A/N Hello everyone, yes I am extremely late back to back updates. Things have been tough for me mentally. Nothing about the story just life and work in general. But we are almost at the end of the story just about less than 5 chapters left. I've also been taking the long break to work on my other persona stories I've mention a few times on here. Just general outlines, characters, plot points etc. So I'm hoping to release that once this is done.

The only other thing I have to say is Fair Warning the ending of this chapter might get a little...SPICY.

That is all XD

Chapter 52

It was well past the middle of the night where three people occupied the back alleyway of the bar. The sounds of retching overshadow the hum of noise coming from inside as the Phantom Thief leader continued to empty his stomach.

"You want payback? Against Shido?! You're either stupid or you have a death wish."

"Seeing how *cough* I took down the majority of his business operations, I'll take stupid I guess."

"Sir, we have our own plan to handle Shido and his loyal miscreants we just need a way in, can you help us?"

The man in question scoffs finding their request unbelievable, "The only people who had the guts to stand up to a man like him were the Phantom Thieves. But their leader is dead. They got nothing now, you're just copying."

"On the contrary friend," Ren removes his hat showing his face in the dim-lit night, "If you can keep this between the 3 of us, that'll be great."

"How do I know you're really him?"

"Take a look at the thousands of wanted posters with my face still. You'll know. So, can you help us?"

The other man scratched his head in thought. This would not only be highly dangerous, but he could lose his livelihood. "I'm not sure how much help I can be I'm just a waiter."

"It's a start, is there a servant entrance?" Makoto asked taking rein again. She did her best to ignore more of Ren puking in the grass behind her.

"I mean there is, but they check every single person coming through with I.D. They'll know if someone doesn't belong."

"What other places are there that employees only?"

"The kitchen, food storage, certain offices, the prize room which I heard is exclusively off-limits only to close high ranking employees. Some key of some sort."

"Prize room?"

"Where cash is held when people win the poker games or something more extravagant. But those are just rumors, I don't know what's inside actually," He explained. Find a way onto the boat was becoming problematic. They also couldn't stand here all night sorting out the details with nearby prying ears.

"Alright, let us discuss this at another time where there's less population. Do you think you could meet us at this location tomorrow?" Makoto took a quick glance at the elder Amamiya," Preferably later in the afternoon."

"Uh, of course," the man takes a piece of paper Makoto jotted down in advance.

"It would also be best to make sure you're not followed. Is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am."

Makoto nods back given a silent approval for the man to go about their business. She turns back to her partner who has his hands on his knees dry heaving. "Why don't we get the others and head back. The 3 of you need to sleep the alcohol off."

"I have to agree, though now that I've empty the content of my stomach my bladder wants to follow. I'll…..meet you inside." Ren said shuffling awkwardly away.

It wasn't hard for Makoto and Morgana to convince the others to leave the vicinity. The difficulty lied in carrying them back in one piece.

"Morgana, remind me to never agree to a plan like this again."

"Same," the younger Amamiya agreed all while helping Ann onto the horse.

The pain was the first thing he registered. It felt like a nail being hammer in stubbornly, the slightest movement only made it worse for the Phantom Thief leader. Instantly regretting the last few drinks he had, his body felt heavy, unusually heavy. Taking the chance to open his eyes he can see a brown tuft of hair on his chest. That would explain the heavy part.

Makoto only had enough energy to get him to bed, take off his shoes and gun belt before collapsing herself. Her head laid on his chest and her arms were wrapped tightly around his abdomen. A scandalous position to be in but with all they had been through, it was becoming more comfortable to sleep together at night than apart.

".…Makoto?" Ren nudges her.

She didn't respond at first, so he goes to nudge her again. The second attempt wakes her up. Her bleary eyes recognizing that she wasn't in her room and that the bed was breathing.

"Mhm?" She looks down, noticing she was laying on Ren's chest, "Oh I'm sorry, I must've fallen asleep right after you."

"It's quite fine, but a glass of water would help my troubles right now."

"Wait right here, I'll also see if Dr. Takemi has medicine to help for this," Makoto order. Hurriedly placing shoes on, she went to retrieve a glass of water for the hungover Phantom Thief leader.

