Archive of Our Own

Click. Click. Click.

The sound of resonating heels rung through the museum. The owner of the sound was pacing, filled with anger. 

An employee made a mess, and it was bad. All useless. Those guys are useless, replaceable. He had cried as she yelled at him, and she had quite enjoyed the look of fear as she threatened his job there.

The heels continued to pace in the hall, unaware of a shadow cast over them. 

“It's over this time, Beauty Thief!” 

“Mh?” 

The door flung open. A group of people entered the hall. 

Akira ‘Joker’ Isshiki-Sakura, leader of the new Special Unit. A youngster, but a promising star in police work and detective field. He had been wrongly accused of assaulting a woman, a case he managed to prove that he was innocent and framed. His capacities had given him a spot in the police, with some reluctance. 

He was given the chance to put together a team that would work independently from the police, a taskforce that would be saving people from the shadows. 

Ryuji ‘Skull’ Sakamoto, Joker's right hand. The muscle of the team, former track-star turned vigilante after he decided to fight against bad guys. He was recruited after he beat a violent husband to pulp, Joker saving his life from being sent to prison for it. After he was injured by a teacher, he swore he would bring justice forth, without the help of the police. 

Ann ‘Panther’ Takamaki, undercover artist, expert in acting and spying. Was recruited after she had been offered to spy on a model, and her job had satisfied them enough to offer her a spot there. She went to the same school as Skull, and they both had been surprised to be put in the same unit. She had been in Joker's sights since he created the unit, as she was famous for her very neat work.

Makoto ‘Queen’ Niijima, the brain of the unit. Little sister of the head of department, she's as strong as she is smart. Not afraid of danger, she's the first to go upfront. Was put in the unit by the Police to keep an eye on what Joker was doing and to teach most of the recruits, except they ended up teaching her instead, and her loyalty regarding the Police changed after something happened. Loyal and protective of the other members.

Yusuke ‘Fox’ Kitagawa, art expert. Yusuke was trained by the best to spot fake art pieces after his former teacher turned out to fake his own art. He swore to never let disgusting people taint the world of art with their fakes, and is taking his job very seriously. Recruited by Joker after a case had them working together to spot a ring of fake art reproductions in the city. 

All physically trained to fight. All ready for action. 

In front of them, axe in hand, stood the now infamous Beauty Thief. 

Wanted for a variety of crimes, her motives had been stated as a way to punish those who don't respect the lives of workers, or simply those who deemed human lives as less than nothing, as she had told officers. 

She had been the Team's target for the past few months, never managing an encounter up to that point. 

“Freeze.” Joker said as he branded his gun toward the woman. He had this neutral tone of voice. Never menacing, of course. 

She was holding the museum's director with what seemed great strength, and Joker's intervention didn't seem to make her move or surprise her. 

“Ah! New faces! I was starting to wonder when they would send fresh meat at me. A shame you'll have to witness someone dying right there.” 

“We're not lettin’ anyone die tonight!” Skull growled, taking a step forward. Joker stopped him with a simple hand, and Skull took a step back grumbling. 

“That's what they all say, my dear. But in the end…” Her grip tightened on the director, who winced and cried more, all the while the axe got close to her face. 

“Didn't you hear? We told you to freeze!” Queen's voice was the one raising this time. Joker threw one look at her to calm her. There was no need to escalate the situation.

Queen simply gritted her teeth as she took a step back. They were so close to finally closing the case. Sometimes, Joker's calm really pissed her off. 

Beauty Thief's eyes scanned her team. Until those eyes landed on Queen. And didn't move. 

Makoto completely froze. Oh, that was bad news if Beauty Thief decided she was her next target.

“Would you be willing to strike a deal in exchange for this life?” Beauty Thief's voice was calm, and Queen almost felt like it was too out of character. She had imagined that the woman they were looking for was the psychopathic kind. Yet, she appeared completely normal, if you omitted the fact she was holding someone hostage. 

She felt a little uneasy about a deal being made, moreso since Beauty Thief's eyes had not left her. It was an awkward eye contact at first, but now, Makoto looked back with as much hatred as she could to make her opponent know she was not a simple prey. 

“We're hearing your proposal.” Joker's gun lowered. Beauty Thief smiled. They would listen to her, perfect. 

She let go of the director, pushing her to the side until she was far enough out of her reach. A deal couldn't be done while the object of the deal was in the way, Makoto commented to herself. 

At least it seemed this criminal had some manners. 

“Good. In exchange for her life, I would like,” Beauty Thief marked a pause, but her eyes never left the red eyed woman.” A date with her.” 

She pointed at Queen. Who looked around to make sure it was with her. Even daring to point at herself to confirm she was the one being addressed to. 

“Me?” 

“Yes, you, pretty thing.” And oh, Makoto flushed red at that. 

“We agree.” A voice immediately answered.  

Beauty Thief's brows raised. And Makoto never looked at her leader that fast in her life. If Beauty Thief did not kill him now, she would. How could he EVEN suggest that?

“Joker?!” Panther's high pitched voice was first

“Uh?!” Queen's voice was next.

“What?” Fox's was confused. 

“The eff are you doing man?!” Skull's voice was the loudest. 

Everyone's voices exploded at the same time.

“Look. We're here to save the director. Judging by the fact Beauty Thief asked for a date, she does not plan to do any harm to Queen.” 

“Correct.” Beauty Thief's voice chirped in from where she stood. 

“A date against a life isn't the worst deal at all.” Joker simply said. 

There was silence, before a loud sigh was heard. 

“Well, I accept. But there are conditions.”

Queen took a step forward, then another, then another, until she was face to face with the axe wielding woman, who only looked at her with quite the expression. I have her attention, it means, Makoto mused to herself. Only then Makoto noticed she had had to look down to meet the woman's gaze. 

Interesting. 

Beauty Thief's expression was curious, her lips curled into a slight smile. She was not taking it seriously. It made Makoto's blood boil. 

“First, under no conditions will you try to kill me, or anyone while on the date. Second, we will go to a populated area. No shady schemes!” Makoto was careful.

“Mh.” Beauty Thief's expression morphed into a slight pout. Makoto wanted to reach out and correct it. She looked better when she was smiling-wait, what? “But I get to pick the restaurant then.” 

