#shumako week day 5

[jackattack20writes]

FanFic Recommendations for Feedback Fest 2024

Since the 15th of Feb is apparently fanworks day I’m doing an early list of Fic recs to celebrate in no particular order from various fandoms that’ve taken root in my mind at some point or another.

Fatumonagatari By ScyllaAlter

Fandom: Fate/Stay Night | Rating: T+ | Ship: A mix of everyone in Fate/Stay Night but with an emphasis on Shirou/Saber

Shirou Emiya becomes the center of several conflicts, each surrounding a different girl.

(This is an entire Monogatari au)

Forever and Ever By DreamyMarry

Fandom: Bleach | Rating: T+ | Ship: IchiRuki

Rukia talks to the most important women in her life, makes plans and gets herself a fianceé. Ichigo just wouldn't argue it was quite in that order.

In Vino Cogitatio Bona By Strypgia

Fandom: Neon Genesis Evangelion | Rating: T+ | Ship: AsuShin

December 4th, 2015. Everyone is at NERV HQ trying to get the Third Child out of Unit-01. No one cares Asuka is alone and feeling miserable on her birthday. So she decides it's time Misato's forest of bottles does her a favor. After all, Misato thinks liquor is the solution to everything, right? Asuka's turn. And of course, this leads to Good Ideas...

Trains That Lead Me Back To You By Skylin3

Fandom: Persona 5 | Rating: General | Ship: ShuMako

Makoto simply has too much to deal with right now. She just wants to go back and focus on what really matters to her; her education. Maybe someone will be there to cheer her up.

Makoto Niijima Week Day 6 - Train

Gradually By Croeses

Fandom: Persona 3 | Rating: T+ | Ship: ShuYuka

Makoto, Yukari and moments throughout the year.

A Battle Of Love and Piracy By SonnieCelanna

Fandom: My Hero Academia | Rating: T+ | Ship: IzuMomo

Izuku and Momo have been friends for years despite their wildly different stations, and their favourite game to play together was always "Pirates and Solidiers.", in fact Izuku would claim Momo was obessed with pirates. So what will she do when he gets kidnapped by them in an attack on their village?

Seeing Red By SpellCleaver

Fandom: Star Wars | Rating: General | Ship: LuMara

Luke and Mara visit Vader on Mustafar to break the news of their engagement.

The Future We Build Together By Tren

Fandom: Fate/Stay Night | Rating: General | Ship: Sunny Days Trio (Saber/Shirou/Rin)

Rin did not expect her day to be interrupted by the need to help her boyfriend (not-exactly-legal mage) and her girlfriend (Actual King Arthur), but some things can't be helped.

Especially, when you love them very much.

Crossroads of Fate By PumpkinTeacup

Fandom: Bleach & Doctor Who | Rating: T+ | Ship: IchiRuki

It was Ichigo’s birthday, and Rukia was not going to visit.

But fate was a funny thing. While some events were fixed into the flow of reality as if carved into stone, others only needed a slight nudge into place for destiny to unfold as it should. Even in the form of a simple meal with her time-traveling friend.

For Ichiruki Month 2020, AU week, Day 20: Romeo and Juliet

Flash Fire Photography By AriadneKurosaki

Fandom: Bleach | Rating: T+ | Ship IchiRuki

The annual Eighth District Firefighter Calendar is always a big hit, raising millions of yen for charity and causing more than a few fires of the metaphorical kind. When her boss gets sick at the last minute, photographer Kuchiki Rukia steps in to make sure the project stays on schedule. It's just a photo shoot, and she's a professional. It can't be that hard to take pictures of a bunch of firefighters for a good cause, even if they're posing shirtless.

She didn't really count on one particular firefighter being hotter than the fires he's supposed to put out...

[thumbsupping]

It only took me almost half a year but I finally published a new fic, a ShuMako fic for day one of ShuMako Summer Week 2023!!!

Yes it is for day one, and yes I published it on day 2.

Turning things in on time has never been my strong suit.

[eiko82]

This post contains end game spoilers for Persona 5 Royal.

 1.  My favourites are: Makoto's awakening, when the Phantom Thieves go to the beach, the traitor reveal and when they celebrate Christmas together.

My least favourite moments are: The fallout/fight between Morgana and the gang in Sept and when the girls hit Ryuji after Shido's Palace. 

2. Favourites are Makoto, Haru and Yusuke.

 Least favourite is Morgana. I can't really say that he is my least favourite. It's more a case of "he is the one that I'm the least interested in". 

3. Not in particular, no.

 4. No. 

5.   Ann. I headcanon her as bi for loving Shiho and Ryuji. 

6.    Yes, I did. I think that she added some interesting point of views. All the other PTs are unpopular and/or outcasts shunned by most people. Sumire is the opposite: through the game, it's shown that she was a popular girl, loved by teachers and fellow students ...... until she failed to live up to their expectations. It showed that even the most popular people can suffer if they don't  live to others' expectations.

 Throughout the game, you would regularly see people being very pro or anti Phantom  Thieves. I liked that she wasn't either. She dared to question if solely relying on the PTs was wise and if people shouldn't solve their own problems. Regardless on whether you agree with her or not, I liked that she offered a different point of view.

 When she first awakened to her Persona in Oct, she had no interest in joining the PTs instead preferring to focus on her passion of gymnastics.

 I think it  was nice to have a character who didn't really seem *that* interested in the Phantom Thieves.

Having said, I'm not a big fan of her story in the third semester. For lack of a better word, I think her behaviour comes across as a bit fickle. She spent MONTHS living  as her sister. When she discovers the truth, she begs Maruki to let her continue living  her life as Kasumi. She spends a whole week at his Palace and after she gets rescued from Maruki on the 8th of Jan, she changes her opinion in exactly 2 days. It felt too sudden.

I think it would've been more interesting if Sumire remained loyal to Maruki to show that not everyone is strong enough to deal with their pain/trauma. 

7.   Favourites are : Shumako (Ren x Makoto), ShuKita (Ren  x Yusuke) , YusuHaru (Yusuke x Haru), MakoHaru, (Makoto x Haru),   AnnShiho (Ann x Shiho), Ryuji x Sumire and RyuAnn (Ryuji x Ann).

 Least favourites are any Ren x adult ships. 

8.  Best: Joker/Ren

Worst: Ann. Those pink washer gloves are a crime against fashion. 

9.   Yes, Haru deserved more screen time. I'm happy that Royal added some more screen time like Haru getting asked to take care of the flowers and Haru talking to Mishima during the parc cleanup. But she deserved more. 

10. Favourites are Makoto (love the fake dating trope), Sojiro, Yusuke and Haru.

 Least Favourite are Iwai and Yoshida. I just don't really care for their stories.    

11. Best: Tae

Worst: Iwai  

12. Overall, I prefer Royal. I think that it added a lot of cool new things, both story-wise and gaming-wise.

 However, ending-wise, nothing can beat the good Vanilla ending where everyone drives Ren home. It really showed how close everyone was. It was a wonderful feel-good ending.

 With Royal, that part has more of a "well, nice knowing you" vibe and I don't like that. They all went through so much. They're close friends. They deserved better than that brief goodbye. 

13. Absolutely yes! He is a real joker (pun intended). 

14. I think that the third semester story should've happened later in the year. One of the things that I really liked about the vanilla good ending was that you see all your friends and confidants rally together to free Ren in the 6-7 weeks between Christmas and the 13th of Feb.

