Amamiya Ren could ignore the shifting and climbing-over and general bumbling about of his tent-mates. Between a year's experience living with Morgana and the realities of the close quarters, he knew to just let it go and soon he'd be back to sleep. However, the telltale sound of a zipper followed by an inescapable brightness forced him to wake up. He gingerly opened one eye, then the next, finding Ryuji silhouetted in the tent's opening.

A groan came out where a 'good morning' should have been.

"Oh, heh, sorry," Ryuji rubbed at the back of his neck. "I was hopin' it wouldn't be that bright yet."

As Ren's vision adjusted to the light, he saw Ryuji was dressed in light knits and holding a pair of running shoes. He wasn't the only one dressed either. Yusuke was also sitting up, already prepared for the day. Somehow, Ren had always imagined they would be late sleepers, Ryuji especially.

"What time is it?" Ren reached for his phone, trying not to jostle Morgana who was curled up on his chest. Turning on the screen, an obscene arrangement of numbers answered his question. "What are you...?"

"Can't slack off now," said Ryuji as Ren propped himself up with his elbows, slowly so as not to disturb Morgana. "'Specially if we got late nights later."

Training made sense for Ryuji, but Yusuke? Ren turned to the other boy.

"The lighting is perfect right now to sketch the One-Eyed Dragon," he explained. "He will be the picture of magnificence and beauty."

He should have known. Ren sighed. Sunrise was far too early.

"Wanna come with?" Ryuji asked.

Ren's body wanted to go back to sleep but since he was up anyway, he might as well take advantage of the morning and enjoy the view. Who knew how long they would be in Sendai? He nodded to his friend and then began to slowly move from under Morgana. The cat fortunately stayed sleeping, though his front paws weakly gripped at Ren's pajama shirt as he tried to extricate himself.

He managed to get himself mostly dressed while the other two boys tied their shoes on the roof and climbed down. It was convenient having the whole tent to himself. He wondered how they were able to change in a much more cramped configuration without waking him.

Descending the ladder himself, Ren had to fight his instinctual urge to jump once he got low enough. He didn't want to wake the girls. As he walked alongside the camper, he ran his fingers along the trim, laying his hand flat when he came to the door. Makoto was just through there. He hoped she was sleeping well.

"Shall we?" Yusuke was holding a B4 pad of paper. Ren wondered where he had been keeping it.

They started walking towards the path up to the Date Masamune statue. Ryuji was doing arm stretches along the way. "I wonder what Mona'll think when he wakes up trapped in an empty tent."

Ren was pretty sure Morgana would make short work of escaping, but he let Ryuji enjoy his fantasy.

It was much quieter this early in the morning, even more so than when they returned from dinner late the night before.

Passing through the brief wooded area, the statue came into view, but that wasn't all. Over by the railing overlooking the city was Makoto. She seemed to be doing some sort of Aikido forms. Ren thought Aikido was a style practiced in pairs, but it made sense that Makoto would have ways of training by herself. She was wearing a tracksuit top and shorts, nothing flashy, but she seemed to glow in the early morning sun.

Magnificence and beauty, huh?

"Oh hey, Makoto's here," Ryuji pointed at her as if she and a guy with a tripod weren't the only other ones around. "Maybe she'd like to run with us?"

Ren turned back towards his friend, catching Yusuke rapidly switching his focus between Makoto and the statue, pen frozen above his sketchpad. He chuckled to himself. Would Makoto be proud or embarrassed to know she could compete with the One-Eyed Dragon of Oshu?

"Let's go ask her," he responded.

Leaving Yusuke behind, they jogged towards Makoto. As they neared, she noticed them. She turned and waved, smiling as they closed the distance.

––––– ––––– –––––

Hasegawa Zenkichi chastised himself. He should have known the Phantom Thieves wouldn't have packed the attire necessary for this party. They were so underdressed he felt the embarrassment for them second-hand.