Despite the fact they were supposed to arrest her, Makoto knew they couldn't keep her locked for long. She always had an escape route. Money could do a lot of things. And even if she didn't know where she would end up, she wasn't a weak one. 

Maybe after getting to know her would Makoto be able to make her account for the lives she had taken. 

But for now, containing her like this was the only thing they could do.

Makoto and the Team saved the hostage, and Beauty Thief could get her date with Makoto, despite how weird it sounded. 

“Deal.” 

“Wonderful!”

Everyone sighed as the deal finally concluded. Suddenly, Beauty Thief reached for the collar of Makoto's blouse, tugging on it until they really were face to face.

“However, if I see that you have told my identity outside of those involved here today, I will make sure to make you regret ever crossing me, my dear. Is that clear?” 

That look sent shivers down Makoto's spine. How could this woman hold such pressure just by words? It was a wonder. But Makoto only nodded. 

“Understood.” 

“Then we'll see each other Friday night, ma chérie. Be on time, I hate when people are late.” 

She released Makoto's collar, and blew a kiss at all of them. They all could only watch as she walked away, disappearing into the shadows. 

The first to talk again was Ryuji. 

“Damn Queen, pullin’ a real baddie? Never thought that of you!” 

“I'm not ‘pulling’ anyone. It is a matter of stopping a criminal.” 

“You have to let me dress you up for your dates, I'm going to make you look absolutely fabulous-” Ann started, stars in her eyes. Dressing up the older girl was always so fun.

A glare from the red eyed girl was enough to shut her up however. Ann started to pout.

“You're going to do an amazing job. Keeping her busy enough to not commit more crimes. It's a bit…not like we're used to, but you're going to do just fine.”

“I have to agree with Joker. You are a smart woman, Queen. A simple dinner cannot be your end.” 

Makoto only sighed. They were quite the bunch, but she really enjoyed their company and work. They all had their capacities, and Makoto learned to appreciate their flaws as well. 

Joker patted her on the back, sending her that knowing look. He always seemed to know everything. It reassured her. Her team had her back, nothing bad could happen to her.

“At least it means no more hostages or kidnappin’! It's a win!” 

Fox's voice filled the room. 

“Wasn't Beauty Thief holding a person captive just now, which had led to that deal?” 

Silence. 

“FUCK WE FORGOT THE HOSTAGE-” 

Everything bad could happen to her with them as her team. 

“Maybe I should've taken my brass knuckles in case of an emergency…” 

Beauty Thief had sent her a message (How had she gotten her address?! It was a mystery.) sending her the address and instructions for their first date. To be dressed in very classy clothing. 

Which was how Makoto found herself standing in front of a very chic restaurant - that she had never been in. It wasn't exactly her world or a place she often found herself yearning for. She was doing fine away from that scene- waiting for her date. 

She had even opted out of being monitored by their ‘navigator’. 

Futaba ‘Oracle’ Isshiki-Sakura was one hell of a girl. Put on multiple wanted lists from around the world for being a renowned hacker, she was included in the team because she insisted (harassed them), and Joker could only agree to stop them being flooded by demands. 

The young woman had asked Makoto if she wanted her to have an earbud that would monitor everything happening, which would get help to her very fast if needed. Makoto had said no. She could defend herself against someone twice her size. A woman that was one head shorter couldn't be too hard to handle.  

“Makoto-Chan!” A voice called out to her. She turned her head and was met with a breathtaking sight: 

A woman, in high heels and a very flowy dress, adorned with some flower embroidery, puffy sleeves of a simple pastel pink, all topped with a very expensive looking necklace.

Fluffy brown curls adorned her head, and that's how she recognised Beauty Thief's hair. They looked even better without the hat squishing it on her head. Makoto had to admit that she was a beautiful woman.

Makoto felt her cheeks heat up slowly. Oh, she was so over. 

“I'm overjoyed to see you have perfectly respected what I told you. You look quite dashing in a suit, Makoto-Chan!” 

Beauty Thief's voice commented. Makoto noted that she could clearly see her face now. She wasn't wearing her mask, but the voice was the same. It didn't seem like a decoy. But Makoto stayed alert.

And she had amazing soft brown eyes, that she swore were shining purple in the light. 

“Thank you. I return you the compliment. This dress really suits you, Beauty-” 

“Haru.” Haru? cut her off. 

“What?” 

“My name. It's Haru.” Haru strongly insisted. So, they were on a first name basis already? Makoto would have chuckled if it was in another context. 

“...This dress really suits you, Haru-San.” Makoto repeated the full sentence, finishing it with the name she had been told. It was probably a decoy name anyway, Makoto thought. 

Haru seemed pleased by this, judging by the smile on her face. 

“Let's not wait any longer! I am excited to learn about you, Officer.” Haru took Makoto by the arm, walking inside. 

Makoto was taken aback about the place. The outside did not match what was inside: it was illuminated by a bright center piece, almost like a fountain of light and glass mixed together. People were all dressed up in suits and dresses, and it screamed ‘rich’ from the look of their faces and jewellery. 

Makoto was almost dragged by Haru with how much her eyes drifted to the scene. To another world that wasn't hers. Her eyes went back to Haru, who checked in with a waitress, watching as they were being led to their table. 

Makoto felt strangely small there, almost clinging to the other woman with how intimidating the atmosphere was suddenly turning. Beauty Thief didn't seem phased in the slightest by her behaviour nor the ambiance of the place, which grounded Makoto and gave her someone she could trust. 

Oh, she was putting her whole trust into a criminal. She really was going to have problems. If she wasn't going to be dead by the end of the night.

They were put to a table in a very discreet corner. Secluded, away from all the prying eyes of the sharks looking for their next prey. She sat down on the opposite site where Haru took place. Makoto could only replicate what she was seeing with how anxious she felt. Their table being away eased her thoughts a bit, but something lingered in the back of her mind.

“It looks like you're not used to this scenery, Makoto-Chan.”

Haru- Beauty Thief‘s voice pulled her out of her spiralling. She was seated, and had probably been playing with her tie in a nervous act for the past minutes, judging by the way their glasses had been filled with water. 

“And I trust you are familiar with the setting.” 

