A/N Hi all, MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Sorry for the small delay. The chapter was done and finished by Xmas but when I did my final read before publishing, I didn't like how I wrote the chapter ending. So I deleted the last part and rewrote it to how I wanted it and I like how it is now. I think it conveys what I wanted to write compare to whatever was going through my mind the first go around. This will also be the last chapter of the year. Oh my goodness 2020 was crazy, so many things happen both work and off work. I'm glad to be continuing this story and happy to see you all excited to come back for more.

I'm not 100% sure on my timeline of when this will end but seeing as its near the Sae arc we're getting pretty close. But I want to thank you all new and old who have stuck with this story this year and I hope everyone has a fantastic New Year. I hope you all stay safe and that things will go positive from here.

Thanks again, feel free to review.

Chapter 43

Elsewhere….

The noise of the city was everywhere that morning. The heavy sounds of machinery, louder gossip to accompany the noisy atmosphere. The train ride back was much quieter. Sae Nijima had her coffee in one hand and the morning's paper in the other. It was in this pose that the messenger found her sitting.

"Miss Nijima, the Captain wishes to see you."

"I'll be there in just a moment,: she hopes this was the moment she waited for. A promotion that will allow her to handle SIU top priority cases. She has been exemplary her entire career and not gotten very far, only to have her male colleagues do half the work she's done to get where they are.

Straightening out her clothes for any wrinkle, she makes her way to the head of SIU office.

"You asked for me, sir?"

The captain was looking outside his window, down at the subjects they protect every day, "Thank you for coming Miss Nijima, sit." He reaches for his pipe on his desk and lights it up.

"I trust your trip to the Okumura estate was successful. The sheriff down there sings of praise with your assistance on their cases."

"I was doing my job Captain."

"Yes a job well done indeed," he pauses to take a few puffs, " I'm also sure you're aware of the other incidents."

"I've become aware of Okumura's death, witnesses believe the Phantom Thieves are behind it," spouting the info she read in the paper.

"I think so too Miss Nijima, but they should've never gotten that close unless they had an inside man. Goro Akechi was also spotted at the scene of the crime."

"Captain?"

"I have an informant that claims Akechi was a double agent. One who was secretly aiding the Phantom Thief leader to escape."

"Sir, Akechi is one of our best agents, he would want to bring them to justice as much as anyone else here," Sae defends the young was dedicated to his job like her and didn't slack off. Having the Captain accuse him as a traitor is odd.

"Didn't you find it suspicious he continues to chase after the close cased? Searching through multiple files that have no significance to what he was working on. Some even claim he was altering files that reference the notorious gang to keep us off their trail."

"This doesn't sound like the man we know Sir."

"So it seems, maybe this was a ruse of his from the beginning. Maybe I should've left him in that dreaded orphanage. Now he is running around disgracing our good name," The captain said continuing his smoke.

"Is there anything I can do Captain?"

"There is something you can do Miss Nijima, note your hard work has not gone unnoticed. I believe with success, we can sweep Akechi digressions under the rug. In fact, if you are successful in your next case, I will personally promote you to Lieutenant," he offers her the sweetest deal possible.

"What needs to be done Sir, I will do it right away. I won't fail you."

"That's very good to hear because I need the Phantom Thieves, their leader, and Goro Akechi charged, convicted, and hanging by a rope by next month's end. Is that manageable, Miss Nijima?"

".…..Yes, Captain."

"Good, you're dismissed," Sae gets up to leave before he calls out to her once more.

"Oh, and one more thing. Do remember there will be consequences for failure. Understood?"

"Understood."

Present Day, 1885

The next day had arrived with little trouble. As much as Ren wanted a repeat performance, he decided to bunk with his brother for the night. Much to the younger sibling's displeasure.

Ren was also looking for Ryuji per Akechi's suggestion. He wanted to find the blonde gunslinger and go on an errand so they could talk in peace.

He was amazed at how hard it was to find people at camp, there were only so many of them in the vicinity. Some were inside the house, while others congregated by the campfire. He hadn't checked the stables yet so far, the leftover hay keeps the building some warmth for the horses. They would store the horses on the first floor, while the second was used for extra storage.

Ren opens the door coming face to face with the horses. Arsene, Carmen, Kidd, and Mercurius were on one side of the stalls. Goemon and Anat rested well on the other side.

"Ryuji! Ryuji, you in here?" the elder brother shouted. Climbing up to the second floor he could hear the quick movement of rustling clothes. The man in question popped up behind some boxes.