Their standing out made it easier for him to blend in at least. His best suit, a change of shoes, and tying his hair back did the trick. None of his targets seemed to notice him.

"Are you sure you're okay Futaba?" Niijima kept close to Sakura. "You haven't recovered from the book signing. We can still go back to the car."

Sakura took a long hard look at Kitagawa before responding. "I-I'll be fine."

Supporting a friend or a sign of something more?

Zenkichi had managed to dig up what he needed about Natsume on the train. The tickets to this shindig didn't take more than a few additional phone calls. That allowed him to scope out the Phantom Thieves all afternoon, well before officially meeting them earlier that evening.

It had taken him a little while to catch up with them since they weren't at the campsite where they'd planned to meet, but the aforementioned book signing had pointed him in the right direction.

Their idea of an investigation was kind of adorable, if extraneous to his... not that they'd trust his intel, not yet anyway.

They did seem earnest. If the Phantom Thieves really were the culprits, they were putting on a good show. But... just how much of one?

After the signing, they had gone back to the Aoba Castle area. Sakura had said something about needing curry to 'recharge.' They hadn't caught any of the PubSec tails in either place. He overheard the cat mention something about scouting for them, but it just being too crowded. They were clearly aware though and being cautious.

Zenkichi wondered how many he was missing. Sure, Commissioner Kaburagi had told him she removed them, but he knew better. Heck, he'd think less of her if she didn't. Since he'd only seen a couple, she must have at least thought well enough of him to send better guys. If there were any at this party, he hadn't spotted them yet. Maybe they knew to keep their distance, especially since he'd be there to keep an eye on the Thieves.

"Hmm, maybe we should have gotten disguises for this." Okumura's fingertips rested on her lips.

"No time." Amamiya shook his head.

At least Okumura seemed to be aware of the dress code. What did they call her? Beauty Thief? What did that mean for her position with the group?

She didn't seem to have liked the moniker. It was a relief that even she could be flustered.

"There's something that's been bothering me..." It was Niijima again.

"We only got so much room for luggage." Sakamoto shrugged.

"Not that," she shook her head. "If they want people to connect on EMMA, why isn't their keyword online somewhere?"

"It is if you join Nasume's fan club," Sakura raised her index finger. "Gotta make money."

"Wouldn't he make more money if he stole the desires first?" Okumura's eyes raised towards the ceiling. "Everyone with the keyword would join the fan club anyway."

"It's strange," Niijima's lips formed a fine line. "Is there some kind of limitation?"

"Hey Futaba, if it's online why couldn't you just get it for us?" Sakamoto's hands were in his shorts pockets. It made him look extra underdressed.

The small girl's jaw dropped. By the time it closed, her face had turned red. "I... I had a tough afternoon! And I couldn't just say that in front of Gramps anyway!"

Sakamoto raised his hands in front of his chest, palms out. "Whoa, chill, it's just a question."

"I'm glad we're here anyway." Kitagawa's gaze was locked on Natsume. "I want to hear more from our target."

The Phantom Thieves didn't seem too different when they thought he wasn't watching. Though, since they were out in public, they must've been somewhat guarded.

The 'Gramps' bit stung more when it wasn't obviously meant to get a rise out of him.

Juvenile taunting aside, Zenkichi was beginning to get a better sense of how each of them functioned. It was unclear if he had anything more he could use just yet, but he didn't have to. They'd be in Sapporo soon enough.

––––– ––––– –––––

"What is it with phony artists and giant gold statues of themselves?" Ryuji had his hands on his hips, looking back up at the castle they were once again congregating in front of.

"Skull!" Ann jabbed at him with her elbow.

Ren turned his head towards Yusuke. Fortunately, their tall friend seemed to be lost in his thoughts, unaware of their teammate's reference. He too was staring up at the massive castle and the crown-shaped cage atop its highest tower.