Said man was trying to recall what happened the previous night. Blurry moments in his memories were only coming to mind. Ren hoped he didn't say anything too embarrassing to Makoto or embarrassed himself. He also recalled meeting someone before the feeling of bile rush up his throat. He quickly reached for a bucket Makoto must've left in the room for this reason.

The feeling was just as bad as the night before as Ren dry heave whatever was left.

"So I was right in putting that bucket there," Ren hears Makoto walks in, glass and a pouch of powder in hand. "Here, Dr. Takemi said this mix with water will help ease stomach pain but the headache would have to run its course.

"Figures. Maybe Akechi was right, this was a dumb idea. I feel horrible."

"Not all was wasted Ren if you're feeling up to it, we have a meeting this afternoon with that crew member. Perhaps we can get some critical information."

"I see…I think I'm going to rest some more. I want to be ready for the meeting." He lied back down once finishing his glass and falling asleep just as quickly. Makoto gently brushed the hair around his forehead, a small smile adorn her lips, before exiting the room.

Breakfast was halfway done when coming back downstairs. Makoto saw a rare glimpse of their host with a book in hand and a mug in the other. Does this doctor ever sleep? The younger Nijima found the Detective and informant mulling over something in the lobby.

"What's with the hushed whispers," she asked the two men.

Mishima put down his bowl of hot oats, "I got in contact with my resource in the city, Ohya. She's been digging out dirt when we were traveling midwest."

"The security around the ship was no joke, it's tightly locked up by guards all around that area. But Mr. Mishima's friend can help us."

"Ohya got a camera, if we know where on the ship to look, she'll develop the pictures for us. Beats standing behind crates and avoiding guards for hours."

"I believe Ren would find that plan sound. Where would we meet her?"

"There's a park going away from the docks, a few city blocks west. That was the last telegram she sent me."

"Can she do it tomorrow? Ren and I are meeting one of Shido's crew members today. If he talks, he can get the points of reference she needs for the exterior."

"This should work. I'll stop by the park just in case she shows and passes the message along."

"I appreciate that Mishima."

Akechi was sitting back observing the conversation. He had seen how incapacitated Ren was last night. But he could see Makoto making a strong case for the number 2 spot around the gang of thieves.

The elder Amamiya brother lost track of time when he woke up again. Ren was just as disoriented the second time just like the first time. The headache lessens but it was still there. His stomach felt recovered enough to intake food instead of exhaling his food.

"Oh good, brother you're awake. I was fetching you for Makoto, it's almost time for a meeting she said."

"Right. I'm getting up." Ren's whole body felt bruised and sore. Was he drinking or had he been in a brawl last night? Definitely not doing this again.

From the sounds of the building, the Phantom Thieves were spread about doing their own activities. Futaba tinkering, Shiho teaching Shinya some more words. Ryuji and Ann probably were sleeping off the effects still.

"Afternoon, Ren." The younger Nijima greeted him at the end of the staircase, "Ready to go?"

"As ready as I'll ever be after a quick glass of water." Arsene and Anat come dutifully before they saddled up.

"Since you have a better recollection of yesterday's events. I'll let you lead." Nodding the two rode to the coordinate she initially set out. It was just outside of town by a drawbridge. There wouldn't be much foot traffic and the sounds of ship's horns crossing under would drown out any attempted eavesdroppers. They just hope the man would arrive in time and not rat them out.

The two Phantom Thieves arrived first, Ren's hat worn low and his collar popped up. He was pretending to admire the fish in the water when their guest showed up.

"Hello Sir, I arrived like you—" Ren holds a hand up stopping him before returning to the sightseeing.

"First while we're here call me Mr.A. Remain calm and casual…..as if we're discussing the weather. 2nd any questions I ask I expect an honest answer. Is that clear?"

"Yes."

"Good. First question what's the next time the ship leaves port?"

"We are told to report for a special event on the 18th."

"That's 10 days from now," Makoto commented.

"And they check ID at the employee's entrance, so the easy way is out. Where does your cargo bay lead to?"

"I'm not quite sure, I never handle the cargo. B...But if it's food we have a pantry, by a window, uhm on the second-floor port side."

"Which window? The ship is quite large." Ren asked looking for confirmation.

"I think the 6th window, I never really counted it. But if you find a way to climb aboard undetected I can leave it open for you."

