Ren gets a second chance.

Representing the Judgement, Mary Magdalene or Mary of Magdala was one of the followers of Jesus who traveled with him during his ministry. Mentioned by name twelve times in the canonical gospels, Mary was exorcised of seven demons and was most likely a wealthy woman who helped support the ministry financially. She witnessed Jesus' crucifixion, his burial, and his resurrection, often being mentioned as the first woman, either alone or with a group of other women, who saw the empty tomb of Christ. Mary is the patron saint of women, the repentant sinners, the converted, and those ridiculed for their piety.

[16 Years Ago]

A man with the ugliest hair in all of existence started to spit out a series of useless threats.

Ren watched with a mix of amusement and admiration as Makoto rolled up her sleeves and stepped forward with a mean look, right after she had finished slapping her friend Eiko, who was still clutching her cheek with a livid look on her face.

"I come from a long line of police officers. If you really want to start something, be my guest." Makoto threatened.

"Wh-What? Dammit… I'll remember this!" The guy stuttered out, his oily, greasy hair barely moving as he started running away like a little bitch.

Ren grinned ferally. God, this was just too glorious…

"He wasn't so tough after all," Makoto said with a smug smile as she put her hands on her hips.

Eiko, on the other hand, looked at her with an angry look.

"Oh my god, Makoto… I hate you so much right now, dumbass!" She shouted dramatically, her face a hilarious mix of angry and teary-eyed. "Ugh… This sucks!"

Makoto was wide-eyed as she protested. "Eiko, wait!"

But it was too late as Eiko ran away like a goofy idiot, sobbing loudly on her way out. Ren didn't know if he should be concerned with her or find that whole exchange extremely funny.

Looking around them, it was also clear that everyone noticed the altercation. A few passersby started to gossip immediately.

"Whoa, did you see that?" A woman whispered, scandalized.

"Was that girl fighting with a host?"

"They were really going at it…"

Makoto started to hunch in on herself with embarrassment as everyone stared pointedly at her. "People noticed what happened…"

"Come on," Ren said as he boldly took her hand in his. The first thing he noticed was that her hand was warm and soft, even though Makoto could throw a mean punch or two with it.

He liked how well it fit against his.

She blushed and stuttered. "R-Right! Staying here now is only going to cause us more trouble."

He just smiled at her in response as he took her away from the incriminating scene and towards the direction of the Crossroads.

After the coast was clear, they sat down next to one another and ordered tea at Makoto's behest, which was a funny and endearing thing to order in a bar in Shinjuku in the first place.

"I can't believe I actually hit one of my friends… " Makoto started as she clutched her head in a mix of embarrassment and irritation with herself.

Ren couldn't resist it as his mouth curled in a little smirk. "You really smacked her."

Makoto groaned, then glared at him. Ren let out a chuckle at her reaction. Even her glares were hot.

"For what it's worth, it was kind of badass on your part." He told her with a little devilish grin.

In response, she blushed.

She was so cute.

"You know, I have a bad habit of acting in the moment. I can't help but get swept up in emotion… That's why I always have to take extra care to keep myself composed. My father was the same way… That's not the proper way to act though. There's no telling what would have happened if you hadn't stepped in."

"Hmm… I think you're kind of hard on yourself, Makoto." He told her sincerely.

"I guess…" Makoto said as she averted her eyes. "That aside, this place is... interesting. How did you ever find somewhere like this…? You know so much!"

"I'm a regular here." He said with a small smile, even though he felt like they had just missed something.

"So you come often?" She asked with genuine curiosity, her crimson eyes shining with wonder.

So pretty.

He grinned at her. "Yeah. I work here sometimes, too. Of course, I don't serve alcoholic drinks, but I still get to interact with people from all walks of life. It's interesting."

Makoto's eyes shined with admiration, and he felt his heart skip a beat a little as her gaze seemed to penetrate deep into his soul.

"It's hard to believe you're really a high schooler. You have so much more life experience than me… Honestly, spending time with you and getting to know Eiko has given me a great deal to think about."

"Yeah?" He prompted her, cocking his head to the side a little.

