Makoto is just.

"Representing the Justice, Thomas Aquinas was a Dominican friar and priest of Scholastic background. One of the greatest Doctors of the Church and a philosopher, his greatest work was the Summa Theologica, a compendium of all the main theological teachings of the Catholic church, serving as a guide for all theologians despite being unfinished. Thomas believed that the "Sacred doctrine" was a science and he was also a proponent of the Natural Law, which states that all people have inherent rights, given not by legislations, but by God, nature or reason."

[8 Years Ago]

Sae was her defense attorney, which meant that her sister went to hell and back just to dig Makoto out of the hole she had jumped into.

Her big sis spared no argument and no evidence. She went right to the heart of the matter to make sure that Makoto walked free at the end of the day.

Tomoe's family could not press charges because not only was he a corrupt cop in the first place, but also thanks to Kazuya testifying against him and in her favor in the administrative investigation.

The allegations are that Makoto acted in self defense to save herself and a comrade, and didn't act disproportionate in her response at all.

What a heroine!

But the truth is, it was a lie.

Makoto studied every single policy out there, every single code of conduct that the police should have, and she knows she fucked up.

She could have used the gun to dissuade Tomoe and disarm him, but she ended up pulling the trigger instead.

And if she had to shoot him, she could have shot somewhere else right other than in his freaking head.

Claiming that she panicked wasn't a good enough argument in her books. She was trained to deal with high pressure environments like that.

That was a choice. Even if she didn't mean to do it. No matter the mental gymnastics Kazuya and Sae tried to bullshit in her favor, Makoto knows.

She knows she is a murderer.

She wants to be tried, she wishes they would let the family press charges. She wants it to be fair.

But they weren't letting her.

"No." a stressed out Sae had told her harshly when she expressed her wishes. "You are going to keep silent and do exactly what I tell you to do."

Makoto didn't relent. "But what I did wasn't self defense. That was murder!"

Sae lost her patience with her and slammed her hand on the desk in front of her.

"Shut the fuck up Makoto, or I swear to God…" Her sister warned.

Makoto did shut up, but not without throwing her sister a disgusted glare.

"Listen to me. I am not going to let you throw away your life just so you can get your naive notion of justice for a corrupt piece of shit, especially since he made his bed and lied on it. I don't care what you say: Hate me all you want, stop talking to me if you want to, but in this fucking case, my word is law, even if I have to restrain you against your will. Is that clear, Makoto?" Sae hissed out imperiously.

But she wasn't going to let this go on without protesting. "This isn't just. Every single rule out there says-"

Sae lost it.

"Fuck the rules! This isn't about what is in the fucking books, this is about what is fair and right!" Her sister scolded her viciously. "I have been a prosecutor and now an attorney for several years of my life, and do you want to know a secret? Nobody truly gives a shit about the policies!"

"Then what is the fucking point of upholding justice if nobody cares about doing what is right!?" She shouted back in indignation.

Sae was unwavering. "Justice isn't what is in a paper or a book, dear sis. I have come to learn that bad people do good things for bad reasons. And sometimes, good people might do bad things for a just cause!"

At that, Makoto quietened. Sae closed her eyes after spitting out her vitriolic, yet caring words, and took time to recompose. Her sister looked stressed out and tense, something that she hasn't seen in years since the mental shutdown cases.

Makoto wanted to rage against her sis. But the truth is, for Makoto's sake, she knew Sae would have helped her murder Tomoe and hide the body herself.

That realization made the fight leave her body. There was nothing Makoto could do now. She couldn't let Sae down either.

Makoto teared up as she surrendered completely. "I'm sorry, sis. I'll do as you say."

Sae swiftly hugged her. "I love you. Please, don't do this to me. Let me help you."

Makoto started to cry earnestly. "Why did he betray me? I thought he cared about me…"

"Oh baby sis…" Her sister cooed.

Later, with Makoto's cooperation, the process went quite fast. Sae was a force to be reckoned with and the administration was already weighing this in Makoto's favor, as she was really adored within the force.

Kazuya, who was known as one of the most disliked and grumpiest police officers in the precinct, softened around her. He and Akiyoshi were acting all fatherly in the days that followed. Eriko was there for her too, with words of care and encouragement.

