A/N Hello all, im sorta made it in that two week schedule...kinda. I'm so glad everyone enjoy last chapter, it was a whopper. This chapter was also very fun to write, more character driven this time around. Please enjoy, and feel free to review

:)

Chapter 41

"Extra, Extra, read all about it, Railroad Tycoon slain in streets!"

The papers were selling like hotcakes that morning, two days, and people were still gossiping over the news.

News, page 2

Businessman, Father, entrepreneur, Kunikazu Okumura was gunned down in the middle of the park. No one saw who fired the shot but many people recall seeing the leader of the Phantom Thieves fleeing the scene of the crime, Okumura was giving a speech about his candidacy before he collapses. Many others fled the park for safety before the police were able to get everything under control. No funeral plans have been made as the search for his daughter and heiress to the company is found.

A witness says their carriage carrying the young women was attacked by outlaws some time prior with Haru Okumura, age 22, being kidnapped. Many believe these two incidents are connected. If you see any members or leaders of the Phantom Thieves, please use caution, they are armed and dangerous. The SIU has put out a money reward DEAD or ALIVE.

Middle of Nowhere, 1885

Three horses walked wearily down the road. All three riders with a heavy heart and anger. The youngest of the three didn't know how to process what had happened. How was he going to tell Haru…..

The Detective riding to the left of him could hear the jangle of precious key items he now holds in a small bag. While Okumura was crafty, he still deep down worried over his daughter, even if every choice wasn't quite right. He still remembers the feeling of his hands getting colder, the grip loosening. Blood staining his suit and arms. When the older man, took his last breath he offered words of passing before grabbing essential items. His pocket watch, some items from his wallet, and his wedding ring all to be given to Haru. If there was a will on his person, Akechi would've grabbed it too.

As they continue to ride, Akechi was trying hard not to think about it, but he had the suspicion. This assassin is probably one and the same. The one who killed Madarame, Koboyokawa, and almost Kaneshiro, and now Okumura. This circle, this group had the backing of the SIU director if that was indeed true as well. He's in a losing battle now, and the only decent chance he has is with this ragtag group of outlaws.

Ren had said the least since they left town, his pants just a bloody as Akechi's. His mind divided on two subjects, one being what Okumura said, lion's crest. Ren wasn't quite sure what that meant. But he wanted to regroup as quickly as possible to the caravan. Makoto was the second topic on his mind and hope she was getting proper treatment.

The elder brother would be lying to himself if he said Makoto hadn't been on his mind as of late. Even when they first meet, she was still beautiful and stubborn, and smart. There was an extra thrill when they fought side by side in gunfights. All their talks, concerns, and dreams. Ren thought he would feel miserable while they stayed at the estate, given how he left it the first time. But Makoto's presence made it east. Easy to think, to relax, to breathe.

While Kasumi was a good friend and lover back then, he always felt as if he was second-guessing himself. The balls he attended always felt stuffy like walls were closing in. Always feeling judged when asked about his past. He loved Kasumi…but he wasn't in love. She never made his heart skip like…..

"Amamiya!" Akechi barked breaking the silence.

"Yeah?"

"Where's this caravan you speak of? Are we close?"

"We should be catching up soon, it's getting dark so they should've stop somewhere by now." The three weren't exactly moving at a fast pace either.

Half an hour later, they were able to see the faint orange glow off the side of the road near some trees. Multiple horses and wagons were stationed nearby. Dr. Takemi's carriage stood out the most.

"It's them," Ren said in relief. Boss was on the outskirts enjoying a smoke when he notices them.

"Ren? Morgana? What the hell happened, you're covered in blood!?"

".… It's not mine. Did Ryuji make it?"

"Yeah, everyone's here," the older man said putting his cigarette out. He offers to tie up their horses as they walk further in camp.

Mishima, Shiho, and Shinya were off to the side eating some food, Futuba was fiddling with some device. Haru was sitting by the fire on a log, twiddling the ends of her shirt, Ann accompanied her…..wait.

