Work Text:
Ren felt exhausted. She was in Sapporo for a winter shoot and she was cold. It was just starting to snow, which isn’t uncommon since it was November. Ren yawned, Morgana was back at home, she didn’t want to drag him all the way here, especially since she flew here.
Ren found a place to eat, going in, ordering, and sitting down. She leaned back, pulling her phone out. She hasn’t seen anyone from the former Phantom Thieves in over ten years, minus Futaba since she is still a regular at Leblanc.
Ren jumped to her phone going off. She quickly looked at it to see messages from her family chat.
Akira: Hey Ren, make sure you’re rugged up! I hear it’s meant to be snowing in Sapporo.
Ren: It is.
Ren: And don’t worry, I am.
Hoshi: I hear you did fantastic at the shoot!
Hoshi: No surprise there, you are my sister after all.
Ren: Thanks Hoshi.
Ren: How’s Mona going?
Akari: He’s fine!
Akari: I think…
Kokona: Not like any of us can understand him.
Ren: I’m surprised you all believed me when I told you the truth.
Kokona: Of course we did!
Akari: You wouldn’t lie to us.
Maya: As crazy as it sounded.
Saya: That’s right.
Akira: When will you be home?
Ren: My plane is in two days.
Ren: I’m going to take it easy for the next couple of days.
Ren: Got everything done quicker but I’m too lazy to try and change my flight and hotel room.
Akira: That’s fine, you could use the break.
Saya: Why don’t you go out and have a couple of drinks.
Ren: You know what… that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
Akira: Just stay safe.
Maya: Yeah, no one is there to watch your back.
Ren: Got it!
Ren: It’ll just be a couple of drinks.
Ren: Plus I’m about to have a big meal so I won’t be drinking on an empty stomach.
Saya: Good.
Hoshi: Have fun and stay safe!
Ren smiled, putting her phone away. She just needs to get back to her hotel and change before looking for a place to go. She saw a few that caught her eye on the way here. She has earned a celebration after all her hard work.
After enjoying her meal, Ren headed back to her hotel room and changed into more outing. A red shirt with the sleeves off her shoulder, a black jacket, black jeans, and black boots. Ren then fixed her long hair, it now comes below her shoulder, long enough for her to pull it up into a ponytail, then did her make-up. Ren put everything into a black clutch and headed off.
She made it to her first bar, going inside and ordering a drink. Ren sighed as a man walked over, looking her up and down. Ren scoffed. She hasn’t even been here for a minute and a creep walked up to her.
“Hey beautiful.” he said.
“Not interested.” Ren told him.
“Otani, leave her alone!” a voice yelled.
“Shut it Tominaga!” Otani yelled.
“Ren?” a familiar voice said.
Ren jumped, looking over as a familiar man walked up to her. Ren stared at him… those eyes, she knows those eyes.
“Do you know her Sakamoto?” Otani questioned.
“Ryuji?” Ren whispered.
“Shit man, how have you been?” Ryuji asked.
Ren sat her drink on the bar, giving him a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck. She couldn’t believe her luck. Ryuji looked at her shocked, slowly wrapping his arms around his former leader. He couldn’t believe his eyes, he recognised her straight away, due to following her blog but it still caught him off guard. Ren was the last person he expected to see, especially here.
“It’s really you.” Ren whispered. “God, I’ve missed you so much Skull.”
“I’ve missed you too, Joker.” Ryuji whispered.
Ren leaned back, running her hand through Ryuji’s black hair. Ryuji started laughing.
“Yeah, it’s black again.” Ryuji laughed.
“I miss the blond, but it’s good to see you with your natural hair colour.” Ren admitted.
“You’ve grown your hair out.” Ryuji said, running his hand through her hair.
“Yeah, I kinda missed it.” Ren confessed softly.
“Hold on!” Otani cried. “How the hell do you know her?”
“We went to school together.” Ryuji answered.
“Who is this guy?” Ren asked, walking back.
“This is Otani, then there’s Tominaga, Shimabukuro and Higuchi.” Ryuji introduced his friends.
“Come and join us!” Higuchi called out.
