Akira's mind raced as they sped out of the apartment, the wooden floor protesting heavily against their aggressive steps. Makoto had a stern look on her face as she sped past the hallways of the building and onto the street, heading towards the stations.

Akira struggled to keep pace with her, the dramatic aura of the situation waying on him. Makoto was a blur in front of him he struggled to keep up with on the sidewalks, the flurry of the afternoon sun wearing on him. Sweat got in his eyes, his breathing was deep and heavy, and Makoto paid nearly no attention to the pedestrians and traffic as she sprinted non stop.

I've really gotten out of shape.

"Makoto…!" Akira called out, exasperated. Makoto faltered for a moment to look at her staggering partner.

"We're almost to the station," Makoto said between deep breaths, "Just hurry. Catch your breath."

Akira kneeled over as he glanced at the younger sister with barely hidden disdain.

"Tell me what's going on," he demanded. "Why are we in such a rush to get to Sae? I thought she hadn't been out in years."

Makoto's face flashed with anger, then, without emotion.

"I had hoped you wouldn't ask that," said Makoto. "Sae….whenever she's genuinely upset, which is rare, she has a drink at the Crossroads." Makoto continued somberly. "It's not really a problem, but it's dangerous for her…" Makoto continued. Akira glanced at her, his expression turning sympathetic. Makoto continued again, but her voice was strangled with sorrow.

"I don't want her to hurt herself." Makoto said quietly.

Akira digested the words laid before him. On one hand, this was Sae. This was indicative of something deeper. On the other hand, she was a grown adult, capable of making her own choices.

Akira's mind flashed with memories of his battles. Fury ran through his core, deep and murderous, for thinking such a thought.

Last time we left something up to the adults, they almost gave up the world.

"Alright, let's go." Akira said quickly. They resumed their sprint with fever. His thoughts pounded against his head as they descended the stairs, apologizing quickly for their transgressions as they brushed against people on their daily adventures.

Luckily, they made it just in time for the train. They got in, paying their fees, and took places. The crowded nature of the train made them scrunch together closer than Akira would've liked, but he didn't entirely mind. Makoto seem focused, watching the underground and city pass by.

"Has this been an issue for Sae for long?" Akira questioned.

Makoto shook her head. "She never really drank before. I wouldn't be worried about it, but sometimes, she comes home drunk, with her car…"

Akira was a bit shocked. "Sae can be that irresponsible?"

Makoto's face hardened. "Anybody can be that irresponsible when they're drunk."

Akira softened his tone. "It must be hard to see your sister this way."

Makoto shrugged. "It is what it is," she turned to flash him a smile.

"But…"

"Thank you."

Persona 5

It wasn't long before they were in the Red-Light District, getting off and dodging people in the crowded streets to make it to Crossroads. They had stirred up quite the scene before hastily entering the bar. Rowdy laughter and jeers abruptly stopped as the patrons glared at the out of place teen. Fortunately for them, Layla greeted Akira by name, ceasing their suspicious looks as they returned to their business.

Akira and Makoto shoveled through the crowd as the approached the bartender.

"Hey, Layla, have you seen a silver haired girl? Should look something like my friend here," Akira questioned quickly, "If you have, please tell us. It's important."

Layla regarded the boy strangely- examining him with her eyes. "I might've seen someone like that come in," she explained hesitantly, "and she might be in the back to your left. If you're lucky. I don't know." Layla shot the boy a wink.

Akira gave the bartender his gratitude before making his way to the back. The bar itself was a far cry from the outside streets- despite being slightly overcrowded, relaxing jazz music played under the red tinged light, and one had enough leg room to dance in the back rooms. Surprisingly, Ohya was nowhere to be found. Makoto clung to Akira, perhaps the nervousness of being in a new environment getting to her.

As expected, Sae was bent over the table, nursing a glass of orange liquid. She almost appeared to be sleeping, and Akira was nervous again. His worries were found unwarranted as she shot up. From her glazed, dilated eyes and her jerky movements, they seemed to be too late. Those same eyes were red and puffy- she had been crying.

"Who's there?" She questioned slurringly. "Oh, it's you, Akira. Akira." She laughed. "That's a funny name. You're a funny guy. A funny name for a funny guy." She chuckled again, moving to take another sip from her glass. Makoto caught her wrist.

"Come on, sis. We're going home." She said sterningly. Sae seemed to have no objections, putting the glass down and getting up assistance from Makoto.