That would be easy access with their inside man. But the place will be crawling with security at docks, they would need to board once its already left in open waters. Makoto could see where this Ohya lady came in, "We'll get photos of the port side and analyze them. Mr. M knows someone who can do it."

"Of course," Ren knew exactly who she was referring to.

"So I'm helping you guys?"

"I thought that was the idea unless there's a problem. Getting caught or associations with outlaws has penalties. Perhaps this will relieve your nerves." Ren slides over an envelope inside were a few large bills.

"Wait! Are you sure Mr. A?"

"Keep your voice down, and keep it, for your troubles. Meet us back here in 5 days' time. We'll have a solid plan by then. Wait 15 minutes after we leave before leaving yourself."

The man in question did as he was told, holding tightly to the money after the thieves left. Even after working countless hours for Shido's ship, he was still making pennies. But the generous gift from the Phantom Thief leader was swaying the man's loyalty further to the thieves. It was no wonder the disconnect between descriptions of Ren Amamya in the paper and the personal interaction was two sizes of a scale.

Ren and Makoto rode around a bit before heading back to Dr. Maruki's hideout, ensuring no one was following.

"I say that went well. We got a man on the inside and a way in but we need to reach the ship itself. The water's too cold to swim in, we'll freeze before we make it."

"Why don't we wait for Mishima Ren? I spoke to him earlier, we can have Ohya rendezvous with us tomorrow to take closer pictures. If she's a part of the press they may allow it."

"Any press for Shido is good press. Otherwise, his critics go 'missing'"

"Will Ohya be okay?"

"She'll be fine, she's been getting a bunch of information for us without getting caught yet these past few months. Ohya has her methods."

"So more waiting."

"Phantom Thieves must be cautious when making a big strike. The last thing we need is to trip up at the finish line." Ren said.

The following day, Ren woke up headache less thankfully and ready to start the day. Beside him lied the younger Nijima still asleep under the covers. Nothing happen the previous night but when they got ready for bed she didn't break off to her own room. A wordless exchange between them. The past few nights they spent the night together one more wouldn't make a difference. It was easier to sleep with Makoto in his arms anyhow.

An idea popped up in his head as he quietly made his way to the kitchen. Some oats and two cups of coffee later, Ren walked back upstairs to find his love still sleeping. He sets the food on the nightstand and sits on her side of the bed. The movement stirs her awake from slumber as she notices Ren and the tray of food.

"What's the occasion?"

"I thought we could have breakfast alone if you don't mind much."

"I don't mind, truly." Makoto sits up and grabs one of the coffees, "Mhm, Boss is never wrong with a batch."

"I actually made it this time. He taught me a few things besides shooting."

"It's quite good, thank you." She leans up offering a peck on his cheek, "You sure there's nothing behind the gesture?"

"Truthfully? I don't know how the end of now 9 days will end. But whatever time we have left, I want to spend it with you."

"And what about Morgana or Futaba?"

"They can have my afternoons," Ren half-joked. He took a few more sips of coffee simply enjoying the calmness between each other. A knock on the door sometimes later interrupted their moment.

"Brother, are you still sleeping, we need you for something."

"It appears our time is up. You go talk to Morgana, I'll take the dishes down."

"Okay," The elder Amamiya open the door to see what his younger sibling wanted, "You called Mona?"

"Yes I…I uh sorry didn't know Makoto was with you." the young man stumbled.

"Speak up."

"Mishima is meeting that Ohya lady over at the docks. Akechi and I were joining him as backup, but we thought it might be best for you to come as well."

"Mishima, I understand, but why Akechi?"

"I think he feels cramp in here, Dr. Maruki has been pestering him trying to pick at his thoughts. Well, he's been pestering all of us about our feelings and thought. Do you think he can read minds?"

"Hahaha, no. It's his way of researching how people think and react. But our detective seems to want to keep things close instead, so at most Akechi's just mildly annoyed. See you downstairs."

With the Phantoms and informant, the small group was blending in with the other crowd goers in broad daylight. Leaning behind a stack of boxes, they could see their target ship.

"Alright, you should be able to get much closer than we did if you stick with the story. Remember we need a photo of the port side second floor, and a climbable rail section would help too. That's our ticket in."

"Pleeeease, I'm a professional. I expect a free round of drinks as payment after this boys," the boisterous woman said. They haven't truly seen Morgana and Mishima's faces so the two had a little more freedom to roam around as needed.

