NOT spoilers. Unless you think Makoto joining the party is a spoiler...

And as a side note in this author's note (bwah), thanks for the reviews. I'm glad some of us are/were in the same boat with the whole charm thing, hehe.

Now, as far as I can tell, the story established that they change costumes in the Metaverse, and if the owner of the Palace deems them as a threat. For fluff's sake, let's ignore that, just...shh.

"I'm starting to think this is some weird plan to flirt with me."

"Hey, I never said that wasn't a possibility. This spot should do."

Joker clicked his heel against the ground and turned to Queen, spreading his arms apart at the open space he had managed to locate. "Time to train. You and me."

"Huh?"

Joker nodded to himself, gesturing at nothing in particular as he declared, "Now, we should start with your strengths."

"You imply that I have weaknesses."

Joker smirked, nodding but taking the comment in stride. "Don't we all? Also, in case you need motivation, I'm raising the stakes a bit."

"Huh?"

Joker smiled mysteriously, disappearing in a flash that was a testament to how skilled he had become at vanishing from sight. Queen looked around quizzically, a chill running up her spine as she felt something slip past her. She whirled around, eyes darting about to try and catch a glimpse of Joker. Suddenly, he reappeared, wrapping an arm around her waist from behind and kissing her cheek. "If I land a hit, you owe me one of those."

Queen shuddered at how low his voice was, batting his hands away and hopping back into a stance. "Of course, it goes both ways. I'm looking forward to losing."

Joker smiled and raised his hands in mock surrender before reaching into his pocket and pulling out...a stick. Rather, a toy baton. Queen cocked her head in confusion as he tossed it in the air, idly juggling it in his hands as he explained. "Well, I'm not gonna pull a knife on you, if that's what you're wondering."

"Ah."

"Mhm. Now, whenever you're ready."

Queen nodded, shaking her arms to get the lead out and muttering, "Alright then…"

Queen shot forward, quickly jabbing forward with a fist. The blow was neatly evaded by Joker swerving to the side, an amused smile present on his face as she quickly transitioned into her next move. She kicked once, using the momentum to swing her other leg at his head. Joker ducked under the second hit, tapping her back with the baton and stepping back. Rather than turn, Queen drew her hands back, rushing at Joker shoulder-first. The tackle threw him off-balance, but he was able to recover just in time as Queen lunged for him.

Her attacks grew faster as she settled into a groove, forcing Joker onto the defensive and making it harder to dodge until he was forced to raise his hand and block a particularly powerful kick. He winced in pain, but chuckled, happy that she was able to catch him on the back foot. "Heheh. Now that was pretty good."

He quickly rewarded her with a stolen kiss, thrusting his hand upward to throw Queen off balance. She was able to respond in kind with a neat twirl into a neutral stance. She quietly touched her lower lip, still mildly stunned by the bold move. It was then decided that she would get him back for that. "Johanna!"

"Wait, what?"

Joker crouched defensively, watching in surprise as Queen charged her Persona with magical power. ...Huh.

"Persona."

Joker quickly changed masks, raising an arm to protect himself as Queen's Freila crashed into him and exploded in a burst of blue. As the dust cleared, Joker whistled softly, shaking the smoke off his hand and grinning, still relatively unharmed. "Aggressive….Seems you're getting into it."

Queen snapped out of her trance, looking down at Johanna and sheepishly dismissing the Persona. "Sorry."

"Nah, it's fine."

"Are you ready to continue?"

"Mm. Come at me."

Joker twirled the baton in his hand and grinned, adrenaline still rushing through him from taking Johanna's spell. Queen ducked forward, feinting a punch but actually moving for a swift uppercut. Joker skirted around her fist, playfully tripping her with a quick swipe of his leg. She yelped in surprise, falling back against his chest as he caught her with his arms under hers. He smirked down at her as she met his eyes with an embarrassed blush. "...You missed."

"That's cheating," She whined.

"Okay, okay. I won't use my ninja moves again."

"...I can see you crossing your fingers."

"Maybe I am."

Queen groaned in frustration, then suddenly smiled as a plan popped into her head. She quickly planted her feet on the ground, seizing Joker's shoulders and heaving him over her. He landed hard on his back, surprised and thoroughly winded by the sudden throw. Despite this, he still managed a cheeky grin as he crossed his arms behind his head and chirped, "Now that's what I'm talking about. You really can throw me across the room!"

"I threw you less than a foot in front of me."

"Still impressed."

Queen smiled, circling around him and sitting on his chest to stop him from rising. Aside from a light 'oof', Joker simply returned the expression, barely resisting as she playfully pinned his hands to the floor. "I counted three clean hits."

"Oh, really."

"As opposed to your two."

"Hey, did you really want me to keep poking you with a stick? There were so many opportunities to, so I just - mm-"

Makoto shook her head at his rambling, keeping his hands pinned as she leaned down to kiss him. She briefly pulled away to breathlessly whisper, "That's one."

Akira ignored her tease, reaching up to thread his fingers in her hair and pull her down for another kiss. He took his time as opposed to the more aggressive girl, keeping her still with one hand on her head and the other resting on her hip. After a few more seconds of indulgence, Akira broke the kiss, smiling quietly and brushing some hair out of Makoto's eyes. "Make that one for both of us."

Makoto beamed, eagerly following his cue as they locked lips again.