She had the best team in the world. They, too, mourned Tomo-kun. They, too, were betrayed.

In the end, she was forced to resign. Sae was furious with Makoto's superiors, but it was the only way for all parties involved to find an appropriate resolution without creating a major public scandal.

Tomoe died, being corrupt. Makoto is punished, and is let go. Kazuya keeps quiet, and all their families - Makoto's, Kazuya's and even Tomoe's - cannot breathe a word of this incident to avoid major public panic and backlash to the police department.

Makoto was furious. Did nothing fucking change after all, since her Phantom Thief days?

Still, she was pressured by the administration to sign up for this settlement. Makoto hated herself for doing it.

Johanna, Anat and Agnes would spit on her face for it.

Life went on. On her final day at the precinct, everyone came to see her, and it was almost the entire force in one place, just because of her.

She was amazed and sad hearing so many praises and words of kindness and encouragement from the whole precinct. They applauded her, called her a hero, a true comrade, and yet, in her heart, Makoto couldn't help but feel monstrous.

"Makoto." Kazuya started, his normally cold look morphing into an emotional and drained one. He was her most ardent supporter in the entire process.

He put a hand on her shoulder. "Words cannot express how grateful I am to you. I owe you my life . And because of you, my son won't have to grow up without a father."

That hit her right in the heart, and she cried. She lost her father to the job too, so she knows exactly what he meant.

"Hold your head high, girl, you are a true hero." He said to her in admiration.

"Higashi-san… Thank you…" She said amidst tears.

He smiled, a rarity since he was said to be a soulless man. "No…For you, it's Kazuya. Always Kazuya."

She smiled back, even though she was crying, her soul overwhelmed with sadness and pain. He gave her a bear hug, and for Makoto, it was almost like her dad was there with her again.

He released her, and then bowed deeply.

She bowed back in respect.

Akiyoshi and Eriko had sad smiles on their faces.

"I hope you know that you only have friends here. Even if the higher ups don't care, please know that us here in the grind will always think of you as one of us." Akiyoshi told her sincerely.

Her mentor, friend, leader. He truly made her into a phenomenal policewoman. She was sad she failed him, but she was grateful for his lessons.

"Thank you, Takahashi-sensei." She said in deep respect as she bowed to him. Afterwards, he embraced her.

Eriko was gentle. "I'm sorry we won't have more time working together. I was really looking forward to the changes by commissioner Niijima."

Makoto let out a watery chuckle. "Then I hope commissioner Yamagata becomes a reality one day instead. You're perfect for the job."

"Not as much as you, but I promise I will try and honor your dreams." Eriko said kindly.

Both women embraced.

It was time to go. Sae and Takuto were waiting at the doors, their faces solemn.

She took a step forward and yet, she paused, and looked back.

This was the death of her dreams. But she hoped they carried on, and worked for a better police force one day, even if she wasn't there to see it.

She walked forward again.

"Makoto-sensei!" A young officer shouted out her name, halting her in her steps.

She turned around to face him. He was a junior little thing, fresh out of the academy, that followed her around like a duckling.

Shinya Oda, the champion of Gun about, and her little mentee.

He gave her a salute, his young face brave and serious, making her proud. "Godspeed to you, Queen!"

She smiled fondly at him, proudly saluting him back. "And to you as well, King!"

Then finally, Makoto left the precinct, never to return again.

[The Present Day]

"Please call me if anything happens, no matter how small and insignificant it may appear to you, sis." Makoto commanded her big sis sternly.

In response, Sae pinched Makoto's cheek.

"Look at you, what a cute mama bear you are." The elder sister gritted out, semi aggressively and semi playfully.

"Ow, stop it! I'm not five years old any longer!" She complained, while glaring at a smirking, evil Sae.

Her sister scoffed. "And you shouldn't cite the deep magic to me, witch."

Okay, that was fair, considering Sae raised both Makoto herself and Yukino. She had more than practical experience at this point.

"Fine, I'm just worried for my son."

"You talk as if I were about to cook your son in a cauldron as soon as you leave. Relax, Makoto. Go and enjoy your date for once."

Makoto's face morphed into revolt at the mention of the word 'date'.

"Oh my God, please don't fucking call it a date. We're just fulfilling someone's terrible request." She said with a shudder.

Sae kept on that smug, asshole smile of hers on her face.

