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Noon, 17/05/20XX, Ren's Office
Ren entered his office, sitting down at his chair, as he lay his head on top of his desk. It was another stressful meeting at the diet building, one that he wasn't prepared.
'I wished Yoshida would've informed me beforehand.'
Like any other person, Ren does not like sudden meeting. Especially during his break, spending time with his family, at 8 in the morning. Needless to say, Ren is cranky.
'I should get some coffee.'
'...'
'A snack would be nice as well.'
Instead of standing up to do what he wanted to do, he instead turn his head to look at the frame picture on his desk of him and his wife's wedding. The sight of it made him smile as he started reminiscing about that day.
A Few Years Ago
Noon, 17/05/2024
Today is a special day. The day that his past self did not foresee to ever happened, when he was put in probation, yet, here he was, standing near the altar, with his friends and family awaiting for the wedding to commence. Ren steeled himself from his nervousness, waiting for his bride to walk through the aisle.
'Makoto... in a wedding dress...'
For some reason, his shirt collar felt a bit tighter than usual at the thought of his soon-to-be wife in a wedding dress.
His thought was then interrupted as he felt a hand grabbing his shoulder. The hands of his best friend and best man of the wedding, Ryuji Sakamoto.
His best friend then spoke to him "You nervous dude?" He asked. He looked towards Ryuji, nervousness evident on his face.
Ren sigh "Yeah." He pinched the bridge of his nose as he continued "I don't get it honestly. I mean, I already prepared for this and I STILL got like this." He sighs again as he looked at him "Now I know how you feel during your wedding." They both laugh at that.
Ryuji stopped laughing before looking at his best friend with a smile on his face "Look, I know I ain't that good with words, but be confident in yourself. Try not to think somethin' that'll get you nervous. You got this dude, I know you do." He told him.
At those words, Ren let out a breath that he didn't know he held, before looking at Ryuji again with a more relaxed smile "Thanks man, I needed that." He thanked him.
Ryuji pulled him into a bro hug, which he reciprocate "Of course bro, anytime." Ryuji said. They stay like that for a minute before they break it up, fist bumping each other, before getting themself back into their position.
Ren straighten his collar as well as his tie, before wiping off a few sweats. He checked around the room to examine all the guest, which are mostly composed of close friends/confidants that he and the thieves made along the way, including Lavenza, who is currently taking care of a sleeping Morgana on her lap.
Before long, the door opened wide, revealing the bridesmaids, along with his bride. He was stunned as his eyes locked in to Makoto, not looking away for even a second. She was gorgeous, in ways that surpassed her usual looks. The beautiful yet elegant wedding dress, the flowery white headband, and the bright pink blush adorning her smile. She was truly a sight to behold.
'She is a goddess... my goddess.'
He smiled brightly, face flushed the same colour as her blush, as he held back the happy tears at the radiant sight before him. As she and the bridesmaids reached the altar, Makoto gave them a hug, before she stood in front of him, staring at each others eyes. They smiled at each other, a smiles that could never be broken on this special day. Alas, their eyes parted ways, as both of them turned towards their officiant. Toshiro Kasukabe, a candidate for the current prime minister, as well as a close comrade of the Phantom Thieves.
Toshiro cleared his throat, before he begins with the ceremony.
"Family and friends, thank you all for coming today to share in this wonderful occasion. Today we are here together to unite Ren Amamiya and Makoto Niijima in marriage."
He then looked towards the couple as he declared their intent for one another "Ren Amamiya and Makoto Niijima, wilt thou be willing to live and share your wealth with each other in matrimony?"
"We do."
"Would thou swear to your bones, that thou shalt love, honour, comfort, cherish and to protect each other until the day you die?"
"We do."
"Excellent. Now, I shall ask you both to exchange your vows." He told them
Ren, ever the gentleman that he is, decided to be the one to told her his vow. Taking a deep breath, he readied himself to recite what he wanted to say to her "Makoto, I would like to thank you for giving me another chance at love during a period where I thought of those moment as nothing but a fleeting dream." He begin "Listening and comforting me during my most vulnerable moment, spearheading the operation to release me from jail, and to never giving up on loving me even when we were apart. You are the light that shine above me during my lowest point, a-" He croaked, holding his tears before continuing his vow "-a partner that I did not deserve... and for that, you shall always be my Queen. Whatever the future may hold for us, just know that I, Ren Amamiya, will love you till the day I die." He concluded, feeling the dam close to breaking as he looked upon his bride, her eyes wide with surprise and joy, with her tear starting to fall onto her cheeks. He reached out a hand at her face, wiping the tears as he looked at her with adoration.