She nodded enthusiastically. "There's so much you can miss by living with your head buried between the pages of a book… I thought I knew how the world worked… but the more time I spent with you guys, the more I realized how naive I was. I see now that there are some things I need other people to teach me."

"Hmm… How so?"

Makoto didn't respond immediately. She seemed to think deeply about something, almost as if she was building up immense amounts of courage to say her piece. She seemed to brim with a nervous energy that was starting to get him charged up as well.

Maybe it was their chemistry, the one he couldn't deny forever that they had thanks to all this fake dating they've been doing around here.

So patiently, Ren Amamiya waited, even though she was making him hold his breath.

"...Do you remember how Eiko said I would flunk a test about love? Well, um… I don't know how to study that subject."

His heart started to drum violently against his ribcage. Her hand started to inch closer to his. His hand was inching closer to hers as well.

Makoto's eyes followed his action and then she looked right into his eyes. He removed his glasses, to let her peer into his gaze. Something he couldn't quite describe flickered in her eyes, and it looked like she wanted to say something, but was waiting for his response.

And even though he wanted to say something…

…His throat just closed up. He was utterly silenced even though his face screamed the deep wishes of his heart.

Makoto waited. And waited for him to say something.

But he couldn't. He just couldn't.

A lot of girls had shown interest in him so far. He could have anyone he wanted.

He only wanted Makoto.

He wanted her, God he did, but…

But it was different with Makoto. It was scary, it was real.

Makoto was going to go places, with or without him. And it would hurt because deep down, she was way out of his league. She was meant for a lot more than some guy with a shitty criminal record and no clue of what his future was going to look like.

She deserved better. She deserved the whole fucking world at her feet.

Her soulful crimson eyes were on his, as she watched him and waited for a reaction. When none came, he saw Makoto psyche herself up again.

"...What should I do, Ren-kun? I can't learn about romance by myself…"

He couldn't do it. He-

"You'll find someone someday." He said like the fucking coward he was, withdrawing his fingers away from hers.

He instantly regretted it.

Like a masochist, he watched the heartbreak take over her features, even if it was for just a few seconds. It was clear Makoto was into him.

God, he knew, he felt it, and he wanted her too.

Maybe he should take his words back, maybe he should-

"...Right." She said quietly. He swore he could see her lips tremble.

But Makoto was strong, and a few seconds later, she just smiled at him, even if it looked like she wanted to run away and cry. "People say those kinds of things are destiny anyway, so I probably shouldn't worry myself over it."

Oh, Makoto…

He felt like an utter bastard. He had no idea what to say.

Makoto, on the other hand, continued to be brave and gave him a friendly, sincere smile, even if he could spot some unshed tears that were forming in the corner of her eyes. "Let's work hard to achieve our goals together, Ren-kun. What do you say?"

He put on his game face. He couldn't shatter now. "Yeah… Let's do it, my good Queen."

Makoto chuckled good-naturedly. "Great. That's a promise now, my good Joker!"

And even though their bond deepened that evening, and a few days later as Makoto found her resolve to awaken Anat, Ren couldn't help but find that he was a shitty idiot who let his fears dictate his heart.

He missed his chance.

[The Present Day]

Ren resigned from his incredibly successful job with Yoshida. Everyone was shocked and couldn't believe it.

It wasn't so much that the job was bad, or that he hated it. But he needed to cut the shackles of the life he had led so far these fifteen years. When he worked with Yoshida, he was putting the well-being of his country and the people above his own. It was a busy life, with very little room for mistakes because so many people relied on him to ensure things ran smoothly.

The truth is, he was tired of shouldering everything. He could be there for others - he loved doing that - but no longer at the detriment of himself and his wellbeing.

He was done playing the hero. For now, he was just Ren Amamiya.

He had no idea what he would do next, but he knew what he wanted to do now: Spend some time bonding with little Akio.

"Uncle Ren!" The little boy called out happily. Ren's heart always warmed whenever Aki-kun called him that. He started doing it recently out of his own volition, at first shyly, but then more confidently as he saw that neither his mother nor Ren was against it.

"Hey there, little tyke!" Ren said in response as he picked up the boy and swung him around, making him giggle. "You ready to have some fun!?"