Haru only sighed at her words. She mindlessly took her knife in hand and slightly played with it with an unreadable look on her face.

“I am. I grew up within that world, it's where I was trained to be in.” 

“Trained? That's a very strong word.” 

“Yes, of course. I know that.” Her eyes looked up at Makoto, flashing that same dangerous gaze. It shut down Makoto right away. 

Makoto could pride herself on being cold and strong. But this girl just threw all she knew to the dust. Maybe she was more curious than she could admit.

“I have merely been a pawn in their sick game. Nothing more than an object of trade. A perfect path all traced in front of me, and nowhere else to go.” The knife idly sat in her hand. Haru only looked down at it. “But then my father died. And the light started shining through.” It was strange, the way Haru immediately had started to talk about herself. Makoto couldn't help but think that she was being played. A way to maybe bring her to tears with an emotional story, a way to make her feel pity toward the criminal.

Makoto went to open her mouth, but was immediately shut up by a knife being pointed at her. Of course. They were still on a simple deal made to save people. Not a real date. 

“This is no excuse for my actions. My past has something to do with the way I am, but I am not seeking retribution. I know that what I am doing is wrong. And they do too.” 

The curly haired girl's eyes went to the room across from them. Makoto followed her gaze, as it landed on that same center piece from when they entered.

“They know the thing they do are wrong as well as I do. But the difference is that they make thousands suffer.” Haru repeated, gaze fixated on them. It was shining with an unreadable light. But Makoto swore she saw something akin to disdain or hate. 

A hand went to Makoto's chin, slowly turning her back to face the girl in front of her. 

“I'm merely giving them what they deserve, darling.” She could hear the smirk in Haru's voice. 

Oh, her cheeks did flush. A very warm feeling took her face, and she wanted to hide away from the embarrassment she was feeling when Haru simply chuckled. 

“Why are you telling me that?” Makoto managed to say without her voice shaking like a leaf. 

“That's what you wanted to know. I saved us a few awkward minutes going straight to business.” 

Makoto's brows raised in confusion. 

“Well, I thank you for that, but that's not exactly it.” Makoto said. 

“It's not?” Now, it was Haru's time to be confused. Makoto noted how her brows did that adorable little crease when she was confused. 

Makoto couldn't deny it. Haru was attractive. 

Very much so her type. 

Someone she could picture herself courting and dating probably. 

But her being a criminal was not exactly something that mixed well. 

Maybe in another world they would have been best friends. Roommates. Girlfriends even. 

Now, it seemed like a stupid thing to think about. 

After all, they were enemies. A criminal and a police officer. It was nothing more than a deal.

A fake date. 

That she was starting to enjoy.

“I do want to know something.” Makoto started.

All she could do was get answers to her questions.

“You're making me curious. Go ahead.” Haru moved until her head rested on her hand, the other tapping lightly on the edge of the marble table.

“Why me?” Makoto asked.

“Why you?”

“For the deal.” Makoto let out an exasperated sigh. 

Haru stopped tapping her finger on the table to think. Same brows crease. She looked back with a truthful smile. 

“I wanted to have some fun.” 

“Anyone from my Team would be more fun than I am.” Her cold voice when they had first met had been a very good indicator about how she felt. Yet, Haru only chuckled. That hand returned to Makoto's chin, holding her. 

Makoto thought about swatting that hand away. 

But Haru was so gentle holding her just there, she couldn't. 

“That's not true. You're very interesting and quite fun to be around,” Haru's eyes never left hers, ”But you…you're a very very pretty girl. Maybe the prettiest I've ever met. My choice has maybe been based on your looks if I'm honest.” 

That made her face heat up again. Slowly her face took the color of her eyes, and back was the embarrassment from before. Haru's smile grew and grew as she observed with curious eyes Makoto's reaction. 

“That's- well-” 

“A ‘thank you for the compliment’ would be nice, Mako-Chan.” 

Makoto swatted her hand away this time. Not with a lot of force. A simple way to get her to stop holding her, and Haru only backed away with a soft laugh. It took a full minute for Makoto's face to turn back to her normal color, with a simple blush adorning her features.

“No way,” Makoto grumpily said. “I don't thank criminals. Just like I don't go on dates with them either.” 

“Mh, figures.” Haru's smile grew. Makoto felt strangely good enough to smile back. A soft and calm smile. 

The rest of the date went perfectly. They discussed anything but the situation at hand. Haru told Makoto about gardens and flowers and how to care for a plant. Makoto told her about her dying plant in her apartment with an apologetic tone. Haru promised to come take a look at it as soon as she could. Makoto told Haru about the Team. About how they felt like family. Haru simply listened to her talk about them with a smile. 

At some point she stopped speaking. And Haru told her to continue. That was interesting. That she should keep going, and that please Mako-Chan, don't stop there. Tell me more about Aikido moves.

And for once, she felt listened to. 

They talked about weapons, about how to defend themselves. Makoto had been curious about that axe, and Haru had happily told her everything she wanted to know. 

Dessert came, and they still were talking. It was like they were old friends that recently catched up.

Haru told her about her family. About how she did ballet. About that time when she almost ran away. 

Makoto told Haru about her sister. How her father had died too. How she was aikido trained and that time she broke her senpai's arm from a bad throw. 

Nothing could stop them from talking. It was like they connected on a deeper level. Haru understood her, Makoto understood Haru. She couldn't deny how natural talking with Haru felt. 

Dessert was finished. And with that, the date was over. 

But neither of them wanted it over. 

Makoto had to admit that everything she thought about Haru before had been wrong. Completely. Haru was good company, and it made her cheeks warm when Haru smiled at her. She had ignored the butterfly in her stomach more than once during dinner.

Makoto asked Haru if she wanted her to walk her home. Haru said yes. 

“Such a gentlewoman, Mako-Chan.” Haru had commented when Makoto had offered her an arm to link hers. 

On their way back, Makoto looked up at the starry sky. It had been such a long time since she's had such a great time. It made her forget about how she was in the company of a criminal. 

“Did you enjoy our date Mako-chan?” 

Haru's voice broke her out of her trance. She looked at her side, where Haru looked strangely small. Like she was shy, or afraid to ask for something. 

“I did. It's a shame it has to end.” Makoto sighed.

