(A/N: Chapter prompt: "I'm not doing that again")

Once again, it was Christmas Eve. Though he would never admit it, Ryuji still had nightmares about Christmas Eve the previous year. He was pretty sure he wasn't alone in that amongst the rest of the Phantom Thieves, but his pride still had him not wanting to admit it. He also knew that if he didn't bring it up, it was easier to forget. It was always there at the edge of his thoughts, the memory of the mental pain being erased from existence caused, but he could usually pretend it wasn't there.

Of course, the previous Christmas Eve also had the upside of killing a fake wannabe god and saving the world. They thought it had cost them Morgana along with their powers, but the cat had popped back up when they managed to get Akira out of jail. While the loss of their powers and no longer be able to call themselves "Phantom Thieves" was a large blow, he had to admit it was better than the alternative.

As he walked out of the church with Hifumi, he also had to admit he was in a far better place this year than the previous year. He had someone he cared about, he had a goal in mind for his future, and he still had the best friends a guy could ask for.

"So...that was a church service, huh?" he said, walking hand-in-hand with Hifumi. "It was...interesting."

"It's okay to say you didn't like it, Ryuji." she said, squeezing his hand. "I know it's not exactly a normal thing to do on Christmas Eve, but I'm happy enough that you agreed to come with me."

"So you'd be cool me saying I'm not doing that again?" he asked, looking over at her.

"I'm not going to force you to go, Ryuji." she answered. "Even I only go a few times a year."

"It just seems weird." he said, his voice lowering. "I mean, we kinda killed a god."

"Well, I would say the fact you weren't struck by lightning or burst into flames the moment you walked into the church means it's not an issue." she said, smiling at him.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." he said. "I don't know...maybe next year I'll have changed my mind and I'll agree to go back with you, but right now...yeah, I'm going to give any more visits a pass."

"Next year..." she trailed off. He looked down at her and noticed a small blush on her cheeks.

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Nothing." she said quickly, shaking her head. "I take it the party is still on for tomorrow?"

"You bet!" he said, grinning. "This time, we have nothing holding us back from going all out. Akira's here, we don't have an axe hanging over our heads provided Haru doesn't bring one of hers, even the cat's back. It'll be nice to have a big celebration for one."

"And...you're sure it'll be fine for me to be there?" she asked.

"Of course it will, Empress." he said, wrapping his arm around her. "You may as well be one of us, now." he told her, a smile on his face. It had been a few months since Akira had added first Hifumi, then Shiho using "Spirit" as a codename, to the Phantom Thieves chat. "Besides, I need someone to take my side should Mona start something."

"I promise to be a good girlfriend and help you fend off the evil cat." she said, smirking at him.

"I knew I loved you." he said, leaning over to quickly kiss the top of her head.

"So..." she trailed off, leaning her head against him as they walked.

"So..." he said, holding her tighter. "I uh...got you...something." he said, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck. He let go of her and reached his hand into his jacket. He pulled out a thin box and held it out to her. "I...uh...I hope you like it." he said she reached over to take it. He watched her face as she opened it and gasped softly.

"Ryuji...it's beautiful." she said looking up at him.

"I had Ann help me find it." he said sheepishly. "I had an idea what I wanted to get you, and she helped me figure out what would look best."

"I'll have to remember to thank her as well." she said, looking down at the necklace. She looked up at him and smiled softly. "Will you help me put it on?"

"Sure." he said, taking the box. He pulled the necklace out as Hifumi pulled up her hair. He reached in and put it around her neck, locking his eyes with hers. Once he had it secured, he leaned in and kissed her. She let her hair fall back down and wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss.

Neither noticed the paparazzi taking the picture of them.