I'm still alive! Hope you guys enjoy.

It felt like a slap in the face, hearing the news. High school was finally over, and she and Ren had so many plans for the rest of spring and summer. There were things they wanted to do, places they wanted to go, foods they wanted to try…all the plans they had made together before they went their separate ways in college were crushed just from a few words from her parents.

"We're moving to L.A."

For the first few minutes she stood frozen, silently watching as her parents immediately started cleaning the house of their things. The manner in which they moved around the house was lifeless, sparing not one second to glance at their stunned daughter. Of course they didn't; they didn't know a thing. All she had done with the Phantom thieves, all she had to endure…

She clenched her fists, angry at how often they made her feel like unwanted baggage. Angry as she was, she was forced to let go of her anger when confronted with the facts. It wasn't that her parents didn't love her; of course they did.

That's just how life was.

Was she giving up and resigning herself to her parents' whims? No, of course not. But she knew arguing with them would be pointless. If they decided to leave her alone in japan and force her into self-reliance, she knew she wouldn't last very long. Even with the money she made from her modeling gigs, there was too much she didn't know about being an adult for her to go about her life alone.

A buzz brought her out of her stupor. Reaching into her back pocket she examined her phone, a reminder of a "special" event that she was once excited for popped up on the screen reminding her not to forget about it. She let out a long sigh, regretting her decision to give into her curiosity.

Why did it have to be now when everything crashed down upon her?

Forcing herself to move her lead-weighted legs, she forced herself up the stairs and into her room. Plopping face down onto her bed, she let out another long sigh not wanting to do anything but sink into the cushions.

Still, she wasn't going to disappoint Ren like this. Grabbing out her phone, she sent out a message.

Are we still on for tomorrow?

A reply came in a flash.

Definitely.

Walking through the train station suddenly felt like a chore as she navigated through the gates. Her eyes scanned the crowd lazily, and she desperately prayed Ren would not be around so she could go home without a word. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she found Ren sitting on one of the benches, browsing his phone and unaware his girlfriend's face was just a few inches away. She stood still for a while, watching him browse his phone without a care in the world. She was sure he was in the clouds now that the day of the trip had come, considering they had planned this months ago. She had to admit she was a little jealous seeing him this happy while she remained an internal mess.

Maybe entertaining herself a little would alleviate some of this jealousy.

"Boo!"

Out of reflex Ren jumped and immediately swung his head back, unfortunately banging it against the wall.

"Sorry!" Ann grimaced, not expecting the wall to make a sound that loud. She cautiously approached her boyfriend as he rubbed the back of his head. "Did I make you wait long?"

"Not really." Ren replied, smiling as he stared into her turquoise orbs. "Only been here a few minutes."

Ann smiled too as she lost herself within his obsidian orbs. Memories of their time together flashed within her mind, starting from when they first met in the rain to now. She felt her rapidly-beating heart settle as she realized she'd always love the man before her. The feeling of comfort didn't last long, however, as she forced herself to look away. She took a deep breath as she prepared to execute her plan.

The plan was simple: tell him her situation, break up with him, apologize and walk away without looking back.

Simple, right?

She didn't know if this was the right thing to do, but it was certainly better than leading him on like this. Just as she opened her mouth, a loud horn sounded throughout the station, signalling another train approaching. Ann flashed a dirty look at the incoming train for interrupting her thoughts.

Could you not have come at a better time?! I'm having a crisis damn it!

Before she could get her thoughts back together, Ren gently entwined his hand with hers and swiftly led her towards the platform.

"Here's the train. Let's go."

"A-Ah! Wait…!" she stumbled.

"Hm?" Ren turned back as he felt his girlfriend fall behind. "What is it? Is something the matter?"

Her thoughts now in shambles, Ann desperately scanned the inner parts of her head trying to remember what her original plan was; only to no avail.

"Um...er...n-nevermind! It seems like I totally forgot!" Ann let out an exaggerated laugh in ridicule of herself and in a desperate attempt to hide any of her ulterior motives. "We should hurry on and board the train!" she said, this time taking initiative and pulling Ren along.

Suddenly breaking up over the phone didn't sound like a bad idea anymore.

Ann watched in sadness as her boyfriend returned her smile, still oblivious to the events that had just transpired within her home. Would he still look at her the same way if she had told him then and there? She looked throughout the train, seeing another opportunity as there was hardly a soul around. Taking a deep breath and clenching her fists, she steeled her nerves and rehearsed what she was going to say.

I'll be moving to L.A soon. I don't know how long I'll be there, but I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon. I'm sorry.

Got it. Once they arrived at their destination, she'd say it fast enough to board the train before it left.