“Yeah, we got to know what Sakamoto was like in high school.” Shimabukuro said.
“Hey!” Ryuji yelled.
Ren giggled, grabbing her drink.
“Are you sure? It looks like you boys are having boys’ night.” Ren asked.
“It’s fine.” Ryuji assured her.
Ren smiled, following Ryuji and Otani over to their table. Ren stood close to Ryuji.
“Okay guys, this is Ren Amamiya.” Ryuji introduced Ren.
“Nice to meet you all.” Ren said.
“So you two went to high school together.” Otani pointed out.
“Well, just the second year of high school.” Ren admitted.
“Best year of high school if you ask me.” Ryuji said.
Ren giggled.
“It really was.” Ren agreed.
“What do you do Amamiya?” Shimabukuro asked.
“I’m… kinda a jack of all trades. I’m a model, makeup artist, hair stylist and other things in the showbiz world.” Ren answered.
Ryuji chuckled as his friends looked at Ren, completely speechless.
“No way!” Tominaga cried.
“Yes way.” Ryuji said. “I follow her blog.”
“I keep it updated as best I can.” Ren admitted. “And you?”
“We’re athletes, best runners in the country.” Higuchi answered.
Ren gasped, looking at Ryuji.
“Sakamoto is one of our best.” Tominaga added.
Ren smiled.
“That’s great!” Ren cried. “I know how much you missed running.”
“Yeah, it’s thanks to you I made it this far.” Ryuji admitted.
“Stop selling yourself short.” Ren told him.
“What does that mean?” Shimabukuro asked.
Ren looked over and sighed.
“I had an incident back in the first year of high school, which made me lose my position in track and couldn’t run anymore. After Ren came, she helped me get back into running and supported me.” Ryuji explained. “Ren stood by me and helped me all the way.”
“That’s what friends do.” Ren whispered. “Plus you made that final decision on your own to follow your dream.”
“That’s right.” Shimabukuro agreed.
The group made small talk. After a few hours, Ren retreated to the smoking area with Ryuji. Lighting her smoke, Ren looked at Ryuji.
“Have you seen the others?” Ren asked.
“I ran into Sumire once, last year, but that’s it.” Ryuji answered. “But that’s it.”
“Sumire huh? She’s come a long way.” Ren whispered.
“Yeah she has.” Ryuji agreed. “And you?”
Ren shook her head.
“Just Futaba, since I’m a regular at Leblanc.” Ren answered.
“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” Ryuji laughed.
“I still can’t believe it’s been ten years.” Ren pointed out.
“I know.” Ryuji whispered, ruffling his hair.
Ren shook her head.
“I thought maybe having a get together, being ten years and all… but… well I wasn’t sure what everyone was doing.” Ren admitted. “Hell, I don’t think Ann is in Japan.”
“Yeah…” Ryuji whispered.
“I miss you all. Futaba and Morgana are the same. Morgana won’t admit it, but he misses you too.” Ren said.
“Where is he?” Ryuji asked. “Rare to see you two apart.”
Ren giggled.
“Home with my brother. Didn’t want to drag him all the way here, with flying and all.” Ren answered.
“Fair enough.” Ryuji said. “When do you go back?”
“My plane leaves in two days, at 1:45 PM.” Ren answered.
“Same!” Ryuji said.
Ren looked at him shocked, then giggled.
“Where are you all staying?” Ren asked.
“The Prince Hotel.” Ryuji answered.
“Really!?” Ren gasped.
“Yeah, why?” Ryuji asked.
“That’s where I’m staying.” Ren admitted.
“For real!?” Ryuji yelled.
Ren started laughing.
“How the hell haven’t we run into each other yet?” Ryuji asked.
“I’ve been busy with work, I’ve rarely been at the hotel itself, just for sleep. I skip most breakfasts due to being busy.” Ren explained.
Ryuji chuckled.
“That sounds like you.” Ryuji said.
Ren finished her smoke, putting it out in the ashtray. They headed back inside to the others.
“Okay, I have to ask, why didn’t you two date?” Otani asked.
“Huh? Why do you ask?” Ryuji asked.