They had originally entered the Jail near the station. After fighting a strong shadow claiming itself to be some sort of retainer, they discovered the castle wasn't too far from their campsite. Sophia didn't think it was quite as safe as the station, but when they broke for lunch, it was too tempting not to try entering from closer by.

Ren felt a comforting presence enter his personal space.

"What is he talking about?" Makoto asked in a hushed tone.

"Madarame fashioned himself in gold too." It was best to keep it short.

"Oh."

She glanced at Yusuke. He was still silently examining the castle.

"Should we head for the last bird cage?" she asked.

"Let's give him a few more minutes," said Ren. "We could all use some more down time."

The Jail was expansive and they had devoted the whole day to it so far. Palaces, in comparison, they had typically dealt with a few hours at a time after school. Now they could do more, but Ren wondered if they were rushing it too much. Normally Makoto would argue for a more conservative infiltration, but he knew she was anxious to put all of this behind them so they could truly get back to summer.

He felt the same way.

They had barely gotten a moment alone the day before with the investigation and the crowded campsite.

At least in here...

Ren slipped his hand over hers. He could sense the delicate shift of texture against texture as their gloved fingers slipped past each other.

Makoto looked up at him. He made a shallow smile and squeezed her hand.

They couldn't take it further than this. Though they were away from police surveillance, he couldn't subject the team to what he truly wanted to do. Perhaps once they understood this Jail better...

––––– ––––– –––––

"Is it just me, or do the shadows here seem weaker now?" Ann motioned across the now-empty Shibuya Square.

"It seems that way," Makoto agreed. They had made short work of all nearby enemies, including one that had latched onto a stray desire. "Perhaps because we defeated the ruler?"

She looked towards the darkened 705 building. It was amazing being there again despite being in Sendai in the real world.

"We're also getting better at countering the way these new shadows fight," said Ren. He smiled, putting his hand on her shoulder. "Our strategies have improved."

The reassuring weight of his touch made clear what his words didn't. While Makoto's usual instinct was to deny a direct compliment, an indirect one afforded no such rebuttal. She had to just accept it.

"Since it's pretty mild in here, think it's safe to explore in smaller groups?" Ann was glancing at the various connected streets, like she was searching for something. "Being able to get back here, don't you think we should scout out what's changed?"

Ann's words were accompanied by a nonchalant stroll in Ryuji's direction. By the time she finished her question, they were holding hands.

Oh.

Makoto looked at Ren. He had also turned to her. It seemed they had both noticed.

Even in the low light, the color coming to the tops of Ryuji's ears were visible if one knew to look.

Makoto caught a grin from the corner of her vision. Ren's eyes seemed to twinkle before he spoke. "Let's do it. We were able to handle Alice's strongest defenses in small teams. We should be fine in pairs."

What Ren and Ann were suggesting made sense, but Makoto had to admit she might be letting her own desires compromise her judgment. "What do you think Oracle? Would it be safe to scout in groups of two?"

"I don't sense anything strong," Futaba held her right hand next to her visor. "If that's what you mean."

Makoto worried her bottom lip with her front teeth. Morgana would be the next to ask, but his stance suggested she wouldn't get the answer she wanted. He was turned away, his front paws crossed and his tail repeatedly raising upwards only to thump down.

Also, it would be rude to make everyone stay later on their behalf. They had already put in long hours in the Metaverse that day and maybe Morgana would feel better if they took his most favorite advice...

"It is getting rather late," Makoto conceded to caution. "Maybe we should turn in now and explore tomorrow."

"I don't know about you, but I'm wide awake," Ann's answer came loud and fast, like she were trying to prove how energetic she was. "Aren't you curious?"

"How about those who are tired can leave and the rest of us will search?" offered Ren. "Even with just a few groups, we'll be able to cover ground pretty fast, especially with Johanna."

"Johanna?" Makoto's attention snapped in his direction.

"Didn't you say it would be nice to cruise around in one of these Jails?" The corners of his lips curled upward.

She had.

It would be the perfect time too. The Jail seemed quiet. Ren and her could go off on their own. It'd be nice to ride with him and...

