Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chop…

Chop, Chop…

Chop, chop, chop…

Snikt…!

“AGH! …Son of a bitch!!”

Sae Niijima shouts in pain as she rapidly puts her finger on her lips and sucks on the small cut wound (the fifth one she just got this morning). This time, she cut her left index finger while chopping vegetables for a breakfast she was preparing. Unfortunately, it was more than clear she didn’t have as much cooking experience as she thought she had.

“Dammit..!” The soon-to-be-lawyer hissed. “…this is what I get for not accepting Makoto’s lessons” She admitted to herself as Makoto had offered to help her learn how to cook, but Sae denied the help with the reasoning she knew what she was doing.

…another thing to add to her list of mistakes.  

Still, Sae Niijima wasn’t going to give up today. And that is because today. THIS exact day, she was trying her best at cooking something real special for someone real special on her life.

For today, Sunday, April 23^rd, was the 19^th birthday of her younger sister, Makoto Niijima.

“Nineteen years old, already…” Sae sighed, still unable to believe this was actually happening. Makoto, the baby sister who always woke Sae up every Sunday morning to watch Buchimaru-Kun and friends on T.V. with her has now turned 19 years old. Not only that, Sae still can’t believe how much Makoto had changed and how much she had changed her. She still remembers how their father always tried to celebrate either Sae’s or Makoto’s birthday with at least a family dinner together, either in a humble restaurant or at least at home. Officer Niijima sure was an imposing force of justice and a very dedicated policeman, but he also was a father. And as a father, he always tried his damn best to give his daughters a good time on their birthdays as much as possible, especially after their mother passed away.

Unfortunately, after his demise in the line of duty, Sae suddenly turned into the only one responsible for the wellbeing of both herself and Makoto. Thus, she spent practically the entire time working hard to achieve total success in a male-dominant field of work. That helped her to become the young rising star-prosecutor in the SIU at her very young age of 25. However, it didn’t come without a heavy price to pay, as her relationship with Makoto to get severely strained with practically most of the time they talked to each other was just Sae telling her that her studies were the only thing she should focus. Sometimes she thought Makoto was completely unaware of their situation. Or worse, she thought Makoto was actually aware but she didn’t give a shit about it.

…and Sae felt like an idiot for thinking that.

And what about the birthday parties, you may ask?  

Sae didn’t have the time --- No. She did have some time, but didn’t have the mood to celebrate Makoto’s birthday anymore, and her own even less. And her work was some sort of poor excuse she made.

The last three years she was in the office working her ass off like crazy while poor Makoto was just there in the house or school, studying like crazy.

…Alone.

Sae thought Makoto could find a way to spend her birthdays without heartache, but who the hell was Sae kidding? That was impossible.  

“Right now, you’re useless to me… All you do is eat away at my life!”

At the moment those cold words resonated through her mind once again, Sae gasped then winced as she pinched the bridge of her nose out of pure stress and regret. She still couldn’t believe she said those horrible things. And to her sister of all people! Sure, her work was stressful as hell, but still! Mixture of stress and grief or not, she had no right to vent her frustrations on poor Makoto like that. Everytime she remembers that moment, all and each one of those venomous words, the shocked expression on Makoto’s face and the huge wound Sae was sure she had inflicted on her heart, felt like an arrow shot at her own.

The fact that those same callous words were exactly what made Makoto get in trouble by confronting Junya Kaneshiro by herself didn’t help at all. What the hell was Makoto thinking!? She could’ve got herself killed, or even worse! And it would’ve been Sae’s fault! She could’ve lost the only family she’s got left and all because of her stupid obsession with perfection and success!

When Bebop and Rocksteady helped her getting Akira out of the police station, she couldn’t help but realize how wrong she was after she talked to him. She was so focused on her work she almost allowed to incarcerate not just a drugged and heavily beaten teenager, but Makoto’s boyfriend. And all for the sake of nothing else but her own career. Sure she was upset Makoto was dating someone behind her back, but who was she kidding? After how she was treating Makoto.

Sae knew she no longer had the right to be mad at her for that…

And to pour more salt to the wound, she needed Akira to turn himself in, separating him from Makoto once again. Sure, she needed his help to testify against Shido and make sure that bald asshole got his ass rotting in jail, but she will never forget how devastated Makoto was when she found out. How she yelled in tears at Sae for separating her from Akira again without telling her first. Sure, it was necessary, but if Sae was being honest, she had no reason nor the right to blame Makoto if she would hate her after all of the trouble she caused to her and Akira.

“No!” Sae slapped her face with both hands. “Don’t think about that anymore..!” She needed a few seconds to breathe and finally calm down.

But, she was right. There was no reason to think about that anymore. That crap is all in the past now. They had won. Shido was finally being tried for all of his crimes and it was just a matter of time before that jackass was finally incarcerated. Akira is now a free man with a bright future in his hands once again as his name was finally cleared. And despite the fact that he was back to his hometown in Inaba, he promised he was coming back in summer break.

But most important, Sae finally started to reconcile with Makoto. Their relationship was still quite a bit rocky, but both sisters were determined to make things work between them. Pretty sure not like before their father passed away, but to turn over a new leaf in their relationship. And now, with her sense of justice regained, Makoto is now a student in Tokyo U. And one of the best parts is that she managed to get in there by her own merits! Once, Makoto confessed to her that sometimes, she wished Principal Kobayakawa was still alive…

…so she could rub her success in his disgusting face then tell him to shove his recommendation letter up his fat ass.

But anyway, Makoto was now studying hard to fulfill her goal of becoming Police Commissioner and crush all the criminal scum that preyed on the weak and helpless. Only this time, Makoto is not alone; she has amazing friends, a wonderful boyfriend and her sister, all of them watching her back.

…their father sure would be proud of her.  

Once she calmed down enough, Sae glanced at the prepared meal and finds out that (miraculously) everything is as good as she was hoping for. While Makoto was busy with her morning workout, Sae took the opportunity to try and surprise her with a special birthday breakfast. She had missed three birthdays and caused too much damage to Makoto’s health, both mental and emotional. If she didn’t want to lose her little sister, Sae had to try and make up for all of her past mistakes regarding their relationship.

Once she finally finished the meal, Sae quickly prepares the silverware on the table. After that, she sits in a chair next to Makoto’s meal and takes a moment to rest while waiting for her sister to return from her workout.

That doesn’t last too long as she hears the familiar sound of the door opening. “I’m back, Sis!” Makoto announces her arrival.

“Welcome back, Makoto” Sae answers as Makoto walks in the apartment and goes to the kitchen, sweating more than usual thanks to the spring heat. She was wearing a black sports bra under a light-gray hoodie, black yoga pants and white sneakers; her typical training attire.

