December 11th Monday

Ren slowly opened his eyes and stared up at the support beams of his attic residence. There was nothing planned for today and honestly, he could have slept until noon and no one would have cared. The whole day was his to enjoy relatively speaking, but the events of yesterday kept him feeling uneasy. He tried to flush the thoughts from his mind but it did little to help. They just kept coming back, which was starting to becoming a recurring theme of his mind.

Ren sighed deeply, slowly moving to get up. Morgana shifted slightly at his side as Ren yawned and sat up. The sun had already risen, filling the room in a warm light. If he had to go to school, he would be getting up around this time. Ren reached for his phone to get the exact time before something he caught out of the corner of his eye caused him to freeze. Ren didn't know how to react but he and Morgana weren't the only ones in the attic at the moment.

"Aigis..?" Ren called tentatively.

Aigis, the android he had briefly met last night was sitting on the old sofa in his room. She was wearing a Shujin academy uniform and just simply watching him from her place on his couch. It was almost too surreal and Ren for a second thought it couldn't be real before she moved slightly as he acknowledged her.

Aigis smiled warmly. "Good Morning Ren-san."

Morgana must have heard the exchange because he perked up and looked in the direction of Aigis. "What the heck?! What's she doing here?!" Morgana yowled.

Aigis tilted her head slightly to look at the cat. "I have come to make sure Ren-san wasn't taken in his sleep like Yu-san was. He must be protected."

"So you just sat there all night? Wait how did you get in? We locked the door when we came in." Morgana jumped off the bed to look at Aigis.

"The lock was easily picked and I was going to come with you but I had to see to other matters. I was relieved when I arrived and Ren-san was still in his bed sleeping. Do you sleep with him every night Morgana-san?" Aigis explained.

"Yeah, we are roommates after all." Morgana sat down and curled his tail around his front paws. "Hopefully you relocked the door when you came in. This guy will get an ear full from Boss if he finds it unlocked."

"Strange, I didn't realize roommates share a bed." Aigis paused. "I'll have to add that to my definition of roommates."

"Don't," Ren grumbled before he slipped on his glasses and grabbed his phone.

"I also did relock the door, so Boss will not give Ren-san an ear full," Aigis informed the room. "It is almost time for school. You should be getting ready Ren-san."

"He can't, if he goes to school he could be taken into custody and killed by the corrupt part of the police force," Morgana informed Aigis.

"I'm well aware of Ren-san's situation but if he was really in that much fear, wouldn't it be more dangerous to stay here at his place of residence? I see no reason why he can't return to school and get a proper education. Also, I will be there to protect him if Shido's men try and grab him." Aigis got up from the couch. "So Ren-san, please get ready, I will leave the room temporarily so you may get changed, but I will not be far if you find yourself in sudden danger."

Ren watched Aigis disappear down his staircase. He had to question himself if this was all happening but it appeared to be. He was now cleared to go back to school. Glancing at his phone, a bit of panic set in. If he was going to school, he only had about 15 minutes to get ready before the morning train left. Ren felt the urgency of getting ready in time hit him and hastily prepared.

In five minutes Ren was down the stairs in his Shujin Academy uniform. Boss looked up from his morning paper a bit surprised to see Ren in his uniform. He didn't look as presentable as he would have liked but at least he was ready. Morgana trotted down a few steps behind him. As he entered the café part of Leblanc, he spotted Aigis sitting at one of the stools. She got up as soon as he came down.

"You are prepared. We will walk to school?" Aigis reached down and picked up a Shujin Academy bag.

"Hoo boy. Ren if you're going to bring women home, can you be a bit more discreet?" Sojiro leveled a gaze off at his charge.

"You got the wrong idea. She's a robot." Ren sighed not wanting to deal with this, this particular morning.

"A robot?" Sojiro looked at Aigis.

"That is correct, allow me to introduce myself. I am Aigis, an anti-shadow weapon created by the Kirijo Group. You are the one the teenagers call Boss. Is that correct Sojiro Sakura-san?" Aigis bowed to Sojiro. "It is my current mission to protect Ren-san, please pardon my intrusion into your establishment."

Sojiro sighed, Ren wasn't sure if he believed it or not but he wasn't going to press the issue. "It's too early in the morning for this. Kid, you going to school?"

"A proper education is essential to the teenage experience. He must go to school." Aigis affirmed. "If you are ready we should go."

Ren turned and Morgana hopped into his school bag. "Yep, let's go then."

Aigis nodded and soon they were both on their way to the subway station. In a way, it felt odd to be once again traveling to school. He had been absent so long that he wondered what was even going on at school. He remembered enough to know that the final exams started on the 20th. He did have a slight fear he'd be missing them and fail his second year of high school. Still, if he was going to school today, then maybe there was still time to save his no doubt abysmal grade. Kawakami at least would be in his corner to get caught up.

