Ren was doing his best to put his dreams of Sachiko into their proper context. They didn't happen often. In fact, only on the nights after retrieving someone's memories. It had happened with Futaba. It had happened with Ann. That was more than coincidence. The question was, were these dreams her doing? She had stated her goal from the beginning and only reinforced it with every interaction he and the thieves had with her. She didn't want to defeat or destroy them. She wanted to convert them. To convince them of her way of thinking, that her new world of shameless lewdness was right. That she was right to overwrite and replace the old world. Even the battles to get at the vault contents that had her direct guidance were geared more towards fucking them into submission than killing them.

If that was the case, the dreams entirely made sense. He didn't want to overestimate his own importance but he was undeniably pivotal. The assistance of the Velvet Room said as much. Convincing him would likely end the conflict then and there.

Now that he thought about it more, was she even really determined to convince the others? Or to have them shake their faith in the old world before it could even take root? She didn't even try for Futaba. She said it was because Futaba would always side with him no matter what she said, but it was also true that Futaba loved this world even after getting her memories back. If his girlfriend weren't going along with him out of love and trust he didn't doubt for a second that she'd be asking him to give all this up and live here happily with her. Sachiko didn't need to convince her. Because no matter what, Futaba would work to convince him for her. Even without meaning to.

Ann, though. Ann she had tried fairly hard to convince. Pushed some very sensitive buttons. She did so unsuccessfully and in a way that backfired though. So the dream last night, it was her stewing on her failure, trying to see what went wrong. He had told her. A decision he wasn't sure was the right one but he had spent a long time learning to understand and help people through their problems. It just came naturally at this point. She still didn't quite get it though. Gods were much harder to convince than regular people, despite how frustrated and maudlin she had become at her mistake.

... When he had arrived. She had been surprised and displeased to see him, hadn't she? Either she was putting on an act or she really wasn't in control of the dreams. She wasn't summoning him. If that was the case, the first time she had simply taken advantage of the opportunity that had fallen into her lap. But then, if it was an opportunity for her, why couldn't it be an opportunity for him? She was able to think and consider her actions. It would be difficult, but if these dreams would keep happening anyway the least he could do was try to talk her around. Hell, that was true even if she was bringing him into the dreams. Just because she was trying to work him didn't mean he couldn't turn it around on her.

"Ren!" He blinked, shook himself out of his own thoughts to find himself on the train platform of the Ginza line with Futaba. He had really spaced out there. Turning, he saw Ann waving at him as she ran over. She stopped as she neared, a conspicuous distance for their newfound intimacy. She wasn't sure how to act around him in a plural relationship. "Uhh, hi!"

"Hi!" Futaba greeted her back before Ren could, releasing his hand to move around him and grab the blonde and pull her into a kiss.

"Mmh!" Ann yelped, pulling away from the kiss at the earliest opportunity. Uhh!"

"Aww," Futaba moaned sadly, "Not into it? That's fine. I can still play with your huge boobs while Ren fucks you though, right?"

"I guess so?" Ann asked.

"Great!" Not missing a beat, she grabbed Ann by the hand and pulled her over to their boyfriend, putting the blonde's hand in his before moving back to his other side to take his other hand.

"Sorry," Ren apologised as a train passed on the opposite line. "She's kind of had her heart set on... Well, I guess she likes busty girls. But if you're really not okay with it–"

"No, no! It's fine, really!" she waved off his concern. "I was just a little surprised is all." She felt his hand squeeze hers, a soft smile forming on her face as her nervousness eased. "So you were kind of like, spacing out a little when I got here? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine. Just a lot on my mind."

"Yeah," Ann nodded, likely able to relate. "I was going to ask who we'd go for next. But maybe a break would be good too."

"Exactly what I was thinking. We're not in a rush right now. Naoto wants to do some research into how all this works this week anyway. It'll be good to let everyone relax for a while. The vaults can be kind of... Intense."

"Ha, yeah, I remember," the blonde snorted in unladylike fashion. "Well if it's time for a break, maybe it'd be good to reconnect with everyone. We haven't really spent much time together since the break, right? Besides, they should know everything that's going on."