Makoto sniffled, taking a deep breath, before reciting her own vow "Ren, I thank you for being the first person to trust and acknowledge me when others shun me for who I am. You taught me on how to become more confident in myself, to show me things that I would never discover had you not pulled me out of my comfort zone, and to meet with people that I considered close to me." She sniffled, feeling the tears starting to fall "You have always been supportive of my goals, even before we became a couple, a kindness that I did not deserved from you. From the bottom of my heart, in body and soul, I Makoto Niijima, will always love you until the day I die." She concluded with her face now wet with tears. Closing her eyes, her head turned to face him as she gave him the brightest smile that he has ever seen.
"The shape of a ring, symbolised an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, representing your union with each other. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. When you look at these rings on your hands, you shalt be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other." Toshiro said. He then looked towards Ryuji, signalling him to bring their wedding rings. He nods, grabbing the opened box of rings, as he approach them.
Ryuji gave them both their rings before backing away behind Toshiro. With the final process of the ceremony now underway, Toshiro looked towards Ren "Ren Amamiya, place the ring on Makoto Niijima's finger and repeat after me:
Makoto Niijima, I give you this ring as a symbol of my unending love and my pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever." He told him. Nodding, Ren repeated the words as him put the ring on her soft finger.
Toshiro looked towards Makoto "And now...Makoto Niijima, place the ring on Ren Amamiya's finger and repeat after me:
Ren Amamiya, I give you this ring as a symbol of my unending love and pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever." He told her as well. Nodding, she repeated the words, choking from tears while she put the ring on Ren's finger. They both gaze at their rings, smiling, they lift their head once more to meet each others eye as Toshiro announces the end of the ceremony.
"Before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage, sealing this pledge with your wedding rings. By the authority vested in me, I shalt pronounce you as husband and wife. You may now kiss each other." And so they did. A loving, deep passionate kiss as they hear the sounds of their friends congratulating them of their marriage.
Back to the Present.
Ren sigh happily at the memory.
'Still can't believe this is my life now. I wonder if I cou-'
*Knock knock*
His thought was interrupted at the sudden knock. Putting photo frame back at his desk, he asked at the sudden visitor "Who is it?"
The visitor replied "It's Yoshida, may I come in, Amamiya-san?"
'Yoshida-san?'
Ren stood up and walk towards the door, opening it to let his visitor's in.
At the gesture, Yoshida bowed slightly, mouthing a 'Excuse me' towards Ren as he made his way in. He turned towards Ren "My apologies for the sudden visit Amamiya-san, I'm sure you're currently quite busy I would imagine."
Ren smiled slightly at the old man as he shook his head "Not really, I was just... reminiscing of the old days." He told him as he made his way towards his desk.
Yoshida chuckles "Must've been quite a good memory for you to reminisce about them." He joked as he sat down at the chair opposite of Ren.
"Hah, you've got that right." He replied. Now sitting at his chair, he asked him "So, what's with the sudden visit Yoshida-san? Are there going to be another meeting?"
The old man shook his head "Quite the contrary actually." He said. Ren quirked an eyebrow at that, letting the man to elaborate further "The meeting was postpone for tomorrow. So for today, you are now allowed to leave a lot earlier than usual." He told Ren.
'Huh?'
His eyes widened in surprise. It was quite rare for the Diet members to have a meeting postpone for another day, especially for those working closely with Yoshida, AKA Ren.
Yoshida just chuckled at the reaction "You did hear it correctly Amamiya-san. With how disastrous today's meeting was, it would be best for everyone, including you if the meeting was postpone." He reasoned.
Ren blinked, still surprised that he was allowed to leave this quickly, without having to do anymore paperwork. He slightly chuckled "Heh... sorry, just... wasn't expecting it to be honest." He told him.
The old man nodded "Understandably so." He stood up as he told him "Besides, today is quite a special day for you isn't it, Amamiya-san?"
Ren looked at him with a smile "I wasn't expecting an old man like you to remember Yoshida-san." He joked.
Yoshida laughed "Hahaha, I maybe old, but my mind is still quite sharp for an old man." He retorted, causing both of them to laugh.
[...]
Noon, 17/05/20XX, Shibuya
Swear I couldn't sleep a wink last night
No point in turning off the lights
Ren walked through the underground mall, listening to music through his airpods as he looked around for the shops he was currently looking for.