When arriving to the kitchen, she finds her older sister was sitting on the table, sweating a little, wearing Makoto’s apron with her hair in a messy ponytail, and a slightly nervous but sincere smile on her face.

…and five band aids on her left hand.  

“Sis…” Makoto gasped, sincerely surprised. “…you’ve been cooking?” The younger sister asks as she walks next to Sae. With a tired nod, the older sister stands up and gestures to the seat next to her.  

“I tried to make something for you” Sae said as she unties the poorly made ponytail. “I hope you enjoy it”

Makoto takes a seat and takes a better look at the dish. Then her eyes open wide as she recognizes the meal. It was a bunch of rice in the form of Buchimaru-Kun’s face. There were two small slices of sushi for his eyes and some nori for the spots on his face. The Buchi-rice was surrounded by pieces of cooked vegetables and grilled fish and next to the dish was a small plate of soup and a dark-blue mug that read “The world’s most Badass Mom” (especial gift from the other thieves) filled with tea.

“Sis… it’s beautiful…” A wide smile made itself present on Makoto’s face. “It’s like how father used to make”

Makoto couldn’t help but feel a small tear of happiness running down her cheek. This dish was exactly the same Officer Niijima made for Makoto whenever they celebrated her birthday at home. Sure, this one was cooked in a less professional way thanks to Sae’s below-average cooking skills (Makoto was in charge of the cooking after all). But the fact her sister took her time and got a few cuts on her hand preparing this was more than heartwarming to Makoto.

The thief advisor rapidly stands up off her seat and gives Sae a huge sisterly hug. “Sis, it’s incredible! Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!”

Sae was taken aback a little for the sudden hug and how childish her sister was being right now. But she quickly regains composure and returns the hug with the same affection.

“No problem; happy Birthday, baby sis” She then gestures at the meal. “Now eat before it gets cold, ok? I didn’t get so many cuts in my hand for nothing”  

Both sisters laughed at the snarky remark. They break the hug and Makoto ate the birthday breakfast with absolute gusto. Despite Sae wasn’t as half as good with cooking as she is, Makoto found the dish actually quite delicious. It could’ve been because it was Buchimaru-themed or because it was the first birthday in a while she had with her sister, but it was still beyond lovely.

After eating breakfast, Makoto heaved a sigh of satisfaction. Sae couldn’t help but smile at the sight. “How was it?” The older sister asks.  

“It was definitely delicious, Sis” Makoto answered as she stood up. “Thank you very much, again”

“Good to know” Sae said as she tilted her head to the bathroom. “Go take a shower and get ready; we’ll be off”  

Makoto raised a curious eyebrow at what her sister just said. “…Off? Where are we going?”

“You’ll find out soon enough” Sae answers with a playful wink as she goes to her room. Still wondering what was going to happen, Makoto just shrugs and goes to the bathroom. Once in her own bedroom, Sae fished out her phone and with a smirk, she starts a private chat. The plan was surprisingly going smoothly and Makoto had no clue…

*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*

“…Then, after making sure Little Red is gone, the Big Bad Wolf says to himself: Seriously? Isn’t there a place in this stupid forest where I can go to the bathroom in peace?”

In what could be considered a small Out-of-character moment, the older Niijima sister bursts out in laughter after Makoto (who, as a gift from Sae, was now wearing a perfect replica of her own necklace) told her an American joke she heard from Bebop and Futaba quite some time ago. Right now, both ladies were in Sae’s car, going to a destination still unknown to Makoto. After recovering from the laughter, Sae’s face turns a bit more serious.      

“Is something wrong, Sis?” And she realized Makoto was completely aware of that.

Still, Sae decided to change the topic. “It’s nothing, Makoto. Look, we have arrived”

As Makoto looks in front again, she sees a huge mansion just a few feet away from where Sae’s is parking. Makoto only recognized the building right away, she also recognized the two very familiar vehicles parked next to Sae’s car. A black van with the words “Bebop and Rocksteady” written in white on a red background next to the faces of Jack Frost and Jack O’ Lantern and a small yellow car next to the van.  

“Wait, isn’t that Haru’s house?” She asked with a lifted eyebrow. “And, aren’t those the Phantom Van and Boss’s car, too?” Makoto turned back to Sae. “Sis, exactly what is going on?”

“Don’t worry, Makoto. You’ll find out soon” With a reassuring smile, Sae answers while both sisters get bout of the car. “In fact, I am quite sure you’ll enjoy it”

Still a little confused, Makoto decided to just follow Sae into Haru’s house. This, of course, was not the first time Thief advisor had visited the Okumura residence. But no matter how many times she comes to this place, she will never get used to how much space it has. The whole Okumura house was much bigger than the combined area of the Niijima apartment, LeBlanc and Sojiro’s house.

Still wondering they were doing in Haru’s house, Makoto didn’t have the time to ask as both Niijima sisters were now at the main door. Still wearing that professional yet confident and slightly enthusiastic smirk, the soon-to-be-lawyer gestured at the door, as if asking for Makoto to open it. Still confused, Makoto takes the hint and opens the door.

At the moment they arrived to the large living room, six party poppers suddenly explode, scattering confetti all over the floor and starling Makoto a little, causing the surprised brunette to let out a soft squeak as a reaction.   

“SURPRISE!!!”

Makoto couldn’t even think in asking what the hell was going on at the moment.

…the reason?

As if on cue, Ann, Ryuji, Futaba, Yusuke, Haru and Rocksteady appeared out of nowhere and rushed to give the thief advisor a group hug with Rocksteady actually lifting everyone involved, all of them delivering the same cheerful message to her without giving a shit that their feet were dangling in the air.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, QUEEN!!!”

Makoto was still unable to speak due to the surprise. After breaking the group hug and their feet were back on the ground, Makoto (despite still confused) managed to muster up the words and speak. “Guys, w-what the hell is going on?”

Laughing a little at her confused reaction, both Ann and Ryuji wrap a friendly arm around her shoulders in a side-hug. “Isn’t that obvious, you dummy?” Ann says. “We’re celebrating your birthday!”

“We caught a lil’ word about your birthday quite some time ago” Ryuji added. “And of course we couldn’t just sit on our asses and not organize a little party for our dear Team Mom”

Team Mom. Makoto sighed. She still can’t believe the rest of the Phantom Thieves like to call her either that or Mama-koto. Perhaps it was because despite being a little strict with their condition in the Metaverse or with trying her best helping Ryuji and Ann with their studies, she was always looking out for the team. And even though she feels a little embarrassed every time she is called that, she somehow sees it… fitting. It also made sense with that “The World’s most Badass Mom” coffee mug all of the thieves bought her.   