“Because we see how you two look at each other.” Higuchi answered.
“I wasn’t looking for a relationship in high school.” Ren answered.
“You weren’t?” Tominaga whispered.
“No, I just focused on my studies.” Ren admitted. “Plus, when I went to Shujin with Ryuji, I was also on probation.”
“Really? What did you get arrested for?” Higuchi asked.
“I was falsely accused of assault.” Ren answered.
“That still ticks me off.” Ryuji admitted.
“What happened?” Shimabukuro asked.
“Well…” Ren started.
Ren explained what happened. Once she was done, the boys sighed.
“But you’re innocent was found!” Tominaga cried.
Ryuji chuckled.
“It was.” Ren whispered. “A lot happened that year.”
“I’m going to get another drink.” Otani said. “Amamiya?”
“Yes please.” Ren answered.
Otani walked off with Shimabukuro. Ren enjoyed her night with the boys. Making it back to the hotel. Ryuji walked Ren to her room’s door. Ryuji was on a different level but wanted to walk Ren to her room.
“You gotta come down for breakfast.” Ryuji said.
“I’ll be there.” Ren promised.
“You better, I know your room now.” Ryuji told her.
Ren chuckled, pushing Ryuji.
“Jerk.” Ren whispered. “God, I’ve missed you.”
Ren opened the door, then kissed Ryuji on the cheek. Ryuji goes bright red and Ren giggled, heading into her room, closing the door. Ren took her boots off, then walked to the bathroom. She looked in the mirror and smiled.
“Thank you Saya.” Ren whispered.
~XxX~
Ren woke up a little hungover. She got up and started to get ready for the day. Once ready, Ren heard knocking. She put her stuff in her handbag, then walked to the door, opening it to see Ryuji. Ren smiled as she slipped her shoes on.
“Morning.” Ryuji said.
“Morning.” Ren whispered. “Come on, I’m hungry and hungover.”
“Same.” Ryuji said.
Ren giggled, wrapping her arms around Ryuji’s arm. They made it down and got their breakfast, then sat down.
“You haven’t changed much at all.” Ryuji said.
“Why would I? I am me; this is who I am.” Ren asked.
“True.” Ryuji agreed.
“You haven’t changed that much either.” Ren added.
Ryuji chuckled.
“So what’s next for you?” Ryuji asked.
“More jobs, but that’s it.” Ren answered with a shrug.
“Are you, ah… dating?” Ryuji asked, looking away.
“No, I’ve been too busy with work. Don’t really have that much time for myself.” Ren answered. “What about you?”
“Pretty much the same.” Ryuji answered, looking at Ren. “With everything on from practice, workouts, and everything else, I just don’t have much time for anything else.”
Ren chuckled.
“Still the same.” Ren whispered.
“Pretty much.” Ryuji whispered.
Ren smiled.
“So um… can I ask you something?” Ryuji asked.
“Of course Ryuji.” Ren assured him.
“Were you really not looking for a relationship back in high school?” Ryuji asked.
Ren jumped, then sighed and nodded.
“Pretty much, yeah.” Ren answered. “I just didn’t want to be tied down; you know. I had a few boyfriends back in college, but they were so controlling. I just told them to eff off and just stopped trying. I just focused on myself and my family.”
“How are your siblings?” Ryuji asked.
“They’re great!” Ren answered with a huge smile. “Akira’s a lot better these days. I took him to see a new doctor, Dr Takemi, the doctor I got our supplies from. She was super helpful and now, Akira is on a lot less medication and is feeling a lot stronger than ever. Akari has come a long way, she works full time in the Annya Agency as well, she is super happy working under me.”
“That’s good to hear.” Ryuji said.
“How’s your mum?” Ren asked.
“She’s great, she’s able to cut back on working. We also brought a house, I thought it would be better for her.” Ryuji explained.
Ren giggled.
“That’s amazing!” Ren praised him.
“Yeah.” Ryuji whispered.
Ren smiled.
“There you are.” a voice said.
The pair looked over as Otani, Tominaga, Shimabukuro and Higuchi walked over.
“Hey, what’s up?” Ryuji said.
“We’ve been looking for you.” Higushi told him.