Ren found it difficult to argue with the idea. It would be more than nice to get everyone on the same page, let them know what they were dealing with. It would be freeing. Even if they couldn't help directly, their support would mean the world. He knew full well he couldn't have gotten through the previous year without them. Still... "You think it's fair to put this on them? Not being able to do much, it'd just be putting a burden on them wouldn't it?"

She looked at him first with a disapproving frown, then an understanding one. "Ren, burden or not they'd carry it for you just like I would. You really think they'd lose it over something like this? After what happened last year? Besides, the longer you leave it, they'll just end up angrier at you when you finally tell them." She pulled him toward her, her arm leaning against his as she smiled at him. "They're our friends. Even if it's just hearing you out, they'd do it in a heartbeat no matter what it was."

He hummed, acknowledging the point. "Yeah. You're right. I've been playing it pretty safe."

The model rolled her eyes. "Safe. Right. With Akechi watching your back." Sarcasm dripped from her voice. "I don't know about safe but you can still lean on everyone even if they can't help out directly."

Their train arrived, the threesome awkwardly shuffling their way on in a group. "Let's see if we can get everyone to meet up tonight. Leblanc?"

"Where else?"

-(-)-

Closing time in Leblanc. It was a pleasant spring evening with only enough chill to be pleasant. The rainy season that would lead into summer still weeks away. Futaba sat at the counter with her phone. Ren and Sojiro behind the counter, the former washing dishes and the latter chatting with the last customers. It had been a change in the older man with the slightly mysterious past, a greater willingness to open up compared to how he had been a year prior. A change that didn't go unappreciated by his customers. No one could say he was in this business for the money but customers sure were happier to order with a friendlier atmosphere.

"It sure came as a surprise to us, Boss," the elderly gentleman customer said, his fingers interlocked with his wife's on the table. "We always thought of you as the freewheeling bachelor type who would never settle down."

"To think we could be so wrong," his wife agreed. "You were always so quiet about your personal life. You had such an adorable little girl all this time, and then you took in a poor misguided youth on top of that!"

"Hey, come on now," Sojiro tried to play it off with a smile on his face. "Misguided? I don't know about that. His heart's always been in the right place."

The elderly couple laughed. "Well of course! After all, if he's gonna be your son in law one day..." the wife jibed.

Ren glanced Futaba's way. She didn't look back, but her face burned a bright red. There was very little that could get Futaba to blush but it seemed implying they would get married could manage it. Not that it surprised him that much. He had worked out what her password meant the day after they visited her vault.

And suddenly he was blushing too.

Naturally despite the old folks having appropriately bad eyesight, they were still perceptive enough to notice. "Oh that's so sweet!" the elderly woman gushed at his reaction. "Maybe Boss will end up a grandfather soon!"

"Okay, that's enough of that, think it's about time we close up for the night," Sojiro suddenly announced, wanting the conversation to end there. "I swear, you two are gonna end up turning my hair grey."

"Happens to all of us, Boss!" the husband laughed. "Word of advice from your elder. Let it happen gracefully. The ladies love a silver fox!"

"Alright, alright, out you go!" the cafe owner ushered the couple out, opening the door for them.

"Oh, my apologies!" a familiar voice sounded from outside. "Perhaps I'm a little early."

"Kitagawa, right?" Boss asked as the old couple left. "We're just closing up." He looked over his shoulder at Ren. "Hey, remember to wash any dishes you use and don't–"

"Don't use any of the good stock and don't cause too much of a ruckus," Ren smiled as he recited the rules before Sojiro could. "I know."

"Well alright then," his guardian nodded. "Also don't get her pregnant yet. I don't care what those two said, I'm not ready to be a grandpa."

"You got it."

"You kids have a good night."

Sojiro flipped the sign on the door as he left, closing it behind him to leave the three teenagers alone. Yusuke was quick to sit at the counter next to Futaba. Ren equally quick to start making him a cup of coffee. "It's been a little while since we've been able to spend time together like this," the artistically-minded boy spoke. "I'm glad we have the opportunity to catch up."

"Ann's idea," Ren immediately gave credit where it was due. "We all have our own lives to lead but that doesn't mean we should drift apart. Well, not like it'd be easy for us to forget each other after all we've been through together."

"You are pretty unforgettable, Yusuke," Futaba added.

"Thank you... I think?" he answered, not sure whether that was a compliment or an insult because of her flat tone.

The bell rang again as another familiar face appeared. "Excuse me!" Haru announced herself.