"Whatever you say, Little panda."

Makoto pouted at the nickname, but then smiled as her little son ran up to her and hugged her legs.

"Are you leaving already, mama?" He asked innocently.

She cupped his cheek and smiled tenderly at him. "Yes, little love. Be good to your auntie Sae and uncle Takuto, okay?"

He nodded eagerly and gave his mommy a sunshine smile, then ran back all the way to the living room to play with his cousin.

Sae smiled fondly at her retreating nephew, then started pushing around her baby sister out of the door. "Now, get out of my house, woman. I have a sweet angel and a little devil to keep an eye on now."

"You truly are the worst, Sae." Makoto grumbled as she left and joined her 'date' outside.

He was sporting a bored and annoyed face, customary of his shitty personality, but still had enough decorum to offer her his arm.

Sae laughed at their miserable faces, then bluntly closed the door of her home.

"Let's do this." Makoto said, resigned.

The trainee kitchen inauguration gala was in full swing, and it proved to be a massive success.

Haru looked positively radiant, confident and happy, as she and her husband graciously made announcements and met the guests with perfect politeness and grace. Ren was truly happy for his friends, and how much they have grown together.

It was funny. One would think that Haru and Yusuke's marriage was going to be doomed and a joke from the start, and yet, his friends sustained their own harmonious marriage unit while staying true to themselves and their own independent pursuits.

It always made him feel slightly jealous, because before his eyes, was the true definition of a partnership.

'You had your own chance at having one for yourself. Starting from fifteen years ago.' A voice eerily reminiscent of Raoul reminded him.

He ignored his thoughts and sighed. Beside him, his wife held a quiet disposition.

Sumire was withdrawing more and more from him lately. He kept agonizing over their situation in the past weeks, but also did nothing to change it.

He was still afraid and at an impasse.

Again, he sighed. Tonight was not the time or place for such problems, he had to maintain his focus on the celebration of his friend's achievement, one which he had somewhat helped realize.

"Come on, Sumi." He quietly whispered to Sumire. "I need to talk to minister Yoshida."

Sumire said nothing in response, but followed along.

She shouldn't have come here with Akechi as a plus one, but Haru insisted.

Sometimes she wondered if her friend was with her or against her. Haru was a sadic and her sense of humor was terribly morbid. But Makoto, as the masochist, still loved her deeply.

So she and the grouch she was forced to put up for the night milled around the guests, while keeping far away from him. A passing Yusuke tossed a look in their direction, and he nodded at her with a good natured smile on his face. She smiled sweetly at him, as he retreated to meet his wife.

She was very proud of her friends, they truly outdone themselves. The gala was massive and sumptuous, but the true achievement was the effective start of the trainee programs.

Even though Makoto has failed in bringing change to the world as she had idealized in the past, she was honestly content and happy to see her friends achieving it. The other day, she received the news that Eriko had risen to the position of Chief Commissioner of the Tokyo Met Police, a position that she had initially coveted for herself almost fifteen years ago.

It made her feel incredibly happy. She knew Eriko would do in her place all the things that she couldn't achieve herself.

"This is a most detestable occasion. None of these rich people probably give a fuck about this initiative." Akechi grumbled before her, while eating a couple of pastries that he grabbed along the way.

"I hate the fact that I have to put up with you today of all days." She responded instead.

"I don't." He told her sincerely.

"Why Akechi-kun, do you have a soft spot for me now?" She asked smugly, with her best incarnation of Sae in a sarcastic streak possible.

He snorted. "No, you're trash. But today is a friday and it means I don't have to put up with that idiot's calls tonight."

Akechi sounded genuinely relieved. Makoto held in the urge to laugh. She loved knowing he received those tormenting calls.

"I hope you know she'll just call you on saturday instead, Tom." She taunted.

He looked at her, horrified. "Don't you dare jinx it, Hanna."

Makoto giggled. She hoped she was right, just to see him tweak tomorrow at work.

Akechi finished eating the pastries and then enjoyed his champagne in silence. Makoto refrained from drinking.

She was 2296 days sober. Everyday was a battle, but it got easier and she felt happy and proud of her hard earned achievement. All for herself and her Akio, her little love.