Rafflesia.
Not the same without your head on my shoulders
Growing pains, but I don't wanna get older
A peaceful flower shop that he used to work part-time in during their Phantom Thieves day. One of his favourite part-time jobs, besides Leblanc and Crossroad.
He wondered if it was still open these days.
Almost like we left it all on read
Couple feelings never laid to rest
He checked towards where the shop used to be and sure enough, it was still open.
He smiled, the shop still looked as nice as it was back then. Now with even more variety of beautiful flowers.
Didn't know that the party was over
And it's true that I need you here closer
He paused the music as he approaches the shop. When he arrived, Ren call out to the owner "Excuse me ma'am."
The owner turned around "Hm? Oh hello Amamiya-san, what brings you here?" She asked him, greeting him with a polite smile.
He greet her back "I'm looking to buy some flowers before visiting the graveyard." He told her.
She nodded "Nothing specific?" The owner asked him. He pondered a bit, before shaking his head for his answer. She replied with a nod "Alright then, please wait a moment." She told him, right before she walked inside the store.
As if on queue, a message notification sounded from his phone. He turned on his phone, checking on who it is. It was a message from Futaba.
'Hm? what is she- oh.'
Mrs. Gremlin
Mrs. Gremlin: Dude, where in the hell did you keep the damn milk? Inari told me that he didn't find shit when I asked him to get them in the kitchen.
Ren: Wait, for real? I thought they're at the fridge.
Mrs. Gremlin: Bruh, there's no milk at the fridge.
Ren: You 2 haven't check the back of the fridge?
Mrs. Gremlin: ...
Mrs. Gremlin: Hold on for a sec.
Ren: Bruh.
Ren mentally facepalm.
'Why didn't they just checked?'
Mrs. Gremlin: ...
Mrs. Gremlin: So uh... I found them...
Ren: Told ya it's there.
Ren: Why do you even need milk anyway? are the kids hungry?
Mrs. Gremlin: Well, yeah? why the fuck else do you think I asked Inari for it?
Ren: Good point.
Ren: Btw, how's the kids?
Mrs. Gremlin: Like defeating the first boss.
Mrs. Gremlin: With only the starting weapon.
Ren: I'm surprised that you both handled it well.
Ren: Oh...
Mrs. Gremlin: I'm mostly talking 'bout Rei btw.
Mrs. Gremlin: Seriously, she's goddamn menace compared to Minoru.
"Excuse me, Amamiya-san."
"Hm?" Ren looked up from his phone, as he sees the owner in front of him "Oh right." He pocketed his phone, before pulling out his wallet.
"Apologies for not noticing your footsteps, I was a bit preoccupied." He apologises to the owner, to which she just chuckled.
She responded "It's quite alright Amamiya-san, the mall usually aren't very quiet anyway, haha."
Pulling out a few Yen from his wallet, he gave the money to the owner, a little more than necessary. He told her to keep the change, before they both bid farewell to each other.
'Flowers acquired, now just need to go visit one more place before I'll go home.'
Awaiting for the train to arrive, Ren fetched his phone and decided to open YouCube to spend his time, mostly just to look for some music to listen to. It didn't take long for the train to arrives and to his surprise, the cart's aren't packed like sardines currently; still no seats available though.
'At least I'm not gonna have a sore arm after this.'
Putting the flower in his bag, Ren noticed that there was a new messages from Futaba. Checking their PM, Futaba sent him a picture of a sleeping Yusuke being painted by his kids, with Futaba's grin being slightly visible at the side. He chuckles, smiling at the sight.
Mrs. Gremlin
Mrs. Gremlin: Look what your spawns did to my Fiance.
Ren: What? he looks great with that make up.
Mrs. Gremlin: I know, I'm a great influence aren't I?
Ren: Sure Jan.
[...]
Afternoon, 17/05/20XX, Aoyama Cemetery
Burning Photos
Had to learn to let go
Ren entered the cemetery, flowers on hand as he quietly walked through the paved road.
I used to be
As he walked, Ren admired the beautiful and calm atmosphere of the cemetery. He breathed in the fresh air of springs, calming himself down.
Somebody in another skin
Nearing his destination, he tighten his grip on the flowers. He was tense, yet calm at the same time.
I heard that, you're happy, without me
And I hope it's true
Ren stopped in his track, as he sees a girl with platinum hair and a deep blue attire, sitting right next to the headstone. He didn't believe his eyes for a seconds, before confirming that It was indeed, Lavenza.
