were watching the press conference and... and... she said it reminded her of her mother dying and-"
"Let's get her to bed," Sakura-san interrupted gruffly.
Makoto slipped off her shoes in Sakura-san's entrance way. Ren was already into the house, carrying Futaba to her room, Sakura-san behind him. Ren laid Futaba down in her bed and then retrieved his bag from Makoto. Morgana hopped out, landing on the bed next to Futaba.
"I'm going to watch over her for a bit... make sure nothing Metaverse-related happens," said Morgana. "I'll catch up."
"That cat..." Sakura-san looked even more suspicious of them. He sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Well... I guess she is rather fond of him."
"Um... we're really sorry," Makoto said, not meeting Sakura-san's eyes.
"Why? Is it your fault?"
Makoto wasn't sure. She continued to glance down towards her feet. Was it their fault? Surely it was the one in black... but the timing... and Ren and the others seemed to think...
"We better get to the station," Ren said, putting an arm around Makoto and leading her out of the room. "See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight Sakura-san," Makoto said over her shoulder.
Once they had left Sakura-san's house, Ren let go of Makoto's shoulder. She followed a couple paces behind him, mulling over the night's events. As they passed by LeBlanc, she stopped. The street was lit dimly by the lights from LeBlanc and the nearby bar.
"Ren..."
Ren stopped. He turned back towards her and closed the distance. The two stood in front of the entrance to LeBlanc.
"This isn't your fault. You know that... right?" Makoto looked into Ren's eyes, hoping for some sort of confirmation. "This has to be the one in black... it's just like all the other cases."
"But we..."
Makoto shook her head. "I know... but something... something seems... off. I don't know what it is yet, but regardless... you didn't do this. I'm sure of it."
You're not a killer. Makoto thought the words best left unsaid.
"I'm... I'm worried about you," Makoto brought her hand to Ren's cheek. He closed his eyes and pressed into it. Makoto shifted her gaze away. "After that press conference... I'm sure my sister won't be coming home tonight. I-I could stay..."
Ren's eyes snapped open. He looked down at Makoto. There was tension around his eyes, his lips. Makoto wasn't sure if he was contemplating it or just searching for the right words. An eternity seemed to pass. Makoto wondered if she was pressuring him. She decided to remove the social burden.
"I-I didn't think this through," Makoto said hastily, removing her hand from Ren's face. She laughed nervously. "I mean... Morgana is with you and I don't have my nightslip or a toothbrush and you don't have an extra bed and, and..."
Makoto stopped to breathe. "You'll be okay?"
Ren nodded.
"I-I better get to the station." Makoto began briskly walking towards Yongen-jaya station. She berated herself for being foolish... and selfish. Ren had Morgana. She was the one that didn't want to be alone. Ren had enough to worry about without her problems.
Neither Makoto nor Ren said anything the rest of the way to the station. Ren waited on the platform with Makoto. The trains didn't come as frequently so late at night. Makoto checked on Ren from the corner of her eye. She couldn't read his expression. However he might feel, there was nothing else she could do. Her thoughts drifted next to Haru. She wondered if she should try calling. She thought back to when she found out about Dad, trying to remember what she would have wanted.
Sis...
...but as far as Makoto knew, Haru didn't have anyone.
Makoto's thoughts were interrupted by the train approaching. The doors opened to an empty car. Makoto walked inside. When she got to the middle of the aisle, she turned towards Ren. As the doors began to close, she offered a small wave before turning her attention back to the rows of empty seats before her. Choosing one of those seats seemed strangely difficult.
The sound of two quick thumps startled Makoto. She turned towards the sound to see Ren standing next to her. Behind him, the train car doors were just finishing closing. She looked up at him. "R-Ren?"
"If you're going to make that face..." Ren gripped one of the train car poles with one hand, his other wrapping around Makoto's waist, drawing her in. "You... you also lost-"
"Mmm." Makoto didn't want to hear the rest of the sentence. She rested her head against Ren and closed her eyes. "W-what about Morgana? Won't he be worried?"
"Yes." Ren sighed. He let go of the pole and took out his phone. He started tapping at it with his free hand. "When we get to Shibuya, I'll..."
"Right." Makoto didn't want to monopolize too much of Ren's time.
"Don't worry about your sister's palace or any of that right now. There's so much we don't know. I'll call everyone together after school tomorrow."
Sis's palace... Makoto had wanted a reason to avoid it, wished for a reason, but this... this wasn't what she wanted. A bitter, acidic taste welled up in the back of her throat. She fought it back down. Ren's hold on her tightened.
The pair exited the train at Shibuya station. Ren walked with Makoto toward her connection. There were still several people around, though much fewer than more standard times of day. They seemed to be keeping to themselves at least, rather than discussing the Okumura press conference.
"Will you be okay?" Ren asked.
"Yes." Makoto took a deep breath.