“Morning Amamiya.” Shimabukuro said.
“Morning.” Ren whispered.
“Sorry, are we interrupting?” Otani apologised.
“It’s fine.” Ren assured him.
“Also Sakamoto, don’t forget we have training after breakfast.” Tominaga told him.
“R-Right.” Ryuji said.
“You totally forgot.” Shimabukuro whispered.
“He did.” Ren confirmed.
“Hey!” Ryuji yelled.
Ren giggled as she collected her stuff, she was done.
“Have fun.” Ren said, heading off.
Ren dropped her stuff off and headed to her room. She laid down on her bed and sighed. Her phone started ringing, she grabbed it to see it was Morgana. Ren smirked, she got Morgana his own phone for when she goes away without him. Ren answered.
“Is everything okay Mona?” Ren asked, worried.
“No! It’s so boring without you! The others don’t take me anywhere!” Mornaga whined.
Ren started laughing.
“Not like they can hear you anyway.” Ren pointed out.
“True.” Morgana whispered.
“You wouldn’t believe who I’ve run into.” Ren started.
“ Who?” Morgana asked.
“Ryuji.” Ren answered.
“No way!” Morgana yelled.
Ren giggled.
“Yes way. I happened to walk into the same bar he was at with his friends.” Ren explained.
“That’s awesome. How is he?” Morgana asked.
“He’s great! He’s a top athlete and one of the fastest in his group. He made it, Mona.” Ren answered.
“I bet your feelings for him haven’t changed.” Morgana teased.
Ren sighed as she rolled onto her side.
“Yeah…” Ren whispered. “But it won’t ever work, Mona. Our jobs, it just won’t happen.”
“Oh come on Ren! It’s now or never! You’re not a teenager anymore!” Morgana told her.
Ren chuckled.
“I know.” Ren whispered.
“So make a move already!” Morgana yelled.
“Morgana!” Ren whined. “I’ll… I’ll think about it.”
“Don’t think!” Morgana snapped.
Ren chuckled.
“Alright alright, I will.” Ren promised. “How’s Akira?”
“He’s great! He’s gone to work. Akari is with Kokona and they’ve gone out. They’ve left me plenty of food and water.” Morgana explained.
“That’s good.” Ren whispered.
“You really should go and find Ryuji.” Morgana told her.
“He’s working out with his friends.” Ren said. “I’m just going to take a nap, I’m still sick from drinking too much.”
“I shouldn’t be surprised.” Morgana said.
“My plane leaves tomorrow, I’ll see you then.” Ren said.
“I want an update tonight.” Morgana told her.
“No promises.” Ren told him.
Ren hung up and yawned, closing her eyes. She woke up to knocking. Ren sat up and checked the time, it was almost noon. Ren got up and ran to the door, opening it to see Ryuji.
“Sorry man, is this a bad time.” Ryuji apologised.
“No, I just took a nap.” Ren assured him, walking back.
Ryuji walked in and Ren closed the door.
“How was the workout?” Ren asked.
“Eh, it was okay. All we did was hit the hotel gym.” Ryuji answered.
Ren chuckled as she walked to the bed, sitting down. Ryuji slipped his shoes off and walked over, then sat down next to her.
“What brings you to my room?” Ren questioned.
“I wanted to see you.” Ryuji answered honestly.
“What for?” Ren questioned him.
Ryuji scratched the back of his head, then got up and turned to Ren.
“I gotta ask, do you like me Ren?” Ryuji asked. “And not as a friend!”
Ren took a deep breath as she stood up.
“I do.” Ren confirmed. “I did even back in high school, but as I said before, I wasn't looking for a relationship.”
“For real?” Ryuji gasped.
Ren nodded.
“And you?” Ren whispered.
“Of course I like you man!” Ryuji told her. “Hell, you saved my life so many times. You listened to me, always laughed at my lame jokes and you always had my back.”
Ren smiled.
“Of course I did and you had mine.” Ren whispered.
“Which made me feel even worse with Maruki. I should have known better and yet, I let everything we worked on go.” Ryuji ranted.
“It’s the past.” Ren told him.