"Come on in," Ren invited her, knowing she wouldn't come in without permission. Haru was well-mannered like that. "Would you like some tea?"

"That would be lovely! Thank you," the rich girl said as she took a place in one of the booths. She looked around, confused. "Umm, pardon me for asking but where is Morgana? I don't see him anywhere."

"Oh," Ren winced involuntarily. Of course Haru would ask after Morgana. She was almost as close with the feline as he was. "He's fine," he assured first, "But that's something I'd like to talk about when everyone gets here if that's alright."

Her eyes didn't narrow. She was poised enough to not show such outward suspicion. But the tightness of her expression conveyed how she didn't like that non-answer. "You promise me he's fine?" she asked, getting a nod. "Then I can wait for your explanation. Though I hope it's a good one."

In direct contrast to Haru's entrance, the next two visitors didn't bother with polite niceties as they came through the door. "I don't know why you're gettin' so pissy about it!" Ryuji complained loudly.

"I'm not pissy!" Ann shot back, sounding pissy. "You just shouldn't do that kind of thing anymore!"

"Yeah yeah, I know, but a pat on the butt is friendly!" As if to prove it, he walked right up to the counter and slapped Ren's outstretched hand back, forth, then finished with a fist bump. "How's it hangin', man?! Feel like I ain't seen you in forever!"

"Yeah, sorry. I've been busy. Also, don't touch Ann's ass if she doesn't want you to."

"Don't worry, I get it. Hey, I just gotta say," the dyed blond looked between the two rekindled lovers, "I'm stoked you two worked things out. Gotta be honest, if you kept pushing her away I'd have to call you some kinda moron!"

Ren and Futaba exchanged a look. Yes, everyone was agreeing with her. Yes, he was fully aware of that. "Thanks for being understanding about everything, man."

"No big," Ryuji shrugged it off. "It was just casual between us. Besides, she's head over heels for you, man!"

"Ryuji!" Ann shrieked.

"What?! You are and everyone knows it!"

The bell rang a fourth and final time as the last of their number entered. "Boisterous as ever, Ryuji," Makoto said with her familiar, mildly reprimanding tone.

"You know it!" he answered without shame.

"Here's your coffee," Ren said to Yusuke, sliding over a cup on a saucer, the sophisticated young man lifting the cup to take in the aroma. "So that's green tea, soda, chocolate latte and black coffee," he recited to himself, delving into the fridge to get the easiest one sorted first, handing a bottle of soda to Ryuji.

"Thanks, man!"

"Diligent as always, Ren," Makoto smiled at him, hands clasped behind her back as she walked to the remaining empty seat at the counter. "Well, diligent in most things at least. I did notice you have yet to take up any extracurriculars. And in your final year? That won't do you any favours when looking at colleges."

His eyebrows rose as he looked at her while still working on drinks. Silently asking if she thought that through. He had a legitimate criminal record now, even if the authorities had decided to let bygones be bygones after expunging his previous conviction. High school was one thing. Optional, yes, but so heavily expected that the distinction was mostly meaningless. Somewhere had to take him in to let him finish his education. Colleges were not the same at all. He would be lucky to get his foot in the door anywhere, test scores be damned.

Not that any of that deterred Makoto. She had in fact thought of all of that. "Just because it will be difficult for you is no excuse to not try. And of course I'm willing to help. In fact I have a proposition for you in that regard."

"Oh yeah?"

"Would you consider joining the student council?"

It was funny. Makoto was a difficult girl to read. He knew she had feelings for him but it was genuinely difficult to tell whether she was extending that offer for that reason or simply a sincere desire to help. Well, it was more than possible it could be both. "Yusuke, could you pass this to Haru?" he asked, pushing another cup the boy's way before turning back to Makoto. "Makoto, are you thinking of greasing the wheels of bureaucracy for me? That's so sweet!"

"Only so much," she smirked back at him. "I would never make this offer if I didn't know you were capable. You have excellent grades, a knack for leadership and no one can deny you care for the wellbeing of others after the events of last year."

He stewed in thought for a few seconds before sliding her coffee over. "There's something I want to tell you all about. It's the reason I've been kind of distant last week."

"You don't need to tell me, buddy!" Ryuji grinned, raising his soda bottle as if in salute. "Rumours are goin' all around about you leaving school with that gymnast girl. She has an identical twin too! You planning on living the dream?"