Akira had a few questions.

"Uh, Makoto, how?" He asked, glancing to the hallway, and back to Sae.

"We'll guide her," she said. Akira shook his head in objection. "It's a bad idea. We should try and sober her up first. Walking through the Red Light district with two attractive females, one drunk, really isn't that good of an idea. Plus, I don't think the trains accept intoxicated people, and certainly not to her degree. Go ask Layla for some water, I'll see to Sae." Akira said very promptly, his breath short.

Makoto shot him a look for his comments, but relented, reluctantly setting her sister down back in her chair. Sae chuckled and made a grab for her, but it was off the mark as Makoto escaped.

"Oh, we're alone," Sae commented. "I like that." She smiled. Akira refused to sit down with her, and especially not now, because of her comment. He had hoped it was dark enough in the bar so Sae couldn't read his reaction, his face reddening.

"Alone, alone, alone," she sang, "Anything could happen!" Sae said crazily. Akira regarded her with a somewhat pitiful look, feeling sorry for her more than anything else.

Akira figured he'd might as well try and get to the bottom of it.

"Sae, is something wrong?" He asked. Sae locked her eyes onto his figure again.

"Come sit by me," she demanded hotly. Akira was too lost in his thoughts and pity for Sae that he gave her a chance to strike. She lunged forward, grabbing him and pulling him into an embrace. She stumbled and fell back onto the chair, causing Akira to be at an awkward angle against her torso and the floor.

He struggled, but Sae was surprisingly strong. "You're such a sweet boy," she whispered. Akira could feel her hot breath against his ear and cheek. He struggled again.

"Sae, please, let me go." He said through her clothing. She reeked of scotch; and Akira was slowly losing any semblance of thought.

She let go. Her expression was now sharp. "I get it, Akira, you don't want me." Her eyes filled with water. Akira was absolutely shocked at the sight in front of him. "I'm just worse than Sojiro in every way, huh? I get it, I'm terrible…"

"You're drunk." Akira told her again. He meant to bring her to her senses, but it was also because he had nothing else to say.

Makoto, thankfully, returned with two cups of water in hand. Sae turned her attention to her younger sister, the two talking briefly as Makoto convinced her to drink the water.

About an hour past of Sae rambling before she had started to calm down. Fortunately, there were no more incidents, and Sae had looked like she was in condition to return home after passing out for another hour.

She was roused with minimal interaction. Makoto had left the room to inform the others of what happened. As such, there'd be no plans made for today.

Sae groaned from under her curtain of grey locks. "Akira," she muttered. Akira stood by the table with his hands in pockets feeling as awkward as any confused teenager would.

"Yes?" He said with calmness.

"I'm sorry," She groaned.

"It's alright." He excused.

"Not about this," she paused. "Well, this too. But I'm talking about...you know."

"I'm surprised you remember," he said without emotion.

Sae coughed. "I do."

"Well, that's alright, then. I forgive you, so don't worry about it."

Sae looked humbled as she turned red, nodding her head once. Makoto returned to ask them if they were ready to go home, and because Sae was sober again, they simply piled in her car to drive home.

As they drove home, Sae cleared her throat. The city of Tokyo passed by, with all its lights and splendor. Sae looked to her side to make eye contact with Akira, as he got into the passenger seat.

"I owe you kids an apology." She said with a tinge of shame. Akira looked at her expectantly, while Makoto looked away.

"You don't need to apologize, Sis...you can do what you want. We just don't want you hurting yourself."

Sae nodded. "Well, I want to give it to you anyway. Next time, I'll talk about my problems. Speaking of that, Akira…" She turned to meet his eye again. She drove slowly through the streets of her complex, eventually before halting to a stop completely.

"Thank you."

Akira smiled, forgiving her not only in words, but with all his heart. "Don't worry about it, Sae. You've done a lot for me."

Sae smiled. "I'm glad you think that. But enough. Let's get on home, shall we?"

And eventually, the trio was laughing and joking again, any negative emotion long forgotten. Akira's smile was bright and wide.

Truly, this is bliss.

A/N- I guess sometime it do be like that. Thank you for reading, and everybody who followed! I need to get some fanart for the cover of this story.version15- Well, I had a little bonding, and I hope it was enough to satisfy your urge. I appreciate your continuous support- thank you.Determined Destruction- Yes you are. Yes you are.

P.S. drunk sae is the best