As soon as he got off the train in Aoyama-Itchome, a few of his fellow students seemed to recognize him and a few whispers echoed around him. He never engaged in school politics but the whispers around him were even worse than when the whole school found out about his record. It also probably didn't help that Aigis was walking very close to him. The two of them were definitely a pair, but Aigis either didn't seem to care about the whispers or was just completely ignoring them. Ren didn't know which one it was.

As they arrived at the school gate, Ken could be seen leaning against it, arms crossed as if he had been waiting for both of them. A good-natured smile was offered to both of them before he too followed Ren and Aigis into the school. So now Ren had both new transfer students following him and the whispering seemed to intensify. This was going to be a long day, Ren could feel it in his bones. Stepping into the school proper, Ren went through the standard route before glancing at his phone. Even with his rush to get out the door and to school, he had about 10 minutes before the bell rang.

"Ren-Kun?" A familiar voice caused him to look up from his phone.

Ren's eyes lifted from his phone to look up at Haru. She seemed confused about why he was currently here at school. Ren didn't blame her when he had woken up this morning he didn't think he'd be here either. Ren slipped his phone back into his pocket.

"Good morning Haru." Ren offered her a welcoming smile not bothering with any honorifics, he no doubts that enough rumors circulating him that his lack of honorifics wouldn't be much of a topic.

"What are you doing here Ren?" Haru asked concern flashing in her eyes.

"He requires proper education," Aigis informed Ren's teammate.

"But what about…" Haru stops herself as they were in a public place.

"There is no need to worry about Ren-san's safety, I shall protect him," Aigis informed the Okumura heiress.

Well, that was going to add fuel to the gossip mill already surrounding him. Oh well, his reputation at Shujin mattered little to Ren in the first place. Whatever rumor they wanted to make up about his situation couldn't be nearly as wild as the facts. However small that was at least it was something he could take away from this situation.

"Okumura-san, shall we walk to class together?" Ken asked with a bit of confidence in his voice.

"Walk?" Haru suddenly squeaked, a bit of blush coming to her cheeks. "Umm… Yes, that would be nice."

Ren glanced between Ken and Haru. Was that a spark he just saw? Ren wasn't 100 percent sure, he knew Haru well, but Ken was still someone Ren needed to get to know better. Ren subconsciously made a note to get to know Ken better. The other teen seemed like a good guy, so hopefully, it wouldn't be all that hard. Ken, along with Haru, disappeared through the crowd of other Shujin academy students before Ren turned to head up to the second floor, sticking his hands into his pockets as he moved. Aigis shadowed his movement.

"Looks like my prodigal delinquent finally returns." Kawakami's sarcastic tone was framed by a good-natured smirked. "Are you going to be returning for good?"

"Yes, he will be returning to school starting now." Aigis nodded.

Kamakawi looked at Aigis with a suspicious look. Ren could see Kawakami was starting to piece a few things together. In a way, Kamakawi knew about his work as a Phantom Thief and she had no doubt clued together his absence was because of that.

"Is she a friend of yours from your out of school activities?" Kawakami asked keeping her voice a bit low.

Ren glanced at Aigis before he nodded to his teacher. "Yeah."

Kawakami shook her head. "You keep some strange company Amamiya-Kun. Well, head in. Aigis-chan you'll be sitting in the second-row third seat in. That will be your new seat as you can't be using Amamiya-san's desk anymore now that he is here."

"Very well." Aigis nodded.

"It's good to have you back Ren," Kawakami whispered as Ren and Aigis walked into the classroom.

Upon his arrival, the whispers persisted. Aigis only left his side at that moment to head to the row she had been assigned as Ren moved towards his familiar spot, setting his bag down on the chair so Morgana could climb into his desk. Ren glanced at Ann. She hadn't noticed his arrival as she longingly stared out the window. Ren didn't blame her, he had caught himself several times staring out the very same windows during his tenure at the school.

"Good Morning Ann." Ren offered as he slipped into his desk now that Morgana was safely tucked away.

Ann seemed to jump in her desks ever so slightly before she looked at Ren. Like Haru before, a surprised look appeared on her face. Ren offered his classmate a small smile as Morgana seemed to snicker from his place in his desk. Ren pulled out his notebook as if it was just a normal day at school. The shock wore off Ann's face as she quickly spun around in her desk and slammed her palm against his desk.

"What are you doing here?" Ann never cared about the rumor mill and wasn't afraid of whatever rumors were already swirling around her and now Ren.

"Going to school," Ren replied dryly, but the look he got from Ann meant he'd have to elaborate. "A mutual friend of ours decided it was time I return." Ren tactfully kept his voice a bit lower at that second statement as he motioned to Aigis a few desks over.