"Ann?" The older brother said in surprise, Yusuke also made his appearance known, "Why are you guys here, or how did you beat us here?"

"We found something of interest we thought should be discussed, so we rode all through the night and morning. We ran into the gang already leaving the city sometime afternoon," the artist explained.

"Oh."

Haru looked up when she heard a familiar voice. She was glad to see Ren and Morgana returned safely but there was a 3rd person in the party.

"Detective Akechi!?" Haru spoke.

"Good evening," Akechi hesitantly said.

"Akechi is going to be staying with us for a bit, he's not a threat. You can go about your business. If you'll excuse me," Ren had a destination in mind, having not seen Ryuji or Takemi in the main group.

The full covered wagon that belongs to one Dr. Tae Takemi was there he found Ryuji standing outside.

"Ryuji…."

Looking up, the blonde gunslinger had a smile on his face, "Ren, you made it."

".…How is she?"

"Oh….Doc is still looking her over. I got her here as fast as I could. But she hasn't woken up yet," he said providing the somber news, "They're uh both in the wagon."

"Thanks."

The back had a cloth covering to provide some privacy for a medical examination, "Hey Doctor Takemi, it's Ren."

"One moment," he could hear her move around putting things away. Briefly opening the cloth, the Doctor steps out but not before Ren could see Makoto in a makeshift bed inside.

"Do you want the good news or the bad news first?"

"I'll take the good," swallowing deeply, how bad could the bad news be?

Takemi sights as she prepares to tell him, "The good news is that she's still alive. She has a pulse, it's a little weak but it's there."

".…..And the bad?"

"We've changed her into dryer clothes to keep her warm and applied a clean bandage to the wound. I applied my special salve on it to prevent a possible infection. But….. it's not the physical wound I'm worried about."

"What do you mean?"

"The head is a delicate thing, Ren, while the wound physically on her head can be treated, I cannot treat any internal damages. There are studies of people who have suffered head injures and have fallen asleep for weeks, months, sometimes years."

"If she fell asleep then wake her up."

"It's not that simple Ren, she is in what is called a comatose state. She has to heal her wounds. We can help her intake water and liquid food, but there's not much I can do. I'm sorry."

Comatose state, asleep, not waking up, possibly never again?

"Can…can I see her?"

"Yes you can, but only for an hour. I need to clear your own wounds."

Nodding, he carefully climbed into the carriage, moving to the other side where Makoto rested. A white bandage covered her forehead, a small red splotched stained the clean wrappings. A blanket and his coat laid on top of her trapping in the warmth. The only signs of life he could see was the faint movement of her breathing.

She's still alive, she's still breathing.

Ren tells himself, he would be just as worried if it was Ann laying here or Ryuji or Yusuke. But that's a bald-faced lie. He wouldn't feel the tightness in his chest as he does now, the sense of fear down his spine.

I should've never brought her with….

She can handle it.

It's too dangerous, this is what happens.

She knew the dangers when she chooses to support you.

I didn't learn my lesson, it hurts.

It hurts because you care.

I wish this feeling went away.

You refuse to admit the reason.

There is no reason, he continues to argue with himself.

There was a reason, a reason why his heart been skipping the past few weeks, why he feels at ease with her. Talking has never been easier when they converse. How she stayed up waiting for him to make sure he's okay.

There was a reason. Thudding his head against the wagon walls, he closes his eyes. Ren needed to stop lying to himself, after all, he was a man in love.

Love was a crazy thing. It was a painful thing, scary, and frustrating. He feels useless, so vulnerable. But he can't give up, not now.

Detective Goro Akechi didn't know the first thing to say to the young heiress in front of him. Her Father's blood stained his clothes, his prefectures rested in a small pouch. What was the last thing said between them before she left?

"Detective?" The girl in question asked, "Are you hurt? You're covered in blood?"