Going back with the current situation, Makoto still couldn’t believe what was going on in this very moment. The last three years she couldn’t celebrate her birthday. Mostly because Sae was busy with work and Makoto didn’t have many friends (or any friends at all). So she spent those days studying alone. Very depressing, actually.

But now, the fact all of her teammates are preparing a birthday party for her was more than she could actually believe.

Well… not all of her teammates…

Makoto’s expression saddened slightly when she realized not everyone was here. Not only Bebop and Morgana weren’t present today, but another very important person was not present to celebrate with Makoto today.

Her study partner in both love and life… Akira Amamiya-Kurusu.

It has been a bit more than a moth since the rest of the thieves took him back to Inaba. That day they had the chance to meet his parents and despite all of the worries the other thieves were dealing with concerning them, Rio Amamiya and Aimi Kurusu were actually very kind, understanding and welcoming people. In fact, in great part is thanks to them that Akira became the selfless and kind person he is, which helped a lot when he unleashed Arsene for the first time.

As Akira stated before, his parents (along with his cousin and a few more friends of the Amamiya-Kurusu family) honestly believed Akira was innocent when he was arrested and they had no problem telling him he did the right thing when he stopped Shido from assaulting that woman. After Akira explained to them what happened and that he found out that bald asshole threatened them so they couldn’t keep in contact with him, Mr. Amamiya and Mrs. Kurusu said there were no hard feelings at all and what was really important was that Akira was proven innocent and they all now had the opportunity to rebuild the bridges between them that Shido destroyed just to spite Akira.

That moment finished with a heartwarming family hug that actually brought Ann, Futaba and Haru to a few tears, Yusuke was quickly looking for his sketchbook to recreate the moment and even Ryuji silently admitted he wished his asshole old man would’ve been at least as half as nice as Akira’s dad.  

“Hey! Earth to Queen!”

Makoto’s thoughts were rudely interrupted by Futaba, who both shouted and clapped both hands in front of her face. Shaking her head a little, she sees her friends are staring at her with a slight mixture of concern and confusion. Regaining as much composure as possible, Makoto waves a hand and answers. “I’m sorry, guys. I was just ---” She tried to explain…

But Haru finished for her. “Thinking about Akira-Kun, right?”

There were exactly three factors that provoked Makoto’s face dust in crimson. The question, the subtle mischievous smirk in Haru’s lips and the fact she was right. Scratching her nape a little, the brunette hangs her head down and speaks with a hint of embarrassment. “Well… yes” She admitted. “Look, don’t get me wrong, guys. I’m actually grateful that you’re taking your time to make this party for me but…”

“You wish Boss-Man could be here with us, Da?” Rocksteady finished for her this time.

“…yes” Makoto admitted again.

After a small silence, Makoto raised her eyes again, worried that she brought the mood down in the party with how much she (understandably) missed Akira. However, she found out her friends were flashing knowing smirks with each other and then to her.

Confused, she tried to ask, but Yusuke spoke up first. “Fear not, Makoto. For we have another pleasant surprise for your especial day”    

Raising a confused eyebrow, Makoto could only watch Futaba with her usual Shit-eating grin gesturing at one of the couches in the middle of the living room. 

“Ok. Ready?” She asked as she kept pointing at the couch. “1… 2… and…”

“Happy Birthday, Queen!!”

As if on cue, a familiar tuxedo cat with blue eyes and a yellow collar leaped out of nowhere while shouting those words and cheerfully ran next to Makoto’s legs.

“Morgana!?” Sincerely surprised, Makoto kneeled to pick up the avatar of humanity’s hope.

The non-cat gives Makoto an affectionate head-butt to her nose. “Of course. Who else could make an entrance as magnificent as what I did?”

“You weren’t supposed to appear by yourself, you talking hairball!” Ryuji scolded the talking feline-like thief and gave him an annoyed but gentle flick at his right cheek.

Makoto was quick to realize what Ryuji meant. “Wait. Morgana is not the entire surprise?” The thief advisor asked while passing the non-cat to Haru.

“No” Ann answered. “Mona is just half of the surprise” Then turned back to the couch. “Right, B?”

Right on cue and with his signature high-pitched cackle, Anton “Bebop” Zeck, who was hidden thanks to his cloaking device, appeared standing next to the couch with one of his signature flashy poses. But he didn’t uncover all of his body since his left arm was still invisible, as if he was holding something to keep it cloaked.

“Ya got that right, Annie!” Zeck answers with a wide grin as he turned to the Birthday girl. “Aight, Boss-Queen. Ready to snap at this dizzle?” He asked as he prepared to remove his arm from whatever he was still covering. “At 1… at 2… and at… 3!”

At the moment Bebop lifted his hand, Makoto’s eyes widened, akin those of a deer in lights and her mouth hung open. 

Because it was not an object what was hidden by the cloaking device. It was a person sitting in the couch in Haru’s living room, and not just ANY person.

It was him…  

It was freaking him…!

Her boyfriend!

“A… a… Akira…!?” It was all Makoto could say. Right now, her heart was having a mixture of shock and happiness so huge she felt her it might burst out of her ribcage.

He was here.

Akira was here, just a few feet away from her flashing that stupid sexy smirk of his. One of the many, many things she loved so much of that cocky little bastard.

With a light chuckle, Akira raised his arms, signaling for a hug. Makoto wasted no time rushing to him then tackling him in a hug. The tackle could‘ve knock him down if Bebop didn’t raised both arms to support him. Akira just laughed at the sight of Makoto burying her face on the crook of his neck. Akira gently pulls her head away from his neck so they could lock eyes, dark-steely eyes locking with reddish-brown once again after a whole month. 

“You’re here… Holy Crap, you’re seriously here…!” She said as she thought this was a dream. “I-I can’t believe it! I thought you were still in Inaba right now!

“And waste the opportunity to celebrate my dear Queen’s 19^th birthday in person?” He asked, reassuring her this was real and not a dream. “Like hell I would allow that to happen” Right after saying that, he gives Makoto a deep and affectionate kiss which she returns with total gusto. It was only a month since they last kissed but after feeling each other’s lips and tongues, it was clear as crystal they missed each other A LOT. After pulling back, Makoto turns around and sees her friends flashing different emotions. Ann and Haru were squealing in joy. Ryuji was whistling at the couple. Rocksteady was laughing at Futaba who was mock-gagging at the sight.

…and Yusuke being Yusuke was framing at the couple.

But at the moment she sees Sae, Makoto notices she was flashing a knowing smirk.

And that is when the pieces in her head fall in place. “You planned all of this, Sis!?” Breaking the hug but wrapping an arm still wrapped around Akira’s waist, Makoto asks while Sae approaches the couple and gives Makoto an affectionate pat on her head.