In Royal, after the third semester events, the same thing happens in 9-10 days. I'm not saying that it's completely realistic to get someone out of jail in 6 weeks time but it's a LOT more believable than seeing the same thing happen in 9 days. Kinda broke my suspension of disbelief. 

15. I don't have any.  

16. Ren Amamiya. 

17. Best: Kamoshida and Madarame.  I love Kamoshida's because his Palace is the most fucked up IMO. He doesn't dehumanize his victims. He knows exactly what they look like and he doesn't care how much he hurts them.

I really like Madarame's for being really gaudy with all that gold. Worst: Shido's. Fuck those mouse puzzles!! 

18. Best: Sae

Worst: Mementos. 

19. I don't think so but I can see why others see differently. 

20. The sky is blue, grass is green and Ann is gay for Shiho.

She is definitely gay for Shiho. 

21. I think that he was an awesome addition to P5. He is one of the most fascinating antagonists IMO. I feel somewhat conflicted about fighting him because he does  have good intentions unlike the other P5 antagonists but brainwashing  people is not okay. 

22. Ngl it always breaks my heart  to wake up everyone from their perfect realities, especially Futaba and Haru. They look SO HAPPY with their (dead) parent in their perfect reality. But yes, I do think that Joker was right to wake them up, no matter how heartbreaking it is. 

23. Akechi grew up feeling unloved and unwanted. Before the events at Christmas, I think that  his perfect reality would've been to be surrounded by people who truly loved and supported him.

 After Christmas, I honestly don't know. 

24. Ren once joked to Maruki that his cat had a crush on Ann and probably wished that he was human so he had a chance with her. 

25. Yes and no. I feel like most of the PTs take a massive step back after their arc finishes.

Reply to this post your answers to any of the following:

Favorite and least favorite moment/scene/line from the game

Favorite and least favorite character from the game

If you think Xander Mobus gave Joker a hot voice or not

If you ever paused the screen just to listen to said voice (🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️)

Who you think is the gayest member of the Phantom Thieves

If you enjoyed Sumire’s inclusion or not

Favorite and least favorite ship(s) in the fandom

Who you think has the best and worst Phantom Thief outfit

If you think Haru had too little screen time and if she deserved more

Favorite and least favorite Social link

Best and worst Confidant (outside of the PTs, Akechi, and Sumire)

If you prefer Royal or Vanilla

If you think Joker was given a personality or not

Most useless scene/aspect of the game

Worst and best line

Which canon name you prefer for Joker

Best and worst Palace

Best and worst Palace theme

If Joker and Akechi’s interactions feel gay or nah

If you think Ann is gay for Shiho

Opinion on Maruki’s character (if his inclusion was done well or not, his status as a antagonist, etc)

Whether Joker was right to break his friends free of their perfect realities

What you think Akechi’s perfect reality would look like (unless he’s too jaded to have anything of the sort)

How the hell Maruki knew Morgana wanted to be human (this one’s mainly a joke lol but feel free to answer anyway)

If you feel like Ann’s character significantly changed after the first two arcs (I still love her, but I feel like she became dumber).

[spyder-m]

Shumako Week 2020, Day Five: Put Some Love Into It

@shumakoweek​ Day Five: Coffee / Cooking / Dinner Date.

AO3 / FF.net

Summary:  When her sister spoke fondly of the coffee sold by a shop in Yongen, Makoto felt compelled to try it. AU 

.

Makoto wasn't entirely sure what had brought her to the coffee shop in Yongen-jaya. The cafe had been out of her way, the complete opposite direction from both her apartment and the University campus. 

It seemed like a lot of effort to go to for something she could have just as easily bought from a vending machine, or one of the many chain stores dotted around the city.

Yet, hearing her older sister speak so fondly of the store's coffee had piqued her interest.

Sae was a perfectionist. For the coffee to have left such a good impression on her, it must have been of the highest quality.

Seeing as she rarely stopped by their apartment, perhaps Makoto had also hoped they might run into each other there.

Leblanc was tucked away in a narrow alley, boasting its own hustle and bustle unique from the sprawling metropolis. There were smatterings of children, families and pets, moving about between the local businesses.

Bells chimed as Makoto stepped through the front door, her body enveloped by warmth and the permeating scent of cigarettes and the store's many roasts.

It drew her eyes to the shelf lined with a variety of beans and spices. Makoto considered herself quite capable in the culinary department, yet she never realised there were so many different blends of coffee to choose from.

The range was rather overwhelming.

"Oh, welcome."

A middle-aged man stooping over the counter set down his newspaper to greet her. He stood beside a contraption made of numerous bulbs and clasps, appearing more like something out of a laboratory than any machine she’d seen in cafes.

"What can I get for you?"

"I- I'm not quite sure." Makoto answered, eyes drawn to the menu board. "There certainly is a lot to choose from."

"A newbie, huh?" The owner chuckled, before turning and setting to work. "Hold on. I can make you something I think you'll enjoy."

Hesitant, the strap of Makoto's bag slipped from her shoulder as she seated herself at the counter.

A black cat sauntered down the stairs with a stretch of its limbs and a long, deep meow, sniffing at her feet, curious. Makoto eyed the animal. For many businesses, its mere presence would be an obvious health violation.

Did Leblanc also double as a cat cafe?

"Here you are." The man called, Makoto's focus shifting back the counter-top as a steaming cup was placed before her.

"Oh, thank you."

Coffee was something Makoto had developed a taste for in high school; the caffeine helping her concentrate during long study sessions. While, over the years, she'd found a tolerance for the bitter nectar, it was never really something she savoured or choose to drink for any purpose other than necessity.

She was, by no means, a connoisseur.

Yet, the care shown to this particular blend was apparent to her from the moment it settled on her tongue. No sooner had the first sip of rich, brown liquid trickled down her throat, that Makoto was struck by a realisation.

She had never truly drunk coffee before. 

The city was crowded by people all in a hurry, rushing to make a train or their next meeting. They needed their coffee prepared as quickly as possible, the margin for quality wasn't quite as high.

Yet, in this shop, tucked away from the rush and demand, the owner had been afforded the time and luxury necessary to capture a roasts potential. Customers would wait patiently, sitting, engaged in relaxed conversation; almost an entirely different culture that Makoto had not been privy to.

Nursing her drink, Makoto began mentally mapping out alternate routes she could take to class; wondering if she could feasibly pass Leblanc on her way to University.

She would definitely be coming again.

.

The cafe provided a safe haven for Makoto when mid-terms rolled around.

Even having stayed at the top of her year and been entrenched in regular study sessions for as long as she could remember, the academic demands of University still gave Makoto challenge.

She was now competing against some of the best performing students from across the country, many of whom; like her; had scored the highest grades in elite prep schools. Makoto still held the coveted, number one spot but was having to work harder than she ever had before to maintain it.

Though normally favouring the library to study, Makoto had opted to avoid heading there for today. The facilities were packed out at this time of year, with students all trying desperately to fit in a last-minute binge of the term's curriculum, praying that the information would stick.

Finding a place to sit would be a nightmare. 

The ambiance of Leblanc, however, would allow her the concentration necessary for one last refresher of notes for her next exam. As well as a much-needed shot of caffeine.

"Oh. Welcome."