Shaking his head no, he gently guides her to sit back down away from camp. He's done this plenty of times before, offers condolences to victims' families. It was never easy, but he was always detached when speaking. 'I'm sorry for your loss….he will be missed. Unfortunately….' He couldn't start with those.

"Miss Haru, something happen…..something bad. You're Father was in some…..shady business."

"I've been recently informed of this."

"Okay…..uh it seems some dealings with your Father and associates went south and..."

"What happened to my Father! Is he okay?"

Akechi couldn't hold back the truth anymore, digging out the pouch that contains his stolen belongings, he carefully places it in her hands, "Your father was killed the other day Miss Haru, I'm deeply sorry."

Tears fell down her face as she takes in the grave news of her now departed family.

"I know I haven't stayed there long, but I do believe your Father loved you very much. You….were one his mind during his final moments, his 'fluer'."

Her tears blurred her sight as they continued to fall into sadness, anger, in regret. She wishes he had stayed the Father she once knew as a little girl that always called her 'fluer'. The one that didn't sell his soul or treat people harshly. She wishes she could've saved him.

"W…was it quick? He didn't suffer."

"I don't believe he suffered. Do what you will with his possessions, they all fall to you now."

The Okumura company is the last thing on her mind. She now had sole possession of wealth from one of the richest men.

"In regards to your future Miss Haru, while I don't think it's the greatest idea, it's the best we have at the time. I think you should stay here, with the Phantom Thieves, they'll keep an eye on you, keep you safe from worse things," Akechi had suggested.

The last thing he wants is a citizen tied up with outlaw affairs. Normal procedure would have her under the watchful eye of the SIU, but he can't exactly point where their allegiance lies.

"For how long will I be here, Detective."

"Until things calm down, I'm not entirely sure who we can trust, but it's a bit safer here than it is at the mansion with only servants. But I will make sure the truth comes to light, that your Father received justice."

"As will I," the younger Amamiya brother had eavesdropped on their conversation. The young man was worried about the heiress, the short time they knew each other, he has considered her a dear friend. Morgana gets along with the other Thieves well, but she had a kindness to her the others didn't.

"Morgana, you don't have to do—"

"No, we got you mixed up in our situation. I won't hold back, I know I'm young but I've faced harrowing danger before."

"Can I trust you young Amamiya to leave Miss Haru in your hands?"

"Of course you can."

Here Akechi was, breaking his own oath, negotiating with outlaws, being friendly, and helping them. If the Captain even got word of this…THE CAPTAIN! If he was apart of this plan, then he would need to be dealt with.

"Hey, kid."

"I'm not a kid."

"Either way, I have important information pertaining to your cause, can you gather your companions?"

"Sure, let me find my brother, he'll wanna hear this."

The group had all gotten together around the fire, Morgana finding Ren bandaged up by the medical wagon looking sullen. Everyone but Makoto and Takemi present. The crackling of the fire, the sounds of nature in the distance as they waited in anticipation for Akechi to speak.

"I assume everyone is here, so I'll begin. It has come to my attention that we may be on the same trail against the same group of people. A case I had been working on for almost a year prior eventually lead me to a man known as Kamoshida. Your first target amongst his inner circle I presume."

"That is correct," Ren confirmed.

"Kamoshida was one of the names given out by SIU 'interrogation' methods. The next one after was someone name Azazel whose real name was Ichiryusai Madarame. Does he also ring a bell?"

"He was my teacher….and parental figure for a long time." The tall lanky, blue hair main said.

"I see, I'm sorry to tell you this, but we found him dead during our questioning with him. We believe an assassin came in while I temporarily stepped out."

"... ."

"Was there anything unusual he did? People he talked to? The evidence found in his house held little info."

Yusuke felt distraught. While Madarame wasn't the perfect man, he still cloth him, feed him, taught him, he couldn't forget that and now….he was gone, "I wouldn't know, I mostly handle the art transactions."

"Then no worries. Amamiya," Ren jerked his head up again in acknowledgment, "Kaneshiro and Okumura follow with you as well?"

"Yeah, we had some trouble in between but Mammon was the next target."