“Not exactly” Sae admitted. “I just told the others about your birthday a few weeks ago and all of them were more than happy to lend a hand with the celebration”

“We all were working our asses off these last few weeks so we could give you a proper party” Ryuji added.  

“And since your birthday happened to fall in Sunday, I just took a train yesterday and spend last night in LeBlanc” Akira continued. “When I told my parents about this, they were more than happy to let me come to Tokyo so we could celebrate in person”

“Unbelievable…” Still smiling, Makoto leans on Akira’s side as he wraps his arm around her waist and gives her side an affectionate squeeze.

Their attention is suddenly attracted by an excited Ann. “Ok. Now that everything is clear now, can we eat the cake already? I’ve been waiting a lot to do it!”

Everyone just rolled their eyes with a knowing smile as Ryuji butted in. “Seriously, Ann. Can’t you just wait until dessert to eat it?”

“But, Ryuji…!” The blond girl tried to protest, but Bebop butted in, next.

“You know the rules, girl: First meal, then cake!” He pointed a mock-accusatory finger at her forehead. “So take a chill pill or no cake for you!”

Ann wanted to protest more but everyone else were with the blond boy and the warthog on this one. So she had no choice but to pout. “Fine… but we eat the cake right after the meal!”

“You’re gonna get fat, you know” Ryuji teased.  

“Go to hell, Ryuji!”

“Well. Now that everything is said and done, I think is time for the meal. Hey Ivan, give a hand here.”

Makoto’s attention was this time picked by a familiar voice coming from the other side of the living room. More specifically, the kitchen. Rocksteady quickly yet carefully (thanks to his immense size) walks to the kitchen and after a few seconds he and Sojiro Sakura return, carrying a lot of small Sushi boxes.

Morgana quickly leaps off Haru’s arms and practically danced in excitement at the idea of having to eat sushi again. Even more since he could have Fatty Tuna again. While fish in Inaba was pretty good, there was nothing in either heaven or hell that could replace his beloved Fatty Tuna.

So much, in fact, that right when the café-owner and the Russian Mam-Rhino put all the boxes in the table around the couches, Mona hops on the table and sniffs the boxes. “My sweet Fatty Tuna… And not just the cheap stuff either…!” Morgana sighed in absolute delight, unaware that the others were chuckling at him.

“Oh, Mona-Chan. You sure love your sushi, don’t you?” Hearing Haru giggling, Mona turns hi head to her and speaks with his usual high and mighty attitude.

“Well, what did you expect, Noir?” He boasted. “I am a serious Sushi-gourmet. It’s one of the many talents of a gentleman thief of my caliber”

“Alright, ‘Mr. Sushi-Gourmet’”. Sojiro scoffed. “Would you please be so kind to move your furry ass out of the table so we can prepare the food already?”

A bit embarrassed, Mona hops out of the table so Sojiro and Rocksteady can give everyone else their portion of sushi.

“Ok, everyone” Akira announces. “While we eat, I say we take some time to relax and let the Queen enjoy her special day at her own pace. What do we do first?”

After the question leaves Akira’s lips, Futaba was quick to voice out her ideas. “PARTY GAMES!” She yells in excitement. “I brought a lot of stuff we can play with. I bought a few portable consoles, downloaded a few game apps on your phones so we can play charades, truth or dare, that type of stuff---!”

“Hold a moment. When did you do such a thing?” Ignoring Yusuke’s concerned question, the internet-gremlin continued.

“---I also brought a few movies we can watch together, and cards in case some of the non-gamers want to play Tycoon! This party is gonna be totally kick-ass!”

Akira turns back to Makoto and sees she was quite overwhelmed by both Futaba’s sudden suggestions and her immense enthusiasm. It was understandable, though. Makoto hasn’t properly celebrated her birthday for three years in a row, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if she felt uncomfortable with all of this being served to her right away. When talking through their group chat for the party, most of the thieves suggested they should go out and eat something at a fancy restaurant or going to Dome Town. However, Sae said it would be a better option if all of them stayed in a place that was both familiar and comfortable enough to Makoto so she could familiarize with the feeling of having a decent birthday party. Despite not being able to see it in person, the other thieves knew Sae suggested that out of guilt for almost abandoning Makoto during those harsh times. Another reason they chose to do this was to help Sae make up for her past mistakes and turn over a new leaf with Makoto in the healthiest way as possible.

Akira gives Makoto another affectionate squeeze and nuzzles his cheek against her. “Alright, Makoto. You’re the birthday girl, it’s your choice what we do first”

Makoto takes a deep breath and sighs, relaxing considerably thanks to Akira’s gesture. Seeing the efforts everyone were giving in this special occasion for her. She turns back to Akira and gives him a sweet peck on his cheek. “I think… some party games would be nice”

Akira returns the peck and nods in understanding while Futaba throws her arms to the air in excitement. “Party games it is, Bug”

“Hell Yeah! Party games!”  

*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*

“Tycoon! In your dirty beggar face, comrade Ryuji!”

Ryuji could only heave a loud groan of frustration at his defeat at the hands of Rocksteady, which was the complete opposite of dignifying. While the rest of the thieves choose to play with the consoles and the phone apps, Ryuji, Makoto (who was now happily wearing a Buchimaru-Kun party hat), Sae and Rocksteady choose to have a small game of Tycoon while enjoying their sushi.

In the first round Makoto managed to become Tycoon by a very small difference against her sister, leaving Sae as Rich while Ryuji ended up Poor and Rocksteady as a Beggar.

The second round was a bit of a surprise since Ryuji managed to become Tycoon first, leaving Makoto as a Beggar, Sae ended up being Poor and Rocksteady being Rich. The blond boy bragged quite a bit for his victory. But unfortunately, he ran out of luck in the last round as Steranko suddenly turned the tables by becoming Tycoon much before Ryuji managed to play all of his cards, causing the poor boy to go Bankrupt.

Rocksteady bragged a little about the moment. And as Ryuji hated to admit it, he kind of brought that to himself for bragging the last round.  

Now what was left was to see how the Niijima sisters went with their game, and each one of them having 6 cards, it was going to be tough. And after some time thinking in a good way to play their cards, Makoto became Rich and Sae Poor. The soon-to-be-lawyer sighed and gives Makoto a tired but satisfied smile.

“Well, better than nothing, I guess” Sae said. “Well played, everyone”

“Thanks, Sis” Makoto said as she turned to Ryuji and Rocksteady. “You guys played good too”

“Thanks, Boss-Queen” Steranko smiled. “It was fun game of the Tycoon”

“It could’ve gone better for me, but, yeah; that was pretty fun” Ryuji smiled as well.  