"Yes! Aggy-chan is excited too!" The little boy said, and the dog wagged her tail as she begged some attention from Ren. She was a greedy little thing, and Makoto had told him that she only did that attention-seeking behavior for handsome boys like himself.

He had grinned and tried to flirt with her, but she gave him a stern little eye.

God, how he loved his Makoto.

In the almost month that passed since their kisses in front of Leblanc, Ren has kept his word and focused on himself, and on rekindling their friendship first and foremost. They didn't have a label for whatever was going on between them, but he was content with the fact that they were clearly still very much into one another, just mostly figuring things out.

Sometimes, he made sure to steal a kiss or two from Makoto, making her whine in frustration about the propriety of their situation. It was both fun and endearing. He made sure to never push her too far, though.

Ren would wait, for as long as she needed to feel ready to take that final leap with him.

"Thanks for taking them out today. I wish I could join you all but I have taken some extra shifts to help Akechi. Today is his day off and I have been abusing his help a lot lately."

"Huh, it's no problem at all… Speaking of Akechi, where is he, usually? I'd like to speak to him."

Makoto looked concerned. "Well, he lives down in Shinjuku. Why, though?"

"I think I need to thank him for some things… And also probably apologize for that punch. Maybe. Not sure yet, depends if he is an ass during our conversation."

She snickered. "Honestly. You shouldn't have punched him."

He had a little mischievous glint in his eye. "For you? Worth it, my Queen."

"Hush, now." She chided him, even though she seemed quite pleased. "I'll text him and let him know to find you both in the park. He'll be more prone to behave in front of Aki-kun;"

Ren snickered. "Alright. Thanks, Mako."

She looked at her son and brushed his unruly hair off his face. "Now be good for Uncle Ren, alright baby? Keep an eye on Aggy-chan, ask your uncle to call Mama if anything happens."

"Okay Mama, bye-bye!" He said as he hugged her tenderly, then turned to Ren with an excited face. "Let's go, Uncle Ren!"

"Let's go, buddy!" Ren replied fondly, ruffling Akio's hair.

The trio left, but not without Ren turning around and winking at his Queen, who shook her head exasperated, a pleased little smile upon her lips.

When Makoto texted him, telling him that Amamiya wanted to speak with him and that he was with Aki-kun and Agnes at the park, Goro scoffed. He clearly shouldn't go: The less he interacted with her friends, the better.

…He went anyway.

He couldn't lie to himself and say that he wasn't curious to hear what Amamiya had to say, after all.

"Uncle Goro!" Akio squealed, running to hug his legs happily.

Goro immediately softened. This boy was likely the only person in the world after Goro's own mother that he could genuinely say he truly loved.

"Hello, kiddo." He greeted back, giving little Akio some head pats.

"Hey, Akechi." Amamiya greeted casually, already irritating Goro.

"Amamiya." He muttered as he crouched down to pet an eager Agnes, who started to whine happily.

"Hm, so you must be a handsome boy, huh?" Ren said with a grin.

Goro narrowed his eyes, not finding the random comment funny in the slightest. "What?"

Amamiya chuckled. "Makoto tells me she only behaves like this for 'handsome boys'. I guess that makes you a pretty bastard, hm?"

Goro hated his teasing tone. Or so he told himself.

"Tch. I have known Agnes since she was a puppy. She merely recognized me."

"Sure."

Rolling his eyes, Goro got up and looked at Amamiya. "Let's walk and talk, we can keep an eye on them as we do so."

Amamiya nodded, and they started walking. A silence settled over them for a few minutes, until Amamiya sighed.

"I just wanted to thank you for all you've done for Makoto all these years I wasn't there…"

Goro let out a huff. "I don't need your gratitude."

"It doesn't matter to me. Thank you, anyways."

He didn't respond. Truth be told, he didn't know what to say.

Or maybe…

"...Out of all of you, I used to hate Makoto the most."

Amamiya turned to him, surprised. "Why is that?"

"While you and I were rivals… in truth it was Makoto who was everything I was supposed to be, had my life not failed due to my own hubris and my disgusting father. If I was lonely with no friends, so was Makoto. If I lost a parent, so did Makoto… She, of course, had the benefit of having a brilliant sister in Sae-san to raise her. Maybe that is the real advantage she had over me, the thing that made all the difference between us."

