Chapter Text
Almost a year had passed since the whole Palace/altering reality fiasco and no one could be happier than the ex-Phantom Thieves and the owner of Leblanc.
Sojiro became a very proud (and slightly embarrassing) father figure to Ren, going all out and ensuring he filled the role to the best of his ability. He planned to teach Ren everything to do with running Leblanc, even discussing the future with the boy. He soon signed the paperwork that placed Ren as the next in line for owning the small business, this way he could continue to take care of Futaba who had very different goals and ambitions.
Ren found himself having two bedrooms. One in Sojiro’s home where he often stayed over to spend time with his new family, the other was purely for inviting friends and having alone time. It was the ultimate way to make him feel free and no longer powerless. He still missed being Joker once in a while but he had learned an easy way to push that away. He and Ryuji became closer and closer, practically joined at the hip. They spent more time together than apart and were always making plans to do something together. Ren also made sure to take his friends to the batting cages and teach them all about one of his favourite past times.
Ryuji was always staying over at Ren’s place. He was always playing co-op video games and helping out at the café, he was becoming more and more comfortable at thinking before acting. He worked hard at Leblanc in order to help his mother pay the bills, he shared all his own past woes with Ren so they were on equal footing. Over time, the two began to realise they may just be more than friends. Ryuji, being the act first think later type, one day just took the plunge and kissed Ren right after beating him at a game.
Both now had plans to live above Leblanc together once high school was over.
Ann went out of her way to visit and help Shiho. She had learned how short and fragile life was and couldn’t bare the thought of regretting her choices. She often looked after Morgana and so, she brought him along to meet and soothe Shiho. Shiho always had some sushi waiting for the feline in her fridge.
Morgana became at peace with being a cat. It had been frustrating for so long but, after Ren’s palace, he realised how lucky he really was. He fully embraced his kitty lifestyle; he napped, prowled in the shadows, hunted bugs and mice in the café and made sure to be in someone’s way as much as possible. He also found that this inner peace came with a better and more comfortable relationship with Ann and, subsequently Shiho – in fact, Ann actively invited him to spend time with her now and it made him feel like he really had found his place.
Yusuke, after one incredible painting that he’d made while starving, suddenly began to gain traction. His painting was now a permanent display within the gallery and his future art college place was truly secure. Though, he did wonder if he’d want to pursue art as his career. People kept commenting on how his painting had really shown the struggles of a starving artist but, Yusuke felt bothered by the fact he was actually starving. He then decided to work part time at the flower shop Ren recommended and, for the first time, he felt fulfilled – Painting was far more enjoyable as a hobby and he had a real talent for flower arranging.
Futaba adored having an older brother. When she started at Shujin Ren and Ryuji were very protective of her, Ann was a lot more helpful and relaxed. Futaba always had someone to talk to or game with, she could always reach out to someone. Having a big brother though, was a whole different relationship. He was always happy to buy her little gifts, to help her with her homework or accompany her out and about in the city. He always checked in on her and made sure she was included whenever the group all gathered.
Haru and Makoto graduated high school and even ended up in the same college. Makoto worked hard but now tried to make more time for fun and friendships. Haru helped greatly with this, she was often the one to remind the other girl to take a break. The girls often found themselves helping their younger friends with their homework and projects.
Haru had become one of the main suppliers of fresh vegetables and fruit to Leblanc, her payment was a delicious cup of coffee and getting to watch Ren and Ryuji flirt. A past time both she and Futaba thoroughly enjoyed.
Makoto found herself spending more and more time with Yusuke. She would spend time with him whenever he wasn’t at the florist, she found they understood each other far more than they realised. She also found herself mothering her other friends, always checking in and ensuring they were doing ok. She even got a joke mothers day card and a spectacular bouquet made by Yusuke’s fair hand.
The Phantom Thieves may no longer be needed but that doesn’t mean they have to disband.
In fact, their group had never been closer.