The unfamiliar voice startled Makoto, drawing her to a person behind the counter she did not recognise. Dressed casually in a button-down shirt and jeans; he peered towards her, his dark, shaggy head masked by glasses.

He was young, much closer to her in age than Sakura-san; or any of the cafe's regular clientele, for that matter. Seeming out of place amidst the shop's rather rustic decor.

Makoto wondered, momentarily, if she had mistakenly stepped through the wrong door, the evening having coated the streets in darkness.

Yet her eyes carried over the familiar canisters of beans and spices, suddenly enveloping her again in that eerie, nervous energy she had felt before. This sense of being out of place that Makoto thought she had managed to dispel. As though, in this stranger’s presence, the safe haven she had sought was slowly slipping away, an alien replica forming in its place.

"H- hello," she ventured after a moment. "Is- Is Boss around?"

The man behind the counter shock his head, black waves of hair rustling slightly with the movement.

"He had to step out for a moment. Left me in charge to run the store."

"Oh."

While the young man seemed pleasant enough, any further thought of conversation was stifled by Makoto's struggle placing the young man before her.

From the apron, and his position behind the counter, it was obvious he was working here. Yet, Makoto found this confusing. She had thought Sakura-san ran a one-man operation. Leblanc didn't seem like it did the business to afford, or even warrant, other employees.

Still, no other possible explanation could come to her. The only family Boss had mentioned to her had been a daughter, so this couldn't have been relative of his.

As she usually stopped by in the morning, it made sense that she wouldn't have seen him, until now.

Conscious suddenly that she had been standing, silently pondering, for several seconds; the part-timer still watching her expectantly; Makoto flushed.

"W- well, in that case. May I have a cup of Jamaican Blue?"

It was the first blend Boss had made for her. In a way, the aroma and flavour that had forged her connection to the Cafe and Boss. Perhaps retracing that palette would remind her of the comfort this room had brought her, making her feel home in her own skin and extending an olive branch to the stranger before her.

Blossoming perhaps a similarly fruitful relationship.

"Sure thing," the barista saluted. "I can't promise my coffee will be as good as Boss', but I am learning."

Though she wouldn’t dare admit it aloud, his words held true. His coffee was not as refined as Boss’. Still, it was familiar in its care, in the depth of its flavour profile. As she sipped from the cup with a contented sigh, it was clear to Makoto that he had followed the man’s instructions closely and would bud into a fine protégé.  

"So, what brings you here tonight?" The barista asked her between sips.

Normally such a conversation might bother Makoto, particularly when she had plans to study, but the man's easy smile and soothing timbre were welcome. Setting down her cup, she replied.

"I'm in the middle of exams at Tokyo University. I was hoping to get some last-minute revision in and needed the kick."

"Tokyo, huh? Isn't this kind out of your way? Or do you live around here?"

"No, I don’t. But the coffee is worth it. It's ruined me for anything else in the city."

"Really?" He chuckled. "Perhaps I could teach you then? That way you don't have to keep coming here."

Makoto smiled softly at the man's quip, but in all honesty she enjoyed coming here. Despite the laborious trips and extra train fare, sitting and savouring each finely prepared roast made it worthwhile. The store had a different atmosphere from anywhere else in the city.

"Oh, no. I couldn't trouble you. I don't have the equipment at home anyway."

She could only imagine how much she would need to save to be able to afford a proper coffee siphon like that. Nor where she could source beans the quality that Sakura-san used.

"Oh yeah, that's a problem." The part-timer nodded, scratching his head. "Still, it couldn't hurt to try."

Makoto's fingers stroked against her chin, weighing the temptation in her mind.

Though she had more pressing obligations, she couldn't deny her curiosity. She had watched Sakura-san prepare coffee many times and still hadn't been able to wrap her head around everything it involved.

"Are you sure it’s okay?"

"Why not?" The barista shrugged. "It's pretty much dead here, anyway."

Her books and plans to study momentarily forgotten, Makoto set her bag down; slipping on the apron that was handed to her in its place.

He led her meticulously through the process. Measuring out and grinding the coffee, using timers and thermometers to make sure everything was precise. Even breaking things down slowly, Makoto was a little overwhelmed.

To think that Sakura-san and his apprentice had to recall such an involved recipe off hand, all to make a single cup of coffee.

It was no wonder why they were of such quality. The love and effort that was devoted to each blend could not be substituted.  

His tutoring was disrupted by bells tinkered as the front door opened. Heart catching in her throat, Makoto turned as Sakura-san took her in; apron and all; with a look of bewilderment.

“Niijima-san? What are you doing here?” His employee waved from beside her with a sheepish grin “And you?

As Makoto attempted to stammer out an explanation, Sakura-san’s eyes narrowed at the space between, a mischievous, knowing glimmer crossing his features. 

"Oh. I’m sorry,” He said, voice suddenly devoid of any confusion.  “I didn’t realise you had company.”

“Boss, I-” Makoto's head bowed, apprehensive to meet his gaze.

“Please, don’t leave on my account. This old man’ll get out of your hair. Just make sure you lock up, kid.”

Though she wasn’t looking directly towards him, from her periphery, she could’ve sworn she caught Boss winking behind the counter, in their direction.

Puzzled, she glanced over at the man beside her who shrugged, a breathless laugh trailing from his lips.

It struck her as odd that the part-timer didn’t seem at all concerned about being caught by Boss in such a manner.

“I’m sorry. I hope you aren’t in any trouble.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it.” His hand waved, non-plussed. “I doubt he’s gonna fire me flirting with a customer. If anything, he’s probably pleased.”

“Y- you were flirting with me?”

“Well, I guess it wasn’t the most conventional method, but...” He blushed, rubbing at the back of his neck. “Yeah, that’s what I was going for”

“Oh. I- I see.”

Though she hadn’t thought anything of it, in hindsight, it seemed a rather strange offer to make out of the blue. From the way they had been standing close to one another, his hands helping to guide her through each step. Now that he had clarified, it seemed obvious.  

Shrinking in on herself from embarrassment, Makoto struggled to peel her gaze from the floor. The chain of events she had just endured leaving her mortified.

"It's uh... It's getting late. I might take this to go, if that’s alright.”

“Oh. Sure.”

Makoto wasn't even sure if Leblanc offered take-away drinks, typically, but the barista nonetheless retrieved a Styrofoam cup from behind the counter. Hands dipping into his pocket, he fished out a black marker and began to scrawl something on the side of the cup, pausing briefly to glance up at her.

“You know, I never caught your name.”

“Huh? Oh, it's Niijima. Niijima Makoto.”

Makoto frowned, wondering what reason he could possibly need her name for. She was the only one in the store, there wouldn't be any need for him to call it out.

“I'm Amamiya Ren.” He replied as he set the cup back down and began pouring out her coffee. “Pleased to meet you, Niijima-san. Seeing as you're a regular here, I guess I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah.”

Ren was careful to turn the cup away as he handed it over, shielding whatever he'd written from view. Bursting with curiosity, Makoto held off the urge to turn it around until she'd made it outside, beyond the reach of his gaze.

She was surprised to find printed there carefully was not her name but a series of digits – his number, presumably.

Rolling her eyes, a fond smile lifted Makoto's expression as she took another sip; the rich taste seeping tantalisingly between her lips.

She would definitely be coming back.