Amamiya silently studied him and nodded. "I guess that makes sense. In truth, sans Haru and Futaba thanks to timing, all of us disliked Makoto when we first met her. It astonishes me how she didn't get morally corrupt with the sheer amount of shunning she received."

"Exactly my point. So as you can see, there lies my original problem with Makoto. She chose a better path with every slap to the face she received. So when I saw her lying drunk in a gutter, I could not leave her there. It reminded me too much of someone I lost."

"Akechi…"

Goro clenched his fist. "...My mother drank a lot. She was also a drug addict. Nobody ever helped. Nobody. She sold her body and soul to at least give me some food and clothes, but that was it. She was kind to me, she was the only person to ever love me. But the demons in the substance beckoned her since that was the only way out of her pain… So no, I could not let Makoto end up like my mother. Even if I hated her… I could not."

Amamiya looked sorrowful and pensive. Goro was startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you for doing that."

Goro's face soured, even if deep down he was glad. "Tch. I told you not to thank me already."

Amamiya merely grinned, irritating the hell out of him.

"Well, at least it looks like you and Makoto became good buddies, huh?"

Goro sighed deeply. "The idiot has a way to worm herself into one's heart. She eventually made me into this pitiful creature you see today."

Amamiya smirked. "...I think I can tolerate this version of you a lot more. Though make no mistake. I'm not sorry for that punch."

Goro snorted. "I may have received the punch, but seeing you acting all pathetic was entertainment enough."

The raven-haired man sighed. "I was a fucking idiot… But now, I'm doing all I can to win her over."

"I see. Though, a fair warning, Amamiya." Goro said seriously, turning to stare the other man dead in the eye.

Amamiya fully focused on him.

Goro narrowed his eyes. "You and Makoto can both go straight to hell together for all I care… But if you end up hurting Akio…"

Amamiya looked serious enough. "I understand. I'm not playing around, Goro. I care for her, and I care for Aki-kun."

Goro knew he was being sincere, but he had to finish saying his piece. "Good. This boy… Is the closest thing to a son I'll ever have. I don't mind if you become his stepfather, he has been longing to have a true father for long enough. But if you hurt him in any way, then I'm afraid you'll have to deal with me."

"You can be assured I'd rather die than hurt a single hair on this boy's head," Amamiya told him solemnly.

"...Very well. I will take your word for it." He said, then looked towards Akio and Agnes, who were not too far away from them. "Now, come on, I'll show you the ropes to get Agnes to obey your commands."

Amamiya grinned. "Sounds awesome, thanks."

Ren decided to throw Makoto a surprise birthday party in Leblanc. Futaba volunteered personally to help him with the food and setting up the stage.

It was nice to spend some one-on-one time with his sister, but Futaba was pretty quiet nowadays and he started to worry.

"Is there something in your mind?" He questioned, while they cooked together.

Futaba sighed. "Kind of? There is something I gotta tell you… But I don't know how."

"Well… I'm all ears."

She stopped slicing the ingredients and turned to him. "I have a crush on someone."

Ren's eyes immediately lit up, happily. "Really? Aww… I'm happy for you, little sis. Is it someone we know?"

She sighed even deeper, washed her hands, dried them up, and removed her glasses from her face.

"Yes… But you might not like it."

Ren frowned, not understanding why he would be against Futaba's crush. "I don't get it… Why would you think that?"

Futaba didn't respond, and resumed chopping the vegetables, after putting her glasses back on. They stayed in silence for a long time, Ren puzzled and concerned for his sister until she finally blurted it out.

"It's your ex-wife Sumire."

He blinked several times. What?

"Uh… Come again?"

Futaba looked like she'd rather be dead than there at that moment. "Sumire. She's been my crush… For the past ten years or so."

Oh…

"Oh…Wow… Seriously?"

"Yeah. Makoto and I were like, pining buddies and shit."

Ren stayed immobile, watching Futaba, whereas the woman in question continued to do her part in cooking with shaky hands. He sighed, cleaned his hands, and then stopped her motions, gently turning her around.

"Futaba." He started gently. "It's okay."