He's never got his own photo taken before but Ren always found the process fascinating. He could see her approaching the main guards with her camera set up all ready to go. Hopefully, they believe this fabrication.

"Hello officer, hope I'm not being too disrupted. I got an article about Mr. Shido I'm currently working on and wanted a few photos to go with the work. Do you mind if I get some shots of his ship, I was declined at his house?"

"Really now?"

Mishima who was carrying the heavy pieces butted in, "Yes, Mr. Shido is an inspiration to us all and we uh…wanted to show our readers the size of his influence and wealth," the informant lied through his teeth. The officer didn't can't his stumble and walked away without so much as a "Carry on."

"That wasn't conventional, but we'll take it." Ohya set up her camera getting as close as she could. Getting the requested photos out of the way, she made sure to capture anything else of importance before calling it a day,

"That's all the material I have on me. I'll get this process and send it over Mr. M. Should be a day's time." she told him under breath once done.

"Thank you, we'll be waiting. Morgana will escort you back safely to your location.

"Understood."

"Looks like that went off without a hitch, are we ready to depart Mr. M?"

"I am but what about you two?"

"We are fine. In fact, while your friend was busy, Joker and I took the time to detail the guard's movements. For a man that's heavily cautious his security moves like clockwork. They're predictable. And predictability means you have weak spots."

"It's easier to see during the day than middle of the night."

"Then if we can see them, they have a higher chance to see us. Unless we walk past invisible," Mishima bringing up his point.

"That we're still working on. But you know the rules, disperse, wander off before going to the hideout. Stay safe."

Day 8

Mishima was heading to the meet-up point to pick up the prints from Ohya the following day. Ren was hoping all the photographs will come out well. The technology was still evolving but Ohya should've gotten the details.

"I'm back!"

"Were you followed?"

"None that I can see. We should still be in the clear," the informant confirms.

"Good, then let's take a look. Dr. Takemi may I borrow that magnifying glass I asked for?" She passes the item around the kitchen table to reach him. It was clear of all kitchenware and remaining breakfast. The majority of the active members were standing around waiting on the results.

"What we know for certain is that we have a man on the inside that can let us in on the second deck pantry room.

"And based on Ren and I reconnaissance the other day, we now know the guards operate on a strict 9-minute rotational pattern. There's a brief window of time during the change we can sneak past on the deck. I say 15 seconds maybe 30?"

"Shido's overconfidence will be his downfall. He thinks he's too well protected even his bodyguards move in a certain order, at least the one time I saw him at SIU headquarters." Sae mentions offering her own input.

"Overconfident is exactly right," Ren takes the glass and closes in on the first picture. It was on the port side, there were about 10 windows total on the second level. The one they are looking for is either left or right of the middle window. Based on where their inside man started counting.

"Good news there's railing on the side of the boat that's climbable. We can use that to get to the 2nd floor and avoid the deck overall then hope into the right window. Thought the spraying from the waves might make the first few rungs slippery."

"Look like some dingy are here that weren't there before, maybe someone came back from a fishing trip?" Akechi stated.

Ren tried to recall if the small fishing boats were anchor in the previous times.

"I don't think they were," Makoto replied to answering his own question.

"So we are stealing these little boats?" the Okumura heir spoke up for the first time.

"Borrowing, permanently borrowing. Not stealing."

Akechi took a further look at one print close to him, "If I remember correctly the blind spot should be here, we can get to the fishing boats and sail right after. The guards on deck would be limited as their new focus is the high esteem guest indoors. So our small boat should slip under their notice."

Ren, Makoto, and Akechi were discussing the ins and outs of the plan should the guards notice them in open water, with added feedback from the other thieves. The conversation stopped when the least loud person raised their hand.

"You like to add something Futaba?"

Of course, I know our motto is quietly and quickly but you have a habit of overthinking things Ren. So I present to you mt Futaba specialty." She slides small rounded packets of soft material.

"What exactly is this?"

Akechi took one whiff and pinch and knew what they were, "smoke bombs, right."

"Fancy hair is right. Well with my own twist, a little bit of sugar, a little powder, some zinc, some substance that will make them itch for hours, and voila! Move through the confusion and you're on your way," she explained.

"Well….uh, there could be or maybe," Ren thought out loud trying to find a flaw, "Mhm, this could work. Do you have any more, we might need some inside."