[shumakoweek]

Written for ShuMako week 2019 Day 5 Theme: Nerves / Jealousy Makoto tried to follow along with Ren's panicked explanation of what had happened on the rooftop of Shujin Academy, but the poor fluffy haired teenager was too shaken. What exactly had transpired between Ren and the newest member of the Phantom Thieves, and why did it cause Makoto to get so angry?

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #469: Wholesome GroupChat Shenanigans (Persona 5 x SSBU)

Ann: You guys, it finally happened!

Makoto: What finally happened?

Ann: Lucas finally called me and Shiho "Big Sis" for the first time!! :D

Haru: Awww~

Ren: Nice.

Makoto: That's so sweet.

Ryuji: Oh yeah. I forgot the kiddo went to Shiyuba with you guys for the weekend. How's he doing?

Ann: He's doing great. Me and him are watching some T.V. while Shiho make breakfast for us.

Ann: Lucas wanted to say hi to you guys. So I'm having him join our chat.

The Precious Sunflower has joined the Chat.

Lucas: Hi guys!

Makoto: Hello, Lucas :)

Haru: Good morning sweetheart

Ren: Lil' Bro!

Ryuji: LIL' BRO!

Lucas: Big Bros! It's so good to see you guys! :D

Ren: Likewise, little man :)

Ryuji: How's the weekend with the ladies going along? They're not boring you too much there, are they lol?

Ann: >:(((

Lucas: Be nice, Ryuji. They're not boring me at all. I'm having a really great time with the both of them so far.

Makoto: That's good to hear. We're glad you three are enjoying your time together.

Ann: Tell me about it. We're planning on taking another scroll around town after we finish with Breakfast.

Ryuji: Sweet. We went to this pretty cool fireworks show in Smash Town last night.

Lucas: Wait..... There was a Fireworks Show yesterday? I didn't know that.

Ren: Yeah. I only knew about it in the last minute or two. We're supposed to go back there tonight for an Encore. Maybe you guys can come with

Lucas: Only if Ann and Shiho is okay with going too.

Ann: Anywhere you want to go is totally okay with us, kiddo. We want you to be happy and enjoy yourself :)

Lucas: Thanks, Big sis! You guys are the best! :D

Haru: Awwwwwww~

Ann: Uploaded Selfie with the Precious Sunflower.jpeg

Ren: Now that's just adorable.

Haru: Goodness. Now I know how you feel when you witness something so precious, Ann-san~

Makoto: Yeah lol. Even I have to admit that this is too cute for words.

Ryuji: You know, the more I look into this pic, I can definitely see you guys actually being related lol

Lucas: Well despite our hair color being different from one another, I wouldn't mind having someone like Ann as my big sister.

Ann: Sweetheart.....I wouldn't mind having you as my little brother too :'D

Lucas: Oh no! Did I made you cry just now?!

Ann: Aww~ Don't worry, kiddo. I'm not actually crying. It's just a emoji I just made is all lol.

Lucas: Ohhhhhhhhh....I see. Lol Sorry about that.

Ryuji: No worries, Lil' Bro. Your big sis' always get overdramatic in stuff like this.

Ann: Be very lucky that I'm at mines and Shiho's apartment right now with Lucas, Sakamoto!!! >:(((

Ryuji: Oooooooooh I'm so shaken lol

Lucas: Guys, come on. Please don't fight.

Haru: It's okay, Lucas-san. They're not actually fighting with one another.

Ann: Haru's right, kiddo. We're just messing around like we always do.

Ryuji: Yeah, man. It's all good. We promise.

Lucas: Okay. I believe you guys %100 :)

Ann: Thanks, sweetie.

Makoto: Okay. Now with all of that out of the way, I believe I have announcement to make.

Ren: Wait. Makoto. You sure you wanna do this?

Makoto: Yeah. Or at least I think I do. We do have to tell them about this eventually after all.

Ren: Well, okay. Just know that I'm right here to support you.

Makoto: I know, 'hon. Thank you :)

Ann: Alright, you two. What's up?

Ryuji: Yeah. What's the announcement?

Haru: Is it serious?

Makoto: Not necessary. But it is something I need to tell you guys.

Ann: Well don't keep us at suspense, Queen. What's the news?

Makoto: Okay. So.....Me and Ren talk about a few things last night at the Fireworks show together and......We both decided to move into apartment together in the near future!

Ann: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!!!!!

Ryuji: FOR REAL?!!!!!!!

Haru: Oh my!

Lucas: Really?!

Ren: Yep. It's the truth. We just enjoy each other's company so much that we actually wanted to move in together someday.

Makoto: When we're in our early to mid twenties and getting the hang of college. We know it'll be challenging in some areas, but as long we got each other backs, I fully believe that we can make it together.

Ann: Oh...............My............GAAAAWWWD!!!! You guyssssssss!!!! THAT'S AMAZING

Haru: That's wonderful!! I'm so happy for the both of you! :D

Ryuji: My bro's about to grow up.... I'm already so proud! :')

Lucas: That's sounds really great, you guys! Congratulations! :D

Makoto: Thank you guys so much. Truth be told, we're both kind of nervous about the whole thing.

Ren: Yeah. Neither of us want to mess it up or anything, you know?

Ann: Ah don't you two worry. Like I said before, Shiho and I live together on a apartment for the summer. So we can try giving you guys some pointers.

Ryuji: Plus, you really don't have to worry about all of that right now. We're still high schoolers, remember? We have a few more years ahead of us.

Haru: It's best to live the present life to the fullest instead of worrying what would be like in the future.

Makoto: I suppose you all are right about this. We have been thinking about this all day and everything....

Lucas: Hey, Ren, Can I ask you something?

Ren: Sure thing, Lil' Bro.

Lucas: If you and Ms. Makoto are going to move in together someday, don't you guys have to get married first?

Ren: AFGHHCGHFJNN

Makoto: JVGFGCZZGNHF

Ryuji: LMAO Ah man I knew this would happen eventually!!

Ann: Lucas, sweetie, I think you might have broken our Joker and Queen just now lol

Lucas: Sorry, Ren and Ms. Makoto! I didn't mean to break you.

Ren: It's alright, kiddo. Really. Your question just took us by surprise is all.

Makoto: Ren's right, Lucas. There's no need to apologise. And to answer your question: Couples in their twenties doesn't have to be engaged in order to move in with one another just yet.

Ren: Plus, we're wayyyyyy to young to get married now.

Makoto: That's right. Plus, I really don't think your two moms would be too happy of us doing so in our current age, Ren.

Ren: Well I know Goddess Mom would scold me to the heavens about rushing ourselves in a marriage. Not entirely sure what my Witch Mom would do though....

Makoto: It's best not to worry about that. What you DO need to worry about is that sneaky little gremlin grinning at us from a distance.

Ren: No...... Makoto, please tell me you don't mean.....

Makoto: Yup.

The Oracle has Joined the Chat

Futuba: Oh Big Brother Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen~

Ren: Oh God. What, sis?

Futuba: You and the Queen are about to move in together in the future?~

Ren: Yes.......Yes we are.

Makoto: It's the truth.............. You're gonna start teasing us nonstop, are you?

Futuba: What do you think? >:)

Ren: Crap.

Ann: Hey! No swearing in front of our Sunflower, Ren! >:(

Bonus

Lucas and Ashley Chat Message

Lucas: Hi, Ashley!

Ashley: Hello, Lucas. How are things going in Shiyuba? Has Ann and Ms. Shiho has been treating you well?