She trembled, and he saw that she was tearing up. He smiled gently, and reassuringly. "It's okay, sister."

Futaba launched herself at him and started crying. He hugged her and let her work out her pent-up emotions, as he just gave her the comfort that she needed.

"Sorry." She said with a few sniffles. "I was just scared you would hate me."

"I could never hate you." He told her gently.

She hugged him tighter.

"Does Sumire know?" He asked earnestly.

Futaba shook her head. "No. Only you and Makoto know about it. I did receive some mixed signals from Sumire after your divorce, but I chalked it up to her figuring out her stuff, and I'm like, the support net or something."

"I see. Well, so long as you don't get hurt while helping her out…" He said with some hesitation.

"Yeah…" Futaba mumbled. "So, are you really alright with this? Please, be honest."

He adjusted his glasses and sighed. "I won't say it's not a little… Weird for me, but I'll adapt. Just give me some time to process it. Okay?"

"Okay, that's fair."

They resumed cooking, this time with a bit more companionable silence as Futaba shed the weight she seemed to carry all day.

Ren's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Futaba?"

"Hm?"

"Thanks. For not cucking me out, I mean."

Futaba blinked at him, then snorted. He frowned as her eyes twinkled and grew even more mischievous.

"Mwehehe… I wouldn't be so sure about that… After all, Makoto stole my first kiss." She said in a sing-song tone. "She wrapped those big strong arms of hers around me and we smooched the hell out."

Ren gaped. "What? Wait, what the… What!?"

She started to giggle uncontrollably.

"Futaba!" He groaned, this time exasperated. "Seriously, even Makoto too!?"

In response, Futaba merely cackled evilly.

"Happy birthday, Makoto!" The crowd cried out as soon as she entered Leblanc, everyone popping out from their hiding places, huge grins on their faces.

Makoto put her hand to her mouth, to mask her emotional surprise. So that is what they were plotting all along!

Behind her, Takkun had a small little grin. "Happy birthday, little sister."

Akio and Yukino excitedly ran towards her. She bent down to hug both tenderly.

"Happy birthday, Mama!" Her baby cried out.

"Happy birthday, Buchi-pal!" Yunchan squealed out in her ears, making Makoto wince at the volume.

"Thank you, sweeties." She replied, a bit teary-eyed.

Every single one of her friends came forward, crowding her, giving her praises, hugs, and well wishes.

"Heh, make way for the Queen of the party, peasants," Ren-kun called out, a silly party hat atop his head. She couldn't resist and laughed, hugging him.

He boldly pecked her cheek. "Happy birthday, Mako."

"Thank you, Ren-kun, everyone." She said sincerely.

She couldn't quite remember the last time she had been reunited with the gang like this, in Leblanc, for a joyful occasion. Futaba's birthday and Haru's baby shower had ended in poor notes for her, so it had been a long time.

That being said, she no longer wished to dwell in the past. After Kana-san had forgiven her, she felt as if the weight she had been carrying for so long was fully lifted off her. She'll never forget what happened with Tomoe, but at least she can sleep easier at night, finally putting him to rest.

"Alright, it's time for the cake! Makoto, make sure to make a nice wish!" Ren proclaimed goofily.

She giggled and drew Akio into her arms. After her friends and family chanted the happy birthday song, she and her son blew the candles out. It was quite lovely.

Ren winked at her, and she felt her heart soar.

In the past month or so, Ren has been nothing but a blessing. Little by little, they rekindled their friendship. She felt as if she could start to rely on him again. He also seemed to be making radical changes and choices in his own life, but she saw that as something good for him ultimately. He didn't have to solve all the problems of the world alone.

She began to fully appreciate his presence, and the resentment that existed between them was slowly dying. Sometimes, though, he cheated and swept her off her feet, stealing kisses or tenderly taking her hand in his, even though she chided him to not do that.

He was making it harder for her to resist!

Still, a part of her was hesitant. It seemed too good to be true, so she was trying to gauge if he really was going to stick around this time, especially with Akio in the picture. If Ren wanted her, he had to understand that she and Akio were a package deal, and while he had no obligation whatsoever to act as a father to her son, she'd rather not put her baby in an environment that would hurt his feelings.