Akechi continued to bitch about the ocasion, and badmouth the rich guests, even going as far as making unnecessary hateful commentary on some overweight entrepreneur that passed them by.

She sighed. The night was going to be long.

"Excellent work, Amamiya-kun!" His employer said joyfully. "You and Madam Okumura outdid yourselves!"

Ren smiled proudly in response. "In all honesty this is mostly an initiative from Haru."

Yoshida let out a good naturedly chuckle. "We are very lucky to partner with Okumura Foods while it's under such wonderful management. Hopefully this will bring excellent opportunities for the vulnerable youth of Japan."

"Well said, Yoshida-san." A prim and proper voice echoed behind them.

They turned around to see a sly looking Haru, clinging on the arm of a seemingly smug Yusuke.

Ren grinned. "Why, if it isn't the lady of the hour and her most esteemed husband."

Haru giggled demurely, while Yusuke's smirk morphed into a satisfied and proud smile.

"It's wonderful to see you too, Ren-kun, Sumi-chan, Yoshida-san." Haru said politely, yet warmly.

Yusuke was just as graceful. "Indeed, it's a joyful occasion, my friends. And a good evening to you as well, Prime Minister."

"Thank you, Okumura-san, likewise!"

In response, Sumire gave Haru and Yusuke a lukewarm smile, but remained quiet. Ren felt slightly awkward at her lack of enthusiasm, but he masked it by engaging with Yusuke.

"So, Yusuke, what is your final evaluation of our handiwork?"

"Why, my wonderful and perfect wife deserves all the accolades of course. No offense to you, my dear friend." He said smugly.

"Yusu-kun!" Haru protested playfully. Yusuke, however, just gave her a loving smile in response.

Yoshida laughed. "I understand that sentiment perfectly, Okumura-san. My wonderful wife is also my inspiration."

"Indeed. I need no other muse, Yoshida-san. Anything else pales in comparison to my sweet rose." Yusuke said with a loving conviction.

Haru looked smitten.

Ren both loved and hated how fucking perfect these two, and then Ryuji and Ann were sometimes.

He was about to Joke some more to mask his discomfort when his gaze accidentally caught a glimpse of something - or rather, someone.

It was a woman, though not an ordinary one. She wore a dark blue dress, so dark in fact that it seemed almost black, in a modest yet tantalizing cut. Her short hair that reached past her neck - so very slightly longer than how he remembered it - was elegantly styled, and she had very minimal makeup, which was fair considering that she wasn't nor someone who needed much.

His entire world shifted as their eyes met, gazing deeply at one another.

Such beautiful crimson irises. He could get lost in their depths and never come back.

She was still fucking perfect, if not better than he remembered. She aged like goddamn fine wine.

Can a man fall in love with the same woman, twice?

He didn't know, but he was starting to find out.

It was her. His Miss Blue, his Hanna, his Queen.

His Makoto.

Makoto was busy trying not to strangle Akechi for his drivel against the guests when she felt an odd sensation hit her.

It was almost like she was being stared at.

She looked at her surroundings first, slightly confused, but didn't spot anything unusual, until she saw Haru and Yusuke off in the distance.

And the people beside them.

Their gazes met at the same time.

Time seemed to stop and stretch on forever. And yet, it still resumed in the blink of an eye.

He looked handsome as always. He seemed to have matured as well. Her heart beat hard on her chest as they exchanged intense looks with one another.

He was here. Her Mr. Red, her Joker.

Her Ren.

When he was the confessor, she finally had an excuse to listen to him bare his soul to her. Maybe she should have stopped taking those calls as soon as she realized who Mr. Red truly was, but…

A part of her just wanted to hear him again.

And it was wonderful.

But now, Makoto felt as if she was trapped as his smoldering gaze consumed her.

She turned to Akechi to save her.

"Come on, let's find a more secluded spot." She said in a hurry.

Akechi looked at her in confusion until he looked around and found the source of her distress.

He smirked, then started to chuckle darkly in quick realization.

"Why? I quite enjoy this spot. Don't you?"

She glared at him.

Traitor.

Ren was lost deeply in his staring contest with his former friend, until he realized something rather alarming.

She wasn't alone.

She was here with another man. And not just any man.

But with Goro fucking Akechi.

Ren felt his body go cold until he was completely and utterly numb.

How dare she. How fucking dare she?