"Of course, Dr. Maruki has this whole room of whacky stuff to make."

"Perfect, can you get a full batch done in 3 days before we depart?" The young girl nodded and got straight to work. They file the photographs back in their packaging in case they needed to look again.

"We only have a few days everyone, so get whatever you need doing, done. Weapons maintenance, ammo, medicine, food, is that clear?" Agreements filled the room as the gang broke off into their own activities once more.

Day 7 was spent on weapon maintenance for his revolvers. They were completely taken apart and inspected. Ren made sure things were functional and no jamming.

Day 6 was spent moving the fisherman boats to a secure location not too far in the middle of the night under rainy conditions. They also notice that Shido's ship was loading up boxes during the odd hours. Why would they load in the middle of the night under such secrecy and what was in the cargo?

"We have less than a week left, do we at least have a backup plan," said the concerning Akechi.

"We handle it like always if plan A doesn't pan out."

"Let me guess, we improvise?"

"See, I knew you fit in with us outlaws," Ren joked for the first time in a few days.

On day 5, Ren spent the afternoon with Shinya and Futaba. After his meeting with their spy to confirm the plans, he was reading to the younger members. He let Shinya read a few chapters now that his skills have gotten better.

"Your reading skills have gotten really good. Miss Shiho has taught you well. Maybe another day we'll work on your sleight of hand tricks."

"I bet I'll be better than you."

"We shall see," Ren smiles ruffling the kid's hair.

"Eh, the kids still going to be wet behind the ears."

"Futaba, you're barely a few years older than Shinya. You're the least qualified to be calling anyone a kid."

"I resent that!" the genius thief had a pout on her face causing the other two to laugh at was moments like these where they needed something refreshing.

Day 4, Ren and Morgana took the day to themselves. The brothers rode out on horseback until they found a small stream. The two didn't mind the silence between them, just the noise of wildlife and wind.

"Morgana…"

"Hmmm?"

"You remember what I told you?"

"I know, but—"

"I know we're hoping for the best, but I got really lucky last time….if something happens to me. I want you to do what I told you okay. The money that's buried, I want you to split it amongst yourselves. Along with the other gifts that are planned accordingly.

Morgana sighs as he didn't want this promise to come true upon his brothers' demise. He almost lost him twice, he doesn't want to make 3rd time the charm.

"I…I promise." The Amamiya brothers sat in silence some more, nothing else needed to be said. They already knew the emotion rolling through. Everything they went through since day, every fight, near-death experience, loss, happiness. Ren and Morgana were by each other's side.

Day 3, Futaba delivered as promised concocting specialty smoke bombs for outside and inside the ship. Noting to take special care to cover up as best they could or else they to will start itching.

Day 2, the day before the deadline. Ren wanted to spend the day with his companion and to his word, she mostly had his mornings since spending the past week in his room. Either the elder Nijima remains ignorant of the decision or chooses not to comment about it. The nights were spent making out like teenagers behind a gazebo, the feelings more intense each night.

They continue their evening ritual after dinner, Ren washing his face and putting a clean shirt on, while Makoto combed her hair for bed. It was quite domestic between them. The elder Amamiya unhook his gunbelt, checking the safety once, twice, three times. A hand interrupts him noticing the nerves building up.

"Everything will be alright, remember you're not alone in this."

"I know that. I just imagine tomorrow a 1000 times in my head for years. My stomach feels more knotted up then when I played dead at SIU."

Makoto placed her hands on his face gently brushing his lips before hugging him fiercely. "I don't think my stomach could handle seeing you on a hard cold floor again bleeding out."

"We can't make time stop here."

"I too wish we had more time, but we have tonight just like the previous nights."

"We do," Ren wanted to spend the rest of his night just like the previous night. He wasn't thinking about the hurdle tomorrow but the women in front of him. He kissed her firmly cupping her cheeks with the same softness she did earlier. Returning his intensity, she could feel herself growing warmer, her heart thudding right by her ear with how loud it became. Each night their touching got bolder between them, yet never crossing the line.

Ren felt as if he was on fire the more he consumed her lips, intoxicated himself with her scent, his thoughts only on her. It was more intense than he's ever felt before. They've skirted the line many times, the boundaries they were unsure of to cross. Ren's seen what's on the other side of the fence, but this isn't any old time.