"It's a little more complicated than that..."

He laid out the truth for all of them, as thoroughly as possible. From the morning he woke up in the wrong world to meeting Xochiquetzal, the situation in the Velvet Room, retrieving Futaba's and Ann's memories. All he left out were the dreams he had of Sachiko.

All of the thieves tried to process it all in their own ways. "Is this for real?" While most took time to contemplate, it was of course Ryuji who felt the need to work through it out loud. "Someone's been messing with our heads this long and we didn't even notice?!"

"Not entirely," Yusuke corrected, sitting very still as he worked through the facts of the tale. "At least if I'm understanding all of this correctly. From the way it was described it seems more we have lived an entirely separate life. One in a world influenced by this strange goddess and one not." His eyes turned to the three who remembered the old world. "You all have your experiences of both worlds? I can scarcely imagine the feeling of such wildly divergent perspectives on a single lifetime! I... Does anyone happen to have paper, a pencil?" Makoto reached into her purse, retrieving a small notepad for him while Ren directed him to some writing implements there for customer use. A lot of people came in and did crosswords while relaxing so they were a pleasant convenience. The artist immediately began sketching, more or less checking out of the conversation, lost in his own world.

"So that's what you were doing the first week of school," Makoto concluded. "You were recruiting people?"

"That's right," he confirmed. "Futaba had to be first as a navigator. Then Ann... Well I can't pretend there wasn't some personal bias for recruiting her next. But now that we have an idea of everything that's happened there's no good reason why you all shouldn't know." Bending down behind the counter, he reached into his bag and pulled out a file, handing it to the thieves' strategist. "This is a list of all of the persona users Naoto was aware of, as well as everyone here."

"Right, that detective!" Ryuji interrupted excitedly. "I saw that interview she did on Good Morning Japan where she revealed she's a she! That was wild! I had no idea until she put that body on show," he held his hands to cup large, non-existent breasts for show. "Never woulda guessed girls could hide 'em when they're that big. Hey, you think you could introduce me?"

"You're probably not her type," Ren tried to let his friend down gently. Based on what he knew about Kanji Tatsumi, Ryuji was all wrong for her.

"Hm..." Makoto hummed, regaining Ren's attention. "It looks like my offer is only more appropriate in these new circumstances. After all, you have a member of the student council on here. If the current goal is to get close to these people, I can think of no better opportunity to do so. Though I warn you, Kirijo is a forceful girl with very high standards. You would have to prove yourself worth her time." She smiled softly, her eyes closed. "Somehow I feel that will be no problem for you."

Ren couldn't have hidden his relieved smile. Such an overt and unquestioning offer of help and support. No evidence needed to corroborate the crazy story. Makoto trusted him that much.

"Well alright," Ryuji spoke next. "And here I thought our third year would be boring. So when do we go into my mind vault or whatever, bust some shadow heads and get my other world memories back?"

"Yes," Haru backed up the boy who couldn't have had a more different background to hers. "I would like to meet this goddess myself. I wish to know what she has to say for herself, kicking poor Morgana out of this world!"

"Hey Yusuke! You gonna say anything, buddy?" Ryuji asked.

The artist simply raised his free hand as though it were carving through the interruption. "I'm creating!"

"He's... Probably on board too," the blond guessed.

"It probably won't be soon," Ren answered with apologetic tone. "The vaults can be... Pretty intense. So we're taking a break this week to decompress and make some preparations. Naoto is going to do some research into how and where these vaults formed. Then if it's possible, we're going to try getting one of her friends back next."

"Alright. Well, you got our numbers and you know where to find us. If you need anything just say the word and I've got your back," Ryuji promised without reservation.

"Thanks, that really means a lot."

"Soooo... Did you and that gymnast hook up or not?" the blond asked with a lecherous grin.

"Yep," Futaba answered in her boyfriend's stead. "He also gave her and I a tentacle gangbang using one of his personas. It was pretty awesome." All said with the matter of fact tone more appropriate to someone who went on a trip to the zoo than someone who had wild tentacle sex until she couldn't walk properly.

Ryuji sighed. "She only says one thing all night and somehow it's the one thing that's going to stick in my brain for the rest of my life."

"I'm pretty great like that."