No.

She couldn't just indulge herself and forget to think responsibly. While it seemed safe, there were many unknowns.

Then again, Ren was able to handle that large group of shadows on his own, albeit briefly. With Johanna, they could rendezvous with Ann and Ryuji quickly if something were to go wrong. But, would they notice if something did? They would need someone monitoring. It seemed wrong to ask Mor-

"We might as well scout now, we're here after all," said Morgana. There was an annoyance and a resignation to his voice. He still wasn't facing the group, but it seemed he was now on board. "I'll stay by the exit and relay any signs of trouble."

"Thanks Mona!" Ann made a little hop as she clasped her hands together and smiled broadly. Morgana looked over his shoulder at her, pink ovals appearing in front of his cheeks despite his exaggerated pout.

"So that's Joker and me in one group, Panther and Skull in another, and Mona scanning the area," said Makoto. She felt more secure with not only Morgana's blessing on the mission, but his support. "Anyone else?"

"I'll be heading back," Yusuke took a step forward. "I have some things I'd like to take care of."

Makoto had only a shallow understanding of Yusuke's personal stake in Natsume's Jail, but it was clear it affected him deeply. Everyone else seemed to nod along with his decision.

"Then I'll go back too," Futaba quickly added. "Since Mona has things here."

"I'll stay with Meowgana!" Sophia hopped up, an arm outstretched upward, waving. "I don't get tired."

Makoto supposed Sophia didn't have much of a choice if Ren was staying, but at least she was enthusiastic about it.

"I'll leave too then," said Haru. She winked at Makoto. "Don't stay up too late."

The entire team retreated to the safe area near the exit in Shibuya Station. Yusuke, Futaba, and Haru departed. The rest of them, save Morgana, huddled as they worked out the details. The cat remained distant, acting as a lookout at the edge of the scaffolding.

"We'll take Bunkamachi," said Ann. She was practically dragging Ryuji by the hand. "I never get to do things like the Ferris wheel in the real world anymore!"

Ann's agency had been more strict with her image as of late.

"So if you check Central Street on the way, that leaves Maruku City and Miyamae Park to us," Makoto looked down into the square, mentally checking off each of the connected streets.

"How long we got?" Ryuji seemed more composed than he had been back at the scramble.

"Hmm, we shouldn't stay out too long," Makoto held her chin in one hand, her other supporting her elbow. "Not only do we have Natsume's Jail to contend with tomorrow, but what if that shadow were to appear?"

"That shadow?" Sophia questioned, tilting her head to one side.

"There's a really strong shadow that sometimes appears if we stay in one place too long," explained Ren. "We call it The Reaper."

"The Reaper," Sophia nodded. "Got it."

"Let's aim for an hour." It seemed Ren didn't want to dwell on the possibility. The time limit seemed fair. "Sophie, can you have Mona broadcast a return call after that time?"

"Yes," Sophia nodded again. "Setting a timer for one hour."

"Well, we better head out then," Ann waved with her free hand. Ryuji did the same, though with one sharp motion instead of several. They leapt off the platform, still holding hands.

Before Makoto and Ren could do the same, a small voice called for them. "Hey, Joker, Queen."

"What is it?" Ren responded.

"Meowgana doesn't seem happy with this plan, but he's going along with it anyway. Why is that?"

"Ah," Ren paused. His pupils shifted to where Morgana was waiting. "That's... a bit personal. It might be something you should ask him instead."

"I don't understand." Sophia stood with her arms stretched down, standing on her toes as if being closer in height would make the words make more sense to her. "Why can't you explain this one? Why is this different?"

"This one..." Ren paused, taking time to think. "I don't think Mona would like it if we talked about it."

"Why not?" Sophia's head tilted again.

"Remember how I said there are things that easily damage one's heart?" Ren looked at Sophia. She nodded. "This is one of those things."

"Oh." Sophia looked over at Morgana.