Her voice was truthful. She had such a good time in her company. She had laughed, almost cried, and shared things with someone she didn't know would be so kind and a good listener. 

Makoto really was sad it had to end. The deal had been to save the politician's life. 

Haru's voice had a hopeful tone when she spoke again.

“It doesn't have to. We can have other dates.” 

Makoto chuckled. It looked like both of them had the same thoughts. 

“Well, if you really want to, why not. Just don't go kidnap politicians just to see me. You can just phone me.” 

That made Haru laugh after a short pause. Makoto really liked how it sounded. She wouldn't be opposed to hearing it again. 

“Are you suggesting I stop my primary activity just for the privilege to date you?” Haru grinned as she stepped closer to Makoto. She didn't move away, a smile on her own face. 

Makoto realised that if Haru were to ask her out, she would say yes. When did dating a criminal start to be okay in her head? She had no ideas. What she could say is that Haru was an exception, or at least Makoto believed her to be. She really hoped she was. 

“Maybe so. Is that such a bad idea?” Her head cocked to the side. She swore Haru rolled her eyes, but she was quickly taken back when Haru took a step even closer. 

A bit too close. She would never allow a criminal to get that close to her. Then again, Haru seemed to break every rule she had.  

“Are you flirting with me, Queen?” Haru purred, a hand coming to rest on Makoto's tie. She made sure it was straightened properly. 

“Is it working?” 

“Of course it is, pretty woman.” That damn smile mixed with that tone made her heart jump in her chest. She had no right to be that good at giving her a heart attack. 

“Good, because I inform you that I have no idea how flirting works,” Makoto said, "you must really like me, Beauty Thief.” 

“It's quite true. You've got all my attention.” 

The curly haired girl got even closer, that hand on her tie tightening as she once again tugged on it to make her bend down. Face to face. 

This time around, Makoto admired her features. Haru did deserve her name of Beauty Thief. Her blush sparkled like stars on her skin. Skin that looked so smooth she would love to hold.

“Do you often do that with the people who are supposed to put you behind bars?” Makoto couldn't help but get closer to her. 

“Oh darling. I'm no easy woman,” Haru's teasing grin was back. Makoto wanted to kiss her and shut her up until that damn grin was gone,”You're actually the only one I'm keeping alive.” 

She laughed loudly, the silence of the night broken. Haru soon joined, turning the situation into a fit of laughter. It had gone out of control, but she guessed it was nice to laugh once more. 

It had been a while since she had had such a good night. 

Once they both calmed down, Makoto waited for Haru to release her. Except she didn't and she started to look at her all confused. 

Haru waited for something it seemed. Something that Makoto didn't know. Her face was flushed, cheeks tinted in red as her eyes were focused on her face. Her chest was heaving. From that laugh, it was normal, Makoto thought. 

“Say, this position is quite uncomfortable,” she nervously said. “Could you please let m-” 

Haru cut her off. 

“Could you please kiss me for god sake, Niijima Makoto?!” 

Oh. 

That wasn't expected. Makoto knew she was bad at reading a situation, but this was a new low. Haru had been waiting for her to initiate. And she hadn't understood that. 

So, Makoto awkwardly pressed her lips against Haru. 

A second.

Two seconds.

Three seco- 

“You're pretty bad at this.” Haru whispered against her lips. Makoto turned beet red and backed away. Her tie was free and she could step away without any trouble. Haru simply looked at her with a soft smile and a red face as well. 

“That's absolutely okay Makoto!” Her eyes widened. She must have seen the look of hurt passing on Makoto's face, “We'll have time to practice later.” 

That made her face completely change expression. 

“Later?” 

“We did agree to more dates, didn't we?” Haru hummed. She didn't look bothered by how horrible their kiss had been. In fact, she looked even more pleased. That was odd. 

“We did.” 

“Then I'll see you later. Thank you for tonight.” 

And Haru stepped toward her, closing the distance once more, this time standing on her tiptoe as she kissed her. This time, Makoto was sure she saw the sparks fly and a thousand butterflies in her stomach. 

She waved back when Haru waved goodbye at her before disappearing in the night. 

Beauty Thief committed another crime that night. She stole an officer of the law's heart. 

“What are you doing?” Haru's voice broke her out of her concentrated state. 

Makoto was in the process of adding tinted covers to the window of her apartment. She had finished her room and the one in her kitchen, and now was doing her living room's. Haru looked at her all puzzled, her face showing the confusion on her face. 

She glanced at her, smiling when seeing Haru with her college hoodie, something she must have taken from the back of her closet. 

The fluffy haired woman had become her partner after a few dates, and they were past three months of dating now. Haru had asked her two weeks prior if it would be okay for her to live with Makoto, since she spent more and more nights with her anyway. 

Makoto liked to think that would put a complete and definitive end to the era of Beauty Thief. Haru hadn't adorned her persona since they started dating, as a way to show Makoto that she was willing to change for the better just for her. 

That at least put an ease to her growing uneasiness. She was dating a criminal- former criminal as Haru liked to jokingly put it.

But their new life together was amazing. Makoto felt utterly overjoyed. And judging by how Haru greeted her in the morning and showered her in kisses, the feeling was mutual.

Sometimes the feeling had been so strong that she had to cover her neck in makeup when she went out. In the confines of their apartment, she didn't bother as she knew new ones would soon join the others. 

A cat was also part of their lives now. Haru had trained her to not eat the various plants now growing in the home, and Makoto now had a lap warmer when she had to stay up late to work on cases. 

It had been months of pure happiness. A few minor issues, mostly regarding Makoto's perfectionism that sometimes borderlined on obsessiveness, or Haru exposing her axe in the middle of the living room, that had been solved with a talk and a movie after. They both were young adults that hated to yell for nothing. Talking was the way they did things. 

Haru was working at a cafe for the time being. She paid a third of the rent to Makoto, who had said it was too much and that she could afford the rent on her own. Haru had told her many times about how rich she was, but Makoto wanted to hear nothing of it. She would not take advantage of Haru's situation. 

It really sounded like they were the typical young couple. If you forgot Haru's very much illegal activities (That she had promised Makoto to stop. Regarding that, she had kept her word, as the Beauty Thief case didn't report new incidents.) 