After that game, Makoto joined Akira, Morgana, Futaba, Haru, Ann, Bebop and Yusuke in a game of Pictionary. The hacker was drawing on Yusuke’s sketchbook and showing the progress to her teammates so they could guess before the time runs out. Futaba was drawing what seemed to be some sort of circle by using many pencils of different colors.

“What the heck is that?” Ann asked. “Is that just a bunch of circles?”

“Oh!” Haru gasped as she though she finally realized it. “It’s a rainbow of circles!”

“No! Is not that!” Futaba shakes her head then draws two small circles inside the bigger one with an even smaller circle inside each one of them.

“A rainbow-plate with two fried eggs!” Akira guessed.  

“No, dude!” Bebop corrected the leader. “It’s a disco ball! Gotta be a disco ball!”

Deadpanning, Futaba draws lines in the big circle and some sort of fire-aura around it.

“It’s a holed watermelon on fire!” Morgana suggested.

Futaba just stared at the non-cat with wide-eyes in disbelief and smacked her forehead, groaning in exasperation. “Are you all crapping me!?!” Right before the time ran out, a frustrated Futaba drew what seemed to be a mocking grin.

That is when the birthday brunette quickly figured it out. “It’s Prometheus!”

“FINALLY!!” The hacker threw her arms to the air, both tired and frustrated due to nobody guessing her draw right away. “Seriously, how the hell didn’t you guess I was drawing my Persona!?”

“Are you sure that’s Prometheus, lil’ dawg?” Just as the others, Bebop was still pretty unconvinced. “It looks more like cracked Christmas sphere or somethin’”

“As an artist, I have to agree with them” Yusuke added. “Your drawing skills, at the very least, are quite very questionable, Futaba”  

“Your stupid face is the only very questionable thing, Inari!” Futaba snapped and stuck her tongue out at Yusuke, causing to take a step back in disbelief.

In the meantime, Ann checked that everyone finally finished eating their plates of sushi, then she claps her hands together and gets up off her seat with a lot of enthusiasm. “Ok, playtime is over!” She said with fiery determination. “It’s cake time!”

“Of course it is” Ryuji rolls his eyes with a smile as he joined Ann into the kitchen. After a few seconds, they both returned with a three-story chocolate cake with cookies n’ cream frosting and a small motorbike figure next to a 19^th candle. The words “Happy Birthday Queen” were written on top of the cake, the birthday girl quickly remembers how similar this cake is to the one they bought for Haru on her birthday this last December.

“Hey, everyone!” Haru exclaimed cheerfully. “While we eat the cake, we should see Mako-Chan opening her presents!”

Everyone was quickly to agree with the cheerful suggestion of the Okumura Princess as the rest of the thieves went quickly to the kitchen and each one of them returned with a wrapped box, each one of different size and color.

Ann was the first one to deliver her gift. “Ok, I go first” The blond young lady gave the brunette a rectangular box wrapped in red with a small animals pattern and a pink ribbon. The box was way lighter than it looked so Makoto was quick to deduce it was clothing. After carefully removing the paper wrap, the birthday girl opened the box and found what seemed to be a white tank top and black jeans. She took the clothes out of the box and indeed it was a white tank top and stylish black jeans.

“Wow!” The birthday girl could do nothing but gasp in surprise. “Ann, this looks amazing” At her reaction, Ann wraps an arm around her shoulders with a huge sisterly grin.

“I know, right? You should totally go and try it out, girl!” Ann suggested. To which Makoto was more than glad to do.

“I’ll be right back” Without wasting time, Haru indicates Makoto where the closest bathroom is so she could get changed. After a few minutes, she returns with her typical teal coat and winter black pants replaced by the white tank top and the black pants Ann just gave to her. Ryuji and Haru were clapping in excitement at Makoto, Futaba quickly fished her phone out to take some photos and Akira had a huge pleased smile on his face.

The birthday girl took a better look at her clothes and saw everything fitted just fine. “I must admit, Ann. This looks amazing. I still can’t believe you have such a good eye for this stuff”

“It was obvious you would look amazing in that” Ann proudly exclaimed with arms crossed. “You definitely must be wearing this outfit this summer!” After a few seconds, however, the expression not only on Makoto’s face, but on Sae’s as well become a little dissatisfied.

“Still” Sae said. “Ann-Chan, don’t you think it looks kind of… bland?”

“I’m afraid Sis is right” Makoto said next. “Ann, I truly appreciate the gift, but I think this could use something else”

“Now that’s my time to shine” Both Niijima sisters turned with confused expressions to Bebop, who was now giving Makoto a similar box but with a black-and-purple motherboard pattern, akin to the circuits that fused on his body after his distasteful mutation. Sharing a knowing grin with Ann, both heroes spoke up.

“You see, Makoto” Ann spoke up, first” “When we went to the Shibuya Underground Mall to buy you these clothes, Bebop found something in a different store”

“And after taking a good look and comparin’ it with what Ann got for you, we said ‘Oh, snap! Now this would look awesome on Boss-Queen’” Zeck grinned as he continued.

“So, we bought these clothes you have now and what is inside of this box” Ann was pretty close of bouncing on the balls of her feet due to the excitement. “We’re damn sure you’re gonna love it!”

At the moment the birthday girl opens the box, she finds a pair of comfy black shoes and a leather crop top jacket that instantly piqued her interest. She wastes no time and puts on those two new pieces of clothing. Makoto felt instantly comfortable wearing the jacket, as if the piece of clothing was created exclusively for her.

“Come on, girl, give us a twirl!” At Ann’s cheerful insistence, Makoto spun around showing her new looks to her friends and the cheering from Haru and Ryuji became even louder. Futaba was still taking photos non-stop while wolf-whistling at the birthday girl. Rocksteady was far from unamused. Yusuke was framing her and instantly working in his sketchbook. And Akira was staring at her with eyes wide open, slacked jaw and cheeks slightly dusted pink. Makoto definitely counted that as a victory as she turned back to her two friends next to her.

“Guys, seriously, thank you” Makoto hugged both Ann and Bebop. “I’m definitely wearing this outfit this summer”

“Ok. There’s Anton and Ann-Chan” Ann and Bebop shared a victorious high-five at Sae’s pleased declaration. “Who’s the next one to give her a gift?”

The next one to take his chance was the second mutant moron. “Oh, oh! I go next!” With an affirmative nod from Sae, Steranko rushes to the kitchen and comes back with a huge cylinder-like bundle. He slams it on the ground with quite a bit of force. Still, the huge smile never leaved Steranko’s Rhino-lips.

“You’re giving Makoto a punching bag!?” Yusuke was the first one to recognize the object in question.