When she had seen her fill and turned back towards the couple, Ren asked, "Are you going to be okay here?"

"Yes," Sophia affirmed.

"Thanks for helping out Sophia," said Makoto.

"Thanks," Ren added.

He then offered his hand to Makoto. She took it. They stepped to the edge of the platform, nodded to each other, and jumped. Even though she was used to the altered physics of the Metaverse, these truly bombastic stunts were always thrilling... but all the more so hand in hand with someone who electrified her no matter what world they were in.

They landed on their feet, knees bent, not even needing to use their spare hands to stabilize.

"Johanna!" Makoto didn't want to waste another moment. Her mask burned away in blue fire, reforming as the sleek, chrome bike from her heart. There were some changes however... the seat seemed to be slightly extended and additional foot rests had appeared. Also, was it her imagination, or did Johanna seem to be smiling more? Smirking even?

There was no time to dwell on it.

Makoto straddled the bike, grasping the handle bars. She looked back at Ren. "Ready?"

Ren smiled and approached. "Do I just...?"

He motioned with his hands an arc. She nodded.

"Excuse me," he mumbled as he cautiously mounted the bike, placing his hands on either side to steady himself. "Is this okay?"

"Um, you're going to want to be close to me," Makoto explained. She felt a tinge of embarrassment, but she wasn't sure why. "It's easier if our weights can act as one. Here, wrap your arms around my waist."

She reached behind her, grabbing his wrists and bringing his hands around.

"Like this?" he asked as his hands became flush with her midsection.

"Just a little tighter," she instructed. "But not too tight."

As he held closer, she could feel the comfortable contact of his chest against her back.

"How's this?" he asked.

"Perfect," she replied. There was something so very relaxing and secure in having his arms around her, his body pressed into hers, all the while having the freedom to take off on her bike, to move as she desired.

She felt him release his breath, catching a few strands of her hair.

He was nervous.

Usually as Joker he was so sure of himself, but this was new to him. It made sense: He wasn't in control here and he had always been conscientious of her comfort. It was cute to see this side of him in the Metaverse.

"Okay, now bend your knees and use the footrests," she continued, lifting one hand to point. "You can also squeeze with your thighs to hold tighter. I won't mind."

He tested it out, hesitantly. It was then she realized that not only could she feel his presence against her, but she also had some sense of how he moved against Johanna. It wasn't like her real body, but something else, something she couldn't quite describe. It was pleasant however. She turned her head forward to hide her blush.

"Ready to go?" she asked.

"Ready," he confirmed.

With that, they took off in the direction of Miyamae Park. Makoto eased into the speed, giving Ren time to become accustomed. There was no need to overdo it; they were covering plenty of ground as it was.

The long straightaway had a few weak shadows which they could mostly avoid, allowing her to go as fast as she wanted. She enjoyed the wind in her hair and the sound of Ren's coattails fluttering behind them. Even in the dead of night, it would be impossible to move this way in the real boroughs of Tokyo.

"Let's head up." She maneuvered Johanna towards the steps up to one of the pedestrian walkways. Ren pulled away briefly, but after the initial surprise, leaned into her once more, nodding into her back. With his acknowledgement, she launched them up the stairs. Arriving on the walkway platform allowed them to access the raised portion of the Jail. Here too, the enemies seemed sparse and weak.

"Everything seems similar to Shibuya Square," she called back.

"Agreed."

Crossing into the bird cage area, they took a few loops around to double check. Ren had quickly gotten the hang of leaning with her on the turns. It felt almost as natural as when she rode solo.

Makoto slowed down to descend the few stairs back to the scramble before accelerating across it towards Maruku City. With Ren now operating completely in sync with her, she was able to take the tight turns of the complex with a fast clip. Weaving in and around the giant gift boxes and fanciful shops was exhilarating from a technical standpoint, allowing her to really get a sense of moving her body.