"Mammon?"

"It's what Kaneshiro called him." the elder brother explained.

"We also heard a hitman call him that as well," Ryuji chimed in, "Yusuke and I couldn't see him, we were hiding. But they were talking about a hit."

"It sounded like this hitman has trouble speaking as well."

"What makes you say that Yusuke?" the blonde gunslinger was curious over the artist's findings.

"I could hear it in his speech. It sounded painful, perhaps we are looking for someone that suffers a vocal injury as the hitman."

"Nice going Yusuke! Blondie here too stupid to pick that up."

"YOU WANNA GO SHORTSTACK!"

"Enough! This is an important meeting you two!" Ren was already in a foul mood.

"Is it possible this hitman and black cloak we heard about be one and the same?" Ann wanted to change the conversation away from the two idiots.

"That is my hunch, the one who killed Okumura was wearing a black cloak," Akechi said.

"Okumura's former associate was being hunted by someone described wearing a black cloak according to the store clerk. If he is being paid by Okumura, why backstab him?"

"I believe this guy is also behind Madarame's and Koboyokawa's murders demise. He's been a part of the reason I've had a few setbacks. That and my Captain acting like this case is already resolved with their deaths."

"The SIU director?" Ren wondered.

"The same, he's been suspicious of late. He sent me down here for a reason, whether to get me away from finding any more clues. Or maybe to have me killed."

"So you believe your Captain might be apart of this inner circle?"

"This guy you're looking for has a lot of influence, having one of the richest men in his pocket is one thing. Having the largest police force under your command would be facing a mountain."

"I'm not afraid to climb it," Ren said with determination in his eyes.

"But what of the rest of your group?"

"We stand with Ren," Ryuji stated. Outside of his own flesh and blood had always had his back. Ann and Morgana nodded as well as Yusuke. Futaba, Boss, Mishima, and others also provided support.

"So you plan to go through with this?" Akechi looks to confirm Ren's resolve.

"I am a man who was wrongfully convicted an almost killed, how many out there have been in my shoes. How many never saw the next sunrise. All I seek is justice to right the wrongs."

"Heh….that's funny. Someone once told me the same thing a few years ago."

"It's good advice Detective."

Akechi sighed inwardly. These outlaws….this group was something else.

"Look, I'm not sure how much weight my authority holds with SIU, but I like to get to the truth just as much as you. Perhaps….there can be a temporary partnership with you all."

"A Detective siding with outlaws?" Yusuke mutters.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend they say. So Amamiya, do we have a deal?"

Ren could see benefits with this deal, having someone like Akechi in their fight would be a great plus to them and knowledge, "Well, welcome aboard Detective Akechi," offering a handshake.

"Just Akechi is fine," he said returning it.

"Then call me Ren," He points to the others, "The loud blonde over there is Ryuji, the pigtails is Ann; his fiancee. You already met Yusuke, the former pupil, and my brother Morgana. Mishima will help you with intel and Futaba with any weapon repairment. Over there is Boss, Miss Shiho, and Shinya—we're sorta raising him. But he's a good kid. Dr. Takemi our medic is currently looking after Makoto. That's about everyone."

"Nice to meet all of you officially. I hope we work well together," he addresses the group, then turns to address Ren, "How is Miss Nijima by the way?"

"Alive, that's all I could ask for."

Now if only I can get her sister out of possible trouble," Akechi mumble mostly to himself.

"I guess stubbornness runs in that family." Ren joked for the first time in what felt like forever. He hopes when he does meet her sister again, that it wouldn't be bad news.

"Ren!" Yusuke interrupts the two men's conversation, "Ann and I would like a word with you. It's about Shinsuke Kishi."

"What did you find?"

"Um, we're not sure if it was Kishi himself but when we asked around, we weren't the only ones looking for him. The store clerk said a bounty hunter was asking for Kishi a few days prior.. We think this is the same assassin as there was only one fresh grave…" Ann explains.