“Not just ANY punching bag, comrade Inari” Rocksteady proudly announces. “This is 70 pound Everlast punching bag. The same kind used for the pros in MMA. With gloves and hand bandages included. I remember Boss-Queen said in the creepy Mementos she wanted to buy new punching bag, so bought it for birthday”   

Makoto turns to Sae with a huge childish grin and pleading eyes. The soon-to-be-retired-prosecutor rolls her eyes with a knowing smile. “Go ahead”

The birthday girl cheerfully squeals, rapidly puts both the bandages and the gloves on and prepared a fighting stance in front of Rocksteady. Knowing what was coming next; the mutant rhino lifts the punching bag in front of her and prepares himself for the incoming impact.

After a deep breath for concentration, Makoto’s gloved fist collides with the punching bag with a tremendous “THUD” that resonated around the entire Okumura house. In fact, the hit was strong enough to make the walking bulldozer Rocksteady is to take a step back in order to maintain balance.

Both Sojiro and Sae still couldn’t believe that the Phantom Thieves still have the enhanced physical condition they had in the Metaverse. That meant that their strength, agility, endurance and reflexes were considerably superior to even the finest humans.

…yes, even Futaba was quite the superhuman for someone with her condition.

“Hey, we know you enjoyed it but try not to cause too much ruckus here, will ya?” Sojiro complained a little. But Haru was quick to reassure him everything was fine.

“There is no problem at all, Boss. There aren’t too many neighbors around the area. And is always a pleasure to see Mako-chan properly unleash her amazing strength against something”

Makoto winced at the commentary as an unpleasant memory crossed her mind.

Once while exploring the last floors before finally reaching the depths of Mementos, Makoto suddenly got hit by a Marin Karin spell, courtesy of a Forneus. While Mona was quick to cure Queen from the spell, Queen still had enough time to collide her fist against poor Noir’s stomach out of pure mind-controlled rage. The heiress couldn’t even speak as she could only fell the tremendous pain from the hit and how the air was knocked out of her lungs like nothing before passing out instantly.

Sure, Queen had the chance to give that shadow an even more brutal beating for forcing her to do that to her friend, but she still felt guilty for that moment. 

Still cringing, Makoto turned to Haru. “Haru. Again, I’m really, really sorry for that moment”

“And I’m telling you again: That was NOT your fault and I already forgave you for that” Haru reassured her. “Besides, it was beyond satisfying to see that shadow receiving its comeuppance for what he forced you to do” She said with a devilish smirk as she turned to Futaba.” Again, thanks for showing me the video you recorded while I was unconscious, Futaba-Chan”

“No problem” The hacker said before eating a forkful of cake.   

Smiling softly, Makoto removed the gloves, turns to the rhino and gives a slight, thankful bow. “I will really enjoy training with this new bag. Thank you very much, Rock”

“It was pleasure, comrade Boss-Queen” Steranko said as he shared a high-five with the birthday girl.   

“Ok, who’s next?” At Sojiro’s question, his daughter took the signal.

“My turn! Just be careful with it, okay?”

It has to be technology, then. A gift fitting for Futaba. The box the hacker gives to the birthday girl is quite smaller than Ann’s and Bebop’s. It had a similar motherboard pattern but this one was black and neon-green instead. After opening it, Makoto finds an advanced set of headphones and a USB Drive. A noticeable detail on the drive was the small Buchimaru drawn on it, which Makoto found adorable almost instantly.

After directing her bewildered gaze back to Futaba, the hacker explains. “This drive has a storage capacity of up to 2 TB” She pointed to the USB Drive. “You can use it for your favorite, photos, songs, movies, images and all of your school projects. You can even attach it to your keys for a little bit of extra security” Futaba then points at the Headphones. “The headphones have an amazing quality sound, they’re perfectly balanced. They’re light but also highly sturdy and you can connect them to either your phone or laptop via Bluetooth”  

“Futaba, this is incredible” Makoto was both grateful and impressed. “But, how did you managed to pay for this?”

At her question, Sojiro spoke up next. “Futaba has been helping me a lot more often with the café. So as thanks, I helped her buying those gifts for you”

A bit blushed; Futaba giggled and flashed an embarrassed but sweet smile. “It felt like doing a solo-run on Merciless-difficulty. But it was more than worth it for my big sister”

Makoto wastes no time giving Futaba a thankful, sisterly hug which the dyed red-headed returns with pleasure.

“I guess I’m next” Ryuji announced next.

After breaking her hug with Futaba, Makoto receives another box from Ryuji, this one being quite huge. The box Ryuji give to Makoto had a simple yellow paper wrap with a small lightning pattern, quite fitting with his magic-element. Inside the box, Makoto finds something quite familiar: A set of workout clothes (hoodie, pants, sneakers and a modest-looking sports bra), along with a box of high-quality protein.

Makoto instantly smiles and gives Ryuji a thankful smile. “Ryuji, this was very thoughtful of you. Thanks! I was looking for new training gear and more protein”

“It was a pleasure, Queen” Ryuji grinned as he scratched his nose with a finger. “I thought you’d still be workin’ out after we disbanded so I got ya these. Plus, take this” He fishes something out of his pocket and gives it to Makoto. “It’s a coupon for a free container of protein powder of the flavor of your choice”

It’s incredible, Makoto thought. But there was a small question lingering in her mind. How did Ryuji managed to pay for all of this? Makoto’s eyes widened a little after realization hit her mind. She looks at Ryuji again as a knowing smirk forms on her lips. “So this is why you got that new part-time job in Protein Lovers a few weeks ago?”

Ryuji chuckles as he scratches his nape. It is true that after a while after the Thieves disbanded, Ryuji found a part-time job at the gym so he could help his mother a bit more with the expenses. And the payment was actually quite good. “Well, you got me. That and a little money I managed to get from our trips in Mementos. But still, the new job is kick-ass! It feels so damn good finally being the guy who knows what to do!”

“Who would’ve ever imagined you’d find a job where your brain is actually useful, Skull?” Morgana scoffed at him.

“Well, there’s a first time for everything, ya know?” Ryuji was not happy for the comment, but he decided not to start another argument with the non-cat (If he was being honest with himself, Ryuji was growing tired of that).

Leaving that aside, Haru and Yusuke took their turn to give Makoto another box quite huge. Not as huge as Ryuji’s, but it was not exactly small, a little taller than 2 feet. 

“Mako-Chan, between Yusuke-Kun and I prepared something special for your special day” Haru said to the birthday girl.  

“We can assure this gift will be one you will truly enjoy” Yusuke was confident in his comment.