It kills me, a little, that's okay
'Cause I'd die for you
He approaches the grave and Lavenza slowly, as he put on a small smile on his face. Turning her head to the side, Lavenza notices Ren, waving her hand towards him, which he reciprocate.
Lavenza stands up to face him, as she politely greet him "Hello Trickster."
You know I'd still die, for you
Ren turned of the music on his phone, before greeting her back "Hello to you to Lavenza."
Now arrived at the grave, he sat down on his leg, as he leaned forward to place the flower above the grave.
Noticing the gesture, Lavenza walked away quietly to give him some alone time. A gesture that he appreciated. He take a deep breath, looking towards the headstone with a smile.
"Hey, it's been a while hasn't it?"
"Makoto."
As soon as he spells out her name, the memory of what occured 2 years ago, came flooding back.
2 Years Ago
Rainy Evening, 16/05/2027, Hospital
Ren rushed inside the building, not caring for how cold and wet his body is. He asked in a panic tone, towards the receptionist to tell him at which room his wife is currently located in, before he hurriedly rushed through the corridor once he got them.
His mind was filled with dread and panic, as he the word from the police chief kept ringing inside his mind "Niijima was severely wounded."
When he receive those words during a meeting, Ren immediately got up and rush through the door, not caring or even elaborating on why he was running in absolute panic.
He kept on running through the hospital, stumbling every once in a while. The dread made it seems like the hospital was starting to stretch longer and longer everytime he took a step.
Eventually, he reaches the room she was currently in, with one of her squad-mate sitting near the entrance as a certain black cat rested on his lap, clearly distressed. Morgana called out to him, prompting the officer to look towards him as Morgana ran to him. He stood up to greet him, offering Ren his seat to rest and catch his breath. He sat down, heavily panting from exhaustion as he stared at the door with worry. Morgana jump to his lap to comfort him when the slightly wounded officer started recounting what happened during their operation, apologising profusely throughout the story.
The doors of the room opened, interrupting the officer as the doctor and nurse exit out of the room. Both of them looked towards the visitors, a sombre expression clear on both of their face as they relayed the news.
"We...have done the best that we could to save her, but with the wound she sustained...I'm afraid that there is nothing that we could've done to save her...I'm sorry."
'N-no...th-there is no way. S-she couldn't...'
He was frozen in shock at the news, his body slightly shaking as tear started to fall from his eyes. He stood up and walked away for a few steps, before collapsing onto the floor as he cried out in despair.
Makoto Amamiya-Niijima (23 April 1998 - 16 May 2026)
Status: Deceased
Time of Death: 16:47
Present Day
Afternoon, 17/05/2029, Aoyama Cemetery
Ren wiped his tears as he stared at Makoto's headstone "Sorry that I couldn't visit more often, life's been a bit busy after I last visit." He says with a melancholy smile. Ren then felt a touch on his hand from the wind, as if it was her way to tell him to 'not worry'. He slightly shivered, as a smile creeped up on his face.
"Heh...c'mon, just let me apologise for not visiting often, Mako. You know you missed me." He quietly laughed at his teasing, as the wind 'jab' at his ribs "Haha...ha..." He sigh "I missed you a lot, you know...everyone do..." He says to her.
He felt a shivering sensation on his lips, which caught him off guard. He smiled "Heh...sorry 'bout that, guess I haven't gotten over it huh?" He shook his head, changing the topic "Welp, enough of the sappy shit. Happy 4th year anniversary Queen, hopefully you're doing alright, wherever you are. Me and kids have been doing well, if you're wondering." He paused a bit, before continuing "Sorry for not going here with the kids, I promise I'll bring them here with everyone, next visit." He told her with a smile.
The wind stops momentarily.
He let out a contented sigh "You remember when we both got together? god, we're such an awkward dork aren't we." He smiles at the memory "I still remember how awkward our first date was when we rode the ferris wheel and how cute you are when the cars started shaking a bit when the ride started." He chuckled "Good times..."
A comfortable silence fell upon him. He closed his eyes, smiling as he felt the slight breeze touch his whole body.
Ren opened his eyes, rising up from the ground as he looked towards the grave in front of him "Sorry that I couldn't be here for longer, but I promise I'll visit you sooner, alright?" He turned around, a smile still on his face as he says his goodbye.
"Goodbye, Makoto." He said, before walking away.
"Goodbye, Ren."