Ann followed his gaze to the android before looking back at him. Mishima caught the commotion and was now staring at him from his desk. Shocked he was back as well. Ann sighed and slunk down into her desk at the very least satisfied with his answer that Aigis had brought him to school. However, she remained slightly turned so she could look at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Be careful, we can't lose you too." Ann's voice was low as that part of the conversation was meant to stay just between the two of them.

Ren leaned forward. "Relax, I got a robot bodyguard." Again he kept his tone low so only Ann could hear.

"Who knows you're back?" Ann asked in a much louder voice not afraid if their other classmates heard.

"Only you and Haru so far," Ren explained.

"Huh, good work on Ryuji by the way." Ren caught the ghost of a smile that appeared on Ann's face at that statement.

"I aim to please." Ren couldn't keep his smirk from appearing on his face.

"Alright everyone, let's do a headcount to see who's here," Kawakami announced as she took her position at the front of the class.

With that school once again started for Ren. While he had been gone for some time, it was an easy rhythm to get back into. Ren was always one of the better students in school and Shujin would be no different. After a few struggles, Ren found his groove. Before he knew it lunch rolled around and the class was dismissed for the hour or so. He moved to get lunch, shadowed by Aigis before he pulled out his phone.

Joker: Ryuji, are you having lunch in the normal spot?

Skull: Yeah, why?

Joker: See you there in a few minutes.

Skull: Wait, what? Are you here at school Ren?!

Panther: Yeah he is. You guys normally have lunch in the back of the courtyard by the vending machines right?

Joker: Yeah.

Panther: I think I'll join you guys today.

Joker: You're welcome to join us.

Noir: Is that an open invitation?

Skull: I guess…

Noir: Wonderful, Mako-chan and I will join you then

Noir: Also Ken-Kun.

Joker: That works. Aigis is with me.

Joker put away his phone. Looks like the gang would all be getting together. Even if he had seen them all yesterday, this occasion seemed far more jovial then the last one. They were all simply hanging out as high school students then a bunch of super-powered teenagers that were trying to prevent ruin. 5Also, it was never a waste of time to see Makoto. Making his way through the courtyard, Ren quickly located Ryuji in their normal spot. Even the chill in the Tokyo air wasn't enough to keep Ryuji inside. It wasn't too bad out and it was warmer than it had been Inaba, but Ren had to wonder how long that was going to last. The weather was getting closer to winter and with it snow. Ryuji perked up as soon as Ren rounded the corner, only pausing slightly at the sight of Aigis following.

"Hey man," Ryuji smirked to his best friend. "It's good yer back, this spot was super empty without ya."

"Feels good to be back," Ren answered honestly.

Setting his bag down, Morgana quickly jumped out moving to his normal perch on the table. After that everyone started to trickle into the small corner of the courtyard. Everyone got settled and a pleasant conversation about general school stuff filled the air. They didn't need to talk about Phantom Thief stuff, especially when there was plenty to catch Ren up about school. Ren sat quietly listening to the chatter, as lunch lingered only realizing how much he missed moments like this while he had been away. The bell rang to announce the end of lunch giving everyone a few minutes to exchange a few last words before scattering to their respective parts of the school building.

Ren turned to make his way back to class before he realized Aigis wasn't the only one following him. Ren paused to let Makoto step up to his side as he adjusted his school bag on his shoulder. Morgana shifted ever so slightly before seeming to settle down. Makoto stepped up to him offering him a smile that was only meant for him. He returned her one that was only meant for her.

"How are your studies?" Makoto asked taking on the air of an upperclassman worrying about their lowerclassman.

"It's going to be difficult, but I think I can catch up." Ren slipped his hands into his pockets.

"Well if you ever need a tutor, I can offer my services. After all, I still owe you that IOU." Makoto slipped past him and Ren caught that glint in her eye that reminded him more of Queen then the quiet student council president she normally played at school.

Ren turned to watch her go as he felt his pulse rise ever so slightly. He couldn't keep his eyes off her until she disappeared around a corner. His teenage hormones wanted to go after her but his judgment told him to get back to class. He sighed silently at his inner conflict as Aigis stepped up to his side. The robot had a knowing look in her eye as she looked to Ren.

"I see you are pursuing a romantic relationship with Niijima-san," Aigis spoke plainly and loud enough for other students to hear.

Well, there was a new one for the rumor mill… Ren sighed. Unlike most of the Phantom Thieves, Makoto cared more about her view among the other students. It came down to the fact she was student council president and as an elected position she had to be in good standing with most students. Hopefully, this rumor wouldn't reflect negatively on her. As far as school went Ren considered himself way out of Makoto's league if one went by school politics. If anything he'd be seen as just a helpless admirer of the stoic school president.

"Come on Aigis, let's get back to class." Ren turned and started to head for class.