".…Did you guys dig up the body?"

"I didn't want to but Yusuke and I weren't sure and—"

"We found this on his person," Yusuke had cut the young women off, handing Ren the small business card.

The Phantom Thief leader examines the item. It was no bigger than the palm of his hand, with an image of a lion.

"Lions crest, this is a lion's crest. Okumura mentions the words 'lion's crest' before he passed. This could be our next clue."

Akechi took the card from Ren's hand, he didn't recognize the image nor could think of any coat of arms that would have this symbol. " I don't recognize it either, no famous family has this as an insignia."

"Mishima! You're up, does this image look familiar to you?" The man in question has become a top-notch intelligence agent they needed over the years recognizing an array of information.

"It's a bit bloody, but given the design, color, lack of words, and image placement, it may be some sort of invitation or membership for an Order.

"Order of what?" Ryuji complained.

"No an Order like a group, if there is a specific secret location one could present this and be accepted inside. High-end brothels use them sometimes. For elite clientele. A normal business card would have a name or address attached to it for people to go. But one would already have to know where this place is by word of mouth. The color of the insignia could also be a code from something, but I have no key to decipher."

"This is why I recruited you. It's going to be slow travel for us, but see if you can ask any of your 'friends' where this meetup is."

"I'll have to split at the nearest town, but I'll catch up immediately if there's dire news."

"Appreciate that, I think we should all hit the hay though. It's been a very long day on the road for us all."

Morgana took a peak towards Haru who hasn't moved since the news, "A bed does sound nice," Haru needed his bedroll more then he did. The ground wouldn't be bad tonight.

"Akechi follow me," the elder brother directed the Detective to the second carriage. Their belongings were stored there, digging through one of the trunks he pulled out a dark shirt and two pairs of pants, keeping one pair for himself. "We're about the same size, here you can change into these. Bloods not coming out of that light suit. Feel free to use the bedroll as well, I'll be sleeping elsewhere for a few days." Ren said walking away before Akechi could offer a word of thanks.

Ren's neck was sore waking up today. His back was upright against the inside of the carriage walls. Legs cramped up to save space, he was sleeping like this the past four days, in the medical wagon.

He had hoped after a night's rest Makoto would wake up. But she didn't, not the 1st or 2nd, or 3rd and so far today the steady breathing continued. Not even a twitch during the night. He was also scared to wake up to find her not breathing at all, but Tektmi has kept a close eye as they continue their travel Nort.

They were still in the country with grasslands existing for miles. They were running out of places to hide, but there was one location that hasn't been used in a long, long time.

Jumping out of the carriage, he stretches out the sore muscles before starting his mourning routines. Things around the caravan had been more or less the same, Shiho keeps camp organize, Shinya sees who free to play with him that day, Yusuke sketching something while Futaba bothers him. The blonds bickering over nonsense before lip-locking for an hour much to Morgana's annoyance. Morgana has been the difference in the past few days. Ever since Haru's arrival, he's been by her side during her mourning.

He did see Boss's coffee brought a small amount of joy to her face before it saddens again. Akechi had also offered some support but was met with an air of indifference. She wasn't mad at the man for what happened, but she wanted to be angry at someone and Morgana was to kind for her anger.

The Detective didn't take it personally, he felt odd around the group. They only would stop to eat lunch then a second stop for sleeping. No one really converses with the agent except for Boss and Ren.

For Ren this morning, he made sure the water was extra cold before washing his face, he needed a wake-up call coffee wasn't going to fix. The morning dew couldn't stop the smell of breakfast Shiho was cooking over the small campfire.

"Mornin."

"Good Morning Mr. Ren, sleep well?" the young woman asked.

"Rough Night," plopping himself on the dirt, waiting for the food to finish. They stored enough dried meat and other food for this trip. Less time for hunting meant more time for traveling.

"It might be a few more days till we hear back from Mishima. Between you, him and Boss, we've been spoil with delicious meals," offering a compliment.