As they walked, the sign for the platform towards Kasumigaseki caught Makoto's attention. Dad...
Makoto felt an arm across her back, encouraging her forward. It was Ren's. She hadn't realized she had stopped. She looked over at him. He didn't meet her gaze. He seemed to have increased in pace. Makoto had to focus to keep up.
"Hey! Guys!" Ryuji's voice echoed through the near-empty station.
"Ryuji!" Makoto quickly spotted their teammate. "What are you still doing here?"
Ryuji jogged up to Ren and Makoto where they had stopped.
"I was at Protein Lovers. I had to work out some of this... this..." Ryuji looked down and clenched his fists. He took a deep breath and looked up again. "Goin' home Makoto?"
"Mm."
"Me too. We can go together."
"I'd like that." Makoto turned to Ren. "T-thanks... for..."
"It's no problem."
Makoto and Ryuji parted ways with Ren, who headed back towards the Yongen-jaya train. After a few steps, Makoto glanced over her shoulder to check on him. Ren appeared to be walking normally. She hoped he would reach Morgana soon.
As Makoto and Ryuji reached the turnstiles, Makoto realized something was missing. "Ah... Ryuji, did you forget your gym bag?"
"Oh... uh..." Ryuji put both his hands in his pockets. "I have a locker at Protein Lovers."
"Oh."
The pair continued to the platform. They were lucky as a train soon arrived.
"How's he doin'?" Ryuji asked as they sat down in an otherwise empty train car. "He's been actin' weird for like, weeks, now. And this..."
"I don't know..." Makoto looked down towards her knees. "At least Morgana will be with him."
"I s'pose that cat's good for somethin'..." Ryuji gave a brief laugh. The joke failed to land. He shifted his position in his seat. "Y'know... it was me an' Ren who decided to steal Kamoshida's heart despite the chance he could die. Ann wasn't even with us back then. We knew the risks an' still we-"
"I don't think it was us," Makoto said, much more firmly than she felt. "Okumura was about to reveal the source of the mental shutdowns. There's something else going on..."
"I hope you're right... Ann's really upset. There was a moment... she considered killin' Kamoshida, y'know?" Ryuji continued to fidget in his seat.
"But she didn't. She wouldn't." Makoto had not known, but it didn't matter. "We need to figure out what happened. Until then there's nothing we can do."
Ryuji grunted. He pounded his fist on the empty seat beside him.
Makoto changed the subject. "Which stop are you again?"
"Oh... uh, I was gonna see you to your door," Ryuji said, shifting his position yet again. "My mom's got the late shift. It's just the two of us."
"Thank you." Makoto remembered Ryuji telling her and the others how his abusive, alcoholic father walked out on them. She knew it wasn't the time to be prying and yet she couldn't stop herself. "Um, Ryuji... did you ever consider changing your father's heart?"
Ryuji came to a complete stop. He turned his head and looked straight at Makoto.
"I-I'm sorry! That was inconsiderate of me. I shouldn't have brought it up."
"Naw... it's okay. Been thinkin' about it a lot lately anyway." Ryuji sighed, leaning back with his arms behind his neck, staring into the ceiling. "I checked. He ain't in there. Dunno if that means he's dead or left the city or what. But I was relieved... I don't want to change his heart."
"Eh?"
"I don't want him back in our lives. I don't want his apology. I don't want my Mom to have to remember. She... she still loves him." Ryuji choked on the last few words. He ran one of his hands through his hair before resting them both on his thighs, hunching over. He grimaced. "An' so do I."
"Ryuji..." Makoto put her hand over one of his.
"Sorry. This is a bit heavy," a pained smile formed on Ryuji's face. "Him leavin' us back then was the best thing. You can't save some people from themselves... an' sometimes you gotta cut them out of your life before they take you with them. His leavin' did that for us. I dunno if I woulda learned it fast 'nough on my own."
Ryuji sighed again.
"Learnin' you can't change people..." Ryuji lifted his head, once again staring into the ceiling. "An' now it turns out you can. I dunno. Maybe I'm sacrificin' the love of my Mom's life for my own fear. It's not like there weren't good times."
Ryuji again pounded his fist on the empty seat next to it. "Dammit!"
Neither Makoto nor Ryuji said anything for several seconds.
"Heh. Not much of a hero, am I?" Ryuji turned to face Makoto.
"No... no that's not true," Makoto squeezed Ryuji's hand. "You can't be expected to-"
"Yeah. Findin' that boundary is somethin' everyone has to do for themselves... an' that's why I worry about our leader," Ryuji clenched his hands tighter. "I think he's runnin' into stuff even he can't solve. Like tonight. He has to let some of it go."
Originally posted 2017/12/19, updated 2017/12/24 to change P5 protagonist name to Ren
Thanks to Linkin-Phoenix for some edit-help!