“But I know it hurted you!” Ryuji snapped.
Ren jumped and sighed.
“It did a little.” Ren confessed. “And I thought you all were mad at me. I could see a distant look in all your eyes, especially the girls. I felt like I robbed you all.”
“A reality without you isn’t a reality worth living!” Ryuji told her.
Ren goes bright red.
“Huh?” Ren gasped.
“I remember our interactions, when under, it was like we were strangers. I didn’t want to accept a reality built on lies, especially if it meant I lost you.” Ryuji explained.
Ren gave Ryuji a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck. Ryuji wrapped his arms around Ren.
“I love you Ren.” Ryuji whispered.
“I love you too, you idiot.” Ren whispered.
Ryuji chuckled.
“I guess this makes us official.” Ren whispered.
“Yeah.” Ryuji confirmed.
Ren leaned back and smiled.
“Mona will be happy to learn I finally admitted my feelings to you.” Ren said.
“Really?” Ryuji gasped.
“Yup, he told me to stop thinking and tell you. That I’m not a teenager anymore.” Ren explained.
Ryuji chuckled.
“He’s right there, we aren’t.” Ryuji agreed. “I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”
“Same! Let’s go and eat!” Ren said.
They put their shoes on and headed off. Ryuji grabbed Ren’s hand and Ren giggled. Ren took a few photos of Ryuji and their food. After lunch, they made it back to Ren’s room, lying on her bed, going over the photos.
“Ooh, you gotta let me post these.” Ren told Ryuji.
“Sure, tag me.” Ryuji said.
“Oh, right, I need to find your blog.” Ren whispered.
“It’s just Sakamoto underscore Ryuji underscore sixteen.” Ryuji told her.
“Sixteen?” Ren repeated confused.
“Twenty-sixteen was the year we met.” Ryuji told her.
Ren smiled, finding his blog and following it.
“I shouldn’t be surprised you are following me.” Ren whispered.
“Of course man, that’s how I recognised you at the bar.” Ryuji admitted.
Ren giggled.
“Can…. Can I say that you’re my boyfriend?” Ren asked softly.
“Of course, I want everyone to know we’re dating.” Ryuji told her.
Ren smiled, posting a couple of photos, making sure Ryuji was tagged. Ren leaned into him and chuckled.
“Wanna talk to Mona?” Ren asked.
“Yeah.” Ryuji answered.
Ren called Morgana, putting the phone on loudspeaker.
“Ren! Where’s my update!” Morgana cried.
“Here.” Ren said.
“Hey Morgana.” Ryuji said.
“Ryuji? It’s so good to hear from you.” Morgana said. “How are you?”
“I’m good man, how are you?” Ryuji said.
“I’m fine. Life has been slow but easy. Sucks that I’m alone and Ren left without me!” Morgana explained.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t dealing with drama with planes and finding a hotel room that’s pet friendly.” Ren told him.
“Yeah yeah.” Morgana said.
Ryuji chuckled.
“I told you I’ll make it up to you.” Ren reminded him.
“I know.” Morgana whispered. “Ryuji, when are you coming over!?”
“Uhhh, not sure.” Ryuji answered. “I do have the week off, I’m sure I can come down for a while.”
“Then do it!” Morgana yelled.
“Looks like you don’t have a choice.” Ren laughed.
“Seems so.” Ryuji agreed. “Besides, I think it would be great to see Akira again, plus finally meet Akari.”
Ren smiled.
“Akari is really sweet, she’s a lot like Futaba if you ask me.” Morgana admitted.
“I do need to see my mum first.” Ryuji admitted.
“Well, it’s only fair. I would love to see her again as well.” Ren said. “I’ll message Hoshi, I don’t think I have anything on for a while, besides paperwork but I can do that at home.”
“It will be great to see you again Ryuji!” Morgana said.
“Same, you fur ball.” Ryuji said.
“Hey!” Morgana yelled.
Ren giggled.
“That’s enough you two.” Ren laughed.
Ryuji started laughing.
“I better text Hoshi and sort that out.” Ren said.
“I’ll text my coach and mum.” Ryuji said.