Makoto felt her hip run into the dresser as the Phantom Thief leader ravaged her neck. Her hands entangled in his hair further making it messy. It was the only way she can feel grounded when all the sounds were becoming too much. He brought his lips back to hers, following through with what he started. Her fingers slowly untucked his shirt allowing her nails to run up and down his tone physique, not missing the short gasp that escapes his lips.

"Makoto…are you sure? You don't have to push yourself. I can slow down."

"If this is possibly my last night with you I—" the corner of her eyes was wet when he cuts her lips off understanding what she wanted to say. This dance of there's was different.

Unlike the quiet moonlit sway of a hot summer night, words were exchange as garments meet the floor. Ren had to keep some part of him touching her albeit his lips or hands somewhere on her body. Laying bare to one another. She could see further scars carved into his body that would otherwise be covered. Every part of him was unique. Every taste was mouthwatering.

Makoto wanted to know what made him tick with each caress on his sensitive burning skin. What noises came out of him with the slight shift of her hips. What sinful thoughts crossed his mind the moment he felt her around him.

Ren wanted to know the same, what made her squirm in pleasure. Was it how her body molded perfectly in his arms, how her warmth envelops him on a cold winter's night. How her body tasted of salt and love. The heat between them keeping her warm. Her breathy lips reaching his ears with sounds no other person but him should hear. Sounds that drove him faster. Insane. His rhythmic movements are almost stuttering whenever she looks directly up at him with her eyes. Ren wanted more, so much more.

The two were whispering I love you's, as their tempo and breathing grew into the night. As her lips could only say his name repeatedly like a prayer. As his hands grip the sheets by her hair and the waist of her body. Her arms and legs wrapped around him, leaving no space. The thrusting of his hips made her feel something she hadn't before. Like a fever dream, they never wanted to end.

Their dance ended with a gasp and a groan. Ren's face buried in her neck, her own in his hair. They were sweaty and breathing hard, a look of content on both their faces as they came down from their high.

He kissed her face before flipping to his back, trying to regain some sense of breathing. "Are you okay?" He asked her.

"More than okay Ren."

"But I didn't hurt you did I?"

"I said I'm okay. Besides I enjoyed your enthusiasm, though you seemed distracted a few times."

"...I was trying to distract myself."

"Whatever for?"

"I didn't want to ruin it," Ren admitted trying to hide some embarrassment.

"Oh! Is that so?" Makoto follows up her teasing before rolling on his naked chest resting.

He could feel all of her and the blood rushing down from his head. She pretended not to notice at first but enjoy this effect she had on him. He reached out to pull up part of the blanket in an attempt to cover their naked bodies. Though with how Ren's body was reacting they may not need it soon.

"Already?"

"Your nakedness isn't helping Makoto. Is it wrong of me to say I'm not satisfied, that I want to taste more of you, to feel you, to have you in my arms until sunrise?"

"No, it's not, because I feel the same."

"Is that so" Ren echoing the phrase heard earlier. Makoto kissed him back on the bed taking charge and full advantage of the remaining ticking time they had left.

Day 1, was a reckoning day against Shido. Everyone was making their way around for preparations. The elder Amamiya and younger Nijima were still lying in bed trying to convince the other to get up. But soon gave into marking whatever area of skin hadn't been marked yet. Ren was beginning to wonder if they were worse than Ryuji and Ann. He also prayed that no one else heard last night's activities or else he'll never hear the end of it.

"Ren we need to get up, we don't want to be late." He doesn't say anything and knows they have to stick to the schedule. Their waning time is practically gone, but he just wants one moment, one more moment.

"Promise you'll be by my side tonight?"

Makoto already knew her answer, but saying it would fragment the moment bringing back reality. But it must be done, whatever it takes for them to all see through the next days. She will do her part as he asked.

"I promise."

A/N Well, well, well I hope you all enjoy that. I actually never publish a lemon before that I felt comfortable with. I didn't really want to make it too explicit but tasteful I guess is the word I'm looking for. It was also due time, they been dancing around each other for a few months now. And for now Sae doesn't know lol.

Next chapter is going to be a wallop of a chapter as the boat, shido, and revenge are finally in reach. Thank you all again for reading the story so far, the finish line is just in sight. Feel free to reiew, and stay safe.