She had to find a few alternative routes as they had originally taken to the rooftops to get through. It was too early to try more advanced tricks with Ren, especially those that involved de-summoning and re-summoning her persona. Hopefully they'd get a chance to practice another night. The places they missed—they could sweep by those on the way back.

Circling around a few more buildings, they finally made their way to the area's bird cage. Makoto looked up at the tower in the center of the structure and the spiral staircase wrapping around it. Was it possible? Such a stunt wasn't achievable in the real world, but in the Metaverse, with Johanna, she was sure they could do it.

"Want to take the tower?" She knew she couldn't hide the anticipation in her voice. "It's okay to say no."

Ren didn't answer immediately. She supposed he was taking it in. Finally, he spoke. "Let's go for it."

Makoto reared up on Johanna, angling the bike to start their ride. As they leaned hard, she watched the alternating pattern of light and shadow as the steps raced past her eyes at what felt like centimeters away. At the top of the tower, she took a sharp left turn, sliding to a stop in the center of the platform.

She let Johanna still as she placed her feet on the ground. Turning back towards Ren, she asked, "How was it?"

"Fun," he smiled. "And you? Was it what you imagined?"

"Yes!" she smiled broadly as the words spilled from her. "I've never been able to really fully cut loose like that! I want to try it in Sendai too!"

"Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves..." Ren glanced away from her.

It was hard to make out his expression from her position, trying to twist more to see further behind her.

"One moment," she said as she placed her feet back on the foot rests and stood up, knowing Johanna would keep upright on her own. Makoto put a hand on Ren's shoulder to balance herself as she turned around, her feet nimbly making use of the small holds. Ren held his hands just outside of her waist, ready to catch her should she fall.

Once she was facing him, she lowered herself, not quite reaching the seat, making her the taller of the two of them. To maintain her position and fit both their legs, she gripped Johanna with her legs and leaned in towards him.

Ren seemed surprised at their new configuration. His face had reddened, though it could be due to the ride over. Whichever it was, it was another rare side of 'Joker.'

Makoto placed her palms against the sides of his mask, raising it up to its typical resting point in his hair. She let her hands slide down the edges, slipping off to follow down the sides of his face, her gaze never leaving his. Leaning in even more, she could feel the heat of his breath between them. As her hands started falling from the edges of his jawline, he caught both of her wrists and gently guided them down until her palms were flat against his chest. He gave a light tug, drawing her closer to him.

She understood.

Letting her upper body relax towards him, she descended for the kiss. His arms wrapped around the small of her back as it arched, pulling at her as if that might deepen the sensation. There was a neediness to it. The way his hands searched up her back mirrored the way his tongue searched her own. His fingers seemed to be trying to grasp at her for purchase only to be thwarted by the perfect fit of her thief attire.

Ren let one hand fall down her side, grazing along Johanna before cupping the underside of her thigh. Makoto could feel all of it. His touch was soothing as it ran aside Johanna, transforming into steady and secure once she was fully in his grip.

With his first hand under her leg and the other hand firm across her back, he lifted her just enough to bring her to him, her thighs coming to rest on his. There was barely enough space for her arms anymore, so she raised them, wrapping them around him with her upper arms resting on his shoulders, all the while answering each of his lips' invitations with her own. The heavy sounds of his stolen breaths and the low hums that seemed to come from deep within his throat further spurred the waves of excitement cascading along her nerves.

Knowing they were safe from unwanted eyes, knowing their friends keeping track of time for them, they could let everything else fade away and focus only on each other.

––––– ––––– –––––

In a cavernous climate-controlled room in Tokyo Tower, several servers were operating at peak speeds, organizing and writing newly perceived data and updating the models of the vast AI executing across them.

Author's Note: I really like ponytail Zenkichi.

Also, longest chapter yet. My aim for 2k word short chapters and fast uploads is just not working out...

Had this one waiting in the doc manager for a while and didn't realize I had only posted it at AO3. Oops. I will return to this after finishing Very Merry Kurusumas.