“I'm covering the windows,” A simple but honest answer. She had always hated lying to her girlfriend. Haru was smart, she had probably asked this to know why. “ Since you're going to be spending more time here, we need to make sure people don't see you.”

Haru stayed quiet, and so Makoto went back to work. 

“Are you serious?” Makoto froze in her tracks. That was a really really cold tone coming from Haru. One she had never heard Haru use. 

She slowly turned her head back toward Haru, and what she saw on her face was pure and unfiltered pain.

“What did I do?” Her confusion could be heard in her voice.

Though, it seemed to anger Haru even more.

“What did you do?! You're covering the windows like you're hiding some horrible secret you don't want people to see! Are you ashamed to be dating me?!” 

Makoto had never liked lying. Lying often hurts a lot more than the truth in the end. Except she couldn't bear to say the truth out loud. 

Haru stared at her. Angry tears started to build up as Makoto didn't even answer her. 

“You are ashamed of me. I can't believe you!” 

Makoto put down what she was doing to walk to her. Except that Haru took a step back. Makoto took this as a sign to stay put where she stood right now. 

“I wouldn't say I'm ashamed. But maybe uneased. There's always that little feeling there that whispers that you're not someone I should date,” Makoto slowly explained, “I'm just doing this to stop that feeling I have for this situation.” Makoto pointed at the window cover. 

Haru was speechless. She didn't say a single word, only staring in incredulity at Makoto.

After a few moments, Haru's broken voice spoke up. 

“Because I'm a former criminal?” 

“According to the law, you're not a former criminal since you haven't been convicted for what you did. You're still hiding from it actually. Which means that me dating you is putting me in a very tight spot as an officer of the law.” 

Makoto said in her serious voice. And she watched as Haru's face went back to hurt. 

“Makoto-” 

“It's the situation we're in. I can't help it.” 

Makoto shrugged. It wasn't a big deal! It could be fixed with a few tinted windows and a lot of care. She could manage. They both could manage of course. 

“That's how you really feel about me? That's how you see me? The criminal you're not supposed to date?” 

The tone wasn't something Makoto liked. Nor was where this seemed to be heading. Oh, Makoto realised that she had messed up somewhere. 

“Like I said, it's just the situ-” 

“It's NOT just a situation!” 

It was a full blown yell now. Makoto flinched and took a step back, eyes widening. 

“I've changed Makoto! And you know that! You know me!” Haru's fists were tight, almost like she wanted to punch something. Or punch me, Makoto thought.

“I'm not the one I was before! I've put it all behind me! Just because I love you!” 

“And I love you too, it's not the issue.” 

There, Haru's face started to lose her anger. It was like she understood something. 

“But you're acting like that. You're covering the windows. You're hiding me.” Haru gritted her teeth. Makoto shook her head.

“Because I care about you. I don't want to lose you because of that past. Justice could fall on us anytime. Me for dating someone I should've arrested. You because you're supposed to pay for what you did.” 

“Pay for what I did? That's all I have to do?” Haru's voice was small now. Her face was expressionless. 

“Justice says you do, yes.” Makoto nodded as she confirmed it. That's what criminals had to do. 

Makoto was covering the windows to protect Haru. She knew it was wrong. Wrong to hide that she was dating a wanted criminal. They didn't go on public dates much, or at least in places that were too scared of Haru to do a thing. 

Maybe Makoto was keeping an eye on Haru more than she should. 

She loved Haru, really. But that feeling was ruining it all. So, all she could do was to patch all of the spaces where it was filtering through. Then, she guessed that feeling would be gone. Or at least she hoped. 

An officer dating a criminal felt wrong. 

So wrong. 

She knew that nothing she could do would change that. 

But she tried. Because she loved Haru. 

“I'm sorry for what I said. Can I make myself be forgiven if I cook you what you want for dinner?” 

Haru's smile at her felt wrong somehow. Forced even. Or pained. She didn't know why. 

“Well, if you can make me some homemade ramen, that would be amazing.” 

“I can do that. I'll start once I'm done with the windows.” 

“Of course. Thank you.” 

Calculated. Thoughtful. Like she was about to do something she would regret. Makoto had seen that expression before. In people who felt guilty about something they were going to commit. Makoto didn't like that one bit.

Haru turned away from her, and before she could exit the living room, Makoto called her.

“Haru?” 

“Mh?” She turned around to listen to her. 

“Whatever you're planning to do…don't hurt yourself or others okay?” 

Makoto saw Haru's eyes widen. She hated that she was right about Haru planning something. 

Haru nodded. 

“Of course. That's behind me now. I will never hurt someone ever again. ” 

“Yo Queen! Where were you?! It ain't like you to just send us a text and then ghost us for like, the whole effin’ weekend!” 

Ryuji sat on his desk, paper scattered everywhere. He was the messy one, always leaving flying sheets everywhere, yet never bothered to clean up. Makoto only sighed at that. 

Hiding her relationship with a criminal was not easy. But if they hadn't found out in three months, it meant that she was doing a pretty good job at hiding it. She was sad she had to hide it from who she considered her second family.

“I was busy. Look, I have my weekends off, I do what I want on them like I please.” 

Akira was writing on a white board information about a new case they had picked. Something about a corrupted politician using his son as a hitman. 

Knowing Joker, that son would be their next recruit. He always had fancy choices for recruits. Sojiro, Joker and Futaba's dad had called them a circus once when they went to Leblanc, Sojiro Sakura and Wakaba Isshiki's coffee & curry shop.

Yusuke was helping him, giving him ideas of places where they could hide a decoy to get him captured. He was playing with some red strings Ryuji had gotten after he had talked for an hour about how strings in police movies were poetic. Ryuji didn't understand it, but had gotten him strings. 

Futaba was hiding in her corner. They had made space for her when she joined, creating a safe space corner she always went to when she was overwhelmed. Makoto had been invited in the sort of fort, once. She had felt strangely at peace there. 

Morgana, the cat of the team, was simply napping on Joker's desk. A note written ‘Do not disturb, important work task’ was put next to him, courtesy of Futaba. 

Ann was apparently missing, Makoto noted. Until a screech erupted from behind her. 

“MAKOTO NIIJIMA! IS THAT A HICKEY?!” 