"Hey, Ren! You were looking for me," Ren noted he sounded out of breath. Another thing of note was his appearance.

"Why are you sweaty?"

"...Um,"

Shaking his head, he stops Ryuji's poor explanation from coming out, "Actually nevermind. Just make sure to meet me by the carriage in an hour. And good morning to you too Ann," he said climbing back down. The woman couldn't help look sheepish as she too popped up behind the box, blouse button wrong in a hurry.

"M-Morning Ren."

Ren should stop being surprised over those two, he wasn't the only one that keeps running into them in a compromising position. No one wanted to set their tent next to there's, especially if you're looking for sleep. Dr. Takemi had to step in after a while.

He was waiting in the driver sit for Ryuji to join after scarfing down a quick snack. They needed other supplies besides hunted food. A town wasn't too far from the house they use to visit when he was younger. Ren wondered if people still knew him there. Have they kept up with the recent news? Do they know what he has become? Or would they turn him in for a few extra bucks?

"Okay, I'm here! Where are we going?" Ryuji climbed up on top of the carriage sitting next to Ren.

"We are on a trip for supplies."

Ryuji turned around back and sees the Detective sitting in the back area.

"Why is he here?" the blond gunslinger directed to Ren.

"More hands to carry things, we need more ammo, food supplies, medicine, and get Akechi his own horse. Makoto should be well enough to ride Anat again soon."

Akechi purposefully coughs under his breath at the mention of Makoto. Taking it as a sign for the reason he sought out Ryuji in the first place.

"Actually, I brought you out on this errand for a reason. I have a question for you, about you and Ann. But NOT about this morning," he emphasizes.

"Sorry about that."

"I was wondering….when did you realize you were in love with her?" Ryuji wasn't expecting that question and but he already knew the answer.

"I guess, after the first few trips to the brothel. I was mostly there to scratch an itch. But," he couldn't contain the smile on his face. "She and I started to talk after sex. Just small chatter. I was the nicest client she had apparently. There became a few nights where we would just talk during the duration, nothing else. Did you know Ann and Shiho lefts their home to become performers out west? Kamoshida found them and lured them in with fake promises, telling them he would get in touch with famous people."

"I assume this 'debt' followed after?"

"Yeah," Ryuji tried to focus ahead as they go down the road, "I became protective, concern, I wanted so badly to get her out. She just looked so sad. I can't really pinpoint when everything fell into place, it just did. Maybe it was a slow process all along. All I know is that I knew I wanted to be with her. " he finished. The blond man's hair wondered why he would be asking these types of questions? He wasn't the brightest of the bunch but the wheels turned in his head until a smirk creeps on his face.

"Just ask me Ryuji…."

"Have you told Makoto?"

"Am I that obvious?"

"The way you reacted to her injury, you're like an open book. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone but Makoto knew." Akechi said adding his two cents.

"Yeah, you two keep making bedroom eyes lately." Ren almost steered off the road with Ryuji's comment.

"I am NOT making bedroom eyes. I just don't know why I'm having trouble getting the courage to tell her. I've been with other women before, this should be easy."

'Ren, my friend, have you ever felt what you feel now towards the others. What you felt towards Kasumi?"

"I thought I did back then, but how do I know?"

"You don't know, it's like a leap of faith. But I do know that when I'm with Ann, things just feel right. I don't feel stupid, I feel happy, relax, like I'm taking a—"

"—A breath of fresh air."

"Exactly!" Ryuji enthusiastically shoulder bumps Ren, "But you should tell her, the sooner the better."

"I'll come up with a plan. Now sit down before you fall off."

They were able to reach the town after their jovial conversation. The single street had a few more stores than he remembered. But most of it stayed the same.

"Get some can goods, ammo, and any medical supplies with this," Ren spoke handing Ryuji money, "Whatever change we got left bring back. Got it?"

"Yup."

While he is busy with that, Akechi lets get you settled. Any type of horse in mind?"

"Something sturdy, I only had SIU issue horses. Mostly on loan from the Calvary." Whenever he wasn't riding a horse, Akechi typically took modern transportation. Especially trains and motorize carriages.

They walked to the end of the street where the stable was located. Ren still had money left over from hidden goods. But his overall total was reaching an all-time low, they would have to find a way to get cash soon.

"Well, I'll be damn, is that little Ren?" the stable head greeted them the men.