Turning to Ren, she observed the way he stared into the distance, never letting himself get distracted enough to let go of her. The moment his eyes met her again, he flashed his usual heart-stopping smile.

And in that moment the words Ann had willed herself to say caught her throat. She tried several times to force them out, although without avail.

"Is something the matter?" Ren asked again, this time slightly worried.

"N-No…" Ann finally managed to stutter.

Ren wasn't convinced however, and prodded further. "Are you not feeling well?"

And right on the mark he was. Ann, in her current state of mind, was certainly NOT feeling well at all.

No Ren, I'm not well at all! My parents are moving to L.A soon and I'll have to join them. I have to leave Japan behind, I have to leave Shiho behind, and I have to leave you behind! I'm trying so hard to tell you but I just can't! I don't know why but whenever I try something just...stops me! I don't want to leave! I want to stay here with everyone! With you! But I have no choice!

It wasn't until Ren's grip on her hand tightened that she was brought out of her stupor, and she was once again forced to confront her worried boyfriend.

"Um.. I...I…" she stuttered, trying her damn hardest just to get everything over with.

It wasn't until Ren grabbed out a tissue and wiped her face that she realized she was crying. Without a word, he pulled her in and locked her in a tight embrace. Ann, grateful that nobody else was on the train to see her, dug deeper within his shirt as he did so, unable to stop her tears.

Ren remained silent as he rubbed her back and stroked her pigtails, doing his best to offer comfort. A wave of relief and comfort washed over Ann as she felt his strong arms wrap themselves around her. Somehow, even if she had to tell him the truth, she felt everything would be okay. Her mind now clear, she separated herself from him and rubbed her teary eyes dry. Ren's worried look still persisted, and he adjusted himself while holding her hand so they were face-to-face.

"Ann, if you're not well you just have to tell me. We can cancel this date and-"

"No! I'm fine, I promise. I just…" she looked at Ren once more, feeling her heart fill with love from all the memories they shared together. "I'm just happy you're in my life."

Ren looked down in an obvious attempt to hide his blush.

"Keep saying that and I might just put a ring on your finger." the former Joker whispered.

"I eagerly await the day." Ann purred, poking his nose.

Her mind now clear, she suddenly felt as if a weight had been lifted off her heart. Right, there were still several hours left in the day, who was she to tell him now and ruin it for the both of them? It was probably the last time they were going to do this.

And Ann would've been remiss to not let either of them enjoy it.

Reaching their destination, Ann grabbed Ren's hand and hurriedly led him deeper into the amusement park. She wanted to do all she could before this day ended.

"Let's hurry on in! There's so much to do here and not a lot of time!" she exclaimed.

While long lines were one of the many inconveniences that came with an amusement park during the summer, Ann wouldn't have wanted it any other way, especially for this day. The chaos that ensued from loud music, kids running around with their parents and employees in costume created an intoxicating atmosphere that quickly stripped her away of all her worries. Ren too found himself falling into the chaotic atmosphere as Ann led him around several souvenir stores to try on different accessories.

"How do I look?" Ann asked, sporting a pair of mouse ears atop her head.

"Beautiful as always." Ren replied, quickly snapping a photo of her with his phone before she had the chance to stop him.

"Hey, I wasn't ready!" Ann pouted.

"I know." Ren smiled, turning the screen her way, but keeping it far enough that it was out of her reach. "It's just you looked so cute I couldn't help it."

Ann sighed exasperatedly, shaking her head at the boy who always thought she looked her best even when she didn't. Where did he find the courage to be so honest? She sighed again, knowing she'd most likely be in love with him forever.

"Where to next?" Ren asked, entwining his hands with hers.

After having bought enough souvenirs the lunch hour came, shortening the lines to the roller coasters allowing them both to enjoy all the rides without having to suffer through a long wait. Ann was never really fond of fast-paced rides when she was younger; they made her heart race and scream at a volume she didn't care to admit but with Ren, things were different. Somehow, having someone scream atop his lungs alongside you just made things more bearable and even more enjoyable.

It was a feeling Ann promised herself she'd never forget.

By the time they had finished all the rides, the sun was beginning to set and people were finally beginning to head home.

"Well, we've been through all the rides. Is there anything else you want to do?" Ren asked, his hands now carrying bags of souvenirs.

"Hm…" Ann wondered, looking up at the sky and realizing it was nearly time. "Do you remember the first ride we went on together? As a couple?"

"The ferris wheel? Of course I do, I'll never forget."

Ann nodded. "Let's ride that again."

To their surprise, the line to the ferris wheel was surprisingly long with nearly every patron accompanied by a significant other. Looks like they weren't the only ones who had the idea. While a long line would typically annoy her, this time she was appreciative of the wait.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and reminisced all they had gone through together. Standing above Kamoshida, exposing Shido, saying goodbye to Shiho, so much had happened within a year and yet somehow it felt so short. Thoughts of leaving Japan invaded her mind again, and she knew she had to tell him before she left. Realizing the time was near, Ann rested her head on Ren's shoulder cherishing whatever time they had left together.