Well, it seemed like she had found Ann. Or the other way around. 

Her hand shot up to hide the hickey that had been discovered. She barely had time to mutter ‘mosquito’ that the rest of the team was asking questions. 

Joker was the only one slipping away. He was one to join the fun most of the time, but his serious side came when something had to be taken care of. Makoto assumed it was one of those times. 

“You got laid?! That's why you weren't there this weeken’ for the team bondin’ then!” Ryuji threw his small basketball, looking at Makoto. His ball went straight for the miss, hitting the corner of the small hoop he had installed, and it hit Morgana instead. The poor cat hissed and growled at Ryuji, who was too interested in the development of Makoto's sentimental, more intimate, life. Morgana cleaned himself as if he was disgusted by it, before going to his bed in the sun, far from where he could be reached. 

“Who would even do her in their right mind?” Futaba added before being silenced by one of Makoto's glare. She only grinned back at her. 

“Congratulations Makoto.” Yusuke said from his spot. He was actively putting red strings on the white board. He liked to add colors to it. 

Makoto was reminded of that time when he drew flowers in the corner because the board was too dull looking, and his attention had been focused on that blank corner until it had been filled. 

“You need to tell us everything! C'mon, who was it?! Who's the lucky girl? Oh- is it Eiko from the secretary?! ” Ann's excited voice once more broke the incoherent superposition of voices. 

“First of all, it's none of your business. Second of all, Eiko and I are just friends from HighSchool, and third-” 

A voice broke them all out of their frenetic talk, pulling Makoto out of her misery. Her head and those of her friends all turned to look at their leader. It wasn't unusual for them to be called for duty like this. It was simply a normal day for their unit. 

“I'm sorry to interrupt you, but Beauty Thief just surrendered to the Police.” 

Until she was dragged down fast to the pit of despair.  

They weren't the usual duo, but Makoto loved her with her whole heart. She didn't regret it one second, even if she knew Haru was someone who had done horrible things. Makoto saw past that, she saw the hurt woman, hiding under a mask of violence. Maybe one day she would regret having that love story with someone who committed horrible things. But she was utterly in love with that woman.

Her Haru would never hurt a fly. Her Haru watered her plants and took care of them. Her Haru helped a hurt stray cat. Her Haru made sure to give daily kisses to both Makoto and their cat. 

Her Haru wasn't the woman she saw that night in the museum. That woman had been the shell that Haru used to protect and get revenge on those who hurt her. 

Her Haru had discarded that shell. 

Beauty Thief stopped existing after their first date. She was gone, and the press finally could tell the amazing news to CEOs or higher ups that the threat was gone. 

And Haru in exchange had found somewhere to finally belong. Someone who loved her, someone to love.

Haru always looked at her with sparkles in her eyes. 

But now, all that Makoto was seeing was Haru- no, Beauty Thief- as she was escorted to be locked. 

And Beauty Thief didn't dare to look back. 

The cries that erupted from Makoto had been painful and full of emotions. Her heart squeezed and twisted in her chest as she clawed at the window, seeing the door of that car close, taking away the one who had made her life complete. 

The day before came back to mind. 

Haru had decided to surrender. Because of her. Because of how she felt about their relationship.

It was her fault.

She was responsible for it.

The note she found on her table when she came home only made her realise the depths of the situation. 

Makoto spent the night crying on the ground, note in her hand as their cat curled next to her.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, a little voice whispered ‘I told you so.’ as guilt completely overtook her. 

“Hey Haru?”

“Hm?” 

“Can you promise me one thing?” 

“Tell me.” 

“Whatever happens, can you make sure to never break my heart? I don't know how I'll pick up the pieces if you're not there.” 

“Oh, so you're a poetic woman now?” 

“I'm trying to be serious.”

“I know. And yes, I promise. Whatever happens, even if I break your heart or if you break mine-” 

“Haru, I would never-” 

“If I break your heart, I'll be back to gather all those little pieces and put it back in there. If you break my heart, you'll do the same.” 

“Who's the poetic woman now?”

“Me, ma chérie.” 

“You're a tease.” 

“I know. I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

“Hey Team!” 

Joker’s voice brought Queen out of her daydreaming. She had been assigned to put together the old file regarding Beauty Thief, and she had to admit that she had been having a hard time. 

Seven months.

Makoto was left alone. No contact with the woman she had loved with all her heart for three months. And working on her past lover's case was not helping her heartbreak. 

She was sure everyone had noticed by now. She was glad no one asked her about it. 

Makoto didn't know if she would have been able to hold it together if they did. 

Everyone focused on their leader, stopping in their tracks whatever they were doing. 

“We're welcoming a new member today.” 

“Oh, so you managed to convince that Akechi guy? GREAT. We're going to love havin’ an effin’ homicidal guy on the team-” 

Skull groaned. Panther simply hit the back of his head, shushing him. 

“Sadly I didn't manage to. But I recruited someone else that you all know.” 

Makoto's eyes focused on the person walking to stand beside Akira. 

Fluffy hair. 

“You're right for the homicidal part however. But I trust she's going to be more agreeable to be around than Goro for you all.” Joker chuckled.

A pair of soft brown eyes shining in purple when the light hits them the right way. 

A smile that made her heart crazy. 

Her voice- 

“Hello everyone!” 

Makoto's eyes started to water. It couldn't.

She had never stopped loving her. 

Her heart was hers. Had always been hers since they had kissed that night. 

“Please welcome the former Beauty Thief in our team, Okumura-”

She was supposed to be locked away. Far, so far from her. Because of Makoto. 

“-Haru!” 

But she was right there. At her reach. 

Makoto threw herself into Haru's arms, almost sending them both to the ground, wouldn't have it been for Haru holding her steady in her arms. The soft fabric helped to dry her tears, which were softly running down her cheeks as a hand rubbed her back in a soothing motion. 

“Shhh…I know.” 

“I thought you were gone!” Makoto's voice cracked. Everyone around them only looked at them with sympathy. Ryuji was rubbing his neck nervously, Ann had a hand in front of her mouth, Morgana was now awake and observing the scene.

“I know.” Haru said again. Makoto wished she would shut up. 

“I'm so sorry!”

“I know.”