Lucas: Shiyuba is amazing so far. And Big Sis Ann and Shiho are great too.

Ashley: Already starting to call those two your big sisters, huh lol?

Lucas: Yeah. But I'm not complaining lol.

Ashley: I know you're not. I'm really happy for you, Lucas.

Lucas: Thanks. So how are things back at the mansion.

Ashley: Hectic as usual. Everyone there has already started to miss you though.

Lucas: Aww...Tell everyone I missed them too, okay?

Ashley: Got it. But.......I miss you a lot more, you know? :(

Lucas: Awwwwwww.....Ashley....I miss you a lot too. But I'm promise we'll see each other again later on today.

Ashley: Wait. Seriously?!

Lucas: Yeah. We're going to a Fireworks Show on the town's beach tonight. It's actually an Encore show since we didn't go there yesterday.

Ashley: What a coincidence lol. We're actually going there to the Encore show too.

Lucas: For real?!

Ashley: Yep. Hopefully we can see each other then?

Lucas: You got it! I love you, Ashley.

Ashley: I love you too, Lucas. And until we see each other tonight, keep having in Shiyuba for me, okay? :)

Lucas: I will! :D

@keyenuta

@26shann

@princeoflions123

@cyber-wildcat

@chompycroc

@albion-93

@miki-13

@ma-lemons

[patch-ie]

My first two submissions for @shumakoweek! For Day 1: First and Day 3: Distance. 

[shypixiered]

New Fic: The Phantom Thief of Cookies

Ren and Makoto’s son executes a heist.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17430092

FFN: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13179334/1/The-Phantom-Thief-of-Cookies

Written for Day 2 of #ShumakoWeek 2019: Leaders / Power Couple

[blixalookscarsick]

@shumakoweek

Also on Ff.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13477322/1/ShuMako-Week-2020

The perilous gambit to save Ren and Sae was a success. However, there are still challenges ahead after this victory, one of which demands hard work and concentration as exams draw near.

[melkechi]

ShuMako Week day 5: Nerves/Jealousy

Actual real collab with @shypixiered 👀 with art from her story “What She Sees” where Ren gets jealous of people giving Makoto certain looks.

Read the story here: archiveofourown.org/works/17462903

@shumakoweek

[ao3feed-p5-boyslove]

by Lia404

ShuAke Week Day 3 : Meeting

So what if it was hard for him to get back into the dating game? So what if it had been a year since she left him and his friends were growing tired of his claims that he was alright alone in his attic with his cat? Was all of this really necessary?

In which Akira sighs a lot, mopes too much, is a beautiful bi disaster--and who even talk about their exes when they meet someone new, seriously?

aka the speed-dating no power AU no one, no one at all, needed.

Words: 7953, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 3 of ShuAke Week 2019

Fandoms: Persona 5

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M

Characters: Kurusu Akira, Takamaki Ann, Sakura Futaba, Sakura Sojiro, Sakamoto Ryuji, Mishima Yuuki, Kawakami Sadayo, Togo Hifumi

Relationships: Akechi Goro/Kurusu Akira, Akechi Goro/Persona 5 Protagonist, Akechi Goro/Amamiya Ren

Additional Tags: background Ann/Shiho - Freeform, past Shumako, Alternate Universe - No Powers, Aged-Up Character(s), background MakoHaru, Speed-dating, Futaba is a gremlin, akira is a bi disaster, charm stats have NOT been maxed

[omniswords]

1. (n.) : a permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business or occupation or in an activity otherwise unlawful

2. (n.) permission to act; freedom of action

In which Makoto finishes up her first trimester of college, takes a trip north, and meets Akira's parents. Again.

Written for ShuMako Week Day 3 - Distance!

Preview:

Makoto got her motorcycle license within the first trimester of university, and all things considered, she probably has Johanna to thank for that. Which she supposes isn’t so different from thanking herself, but semantics hardly matter when you’ve got an engine to gun and proof of your own power in your wallet. Or when it’s the second day of your summer vacation, and you’ve got a couple hundred kilometers to kill before sunset.

To be fair, it’s not the amount of time that bothers her, or the distance. They decided it months ago: if they could handle a month and a half apart in the same city, they could handle a few months at a time in different prefecture, and even then, perhaps it would only be for a year. And she revels as much as she likes in the speed and the wind and, childishly, how cool she must look in a cropped leather jacket and skintight jeans and a scarf flowing behind her. How intimidating and aloof she must seem now, hardly who she was in high school. How she catches the eyes of boys and girls alike when she dismounts and tucks her helmet under her arm, tugs off her gloves with her teeth. It’s kind of flattering. (Maybe that’s why Ryuji called her Miss Post-Apocalyptic Rider so long ago, long before they had even encountered the end of the world.)

It’s not even the awkward conversation she had with Sae before she left. She’d spent so much time worrying about how to word things, whether it would be best to speak ahead of time over the phone, or in person right as vacation began, only for Sae to sit her down at dinner and tell her, “If you’re responsible enough to own and operate a motorcycle, you’re responsible enough to spend a few nights with a boy.” Even if Sae did raise her eyebrow and add, “And with his parents around.”

That’s the problem. Sort of.

Akira’s parents.

[madmanjrs]

“Informing Them”

ShuMako Week: Day 5

Prompt: Nerves

Makoto never thought she’d be having this conversation with her sister. How do you tell her you’re pregnant with Ren Amamiya’s baby? It wasn’t just Sae’s reaction that she was nervous about.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13181834/1/Informing-Them

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17459582

[spyder-m]

Shumako Week, Day Five: Off the Rails

@shumakoweek​ Day Five: Nerves

AO3

Summary: It's their first date at Dome Town. Makoto can't help but feel a little bit out of her depth. 

A/N: Was at a Black Queen concert on Friday night and have fallen a bit behind. Had an awesome time, though, so it was worth it. I'm not entirely happy with how this come out, but I guess I can always come back to it later. Should hopefully have my submission for Day 6 up in the next few hours also. 

.

Makoto wrung the Dome Town pamphlet between her hands, the pages already worn and crinkled. She concentrated on the sound of the paper crumbling and unfurling, hoping it would drown out the flashing, dissonant cries of speeding roller-coasters and their passengers.

Normally, she would have taken the time to diligently study such a text, wanting to carefully plan out the best use of their time for the day. After Eiko had claimed she would flunk a test on love, she wanted to ensure she was prepared for her first date.

Unfortunately, today, her mind was elsewhere.

This was ridiculous.

Makoto didn't get nervous.

While most her age were rattled simply taking exams, Makoto routinely studied and took pop quizzes always making sure she was fully prepared. Public speaking was dreaded by the majority, often a fear thought of as worse than death. Yet, as Shujin's Council President, she made announcements and MC'd events in front of her entire student body. The practice was routine to her.

Alongside her friends, she had fought down vicious manifestations of humanities darkest desires. Any fear she’d initially felt at the hands of Kaneshiro and her first foray into the Metaverse, melted away into anger as he threatened her sister, and she awoke Johanna.  

So, how could something as simple as spending time being alone with another person, a prospect most wouldn’t blink an eye at, possibly make her feel so nervous?

Even if this was unfamiliar territory to her, there was simply no reason for it.

She hadn't been bothered when they'd gone to the movies together, or during their trip to the arcade. They had even spent the past few weeks posing as boyfriend and girlfriend, so Makoto already had several "dates" under her belt. This should have been a cinch.