“And I’ll type out things for Akira.” Morgana said.
“Thanks Mona. Talk to you later.” Ren said.
Ren hung up.
“Huh?” Ryuji whispered.
“Oh, I told Akira, Akari, Saya, Kokona, Maya and Hoshi the truth about us.” Ren told him.
“What!?” Ryuji yelled.
“I mean… it was two years after we disbanded.” Ren added.
“And… they believed you.” Ryuji said.
“Yeah, they did.” Ren confirmed. “I mean, to them my whole relationship with Morgana made sense and why Morgana was different from other cats, and why they sometimes saw me talking to him.”
“I guess that makes sense.” Ryuuji said.
“We got a few of those buttons that say a word like food, water, yes, no, maybe and other phrases so he can kinda communicate to the other.” Ren explained.
“Handy.” Ryuji laughed.
“I know! It’s been great! Especially when I have to go away on long trips and have to leave him behind. And he has his own phone, it’s a bigger phone so he can type if needed, like he mentioned before, and I can call him if need be to check on everyone at home.” Ren explained.
“So you’ve been spoiling him then.” Ryuji concluded.
“Of course I have! He’s helped me so much in the last ten years. Don’t get me started on what he’s done for me when I was in college.” Ren admitted.
“Huh?” Ryuji gasped.
“He was my study buddy, always reminding me when I had classes, when to get up, when to get to bed, if I had meetings or anything. And he just supported me when I was in trouble, like always.” Ren explained.
Ren giggled as she rolled onto Ryuji. Ryuji looked at her confused.
“Message your coach.” Ren told him.
Ryuji nodded. Ren opened her chat to Hoshi.
Ren: Hey Hoshi!
Ren: I don’t have any jobs to do in the next week.
Hoshi: I’m pretty sure you don’t.
Ren: Great!
Ren: Can you make sure it stays that way?
Hoshi: Does this have to do with that hot guy from your post!?
Hoshi: Is he really your boyfriend!?
Ren: Yes and yes.
Ren: I’ll explain when I get home, in a couple of days.
Ren: I’m going with him to see his mum.
Hoshi: OK! I’ll let dad know.
Hoshi: Have fun and I can’t wait to meet him!
Ren: Will do!
Ren: Thanks!
Ren smiled, snuggling into Ryuji.
“Done.” Ren whispered.
“Same, coach is more than happy for me to have a break. Not much going on this time of the year anyway.” Ryuji said.
“Sweet.” Ren whispered.
Ren looked up at Ryuji who smiled. Ren giggled, everything was perfect.
“What?” Ryuji said.
“Nothing.” Ren whispered.
Ren closed her eyes and sighed.
“Where do you want to eat tonight?” Ryuji asked.
“You pick a place.” Ren told him.
“Sure. I'll look around.” Ryuji said.
Ren hummed softly as she looked up at him. Ryuji was on his phone. He then chuckled nervously.
“What?” Ren asked.
“It's the others, they're spamming me.” Ryuji answered.
“Oh good luck there.” Ren whispered, standing up.
Ren headed straight to the bathroom.
“Ren!” Ryuji yelled.
Ren giggled. After going to the bathroom, Ren and Ryuji headed out and met with the others to deal with them. After that, the pair went for a walk and did some sightseeing and shopping. When it got late, they dropped everything to Ren's room. Ryuji then grabbed his stuff from the shared room he was staying in and put it into Ren's. They went out to dinner at the place Ryuji found. It was amazing.
They then went back and took turns in the shower, Ryuji went first as Ren had to call Akira. Once Ryuji was done, Ren went for hers. After she was done, she sat on the bed in a towel as she moisturised her legs. Ryuji was looking away. Once Ren was done, she quickly got changed, and got up, going back to the bathroom. She hung the towel up and turned the lights off. Ren then turned the lamp off as she laid down next to Ryuji, having her back to him and smiled as she closed her eyes. Ryuji rolled over and wrapped his arms around Ren.
“Night.” Ryuji whispered.
“Night.” Ren whispered back.
Ryuji closed his eyes. He can't wait to see his mum and introduces Ren not as a friend, but as a partner.