Fortunately, most of her fears regarding Akio were quickly wiped out as Ren genuinely seemed to care for her boy. She guessed a lot of it came from him being attached to his former idea of Akio being his bio son, not to mention the fact that he was dying to be a parent. She watched their interactions like an eagle, but thankfully, it seemed like both Ren and Akio became thick as thieves.

Sae has been annoyed with their 'strange relationship status'. Her sister argued that they should get together right away, instead of half-assing it. Makoto argued that it was too soon and that she was just making sure they weren't both rushing into things. In response, Sis called her an idiot.

…Maybe she was, but considering the fifteen years or so of pining… She'd rather not risk things until she got a good grasp.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" Ren whispered gently, trying to draw her attention away from her musings. The corner of his mouth had a little bit of cake frosting in it. Makoto looked around and, noticing that everyone else was preoccupied, she kissed it.

Ren gaped at her, then smiled smugly. She blushed.

"Sorry. There was some frosting there." Makoto mumbled.

"It's alright. I liked it." He said huskily.

She ducked her head and then looked around her. Haru, Ann, and Futaba all had smug looks as their gazes met. She groaned. Ren chuckled at her, and she buried her head on his shoulder, to hide away her timid face.

"They're going to be pests about it." She complained.

"Sadly, that's a Phantom Thief special, my good Queen."

She looked up at him and smiled. "I guess that's true, my good Joker."

Makoto then closed her eyes and enjoyed the embrace with Ren with all she had.

'I love you', it went unsaid.

One unsuspecting, quiet afternoon in mid-May, Sae Niijima entered Leblanc.

It was a couple of weeks after her baby sister's birthday at most, but to Sae, it was frankly enough time to stop whatever bullshit was going on between Makoto and Ren. She wasn't someone who liked to meddle, but when she had to meddle, she could be far more vicious and efficient than even Haru Okumura.

"Brew me your best coffee, Amamiya, and then let's have a chat." She said seriously.

Ren watched her face, his own laced with curiosity and even a hint of expectation. Sae, however, was calm and not in a hurry. What she had to say was not quite a lot.

In fact, the less she said, the better it would be for the message to fully sink in.

"So, what brings you here?" He asked after he finished serving her coffee.

"Hm, you and my sister. I think enough time has passed and propriety no longer matters at this point. If you're really serious about her and not just fooling around after a post-divorce crisis… Then I say to cut the shit and just officially become a couple for once and all."

"Sae…" Ren said with an exasperated sigh. "I promised Makoto I would wait for her to be ready. I don't want to rush things and scare her off."

"Makoto is overly cautious. The more you wait, the more uncertainties will appear. If you both need time to figure things out, just do it. But do it together. That's what I did with Takuto."

"It's different." He said in response, although she was sure he wasn't convinced by his own words.

"It's really not. If you love her, and she loves you back, then just tie the damn knot already. Or else Yunchan will enact her evil plan of marrying you just so you can become a member of the Niijima family."

"...Yunchan will do what now!?" Ren asked with a startled chuckle.

Sae grimaced but let out an amused snort in the end. "A couple of months ago, we were joking around and she told me that was her plan. Of course, it was for pure and innocent reasons, but still, I need you to help me out here. Just move in with Makoto and spare me the headache."

"I just love that your idea of persuading someone is to bluntly demand things from them." He said with a snicker.

"I don't have time for elaborate schemes or long speeches. Just do what I say, and you'll both be happier for it. And really, that's all I ask. Make her happy."

He stared at her face, and she watched the uncertainty and his resolve conflict with one another. Sae let her lips curl into a subtle, pleased smile though, when his gaze cleared up of all the fears, with only determination being left as the victorious emotion.

"You're right… I think I'm done running. I want her. I want us to be happy together." He told her, full of conviction.

"Good." She said firmly, then paid for her coffee and made her way out of Leblanc. "See you around… Little brother."

And without waiting for a proper reply, Sae Niijima left the cozy café, her mission accomplished. Now she could go home and spend some time with her precious daughter and silly hubby in peace.

That night, Ren stood alone, right in front of Makoto's apartment building. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number that he knew by heart now.

It was time. He was going to put his heart in her hands, and then she could do whatever she wanted with it.