She supposed it was the night Ren confessed to her in Crossroads that everything changed.

"Hey!"

Makoto jumped at the approaching voice, as Ren jogged up from behind her, his hand raised.

Somehow, he looked particularly, effortlessly handsome today. His button-up shirt hung on his lean frame, hair in its usual tousled state. Though she knew he didn't actually require corrective lenses, Makoto was glad that Ren wore glasses. They really brought out his eyes.

"O-oh, Ren." She greeted. "It's good to see you."

"You too. Shall we go?"

"Y- yes. Let's."

Throngs of people ambled through the amusement park queuing for rides, stopping at stands to buy snacks.

It was difficult for Makoto to disguise her disappointment. For all her fixation on picking the perfect spot for their date, she had managed to overlook an obvious issue. Dome Town would of course be busy on a weekend.

Brushing up against strangers, trying to manoeuvre their way through the crowd. Folding in on themselves trying to occupy as little space as possible. It wasn’t exactly the most romantic environment.

The open air, at least, offered a slightly less claustrophobic atmosphere.

Still, if Ren had been at all phased, he did well to hide it. Even insisting on holding her hand as he navigated through the crowd; not wanting to get separated. While she appreciated the gesture, Makoto was conscious of the thin sheen of sweat coating her palms.

It was still Summer. Perhaps she could chalk it up to the heat.

Lines trailed across large sections of the park, leaving a significant wait for any of the main attractions. While Ren seemed to be content waiting in silence, Makoto worried that perhaps it might be boring.

She fidgeted, trying to think of interesting topic for conversation. But the usual ice-breakers didn’t hold much weight. They were already friends and spent a lot of time together, be it at school or as part of their group. There wasn't much she could ask about that she didn't already know.

So, they remained in silence, Makoto stealing a glance in his direction every so often. Her lips would part, a word half-forming occasionally, but nothing of note ever surfaced.

She hoped that maybe she could blame the uncomfortable churning in her stomach on the ride they were about to get on.  

.

For Makoto, the rush of blood brought on by the rollercoaster shocked wasn't as exhilarating as riding Johanna, or as enjoyable. There was too much out of her control and it did little to quell the sinking feeling in her chest.

Perhaps that was what made her so anxious.

Studying was easy if you had the discipline. The necessary tools were usually given to you in advance, you merely had to learn them. Fighting shadows didn't unnerve her. She was confident in her skills and could rely upon her teammates. Granted, some of their stronger foes had been a different story.

But this... This was different.

With the ride over, the couple took a moment collect themselves. Finding an empty bench in the shade, Makoto sat down, happy to have a stable surface to rest against.

Ren slumped beside her, his legs still quivering slightly.

"Hey, you holding up okay?"

"I'm fine. Thank you, Ren."

"It's just... You've been pretty quiet. Which I know might seem rich, coming from me."

She tried to smile at his quip, but it felt awkward. His attempt to lighten the mood only drawing attention to the tension in the air.

She could still sense his eyes boring into her, studying, as if relying on his Third Eye to unveil something hidden.

Yet, if he noticed anything, he didn’t pressure her.

"Hey, I think I'm going to get some pancakes. You want any?"

Makoto nodded. It wasn't normally the kind of treat she'd indulge in, being one to watch her nutritional intake. But Ren had offered, and the time he'd spend queuing for the vendor seemed like an opportune time for Makoto to gather her thoughts.

.

Ren strolled alongside her at a leisurely place, hands in his pockets. It was later in the day, and the atmosphere of the park was beginning to settle. Many of the families had grown tired and returned home.

The sun had passed over them, a blip on the horizon, a cool breeze rolling through.

The ambiance was honestly quite relaxing.

It seemed like an opportune moment for Makoto. The kind of romantic setting she'd only read about or seen portrayed in cheesy, blockbuster movies.

It could be her chance to drop a hint about forgetting to bring a jacket, to move closer towards Ren and bask in the warmth of his body.

The kind of thing that couples did.

Yet for as often as the thought arose, she would brush it off. With how closely they had moved against one another amidst the earlier crowd, to bridge the gap between them now should have been simple. Yet each time she would linger a moment too long.

Pace slowing, Makoto’s eyes carried over Ren, taking in his relaxed posture.

Grasping deep within herself, Makoto harnessed the words she felt could best express every stab of hesitance, frustration and unease she felt.

"How can you be so calm about this?"

Ren stopped at the sound of her voice reverberating from behind him. Confused, he glanced over his shoulder, conscious that she had stopped at some point.

"About what?"

"Well," Makoto gestured between the two of them, unsure of how to articulate herself. "This."

"Well... I- I like being with you."

The words trickled from his throat so easily, a part of Makoto suspecting that Ren knew how on edge she felt and was deliberately trying to rattle her. The shock struck her more abruptly than any dip on the rollercoaster's track, enough to distract her from the flutter of delight those words evoked in her.

"Now you're just teasing me." She muttered.

"No, really!" Ren protested, perhaps too loudly, reminded of the time he'd upset her with a light-hearted but perhaps poorly timed robot impression. He cringed as some passersby glanced in their direction before lowering his voice.

"Think about how little time we get to spend together without having to worry about infiltration strategies, or Mementos Requests... That's not even taking into account your Student Council duties, or prepping for entrance exams."

His voice was earnest as he continued, soft and intimate.

"You deserve a little time to relax, Makoto. If being here makes you uncomfortable, we can go somewhere else. I don't mind. I'll do whatever makes you happy, Makoto.

It was a sentiment that she shared, wanting nothing more than to make Ren happy. She wanted everything to work out and for this day to be memorable. Yet, somehow where the idea brought her tension, Ren found contentment.  

If she were to worry too much, the moment would pass before she had the chance to savour it. They couldn't become memories if she didn't get to experience them the first time around.

"Well, when you put it like that."

"Trust me, this is easy. Just have fun."

His arm slipped around her, the proximity and warmth of his body a comfort. Smiling, Makoto moved closer into this embrace, suddenly finding the space less daunting.

"Hey, how about we go on the Ferris Wheel? I feel like I've had enough rollercoasters for today."

"You read my mind."

With the sun setting, it would make for perfect ending to their date. A memory they could both cherish.

It was true, there were a lot of things out of her control.

But sometimes the stars would align perfectly.

[shumakoweek]

Collection of submissions on Twitter for #shumakoweek Day 5: Nerves / Jealousy.

We’ve been tweeting fics as we’ve found them on AO3, FFN, and here too, so check them out!

[spyder-m]

Shumako Week 2020, Day Six: Immersion

@shumakoweek​ Day Six: 

AO3 / FF.net

A/N: This story references Makoto's Showtime attacks in the Royal. If you're someone who has been avoiding trailers and wants to go in completely blind, you might want to give this a miss.

Summary: After visiting the arcade with Makoto more often, Ren begins to notice the moves she does in battle seem to take inspiration from the games they play. 

.

Makoto grit her teeth, readjusting the white-knuckled grasp she'd locked around her weapon as she ducked down, trying to recuperate.

The attack had taken them completely by surprise; a swarm of enemies ambushing both her and Ren while their guard was down. Their numbers were too great, and in the ensuing chaos, they’d been separated from one another.