Makoto places the box on the table; it had a pink wrap paper and a dark-blue ribbon on top. After carefully removing the wrap off the box, she gasps loudly after discovering the object in question. “What in the…!? Anat!?” It was indeed a 2 feet-tall plaster sculpture of Makoto’s Ultimate Persona: Anat.

The sculpture was complete white due to the plaster, but Anat’s face, heels, hands, horns and the small skull on her chest were painted properly and even the most minimum detail of her mechanical body was absolutely marvelous.

With mouth slightly agape and eyes wide open, Makoto turns back to Haru and Yusuke. The Okumura Princess explained first. “I asked Yusuke-Kun if he could help me create a painting of your persona like he made with Astarte for my birthday last year. But he said he wanted to give you something more… tridimensional”

“Haru was quite persistent when she offered to pay for the materials I required to create such masterpiece. She even paid me a few bowls of ramen at Ogikubo once I finished. I had no choice but to accept it since it was truly the most ideal way to express the unique beauty of you Persona”

After explaining with his usual dramatic fashion over art, Yusuke places a finger on his chin in thought. “I should of course try the same with the Personas of our friends as well” He quickly chuckles at the idea of capturing the uniqueness of the other Personae in well-detailed plaster sculptures. “I feel thrilled just thinking of express the beautiful qualities of Kamu Susano-o, Prometheus, Astarte, Seiten Taisei, Hecate, the Super Jack Brothers and Satanael”

“Only if you let us pay you some food after that” Akira interrupted Yusuke with a neutral expression. “Yusuke, I think I speak for everyone when I say that it would be a fair deal”

After many nods and murmurs of agreement with Akira, Yusuke frowned. And with a deep sigh of distaste, the artist had no choice but to relent. “I do not like to receive charity… but I supposed it is a fair price for the opportunity of creating such beautiful works. Very well, then.”

Before Makoto could even ask or do something, the avatar of humanity’s hope quickly leaped to the table and made an announcement. “Alright, everyone! I think is the time to give our trusted advisor her next gift, don’t you think?”

With knowing smiles, everyone else in the room quickly agreed with the non-cat. Akira takes Makoto’s hand and gently takes her out of Haru’s living room, directly at the garage. There, Makoto sees a strange object covered by a large blanket, staying idle next to Haru’s limo.

Wondering what it could be, Akira speaks up before the birthday girl could say something. “I think I speak for everyone here when I say you’re going to LOVE this”

With a nod, Akira signals Sae to reveal the strange huge object. She walks next to it and grabs a corner of the blanket. “Before anything else, I want to tell you that all of us cooperated to get you this gift, as a special gift for everything you have done for all of us. Well, without further ado, here you go baby sis!”

At the moment the soon-to-be-defense attorney removed the blanket, Makoto felt like if time suddenly froze, her body felt suddenly stiff, her jaw slacked and her eyes widened as much as the ones of a deer in headlights. The shock was so evident that Makoto could only muster three words to explain her reaction.

“No fucking way…!”    

Makoto was so surprised for the revelation, that she didn’t even hear all the giggling from her friends at all. But only those words were the most appropriate ones to describe the shock and the breathless sensation she was experiencing at the very moment after seeing the gift in front of her, and with good reason.   

Akira, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Futaba, Haru, Bebop, Rocksteady, Sojiro and her sister Sae herself cooperated to buy her a motorcycle.

And not just ANY type of motorcycle…

“Is this… a Harley Davidson!?” Slowly, Makoto walks to the vehicle and places a hand carefully to feel the metal on it, making sure this is the real thing and not just a dream so amazing she wouldn’t like to wake up. Once confirming the bike is real she turns around to see Sae, Ann, Bebop and Rocksteady walking next to her.

“Yep” Ann declared in satisfaction at Makoto’s reaction. “A Harley Davidson Road Glide. Of course,before we took the bike here, we asked B and R to give it a few… Modifications in their workshop so we could call it a bike worthy of our Queen”

“What kind of modifications, exactly?” Makoto lifted an eyebrow as she asked.

Waving off all possible worries on the birthday girl’s mind with a hand, the warthog was the first to explain to her. “You, know, just the usual: Smokescreen, caltrops, a small energy field, nitro, bullet-proof wheels…”

“And of course we modified engine so it can take the longer rides without wasting too much Gas so you can go to school and back any time you wish or when if you wish to go visit Boss-man in Inaba” Rocksteady explained next.

“Consider this a triple gift from all of us” Sae explained last. “Birthday, Graduation and because you just acquired your motorcycle license” And with that, the older Niijima sister handed the keys of the vehicle to Makoto.

After receiving the keys, Makoto quickly wrapped both of her arms around Sae in a tight hug. Again, Sae was shocked at first due to the sudden display of sisterly affection, but she flashed a soft smile and returned the hug. After breaking the hug, Makoto ran to her Road Glide and got on. She turns around and with a knowing smirk she pats the seat behind her. Akira was quick to take the hint as he walked and sat right behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. The grip was tight but comfortable, just the way she likes it.

But right before Makoto turned the bike on, they were stopped by Sojiro.

“Hey, aren’t you lovebirds forgetting something?” Sojiro said with his signature know-it-all-smirk as he held two helmets: A red one with two golden horns at its sides and the word “Queen” on it, and a black one with a golden mask and two red eyes on the front and the word “Joker” on it.

Those helmets obviously represented Anat and Satanael.

With a sheepish grin, Makoto takes her helmet and puts it on as the trickster does the same. Now they were ready to roll. “That’s better” Sojiro smiled at the couple. “Have fun you two” With a thumbs up from Sojiro, Makoto finally turned the engine on and rode out of the Okumura House with Akira sitting behind her.

*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*

One of the things Makoto loved about her adventures with the Phantom Thieves was when she got the opportunity to ride on Johanna and roll over as many shadows as possible. After Johanna evolved into Anat, she wondered if she could do the same with her since she was practically a Transformer (as Futaba called her Persona before), but she never had the opportunity to experiment with that.

Anyway, with her new bike, now she had the opportunity for something similar. Taking on the view of the Tokyo streets near the sunset, the feeling of the wind on her face and the thrilling sensation of going full-throttle (within the speed limit, of course). The fact that Akira was traveling with her made everything a thousand times better.

After parking in Inokashira Park and making sure Makoto’s new bike was perfectly locked, both lovebirds decided to take a walk around the peaceful place with hands held before Akira has to go back to Inaba. While walking, Makoto still couldn’t believe Akira came all the way from Inaba just to spend her birthday with her and the fact that he has to go back the same day was both heartwarming and saddening to say the least.

Noticing the sadness in her face, Akira stops and gives Makoto’s hand an affectionate squeeze. “Hey. You know this isn’t goodbye forever, right?” He asked not with his usual smirk, but with a smile he only shows to her and the others.