As she rested her head, she felt Ren's hand gently stroke her hair. Oh, how she'd dearly miss his touch...

Time passed without a word, but neither of them minded. Given the loud and chaotic atmosphere of the park, both found solace in whatever peace they could find. Soon enough, it became their turn to board. Ann, forcibly awakened by the approaching hums of the ferris wheel, wordlessly boarded the little capsule with her hand firmly entwined with Ren's. Both of them made themselves comfortable as they sat down after a long wait of standing. Ren let out an audible sigh as he sat beside her and stretched his back, exhausted from the day's events.

Ann clenched her hand, bracing herself for what she was about to say.

Just then, Ren turned and placed a gentle kiss atop her head.

"Thank you." he said.

Ann blinked in surprise. "For?"

"This." Ren gestured towards the area around them. "Y'know, before you and everyone else came into my life I never would've thought of doing any of this. Spending time at an amusement park with someone I love, talking about other plans over the summer, learning how to cook new kinds of foods and enjoying it…"

Ann's grip on her lover's hand tightened as he went on about the ways in which she had changed him. Each compliment felt like another needle making its way to her heart, prickling it as a grim reminder of what she'd have to do before the day ended. She tightly closed her eyes, wishing she had just a little bit more time. Time to tell him how much she loved him. Time to tell him how much he had changed her.

Without thinking, she gripped Ren's hand tightly. Afraid that if she let go, he'd fly away from her.

"Ann? What's wrong?" Ren asked, softly holding her arms.

"Just stay here. Please?" she begged. She looked up to the ceiling of the little capsule they were in to distract herself from her feelings. No matter how hard she tried, she still couldn't stop her tears from falling.

Once again, Ren moved closer beside his lover and brought her head to his shoulders. Despite not knowing the reason why she was crying, he knew she'd tell him eventually.

It took Ann a while to get herself together, but when she did she still found herself fumbling over her words.

I have to say it. I have to say it now!

"I'm leaving for the U.S soon." she finally forced out, her voice hardly above a whisper.

Even through the gentle hums of the ferris wheel, it sounded as if the world had gone quiet. The moment she blurted the first few words, everything that had been building up within her chest finally came out as if it were being released from a cage.

"My parents are moving to a newer branch in their company in California. They need to start work there within a few months. I'll have to go with them."

She thought she had already prepared for this, but even as the words came out her voice still sounded shaky and her heart continued beating faster.

She kept her eyes to the ceiling as she spoke, too afraid to see the look on Ren's face. Was he sad? Disappointed? She banished those thoughts as quickly as she could. Even if-no...when it ended, she knew it'd hurt. She'd have to accept it sooner or later.

"...And I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon."

Thoughts of leaving her old life behind, her friends behind, it sent her mind into another frenzy, forcing another wave of tears to fall down her face.

"I wanted to stay...I wanted to stay with everyone. I wanted to live with you...to introduce you to my parents. But now I can't!"

"Oh Ann…" Returning her firm grip on his hands, Ren pulled her into another embrace. He held her close as he stroked her hair and rubbed circles on her back offering whatever comfort he could.

"I don't want to leave…!"

Despite trying his best to give comfort, Ren's mind drifted away as he stared into the distance, trying to process the new information. Thinking about it now, it was so obvious that he was remiss to not take into consideration the lives of her parents.

Of course she could've moved away. Her parents' work required them to travel.

But that didn't matter now. What mattered was what they were going to do.

Break up? No, that wasn't an option. Ending it like this would've been stomping on all they had gone through and built together.

Her tight grip bringing him back to the present, Ren's eyes filled with sorrow as he watched Ann cry in his arms. To go about her day faking a smile while carrying such heavy burdens. To go about the day in fear of what would happen to them. He couldn't even begin to fathom the feeling.

"It's going to be okay." he finally said.

Ann didn't move, but he could feel her listening as he spoke.

"We'll find a way to make this work."

It was a bold statement to make, especially as they were walking into the unknown. Who knew what things awaited their futures. Would either of them be too busy to devote time for the other? What about the timezones? Differing schedules and goals? So many obstacles were conspiring with distance to separate them.

But they'd find a way to make things work.

They always did.

Uggghhh...rotten timing I know. Especially with all the new content and interactions within P5R. Truth is I haven't really started Royal yet, I want to though, as I really want to incorporate several of its elements into my story but that's going to take some time. Still I hope knowing this didn't take away too much of your enjoyment of this chapter.