"Thank you, I try my best. It's calming to cook for everyone. I'll take this job over 100 times than the brothel."

"I know it's been a busy few months, so we haven't had much time to catch up. Mishima mention you and him have been helping Shinya to read and write in your spare time?"

"Shinya's a good kid and very smart. I've been teaching to read and count, Mishima…Mr. Mishima has worked with him on writing."

Ren couldn't help raise an eyebrow at that. Other than Ryuji and Ann, Shiho tended to ad Mr and Miss to all the adults.

"Mishima's writing is a strong suit when I need to read coded messages," Ren playfully said. It was an interesting development.

A loud yawn is heard as Ryuji comes walking towards the campfire, " Mornin buddy, morning Shiho."

"How was watch last night?"

"Eh, nothing to report, just some coyote making noises. was quiet as a brink wall. Tried to bring up short conversations and I got ignored."

"It been a rough few days, cut him a break."

"Forget it then, how have you been holding up, is she awake yet?"

Ren shook his head no. No signs still, Takemi would be feeding Makoto now. He's seen her prop her head up and use a water pouch to pour water down her mouth before rubbing her throat. Takemi says it's to help the body swallow.

"The more days she doesn't wake up, the higher chance she may not recover."

"I'm sorry man…." he said.

The elder brother hasn't resigned to the thought of her never recovering. But each passing day his stomach drops just a bit more.

"You guys can eat, the foods ready."

"Oh, what are we having?" Ryuji was always excited about food.

"Rabbit stew."

"But that's what we had last night."

"I know, but you know the rules."

"Ryuji you should remember if we don't finish it last night, it's breakfast," Ren informed him grabbing a bowl. The others soon woke up and followed, each grabbing a bowl of leftover stew for breakfast.

Grabbing two separate bowls, Ren knew where he was taking these. The first stop was the medical carriage.

"Hey Doctor Takemi, I got you some breakfast."

"Thanks." Before he could open his mouth again, Takemi beat him to it, "No, no changes still, I'm sorry."

"...Ok."

Not challenging her, he takes the second bowl to his other destination. The only bedroll slightly away from everyone was Detective Akechi.

"Here, I got you something to eat before it was gone." The other man was sitting down writing in a small notepad.

"Thank you." Grabbing the contents.

"I hope Ryuji wasn't an annoyance last night," Ren said joining him on the ground, "What are you caught up in?"

"Writing things down about me, I don't have a will but if I'm going along with this plan, I need something."

"What, you got no wife, siblings, parents, among the living?"

"No. No one just me and my job."

"If I didn't have Morgana, or Boss and Futaba, I will probably be like you. Dedicated to my goal, all while being miserable."

"I'm not miserable."

"Relax, I jest. I never thought about a will to be honest, given my profession, I should've written one years ago. What to do with my possession, the hidden chest filled with money."

"I'm going to assume it was stolen."

"That's your interpretation of it, I like to call it permanently borrowed," Ren joked, "But the money would go to a good cause. Send some to Boss and Futaba, Morgana will only have enough to live a comfortable but not extravagant I think the rest will go to others like orphanages and such."

"I think mines could've used the money, everything was broken," Akechi bitterly laughs.

"You lived in an orphanage?"

"Yes, after I found my mother's body hanging from the end of a rope…"

"I'm sorry to hear that. My own mother passes as well, from sickness."

"I never could figure out if I loved her or hated her. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise, after a few years, the Captain picked me out, put me to work at SIU till I climbed my way up."

"I guess that's one way of looking at it," Ren said.

"It's ironic, how small decisions could affect such large outcomes. If I had stayed, I would've been forced to steal for food, maybe murder. But I would have survived that long unless I adapted to the streets."

"Boss said something similar to me like that once, like ripples in the water. Maybe something you did in the past lead you to us."

"Or maybe I'm curse. Maybe my curiosity got Okumura killed, if I wasn't someone who's persistent, would the Captain have even sent me down there. We'll never know will we."

"Your very philosophical today aren't you Akechi."