Of all the people for her to get involved with, did it have to be him!?

"Haru." He said, trying to not sound as distressed as he truly was. "May I have a moment of your attention?"

His friend cocked her head to the side in puzzlement until she followed his line of sight, then discreetly averted her gaze.

It was still too late as Sumire, Yusuke and even Yoshida also turned their attention to the general direction of his gaze as Ren kept his eyes glued to the revolting scene before him.

Akechi had the fucking gall of sending him a taunting smile.

"Of course, Ren-kun." Haru replied.

Yusuke, sensing the subject of the conversation, sent his wife a reassuring smile, then expertly continued to entertain Sumire and Yoshida.

Ren offered Haru his arm, trying to maintain the necessary decorum, and she took it, then hastily, they made their way to one of the empty balconies in the grand ballroom.

As soon as they were alone, Ren rounded up on his friend.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked her, barely containing his fury.

Haru, however, seemed unperturbed, and even had the audacity to get a glass of champagne for herself. "Why, they are my guests."

"Your guests? That's fucking unbelievable. Don't you remember that one of them just murdered your own father?" He told her coldly.

His friend, whose posture was serene, shifted slightly and stared at him with a menacing look in her eyes.

"I would appreciate it if you watched the tone you chose to speak to me with." She started. Then took another sip of her champagne. "I don't have to explain myself to you in any way, shape or form. Makoto is my friend. Akechi is her plus one. They are my guests, and this is my gala. End of the story."

It did nothing to abate his fury. But he stayed silent as she walked past him.

"And by the way, Ren-kun." She said as she paused at the double doors. "Don't you dare throw my father's murder in my face ever again. Is that understood?"

"Crystal. My apologies for that." He said stiffly.

She finally smiled pleasantly at him, and left.

Ren clenched his fists.

Haru returned to her husband's side. Yoshida had been long gone, and only Yusu-kun and Sumire stayed.

"Everything alright, my dear?" Yusuke whispered to her, concerned.

"Yes, my wild onion. Don't you worry." She said as she gave him a sweet smile. Her hubby kissed her hand in response.

Haru knew her gamble was a risky one, but she didn't regret doing it, not one bit.

Yes, Goro Akechi was not someone she would ever truly forgive. However, she was willing to put up with his odious presence for the night if it helped achieve her goal.

Someone had to put an end to this ridiculous farce between her friends. Ren's insufferable behavior the whole past weeks, coupled with Makoto moping around sadly for losing her confessor was enough to jolt Haru into action.

Sumire also looked utterly miserable and lost, so it wasn't like she wasn't already suffering anyways. Maybe this could be liberating for her as well.

Haru knew Ren-kun would go ballistic the moment he spotted Akechi on this occasion, so she made sure it happened, no matter the cost. Yusuke had warned her it could backfire on her, but she assured him she was willing to take the fall if necessary, so long as she got what she wanted.

Ren soon returned to their side as well, but nudged Sumire to come along with him to mingle. She watched the drama unfold as a small, cunning smile formed on her face.

"You are truly diabolical sometimes, Haru." Her husband said with fond exasperation.

"Hush now, love, it's working, isn't it?" She said conspiratorially.

Yusuke tried to not look amused, but failed. "Indeed."

"He is looking this way. Play along." The smug bastard Akechi said, as he put his arm around her waist intimately.

"What the devil do you think you're doing?" Makoto hissed, not finding his petty game amusing in the slightest.

"Having fun tormenting him." He told her as he sent her those fake tender looks. Makoto was unimpressed.

Akechi, ever the psychopath.

"He doesn't care. He is married. And I'm not in the mood to provoke anyone, especially not with you of all people. " She told him seriously.

"Niijima, you truly never change. Always the buzzkill." He said exasperated with her.

She raised an eyebrow in defiance of his words. "Are you sure of that, Goro-kun? I remember making you laugh more often than not."

He sent her a 'I will murder you and hide the body' look. Makoto just giggled against her will.

However, her laughter seemed to have the opposite effect of her wishes of attracting attention to herself. She felt someone stare at the back of her head. Turning around slightly to see who it was, she wasn't surprised.

It was him, tossing her the most murderous, disappointed and disgusted looks possible.

In response, Makoto closed her eyes in pain, and leaned her head against Akechi's chest.