As their strategist, Makoto felt a burden of responsibility; that she should have some advice or words of encouragement to help them out of this plight. Especially seeing as, while she was pinned behind cover, Ren was still fighting. Valiant, as always.

Makoto growled, desperate to help. Yet, every time she so much as lifted her gaze slightly beyond the threshold, her head was narrowly grazed by a spray of bullets.

She flinched and pulled back, knowing that she couldn't afford to take another hit.

Still, Ren couldn't have much left in him. She noticed, even fleetingly, the weariness and pained expression settling across his face; weakness he didn't usually let show easily. 

Makoto was caught between the natural instinct to keep herself from harm and her desire to protect and fight alongside him; two urges struggling to pull her down different paths.

But now was not the time to deliberate. They were losing time and she needed to act.

Determined, Makoto lifted her weapon and stormed out into the fray.

.

With the last sliver of her health bar fading away, Makoto lowered her gun, pouting as the 'game over' screen flashed before their eyes.

She turned to Ren, visibly disappointed, who stifled a chuckle; not wanting to hurt her feelings. Though her reactions weren't as vocal as the time first time they'd played together, it was still adorable to watch her become so immersed in a video game.

"Not bad," He said, their final score rising through the ranks. "We held out much longer that time."

While Ren seemed cheerful in defeat, the loss weighed heavily on Makoto's mind; shaken by the very real threat that the game had presented.

Even though their party was much larger, they could still be outnumbered just as easily in the Metaverse. If it was a strategy that an AI programme could mount against them, then shadows could surely do the same.

She would have to come with a countermeasure they could employ if such a situation faced them.

From his periphery, Ren noticed Makoto's hand touching her chin, a sign she was lost deep in thought. Her face relaxed as he cleared his throat, pulling her back to reality. 

"Want to go another round?" He asked, nodding towards the cabinet.

"No. I think I'd like to try something else," Makoto answered, locking the gun back into its stand and glancing over the throng of machines surrounding them.

She held a soft spot for the Central Street Arcade.

It was the first place she and Ren had hung out together and quickly became something of a sentimental, date-night favourite for them. 

It also didn't hurt that, upon doing research, Makoto found that there actually a number of benefits to playing video games. They helped hone reflexes, hand and eye coordination and could even make one more adept at problem solving; all skills that would greatly benefit them in the Metaverse.

She had especially developed a fondness for the MotoGP racing games. Still without a motorcycle license, it was the closest she could come to recapturing that liberating feeling of riding Johanna; without the added distraction of shadows or palace infiltration.

As tempting as it was to play again, Makoto wanted to try something different. Particularly, after they had fallen short in their last round of Gun About.

After their first trip had helped her devise new tactics and approaches to battle, she was enthusiastic to find what other potential inspiration could be waiting for amongst the myriad rows of games.

Perhaps one of them could offer insight into how to help sway the flow in battle in their favour.

Makoto was fascinated, wandering between the different consoles.  The brightly flashing lights, the whirring of mechanics, the clash of different jingles and sound effects resonating over one another in an effort to catch her attention.

She wasn't entirely she was searching for, but sensed that something would strike her as interesting.

Fortunately for her, she didn't have to go far.

"Oh? What's this?"

She was first drawn to the gun.

Unlike the futuristic models on the Gun About machines, this looked similar to the revolver she wielded in the Metaverse. Weighing it in her hand, Makoto already felt an affinity for the control, finding it fit comfortably in her grip.

Looking up, her eyes narrowed in on the cross hair, testing her aim on the screen.

While the controls had led her to expect something reminiscent of American Wild West films, she was surprised to find the game portraying gangs of outlaws dressed in leather dusters and bandannas, their faces caked in paint and soot.

They drove around in giant, rusted cars modified with turrets and spikes protruding from the sides; enormous wheels that elevated them several feet off the ground.

It was unlike anything she had seen before.

Were these the "steel horses" referred to in that song Ryuji sung to her?

"Oh that?" Ren stopped beside her. "That's one of those post-apocalypse games."

"I see."

"Want to give it a shot?"

"I- I suppose so."

.

Outside of Futaba’s palace, a sprawling, desolate wasteland stretched in every direction. The oppressive heat weighed them down, sand dunes carrying as far as the horizon.

The Pyramid was different from any of the other distortions they'd ventured into. Their presence was not registered as a threat. Their clothes did not transform initially, and the entrance was free of lurking enemies.

Futaba's Shadow had even approached them directly, ordering that they retrieve something from a neighbouring town, something of hers that had been stolen by bandits.

It struck Ren as odd. Was Futaba talking about her treasure? Was this all they needed to do? Recover it from Bandits? They wouldn't have to defeat her, the Palace Ruler. He supposed it made sense that this operation would be different. This was the first time someone had willingly asked them to change their heart.

Perhaps for anyone else, the trip might have posed a risk. The town was miles away, lost amidst the arid desert. But the Mona Bus allowed them to traverse the distance without much difficulty; even if the ride was stuffy and uncomfortable.

Still, the entire situation awoke an unease in Ren. Compared to obstacles they'd been faced with in the past, this seemed relatively easy. Suspiciously so.

It gave him a distinct flashback to Madarame's Palace, when Morgana had tried to nab a treasure left out in the open, only for a blockade of lasers to rise from the floor, separating them. Ren couldn't help but feel these stolen goods were luring them into a similar trap.

That apprehension wasn't without merit, as they encountered a Garuda on the town's outskirts, poised and ready to strike.

It pulled back shortly upon their approach, flapping its wings and steadily building power. Joker’s eyes widened before he turned to the others.

“Hold on!” He called.

At their leader’s instruction, the party switched into defensive stances, trying to shelter themselves from the shadow’s powerful wind attacks.

They grimaced, sand whipping painfully around them in all directions. Their balance almost thrown off by the relentless Magaru spells.

Fortunately, the strength Garuda exhausted with each attack wore it down over time. That was all the chance they needed to retaliate.

“Queen!” Joker instructed, noticing she had been first to recover.

Seeing the break in their foe’s attack, Makoto’s grasped her revolver. Firing rapidly from the hip, she clipped their enemy’s wing. It collapsed against the ground with a pained shriek. Vulnerable, but still far from defeated.

“Skull!” She called, as the shadow was downed.

“On it!” Her teammate yelled back, leaping beside her.

Taking to the air, they disappeared in the cloud of sand they kicked up in their wake; out of the shadow’s sight. It scanned the surroundings, desperately trying to gauge where their attack would come from.

As the dust cleared around them, Makoto and Ryuji appeared on the horizon, bathed by the sun’s light.

With their masks and dark clothes, the spikes on Makoto's shoulders, and Ryuji resting a bat against his shoulder, they looked the part of wild bandits

Even Ryuji's familiar, cocky smirk, and knowing that they were two of his closest confidants, Ren couldn't help but find the sight of them intimidating. They exuded a threatening aura.

Carelessly waggling his weapon around, and nearly bumping it against Makoto’s head in the process, Ryuji taunted the helpless Garuda. His voice trailed off in a faint, pained groan as Makoto; stern as ever; elbowed him in the side, admonishing his childishness.

Clenching her firsts, Makoto charged towards the enemy; crimson eyes narrowed dangerously. Straightening up, Ryuji shadowed closely behind her.

As the two raced upwards, Ryuji swung his bat in a full, powerful extension of his arms. It was there that Makoto landed, the force of his swing propelling her up even higher. She struck hard against the ground on her descent, the earth beneath exploding into a crater of dust and debris.