"I guess I'm not little anymore old man." The old stable head was still working around horses years after the brothers left. He always likes taking trips with his Father to old man would allow him to pet the animals until his Father was ready to leave.

"Who's your friend?"

It was easier to recognize Akechi again as the bruise from the train fight had healed completely. He at least made a disguised attempt by wearing a hat.

"Robin is my name," Akechi tried taking a page from Ren's book.

"Well Mr. Robin, welcome are you all looking for something specific?"

"Something sturdy. I may be on horseback for a while," the detective requested.

"Let's see, we got these two fine horses, they can handle heavy towing, two riders and —"

"What about that one at the end?" He points to the horse at the end stall. Its coat littered with black and white patches. It looked strong.

"Oh that fellow, he still wild. Doesn't like people much, we found him abandoned by the herd."

"Is that so." Akechi walks up to the mare in question. It looked discontent, stuck in its cage. A feeling Akechi wasn't unfamiliar with, "I'll take him."

"What him?"

"Yes, I'll take him off your hands for you." the owner was flabbergasted. They only caught the horse barely two weeks prior. It tried to kick anyone that went near it. He simply thought the mare needed more training but it was stubborn to hell.

"Very well." Ren paid the asking price with some negotiation. Not long after a new saddle and gear they left.

Ryuji was still running the errands for them, they the two waited around the carriage. Akechi had taken the time to familiarize himself with his new companion.

"I'm surprised he hasn't bucked you off yet? Especially if he's still wild."

"Maybe my air of authority tells him who's in charge. But he and I are alike as well." He trotted around a few times. The most aggressive the mare got was roughly shaking his head but stayed calm under the Detective.

"You picked a name yet?"

"Yes…Hereward."

".…Hereward?"

"Something I remember reading a long time ago," Akechi explains.

"Hey, guys!" Ryuji was barreling towards the carriage with a large crate of goods,"I finish the errands."

"Thanks. Let's hurry and get this packed, it will be night by the time we get back."

They would have can food to stretch, ammo, and fabric cloth to help stitch some of the wear and tear their clothes have gone through.

Ryuji fell asleep on the way back. Akechi was still testing the waters with his horse but followed closely behind. Ren thought about what they had discussed earlier that day. Ryuji did have a point, the sooner would be better. Who knows if they run into what happened the other week again. He should know how fleeting life could be. How every moment is precious. What if Makoto didn't make it….he couldn't stomach it. Tomorrow was his goal, he had to speak with her.

Morgana was free again as his brother had sought to run errands with blonde and the Detective. He offered the young heiress another opportunity to learn how to shoot with him. The first lesson terrified the younger brother as a look of rage-filled Haru's eyes when shooting a pistol.

The ranch was located around a series of small hills perfect for elevation, "Wait here" Morgana told her. He ran down the hill to set up the stand; discarded beer bottles. Running uphill took a bit longer but they were ready for training.

"Though I was hesitant, I will teach you how to use this," Morgana unwrapped the sniper rifle they use against Kaneshiro's gang. The younger brother was the only one skilled enough to use it. It was a fine-tuned rifle from Iwai, the scope giving a clear closer view of targets.

"First, you wanna lay in this position, keep the back steady. Adjust for height and—" he nails one of the bottles perfectly providing her an example. "Now you try," he hands her the weapon.

She sits in the position he told her, keeping her back steady.

"Don't get too close to the scope, the recoil can take your eye out. It's not windy so we don't have to check for that," Morgana continues to instruct her, "You want to aim a little higher than your target before you pull the trigger."

"Why is that?"

"The bullet drops over time. Aim too low and you can miss the target. Boss told me all about it. Now, do you have the object in your sights?"

"Yes."

"Fire!" the noise of a gunshot was heard as her shot missed completely. The shot hitting the dirt behind her target.

"A little bit too high. But don't worry, let us try again." Morgana tries to encourage her while he switches out the old bullet. "Now this times, try to relax and un-clench, that should help with your aim," Haru takes the second shot and hits a rock, but still misses her target.

Sighing, the Okumura heiress looks down in defeat, "I'm sorry Morgana, I'm not very good at this."

"Don't feel down, maybe we need to try another method. Maybe don't think of them as empty beer bottles, but the combination of all the things you dislike rollover into one. Concentrate and then fire."

Haru thought about the anger she feels over the people who used her father, the one who murdered him. She felt so helpless back home, unable to change the fate burn into her. She positions herself again and takes aim.