“I shouldn't have said those horrible things I said-”  

“You were just being honest..” 

“I had no rights to say those horrible things-” 

“I forgive you.” 

Haru pulled back from the hug. Teary eyes and a smile on her face. 

“What do you say we keep our promise and start all over again?” Haru's voice was soft as she reached for Makoto's face. 

Makoto's eyes filled with even more tears as Haru now held her face softly, cradling her cheeks.

“Hi, my name is Okumura Haru, a former criminal by the name of Beauty Thief. And I'm utterly in love with you, Officer Niijima Makoto.” 

Makoto opened the door of her apartment, slipping inside and even almost forgetting that Haru was behind her. 

She had grown used once more to being alone. 

Makoto had gotten attached to Haru really fast in the short time they had been together, and yet, she hadn't let go of her. Not once in seven months. She had even planned to try and visit her on the nine months mark. As a way to keep in touch. 

She had felt so guilty for her words that it took months to even think about seeing Haru again.

And two weeks to decide to visit her. As well as 3 more weeks to think of when. 

“I'm home!” Makoto said as she took her shoes off. Haru quietly stood behind her, hands behind her back. 

Makoto didn't need to see her to know it was how she was standing. She knew her girlfriend. 

“Who are you saying that to if you don't mind me asking? You're living with someone else?” 

Haru's voice was soft, unlike how she was before. Both of them had changed in those months apart. What they knew had been thrown away.

Makoto did want to start all over again. She just wanted a bit more time for things to be like before. Not the closeness that couldn't go away, but the domestic atmosphere that had grown there. 

Haru was herself. Less forceful than when they met. More gentle. As if she was afraid to lose her again. 

She sensed fear in the voice. Like Haru was afraid Makoto had replaced her. 

Makoto smiled. 

She could never replace her Haru. 

“To Lucy of course. She's the other tenant here.” 

Lucy's fluffy tail came over to them. Makoto looked at Haru, who had her light brown eyes directed toward their cat. Lucy had been an angel since Haru had been gone. It was true she looked sad, but Makoto had made sure the cat was thriving and enjoying her life even without her other owner. 

“Hi sweetheart, do you remember me?” Haru crouched, sticking her hand out. Lucy sniffed curiously, before she let out a loud meow and immediately started to purr and rub against Haru. 

Makoto witnessed the sweet moment quietly. Haru had picked up Lucy, cradling her like a baby. Lucy wasn't opposed to it. 

“Though,” Makoto started again, her gaze going toward her bedroom entry. “You're not exactly wrong about someone else living here now.” 

She hated the way Haru's face fell as she put down Lucy. Makoto kept a smile on her face. 

“Meet Agnes.” 

Nothing came from the door. Which made Makoto worried. Agnes always answered after being called. She walked to her room, leaving Haru in the entryway alone. 

She came out a few seconds later, a small tortoiseshell cat, fighting with what looked to be a sock in her hands. Or a former sock as it was torn apart. 

“Oh.” Haru let out a sigh of relief.

“This little sock thief is Agnes. Here,” Makoto handed the small kitten over to Haru, “She knows your odor, she won't scratch or bite you.” 

True to her words, Agnes gave Haru a deep sniff before letting the cutest meow. Makoto witnessed Haru melt as the kitten started to knead her chest. A tear even fell from Haru's cheek. 

“I got her for Lucy. It felt lonely without you here, and I wanted to give her a companion. It's been lively with her around. Lucy can barely follow her antics.” 

Makoto stood with a smile near the pair. She had to admit that Agnes fit perfectly in Haru's arms.

“Her bed is made of one of your old shirts. I wanted her to know you. In case you came back.” 

The look that Haru gave her was priceless. A mix of emotions, of longing and of deep love. That look, she adored it. 

They settled back into their usual. Like those months of break had never happened. 

It was okay. Makoto wasn't really ready to talk yet with Haru. A few days of getting used to each other once again would be in order, but at least, now Haru was back. The more painful and deep talking could be done later. 

Except that the plan to slowly move was immediately ruined. 

Because Haru cuddled really really close to her as they watched the tv. It was nothing particular. Not a horror movie, not an action movie or even a sad romance. It was a series she didn't know about. The trash TV kind. Makoto didn't watch a lot of TV as she preferred to read or work, but Haru had requested it with those sweet eyes of hers. And Makoto couldn't refuse. 

It could be step one of their new and improved relationship.

Haru decided to burn nearly 5 of the steps as she cuddled close to her. 

Makoto had not been mentally ready to be close so soon again after months of loneliness and guilt. 

Haru's head was nestled in the crook of her shoulder. Half her body was over Makoto's, who sat as still as a log, and one of her hands was making circles on Makoto's shoulder not currently under Haru's chin. 

It wasn't that she didn't like it, she had just not been warned beforehand that a human being would be that close again. The cats didn't count, they didn't exactly respect boundaries. 

But the thing was that Haru had never been that clingy before. Which is why it did surprise Makoto more than anything. 

After the episode of the TV ended, her attention shifted back to Haru. Who's agenda didn't include moving away from her. Glued, basically. 

Until Haru's voice broke the only sound in the room. 

“You can ask me to move away if you don't like it,” Haru's voice was like a gentle garden of flowers in her mind. So soft and smooth, and like a warm hug,” I don't want to make you uncomfortable.” 

“You're not,” She swore she heard a sigh right there, “I like your warmth.”

Haru laughed that time around. It was small, not like those she used to do. But it was a starting point to build everything back together. 

Without the growing pit of bad feelings. It was gone. As well as Haru's criminal title was gone. 

Good behavior and the promise to help the team, as well as being monitored and assigned to be home at certain hours. 

Joker was the one who negotiated all of it. They both needed to thank him. 

Makoto could do with that. A few negative parts, but it was nothing if it meant she could love Haru without feeling horrible and sometimes ashamed. 

It was priceless to love her like she was supposed to. Fully and without barriers. 

“I love how honest you are, Mako-Chan,” Haru took a pause,” I thought I hated it at first, the fact you said those hurtful things. But I realised that's just how you are. And that it meant you would never lie to me.” 

“I don't lie.” Except that time when she went out at night against Sae's back. That had been the only time she had lied, and she still felt guilty about it. Even after she apologised profusely to a confused Sae. 