Makoto heaves a soft sigh and answers while mirroring his smile. “You’re right. It’s only a bit more than two months and we’ll be together again. All of us”  

“And once I graduate high-school, I’ll come back to you, for good this time” The trickster said as he lets go of Makoto’s hand and rummages in his bag.

“Before I forget, here’s something I want to give you. Happy Birthday, my Queen” Akira says with a soft smile as he fishes a small box out his bag and hands it to Makoto. Said box is wrapped by black paper and with a small red ribbon on top, after Makoto carefully removes the wrap, she finds two objects inside.

The first one is a framed photo of her and Akira on graduation day, the thieves celebrated the day Makoto and Haru finally graduated Shujin Academy and they took two photos, one of the whole team and one of just Akira and Makoto.

But is the second gift under the photo that makes her gasp and her heart flutter even more than usual.

The second gift was a beautiful silver bracelet with a small but exact replica of her phantom thief mask and two small rubies for eyes. On the underside the words “Forever yours, my Queen” was written in italics. And the mask was perfectly designed in every last detail.

Despite Makoto was a total loss for words, she quickly puts the bracelet around her right wrist and takes a look at the now two of her most valuable treasures: the bracelet and the promise ring Akira gave her the night after they both fought Takahiro Endo in Shujin’s gym.

Feeling tears forming in her eyes, Makoto could barely muster up the words. “Akira, they… they’re beautiful…!”

Seeing Akira smiling and opening his arms, Makoto quickly tackles him into a huge hug that once again, almost made the trickster to fall to the ground. Returning the hug, Akira gently lifts Makoto’s face so they could lock lips in a deep kiss that lasted many seconds before they had to pull away for the sake of air.

After that, Makoto leans her head on Akira’s chest, hearing his soft heartbeat. “You know, before I met you guys, my life was lonely, miserable, dare I say… if it weren’t for all of you, especially you, Akira… I’d still be a simple robot guided by the adults without question. And I’ve never realized what I wanted to do with my life”    

She then gives Akira a sweet peck on his cheek as she continues. “Akira, I still remember when you told me that despite everything we went through, you were grateful for coming here and meet all of us. And now I can assure that I’m just as grateful as you are. Because you changed not only my life for the better, but the other thieves, Sis, Boss and all of our associates, too...”   

She was right in that part. At first, Akira thought his probation was going to be miserable as he thought he was going to be considered a pariah perhaps for the rest of his life. However, as strange as it sounds, the probation turned to be a blessing in its own way as well. Not only because he managed to get payback against Shido, the asshole who incriminated him only to save his own ass. But also because he found what he wanted to do with his future and he found his second family in Tokyo.

And as equally important as well, he found the love of his life on Makoto. 

“Not to mention you looked very sexy and badass when you shot Yaldabaoth on his stupid face like nothing” Makoto admitted with a sensual smirk.  

“Don’t you mean sexier and more badass than usual?” He smirked back.  

“You already know the answer, my sexy, badass, kind, selfless and cocky Joker” The birthday girl smirked at his snarky response and after making sure they were alone, she moved both hands to his back to playfully squeeze his ass. They both giggled a little before they resume they walk around the park before Akira has to go back to Inaba.

*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*

Back in the Niijima apartment, when nighttime finally arrived on the Tokyo life, Makoto was on her bedroom, sleeping with a huge grin on her face due to the celebration her friends and boyfriend made for her while Sae was on the living room, receiving a message on her phone confirming Akira and Morgana returned to Inaba safe and sound. Akira’s parents were even quick to say hi to her once they had the chance.  

She also was looking at a photo Akira sent to her. It was a photo of Akira and Makoto during their walk through Inokashira Park. The brunette was happily showing both the bracelet and the promise ring in her right hand. However, it wasn’t what attracted Sae’s full attention. It was Makoto’s face. She looked… happy. Way happier than she thought her sister could ever be. Once again, Sae realized how wrong she was when she forced her perfectionist ideals on Makoto; she was doing nothing but pushing her away. Sure, started to reconcile, but the future defense attorney couldn’t help but think she is still walking on eggshells. One wrong move and she would be pushing Makoto away from her.

…and she feared it would be forever, this time.

Sae shakes her head, waving off those negative thoughts once again. She knew it was not going to be easy to turn over a new leaf with her sister and pretty sure Makoto knows that as well. But damn sure Sae is NOT giving up on Makoto.

After all, Makoto never gave up on her.

Sae decided that taking a good hot shower would be a perfect way to relieve some stress before going to bed, and it actually worked as she felt completely refreshed as the hot water ran down her silver-dagger frame, as if the water knew exactly what she needed.

As she walked out of the shower and started drying her head, however, Sae felt a strange yet warmly familiar feeling, as if said feeling was emanating from inside her heart.

She slowly turns around and her eyes widened in pure shock when she found not her reflection in the mirror, but something else…

In the other side of the mirror, right where Sae’s reflection was supposed to be, there was a woman with short blond-brown hair wielding a one-handed sword in front of her. The lady was wearing a shiny silver medieval armor, what seemed to be a cape with three colors; red white and blue and she was wearing a masquerade mask with small wings at both sides and two sapphires as eyes that covered the upper half of her face, leaving only her mouth and chin uncovered. And said mouth was flashing a warm, motherly smile at Sae. Despite her eyes were covered by the mask, Sae could feel the eyes of the woman on the mirror were expressing the same motherly, warm affection as her smile.  

Unable to even think of believing what the hell was happening, Sae rubbed her eyes frantically with the simple reasoning it was nothing but a mere hallucination. She gazed back at the mirror and found her own reflection back at the other side. The soon-to-be-lawyer heaved a deep sigh of relief as she thought she was seeing things now. Although, with all the supernatural stuff her sister and her friends had to deal with last year, it wouldn’t be too weird.

“I think I’m thinking too much about this…” Sae sighed. “I’m going to sleep… maybe I can talk things with Makoto a little more, tomorrow” She said to herself before going to her bedroom for her well-deserved sleep-time.

However, this entire time, Sae was completely unaware that a small shiny blue butterfly was sitting at the edge of the bathtub. After Sae turned the lights off and walked out of the bathroom, he blue insect quickly transformed into a much known individual…

Lavenza, the youngest assistant of the Velvet Room who guided Akira during his ordeal last year as the twin wardens Caroline and Justine.  

“This is not your moment yet, Sae Niijima…” Lavenza muttered to herself. “But once you can finally forgive yourself for all of your past mistakes and be ready to move forward… then and only then… you will be finally able to forge a contract…”

The young assistant then turns back into a butterfly and disappears into the mirror…