Concentrate, she thinks to herself. Taking Morgana's advice, she takes her spot and fire. Two sounds were heard, the sound of the rifle and the sound of broken glass.

"Nice shot Haru! That was near perfect."

".…Thank you."

"Remind me never to get on your bad side," The two tried a few more shots trying to take down 4 bottles. Out of ten shots taken, two bottles were downed.

"We should probably call it a day. Don't want too much noise drawing strangers to us." Morgana suggested later in the day.

"That would be best, I am getting quite hungry actually."

"I could use supper as well. We can work on another item next time. Okay?"

She nods back as they packed up and head back to camp. A much-needed break for the newest member.

Ren wakes up feeling refresh for the day. Bothering his younger brother again for sleep. The first person he went to look for was the brown-haired woman herself. He saw her at breakfast able to walk on her own for now. But before Ren had the chance to ask Makoto for a moment, the good doctor whisked her away for a checkup.

He would have to wait for the two to finish before he can ask again. Today was starting to feel like not his day.

"Hey kid, get over here, I need your help with stuff," Boss had requested him over by the food prep area. "Help me scrub these pots, it's your turn to help with lunch."

"Now?"

"Yes now, we started breakfast late. The sooner they're clean the sooner I can start getting lunch ready.

Sighing, Ren helps Boss with the task, getting his elbow grease in during the work. He cleaned and scrubbed them as hard as he could for the older former outlaw.

"Boss I'm done," Ren said.

"Get started on cutting up those carrots and get the fire hotter while your at it."

Ren was stuck with menial chores, he almost forgot about all this back at the estate when they had others cook for them. But when they were out on the road they had a rotation between everyone to help out. Boss and Shiho were the main cooks, but everyone had to chip in from time to time.

Fire stoked, carrots chopped, lunch was in the process of cooking. He no longer needed to be here.

"If that was all Boss, I have some other stuff I need to do."

"Alright, you're free to go," Boss grumbles under his breath.

Now the elder Amamiya brother will try again to track down Makoto. Determination setting in once more. She wasn't outside or with Takemi anymore as he saw the doctor taking notes by herself. The house was the next place he searches hoping to find her.

The crackling of the fireplace was still going strong. He finds her sitting in the smaller bedroom with Shinya next to her on the edge of the bed. A book in her hands.

"Hello, Makoto."

"Ren! Good afternoon."

"I….uh was wondering if you had a moment to spare?" Ren tries his best to keep the nerves out of his voice.

"Oh? I'm sorry Ren, I offered to help Shinya with his math lessons. I'll be finished in about an hour if you still want to talk."

"You don't have to rush…education is important. Right, Shinya?"

"Yes Big Bro Ren," Ren ruffles the boy's hair before he leaves. Maybe he should hide for the next hour so he can remain free. Whenever she was free he became busy with a task and vice versa. It was becoming irritating.

Thinking the stables would be secluded enough to hide, Ren makes his way over while avoiding everyone else. The only ones that would bother him are the horses.

But today was not a good day.

"Ah yes, stay still just like that, I will capture the strength your body posses, the beauty in your face." When opening the doors, Ren found the artist Yusuke sitting on the floor drawing his horse Goemon. A few sheets of paper and charcoal littered about.

"Should I ask what it is you're doing? Ren pondered.

"I was hit with inspiration for my riding companion. There were only a few sheets left for me to draw on, but the piece isn't coming out quite right. I want it to convey the emotion I feel."

"Well don't let me stop you, I'm seeking relaxation."

"Nonsense, your appearance couldn't have arrived at a better time. You may be the piece I'm missing."

"You want to draw me with your horse?"

"No, no. I'm in need of a model, now Ren, please pose like this." The exuberant artist had his arm spread wide and his left leg kicked up.

"I don't think my body can contort like that…."

"It is quite possible Ren, let anguish flow through your body!"

Sighing again, Ren just accepted his fate that this was one of those days. His irritation was climbing little by little. The young leader didn't feel like eating the lunch he help make that day. Instead, he was sulking during that time with Arsene.

The day went by in a flash, he couldn't get what he wanted to get done finished. Everyone around him needed Ren for something or Makoto was taken aside for her own task. He hardly saw her today, but the brief moments he did saw life returning to her face. No aches in her body or limping.