Aigis shadowed him as he climbed up the staircase to head back to class. After taking his place back in his desk, the class quickly resumed. The day passed as it always did when he was at school. The end of school came as it always did as the bell rang. Ren got to his feet, shifting his schoolbag back to his chair so Morgana could hop in. The cat quickly moved in and snuggled down before Ren picked it up and threw it over his shoulder. Aigis moved to join him just as his phone buzzed telling him he had a message. Ren pulled his phone from his pocket, as he turned to head out. It appeared to be a private message from Futaba.

Oracle: I need a favor.

Joker: Okay, what do you need?

Oracle: I need you to cover for me

Joker: Cover? What's going on?

Oracle: I can't talk about it right now. Sojiro thinks I'm going to be hanging out with you.

Joker: I'll cover for you under one condition.

Joker looked up as he reached the school entrance. Ken, Haru, and Makoto were already there. Well if he was going to need to cover for Futaba maybe he could hang out with one of them since going home would no doubt blow Futaba's cover. Also, Makoto did offer to tutor him… He didn't want to pass her up on that offer. A hum from his phone pulled his attention back towards it.

Oracle: What's this condition?

Joker: Where are you going? I promised Boss I'd look after you and I can't break that promise.

Joker stepped up to the group of third years and without any sort of word exchanged between any of them, they all started to walk out together. Ren's phone didn't go off for several minutes and Ren had to wonder if Futaba wasn't going to give in to his demands. He'd still cover for her even if she didn't but he wanted to know what his little sister was up to. Luckily for him, there was a buzz to his phone.

Oracle: I'm going out to dinner with Goro.

Ren's brain froze as he had to reread the text a few times before the actual words sunk in. Futaba Sakura was going to dinner with Goro Akechi. Since when did Futaba accept dinner invitations from Goro? Also, why were they going to dinner? Was there something he needed to know? Was Futaba starting a relationship with Goro? This was so far out of left field Ren felt like he had suddenly been slapped. The others seemed to notice his distress and stopped walking to give him a questioning look.

"..." Ren opened his mouth to explain the situation to those he was with but he got the distinct feeling Futaba wouldn't want this shared.

"Are you okay Ren?" Makoto gave him a look.

Ren shook his head. "Me? I'm fine." Ren tried to recover but failed so he quickly switched the subject. "Makoto can I take you up on that offer?"

Makoto wasn't buying his excuse. "Right… but yeah we can head to my place to study."

"If that's the case. Ken-Kun we should head back to the hotel to get our reports done." Aigis seemed to understand Ren would need a bit of privacy with Makoto. "Ren-san I'll return to your residence at 9 o'clock to continue my duties of protecting you."

"Oh, would you two like a ride to the hotel? My driver is parked over there, he can give you both a ride." Haru informed the two shadow operatives as she motioned to a parked car.

"That would be great Okumura-san." Ken smiled.

Ren's bag shifted as Morgana hopped out. "I'll go with ya to the hotel. I want to talk with Koromaru."

"You're more than welcome Morgana." Ken nodded.

"Yes thank you Okumura-san." Aigis gave a slight bow. "Ren-Kun please be careful as I will not be there to protect you should you run into danger."

"I will be." Ren tried to assure the android.

With that, the four departed leaving him alone with Makoto. Makoto gave him a small smile before they both started to head off down the street towards her place. Ren returned his attention to his phone, rereading the message Futaba sent him for probably the sixth time. It was just as stunning as the first time he read it still. He knew he had to respond so he did.

Joker: Alright, I'm going to head over to Makoto's place to study and catch up on school. Let's and meet up with you when you are done.

Oracle: Right… 'Study'

Joker: You are going on a date with Goro….

Oracle: It ain't a date!

Oracle: There are just somethings I need to talk to him about.

Joker: Like?

Oracle: I'll tell you later.

Joker: When later?

Oracle: Just later alright? Anyways are you going to cover for me?

Joker: Why do you think I'm going to go study with Makoto? We can say we had Phantom Thief stuff to do to Sojiro.

Oracle: So you are going to 'study' with Makoto…

Joker: If by 'study' we both mean that I will catch up on the school work I've been missing since I haven't been in school.

Oracle: Right, just don't leave any visible marks on her.

Joker: Futaba!

Oracle: Talk to you later bro. Good luck 'studying.'

Ren didn't know how to respond so he just left the conversation there. Makoto who had been watching him as they walked side by side flicked her eyes up to meet his. She had seen the text exchange between him and Futaba and there was an almost mischievous look to her eyes that stirred something in Ren's gut.

"We do need to get you caught up, but who said it can't be fun…" That wasn't Makoto talking. That was Queen.

"If you insist, my Queen." Joker countered smoothly, a coy smirk pulling at the corners of his lips.