"Come on. Let's say our goodbyes to our host. I don't want to stay here any longer." She told him, irritation and tiredness coursing through her.

Sensing her mood shifting to melancholic, he nodded. "Alright."

They left.

Ren watched as Makoto giggled as she intimately embraced Akechi.

He wanted to punch the smug look off his stupid face.

Ren watched like a hawk as they bid their goodbyes to Haru and Yusuke, then started to make their way to the exits. Before he understood what he was doing, Ren followed.

"Ren." Sumire said in alarm. "Don't."

He ignore his wife.

Nothing, not even God himself, would be able to stop him.

He was starting to close in on them. They exited the large ballroom and were making their ways across a large hallway when Ren finally bridged the gap.

"Akechi!" He shouted, furious.

Without any further warnings, Ren launched himself at his rival, and punched the fuck out of him.

Akechi fell to the ground, clutching his face. Ren was ready to assault him further, but was stopped by the event's security officers holding him back.

"Goro!" Makoto cried out in alarm, as she crouched down to fuss over him. He hated the fact that she hasn't spared him a single look, too busy fussing over Akechi to do so.

That only made Ren feel angrier.

Sumire had a mortified look on her face, the first proper emotion she displayed to him in weeks.

His resentment deepened, further.

"What on earth is all of this commotion!?" Yusuke's imperious voice rang out from behind them.

Ren, who was still being held up by the security, shrugged them off, but they continued to restrain him.

"Release him." Yusuke commanded in a no nonsense tone. They swiftly obeyed.

"Explain yourself. Why are you going around assaulting our guests?" Yusuke chided him. Behind him, a stern looking Haru approached.

"Guests? You expect me to see this bastard and do nothing? Are you and your wife out of your fucking minds!?"

"Beware of how you speak to me, my wife and our guests, Ren Amamiya. You're only being given this much goodwill because you are an esteemed friend." Yusuke told him sternly.

Haru went past them as she tossed him her trademark. 'I am utterly disappointed with you' gaze.

"Mako-chan." She whispered gently to a worried Makoto who was fussing over Akechi. "Do you need some assistance?"

"No need, Haru, thank you. He is fine, I'll take him home and attend to him there." Makoto whispered as she stopped applying pressure to Akechi's face with a handkerchief.

Take him home?

She was going to take Akechi to her fucking home?

That made him feel absolutely livid.

"Very well." Haru said graciously.

Akechi, finally recovered from being assaulted, started to chuckle darkly, his nose cracked and still bleeding slightly.

"How pathetic that you have to go around ruining your friends' events just to seem like you are the better man. How very virtuous of you." He taunted.

That only fuelled Ren's anger further.

"You fucking-"

"Ren." Makoto addressed him, halting his next vitriol against Akechi.

She was talking to him again.

How he missed the sound of her wonderful voice.

Her gaze held something indescribable. He wasn't sure if it was disappointment or something else, but he found that he liked all of her attention on him.

He basked in it.

Her eyes never left his. "I think you have done enough."

'Oh no sweetheart, this isn't quite enough.' He thought involuntarily.

"And you." She said next, turning her gaze to Akechi, sternly. "Don't even dare make it worse."

"Tch. Do you expect me to take this quietly, like a little bitch?" Akechi retorted.

"I expect you to shut the hell up, do as I say, and come along." She said viciously.

Akechi glared at her like he wanted to murder her. Makoto didn't back down.

"Now, Goro." She hissed.

And Akechi finally obeyed.

He wanted her to rip him apart too.

Ren wasn't sure what was worse. The fact that he was disappointed with his friends, livid at his enemy, jealous of her attention on said enemy, or the fact that her little display of assertiveness was turning him on massively.

Maybe all of the alternatives.

Still, he had to watch on helplessly as she finally left, after thanking and apologizing to their host.

He should be the one grovelling here, not her. Ren wanted to reach out to her so bad, but it was too late.

"Ren." A small, resentful voice whispered beside him.

Sumire . He had forgotten about her.

"We're leaving." She told him, with no room for argument.

He didn't protest. Now that she left, there was nothing else for him to do here any longer.

He silently followed his wife out of the venue, ignoring the calculating gaze of his friends on the back of his skull as they left.

To be continued…