“Mhmh.” 

Haru was staring at her with that same look as before. The one after their first date. The one after their second date. The one from the beginning of the third. The one she saw in the mornings. In the evenings. 

One she had managed to associate with Haru wanting something.

“Is it wrong of me to assume you want me to kiss you?” 

“What an amazing deduction, Mako-Chan. You're such a good detective.” 

“I'm not a-” This time, Makoto cut herself off before she leaned in and pressed her lips against Haru. 

She had missed this. 

One second, 

Two seconds, 

Three sec- 

“You're really good at kissing, Mako-Chan.” 

Haru had the bad habit of interrupting their kiss, really. Makoto rolled her eyes. 

“I'm having a feeling of déjà-vu.”

“Kiss me again.” Haru's laugh filled the room before she was pulled into another of their kiss. 

They were far from being the perfect couple. A former criminal and a social mess of an officer of the law. They have had their lows, their highs, their falling out. 

Yet, Makoto was full of love each time she looked at Haru. 

They weren't perfect, but they were making it perfect.

 Their love story was only on chapter one. 

Making boxes wasn't her strength. Honestly, moving away had never been something she enjoyed. 

But it had to be done. 

Makoto hummed as she put away her books in a box labeled ‘office’. She had already made a list of what would go where in their new place. 

They had found a place right upstairs of an old shop. Haru wanted to turn it into a coffee shop. A month ago, she finished her time under police surveillance. Over the monthly visits or the controlled hours. She was officially completely free. If we omitted that her file would always be filled with the mention of robbery. She only had been convicted for the murder of her fiancé, which had been ruled a self defense act. It was revealed that her frenzy had been triggered when she pushed Tarō Sugimura in the stairs after he tried to assault her. Seeing him laying there must have done it for her. Triggered that need to see those who hurt others being hurt. Snowball effect.

Therapy helped her, Makoto made sure of it. She wanted Haru to be freed of her demons. 

Makoto as well had started therapy and learned some social cues. It was still a bit too much, but Haru helped her in return. 

Haru decided to pursue one of her dreams the moment she was free.

Makoto had even taken a year off of work to help Haru renovate the whole place. At least the upstairs was already modern enough for them. 

The shop looked like nothing yet, but they knew they would be able to do it. 

Their friends supported them. 

Sae had even dropped by simply to say how proud she was.

Her sister had always been hesitant at the start when she learned of their relationship. But the woman her sister met must have done wonders to her doubt. Tae Takemi did look like an amazing woman, and both clearly were in love. 

That weird feeling Makoto got when in the presence of the doctor could be explained by the fact she wasn't accustomed to Sae dating anyone, really. 

It would pass with time. 

Her friends were also thriving : Akira and Ryuji had started dating, much to no-one's surprise actually. The hitman son joined them, replacing Haru in the team after some heavy coercing from Akira. That man knew how to persuade even the cold hearted criminals. 

Ann had taken a big modelling gig, and Makoto was sure she had heard about a potential proposal being talked about with her long time girlfriend Shiho. 

Yusuke was still Yusuke. He did an exhibition of his art not too long ago. He was embracing his art to the fullest. Makoto and Haru had posed for him before. For a scenery, if she remembered well. They hadn't seen (what?)

Futaba's police file had been cleaned up, and she now had a full job in the team. She even introduced the team to a new member. Makoto remembered her name was Kasumi- no, Sumire. Sumire Yoshizawa. They had yet to know each other. Makoto had seen her once, before she left for her year break. By then Sumire would have known the rest of the team. It would maybe make things less awkward. 

Morgana had taken a few pounds. She and Ryuji had started talking about making him run on the treadmill, but he had fled before they could do anything. Sometimes she swore he could understand them all. 

Makoto closed the box with tape, breaking it with her teeth before slapping it in place. Making boxes all day was not helping with her nerves. 

She was about to put new books into another box when a piece of flying paper caught her eye. Odd. She hated messy papers. She wondered what could have possessed her to leave it like that and not put it in her folder for alone paper. Until she read the first line. 

It was Haru's letter before she surrendered. 

Makoto felt strangely emotional seeing that. It was clear that Haru hadn't known if she would ever come back at the time. It was weird seeing this, now of all time as they were about to go forward and leave it all behind. 

“Need any help here Darling?” Makoto let out a soft yelp, startled. She smacked Haru's shoulder when she didn't stop laughing. 

“I'm all good. Just annoyed. There's so many boxes to do.”

“We don't have much left I promise,” Haru's hands came to rest on Makoto's shoulders, getting close to her face, “But maybe you and I should take a break.” 

“That's not a bad idea actually.” Makoto smiled, the paper in her hand forgotten. Until Haru noticed. Haru gave Makoto a light kiss. Then another. And another. Makoto loved it when she did this. 

“What's this in your hand?” 

Makoto stopped for a moment. Until she answered with a soft smile. 

“Nothing important at the moment,” She discarded the paper carelessly in one of the boxes,” Now, let's take a break. How do you feel about watching a movie right now?” 

Dear Mako-Chan. 

If you read this letter, then it means I've surrendered myself. 

What I am is simply a murderer. A pure criminal. A person who belongs where they put people who do these kinds of things. 

One of the kind of people you swore to put to jail. 

I changed. You opened my eyes, made me a good person. You believed in me. 

And I'm sure we would have been able to go far. 

You made me realise that I couldn't ignore what I did for the rest of my life when you couldn't get over the titles we had. 

Officer. Murderer. 

I've decided to atone for my crimes. Those lives I took, horrible they were, did not deserve it. 

You've shown me that killing is never justified.

You've lied to others, to your colleagues, to your friends for us to be together. 

But I cannot keep it that way. Not when you told me what you felt about it all. 

If I leave now, maybe you'll stop seeing me like you did for the past months. 

Maybe you'll see me as the Former Criminal. 

And in another life, the Officer and the Former Criminal can be together without anything stopping them.

I'm sorry. 

I'll always love you.

Signed, Haru, the Thief who stole your heart.

Ps: Water your plants like I taught you. They'll live a long life if you do. Take care of Lucy for me. Make sure to feed her twice a day and to keep her warm blanket charged for her.