"Thanks for reaching out to The Confessional. My name is Hanna, and I will be your personal priestess today." She spoke out.

Ren smiled with a hint of nostalgia. He needed to make sure this call counted.

"Hi, Hanna. It's me, Mr. Red." He said.

He heard a small, endearing sigh, then a pleased little chuckle. "Hello, my most cherished confessor. How can I help you today?"

"I have a confession to make, Hanna. Can you hear me out?"

"I'm here for your troubles." She said gently, sensing the nervousness in his voice.

Ren took a deep breath.

"I'm in love with someone." A nostalgic smile crossed his lips. "I think she is the woman of my life."

"...I see, Mr. Red. That is a powerful admission. Is that the extent of your confession?" She said shakily.

He chuckled. "Oh no. Not at all. This, my dear priestess, is just the tip of the iceberg."

"Hmm… How so, dear confessor?"

"This woman… Hanna you cannot begin to grasp just what she is to me ."

He closed his eyes. Imagining her.

Hanna stayed silent. He decided to put all his heart and soul into this confession

"This woman alone is worth ten thousand. She is incredibly beautiful, smart, resourceful, responsible, reliable, strong, friendly, protective, selfless, an overachiever…"

Ren grinned proudly.

"And yet, she isn't without flaws. God knows this woman has her fair share of issues. In a lot of things, we don't see eye to eye. She can easily be stubborn. She is quite opinionated, bossy, and critical. And yet… Every little one of those things just makes her perfect for me."

He heard a few sniffling sounds on the other side of the line, but Ren didn't care to wait for a response.

He was on a roll now. Nothing would ever stop him from being real for the first time in his life.

"She is my soulmate, my partner in crime. We are meant to be together."

"Who is this woman, dear confessor?" Hanna, his dear priestess, asked him, her voice choking out with emotion.

He smiled lovingly, thinking of red eyes, short brown her, that smile, and the passion that she carried within.

"None other than her. My Miss Blue, the Queen of my heart, and the love of my life… Makoto Niijima."

There. He finally said it. He finally admitted it out loud.

He took a deep breath. He heard her crying from the other side of the line

"Sixteen years ago, in a bar in Shinjuku, I acted like a spineless coward. The most incredible girl I have ever met told me that she couldn't learn about love by herself. And instead of wearing my heart on my sleeve, I let fear dominate me. But no more."

His priestess' breath hitched on the other side of the line. He was unstoppable now.

"I'll be your study partner. And if you're not ready to learn just yet, that is okay too. For you, I'll wait another fifteen, thirty, a hundred years, until I'm just made of ashes scattered to the wind. And yes that sounds fucking morbid but bear with me: You are my life, but you will also be the death of me, my beep boop."

She laughed out loud and finally seemed to regain her voice. "Is that your entire confession, my sweet Mr. Red?"

"Yes. Good night, my dear priestess. May the angels watch over you tonight. I'll be waiting for you outside."

"Good night, my dear confessor." She whispered almost reverently.

He hung up the call and waited. No matter what, he was ready.

Not long after, in all her glory, she emerged, with her gorgeous crimson eyes red and puffy from crying, wearing silly Buchimaru-kun pajama bottoms and a cardigan hastily thrown over, the most mundane and domestic looks possible, and yet, never more beautiful and glorious.

She had a determined look on her face, a woman who was seizing her victory. She threw herself in his arms, and he caught her.

"I have a confession to make." She told him, their faces inches apart from one another.

He pushed away a stray hair from her face. "I'm here for your troubles, dear confessor."

She smiled.

"I have been in love with this man for over fifteen years now. He broke my heart countless times as I waited for him to come to me. And yet, I could never let him go. He is my soulmate, my partner in crime."

Their lips were almost touching. He could feel the ghost of hers in his, like a phantom embrace. He needed to close that gap. And yet…

"I'm here now. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you." He whispered with the voice of his heart.

He felt her lips smile against his, teasingly, sweetly, loving. "Then what are you waiting for?"

He couldn't contain it any longer, and swiftly swept her off her feet, kissing her with all he had.

She was finally his. His Queen, his Makoto.

Forever was theirs now.

The End?