"There's a million things always on my mind, black coat, Miss Nijima, this secret society. Figuring out what I'm going to do with the SIU. I doubt I'll be able to return to my old job."

"There's no shortage of bounty hunters if you feel like roughing it."

"You? A Bounty Hunter?" Akechi questioned.

"For a moment, mostly the lowest of low I would find, rapist, child murders. I left the small fry alone. Most of them were just people trying to survive, stealing to pay for crucial medical or food."

"Laws are there for a reason."

"You're going to sit here and try to argue about the morality of people's decisions. I know I'm not a saint, but I've done the things I've done for others, to keep them safe, to keep them feed. You of all people should know, seeing the ugly side humanity has to offer."

Their conversations brought insight and a whole new view to Akechi about the man known as the Phantom Thief leader. He was completely different from the SIU reports compare to these conversations they had in real life. He can see why the others have stuck with him this long.

"I feel don't even know what to believe in anymore."

"I thought you believed in your own justice, to finding the truth?" You think to far ahead sometimes, live in the now or else you'll make yourself unsteady," Ren spoke while getting up.

"Did Boss tell you that too?"

"No, Akira Sr." The elder Amamiya brother left Akechi by himself to finish breakfast. Once the fire died and the tents pack, they will be on their way.

It was getting colder the further they travel. The heat of the south and waning summer was falling behind them.

A full week had passed without Makoto waking up. A whole week of Ren lacking sleep in worry. Since his own self-revelation, the pain in his chest continues to hurt when he looks at her sleeping face. The wound on her had was healing fine as Takemi said, but they were unsure how to fix her internal injuries.

They were just a couple of miles out of the destination when they had to stop for the night. The whole group was aware of their fellow companion's injuries and hope she would pull through.

After dinner, Ren immediately went to the medical carriage, "Doc, dinner is ready if you want some, I'll keep watch."

"I will go in a moment, it seems my guinea pig has something on his mind?"

Sighing he felt called out by Doctor Takemi, "Are you sure there's nothing else we can do to help her?"

".….I'm sorry Ren, I've done what I can to help her. Perhaps you can try talking, hold a conversation. Even when we sleep, we are still hearing the noises and voices around us. The human mind is a complex organ. So try that and I'll get some supper." She walked away, leaving just hum and the comatose Makoto alone.

Hopping in the back where she laid, he took a seat leaning against the wall

"Dr. Takemi…..she said talking to you might help," Ren said as if expecting a response back, "The past week I keep thinking back on the day I let you join us. On how many times I should've said no. But I saw something in you, that sense of adventure, your stubbornness, your kindness. I…I may not say it, but I've always appreciated your support of me, of having my back, both in a fight and emotionally. When I had self-doubt, you didn't quit but cheered me up. You worried about me." he paused to keep his emotions in check.

"It's been twice now I've seen you hurt this badly. Your so determined the first time, you even tried to shoot me," he had to chuckle at that, "But you didn't give up, you fought through the pain to reach your goal. Even though we had only just met at that time, I wanted you to get better, just like now. But I didn't feel the way I do now back then. It hurts, it's terrifying, I…..DAMNIT! I'm scared you won't wake up. Please, please wake up Makoto. We need you….I need you. I miss our conversations, both silly and serious. I miss the smile that adores your face, I just…" Feeling frustrated, he cups his hands over his face. He was tired, sad, and helpless. He wanted these feelings of hopelessness to go away.

So keen to the sound of soft sleeping breaths, he was startled when the noise was disrupted. Shifting under the blanket and coat, weary reddish-brown eyes look right up at him.

".…..Ren?"

A/N YA'LL DON'T THE THE TEMPTATION! I wanted to put "Who are you instead" but I didn't feel like having an amnesia plot. But after a week long coma, our girl is back, Ren knows he's in love but now how will he explain it. you gotta keep reading.

Hope you all enjoy the chapter, I hope to have the next one out before Christmas and all. Feel free to review and stay safe.