With a laugh, Ryuji shuffled back up to his feet, hollering in celebration. He lifted his fist up to Makoto, who rolled her eyes with a fond smile, and bumped it.

Ren watched silently as they returned to the group, still processing what had just happened.

“Joker?” Mona looked up.

Startled, Ren's head whipped around, noticing Ann, Morgana and Yusuke's eyes weighing over him as they awaited his next instruction.

Clearing his throat, Ren fought to suppress the flush building across his face; conscious his mask only partially covered it. 

“Alright. Let’s keep moving.”

.

Makoto found herself captivated by the game's open world, relishing being given free rein to explore and uncover each detail of the expansive wasteland.

To her, there was something remarkably freeing about driving through the vast space, uninhibited by roads and rules to follow.

It gave limitless possibilities.

Though, the aesthetics of the game were bleak. That is, at least when compared to some of the Arcade's flashier titles.

It couldn't hold her attention forever and wasn't long before the flashing lights and sounds of the machine Ren played beside her caught Makoto's attention.

Setting down her own controller, she turned towards him.

"What are you playing?"

"This is Water Pro." Ren explained, eyes concentrating on the screen as he mashed out a string of button combinations. "It's a Wrestling game"

From over his shoulder, Makoto looked on, curious.

Though she hadn't really watched wrestling before, she was familiar with some of the more popular names on the Japanese scene. Many of them had made cameo appearances in her favourite movie series, Like a Dragon.

Admittedly, the game’s violence was wasn't quite as brutal as what Makoto had seen them endure as Yakuza gang members. Though, the combatants were still performing rough looking strikes and throws on one another.

Their actions seemed to carry a lot more flair.

They walked towards the ring dressed in extravagant costumes, throwing their arms our dramatically in front of the crowd as they were showered beneath a flash of lights and pyrotechnics.

The heroes fought nobly and engaged the audience whenever they were in control, feeding off of their support. While villains would employ under-handed tactics, clawing at their opponent's eyes and pushing over referees to a wash of jeers and boos. 

Their presence was eye-catching. They were striking, self-assured and deadly, a combination that reminded her distinctively of Joker.

Judging by the game’s retro-style graphics, Makoto suspected much of what she was seeing was exaggerated and not an exact reflection of the real life equivalent. Still, she was captivated by the wrestlers’ fighting spirit. Their passion to stand up and continue even while being relentlessly beaten by their opponent.

The different, distinct characters Makoto saw Ren playing as reminded her, in many ways, of the Phantom Thieves.

She supposed it made sense. From what she understood, masks were common in wrestling; particular amongst the Japanese and Mexican styles. They played an important role in its history and often bleed into the way certain wrestlers would portray themselves. Outfits like theirs in the Metaverse, therefore, might not be out of place in a wrestling ring.

It even made Makoto wonder if their battles could take inspiration from wrestlers.

The way they would effortlessly spring through the air impressed her. They performed feats of acrobatics that she could imagine having difficulty replicating; even with her background in Martial Arts.

Though, in the Metaverse they were capable of performing well beyond their usual physical limitations.

Perhaps the idea was more feasible than she'd first thought.

.

Like any luxury cruise ship, Shido’s palace boasted premium facilities; plenty to keep his elite guests occupied as they traversed the flooded city.

In their exploration they'd encountered restaurants offering exquisite banquets, bars, a pool, and even a selection slot machines dotted about the Entertainment Hall; though not quite as many as they’d seen in Niijima-san's palace.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, however, most of the guests seemed to content to crowd around the speakers blaring Shido’s speeches.

In Ren’s mind, it was a blessing.

The more there was to keep the guests entertained, the more their focus could be kept away from the Thieves storming the ship.

They sought an audience with some of the ship's more esteemed guests, and Shido's trusted allies. Access to the Representative Chamber, where Shido’s’ treasure lay, was blocked off and anyone wishing to enter needed letters of introduction from the five VIPs on board.

It was for that reason they found themselves breaking into the hotel room of an IT Company President; a man who revealed himself as the culprit behind the fake Medjed's attack.

With the contempt they held for the man spilling over, their identities did not remain secret long. The President's body shifted before them into Oberon, two Scandalous Queens appearing at his side.

Throughout their infiltration of the Cruise Ship, they encountered several powerful enemies and had been routinely swapping out party members to preserve their strength.

Their line-up proved fortuitous when Haru's Mapsio attack pummeled the group, downing the President's two lackeys.

Pressing the advantage, Makoto drifted on Johanna, kicking up a powerful Freidyne spell like rubble beneath the bike's tires. Oberon grunted in pain, as the attack blasted him off of his feet.

"Noir!" Makoto called, landing on her feet her Persona sifted away.

"Right!" Haru nodded.

A ring suddenly manifested before them in an arena crowded with cheering fans. They held signs up for Queen and Noir, confetti raining down from the ceiling like a Tokyo Dome Main event.

The very sight sparked adrenaline through Ren's veins in an exhilarating rush. As though the moment was beyond mere cognition, something he was experiencing in the flesh.

Approaching the ring, Makoto sprung easily over the top, coolly cracking her knuckles. Beside her, Haru stepped between the ropes, seeming slightly more flustered and overwhelmed as she waved to the crowd.

Stopping in the corner, they raised their arms together, smiling warmly to the throngs of fans.

Despite the stark contrast of their outfits, they seemed confident as a unit; ready to stand against even the most skilled Joshi tag team.

This much became apparent when; faster than the flicker of flashbulbs among the stands; Makoto's expression changed and she leapt into action, delivering a left clothesline. Haru quickly followed up, springing off her feet with a picturesque dropkick.

Their offensive flurry had Oberon reeling and Makoto looked to finish the job, grabbing a steel chair and cracking it against the shadow's head.

Their opponent down for the count, Haru and Makoto clambered onto opposite turnbuckles, flipping off and crushing Oberon with tandem elbow drops.

As the shadow's body disintegrated into a black smog, the two posed beneath the blanket of confetti. Makoto flexing her arm menacingly as Haru winked, her fingers folding into the shape of a heart.

Lost among the masses of people, Ren was struck, similarly, by the urge to cheer. Yet, he stood frozen, as if caught in a trance; captivated watching the strength and poise that Queen exuded.

As the surrounding hotel room shifted back to its former shape, Haru and Makoto dusted themselves off, pleased.

Ren turned towards them, a more familiar, confident smirk settling back on his face.

“Nice going; Noir, Queen." He complimented, lingering on Makoto. "Where’d you learn to do something that?”

“Oh," Makoto winked. "I have my ways.”

.

A/N: The funny thing about Makoto and Haru’s Showtime attack is that a few New Japan wrestlers actually made cameos in Yakuza 6, and the Like a Dragon movies Makoto likes are based on Yakuza. Knowing that, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was an actual, conscious nod by the developers or just a coincidence. 

Either way, I’m taking it as headcanon that that was the inspiration for Makoto and Haru’s Showtime. 

The game Ren is playing is Fire Pro Wrestling, a popular wrestling series in Japan that features wrestlers from promotions like New Japan and Stardom. The one Makoto plays isn't based on anything specific, but I did have the Mad Max video game in mind. Perhaps with some Borderlands thrown in. I kept it vague though, as I haven't actually played the former.