Trusting his luck was low today, he thought he try again tomorrow. Perhaps right after breakfast, no errands, no doctor, just him and her talking. Nothing else occupied his mind. It naw at him, butterflies bounced in his stomach. How could he never notice this weeks ago?

After nibbling on dinner, he checks the perimeter of the camp before turning in early. He had hope sleep would come to him fast, but he was awake almost the entire night. Ren recalls Morgana walking into his tent to see his brother there still staring at the top.

"Good night Morgana."

"Good night brother."

This time the morning came, he was disoriented. The elder brother was groggy, exhausted, and much hungrier. Morgana was still snoozing next to him when he got out of the tent. He thought he take a walk around the lands, gathering some firewood while trying to wake himself up.

The sun was barely over the horizon when he walked into the house. The fire died out in the middle of the night, but the embers keep some heat going.

He was satisfied with his task when the familiar comfort of wood crackling was heard. Ren was walking back out when the thought crossed his mind. Immediately knocking on the master bedroom's door.

"Hey…Makoto sorry to bother you. Do you have a moment?" He might have thought the women would still be asleep but the pitter-patter of feet was heard moments after knocking. The door creaking open, Ren sees the brown-haired young woman that's been invading his thoughts lately.

"Ren!? I've been awake for a while now actually, come in." She was barefoot but had the previous day's clothes still on. Her hair dishevel from the night's sleep. "I'm sorry I got busy yesterday, I remember you mention you wanted to talk then as well."

"Yes, I….well." The words weren't coming out of his mouth. All this time he wanted to talk but never knew what to say.

"Yes?"

"I want to talk about the other night, about what we discuss," Ren notice the blush on her face when he brought up the harmless night, "Not exactly what was said, but the sharing was nice and you having my back. I mean the others have my back too, but I really like it when you do because your so dependable and smart. And just.…"

He sighs deeply as he tries to get his thoughts together.

"I don't know why I'm having trouble talking to you right now. Our conversations used to be so easy. What's frustrating is I've said these words to you before, but you were asleep."

"Ren….what are you saying?"

"I never expected my life to be this way, to be in a life of crime, to always be in danger. I thought my brother would be the only one I cared about losing in a fight. Then the others join and I worried about them as well, but…..you showed up, you were different. You came to us hurt, I hadn't even known you long enough to care if you survived that night. But it's different now, you cared for me when I was hurt. You never asked me to change my lifestyle, to choose something safe. I…my heart stilled when I saw you go under in the river, and blood came up. It felt worse than any gunshot wound I've had. You can't imagine how many times I thought of leaving you somewhere safe, away from all this. But the thought makes me feel miserable. I know I'm rambling…..Makoto what I'm trying to say is—"

"Sorry to bother you Makoto, have you've seen—HEY!"

Completely frustrated with the interruptions, Ren slams the door closed in Morgana's face.

"Ren!? Why did you slam hmph—"

He hadn't expected her lips to be this soft, he had more to say but actions were better than words. Ren was worried he would feel a sting to the face but instead felt lips moving against his own. Everything from the previous day forgotten as the world righted itself.

Separating, the two inhale much-needed air, "Sorry about….the forced kiss."

Silencing him with one finger on the lips she just tasted, she shakes her head in disagreement, "Don't be sorry, I'm not…..and I too feel the same. Over what you said, I know it will be dangerous, for both of us. But I can face that danger with you. I wouldn't have been able to sit by wondering if you were still alive. So don't ever try that."

He chuckled at that, he should know that plan would never work with her, she would kick her way out.

"So, what are we exactly Ren?"

"We're whatever you want us to be, partners, companions….lovers."

"I like that one, but...should we tell the others or is this a secret for now?"

"Did you two forget about me!" Morgana shouted from the other side, "Congrats by the way."

Makoto hid her face in Ren's chest as he laughed, they did forget about the younger brother. But he didn't care anymore, he told the woman he loves how he feels and she found comfort in his arms.

He swore no future obstacle would ever tear him away from this.

A/N AND THATS A WRAP for 2020. Oh I know this story had ups and downs with delays. My job occupation really hit my production a lot, but I'm glad with what I have. I will be taking a "winter break" of sorts and returning with new chapters on January 16th. this will also allow me time to clean up and grammar issues from older chapters I haven't gotten to. I'm very excited to finish this story to the end I also have some other persona projects in the works. So please be excited.

Thank you all again for the support this year and I hope everyone has a safe and positive New Year. Feel free to review :)

Till next time