Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chuuya had just arrived back at the apartment after a very tedious mission. He had taken a nice hot bath and had changed into a more casual outfit. 

He was now sitting on a velvet couch, a bunch of papers on his hands.
" Yes, Boss. I'll let you know." The man on the other side hang up on him. Chuuya placed the phone on the table and continued staring at the words.
Being an executive had proven to be way more complicated than he had thought.
And that bastard Dazai would never help him with paperwork.
Speaking of the bastard, he should have been there by now.
It wasn't often that he was that late.
Chuuya made a mental note to call him, should more hours pass.

The door knocked once.
Strange, Dazai always knocked thrice, and there was no one else that would come to their house at that hour. Or in general.
Chuuya stood up and walked to the door, already dreading the other side.
He turned the knob.

Dazai stood there, still. He wasn't wearing his coat, his bandages were a mess, his eyes were both uncovered and there was blood on his hands.
So much blood.
" What happened? " he asked, moving away so Dazai could enter.
Dazai walked inside and stopped. He moved as if he were a machine.
" Dazai, " Chuuya grabbed his hand, " What happened? "
Dazai raised his head slowly, his eyes meeting his.
Chuuya stilled. His eyes looked empty. Two bottomless pits of brownish-red. It was as if the light had left them.
Dazai opened his mouth, but words failed him.
" Dazai " Chuuya tried again, shaking him. " Whose blood is this? " 

It wasn't his partner's, Chuuya knew. Dazai wouldn't be in this state if it had been his.
Dazai's knees hit the ground.
Chuuya knelt beside him.
" I lost him "
Dazai's words were fainter than a whisper. His voice, hoarse.
" I lost him " Dazai repeated, looking at his blood-covered hands. 
There was only one person Chuuya knew that had that big of an impact on Dazai's life. 
" You mean Oda? " Chuuya whispered, getting hold of his shaking hands.
Dazai nodded once and then kept his head low.

Chuuya had never seen that side of him. He had never seen him like that, looking so fragile, so broken.
It tugged at his heart in a strange and unfamiliar way.
" You have to clean yourself, " he said, trying to help the other boy up, " Dazai, you can't stay like this " 
The smell of blood and its texture on his clothes and skin would only make everything worse.

Dazai shook him off, before standing up. He moved to the bathroom on his own, his movements mechanic, devoid of any emotion.
Chuuya let him.
But what if he tries anything stupid? The little voice in his mind screamed to leave him alone.
But the door was ajar, and Chuuya was worried sick.

He had never had to comfort him before. Dazai was never affected by anything. He didn’t know what he should do, or what he should say.
Would a shower even help Dazai?
Or would Dazai try to drown himself, or-
There were razors in the cabinet. Would he-

He walked towards the door and looked inside.
Dazai was sitting beneath the showerhead, water running on his clothed body, washing the blood away.
Dazai stared forward, but his eyes were not focused.
He was far far away from that place.

Chuuya knelt by the side of the bathtub. He wanted to help. 
He wanted to do something.
" What can I do? " A stupid question he knew. Dazai didn't seem to have heard him.
" Dazai please, I want to help " No matter the rift that had grown between them that last year, Dazai was still his partner. He still cared about him, more than he wanted to admit.
" My vest " Dazai's fragile voice pained his ears. 
Chuuya gently reached for the fabric, guiding his head through the two holes. 
Dazai was like a puppet, completely motionless. It scared him.
Chuuya threw the vest on the ground before he took his red hands on his.
He rubbed water on them and scrubbed the blood off.
Dazai's eyes remained glued n the horizon. They never wavered, not even for a second.

When Chuuya had gotten the blood off of him, he turned off the water and helped him stand up.
His clothes, bandages and hair were all damp, water licked to the floor, pooling beneath them.
Chuuya draped a towel around him and got him out.
With a bit of help, Dazai eventually reached his bed.
" Try to change. If you can't, you have blankets. Stay warm, and call if you need anything. "
Dazai's eyes found him, and then the wall.
At least he had heard him.

Oda Sakunosuke was dead. How had that happened? Why was Dazai there? Who had done it?
Chuuya's head was full of unanswered questions.
He was cleaning the blood from the floor, now, thinking it would be better if Dazai didn’t have to see it again.
Dazai
He had looked so empty.
More than he had ever seen him before. 
Worse, he had looked vulnerable. The way he was shaking, the way his lips quivered ever so slightly.
Chuuya did not want to see him like that ever again, under any circumstances. 

After he was done moping the floors, and covering the smell with some tea bags on the ground, Chuuya had headed back to Dazai's room.
Dazai was in the same position as he had left him. His eyes were wide open, glued to the ceiling. 
Chuuya grabbed one of the blankets, and threw it on him, making sure his body was well covered.
Dazai didn't react to the noise or the gesture.
Neither when Chuuya sat on the small armchair beside the bed.

Unlike Dazai, sleep hit Chuuya right in the face after he closed his eyes.

...

Chuuya woke up to the sound of his phone ringing. 
" Boss? " he saw the time, it was too early for work, so why had Mori called him?
" Did Dazai-kun return yesterday? " Mori asked, his voice neutral as always. Chuuya recalled last night, and immediately looked at Dazai's empty bed.
" Yes." He responded. He had returned. 
" Thank you. That's all, Chuuya-kun " Mori hang up.
Chuuya didn't see why Mori would call him just to ask that. He pocketed his phone, and run outside to the living room.

" Oi, Dazai " he screamed but was greeted with silence. The living room was empty. The bathroom was empty. 
He even checked his bedroom and the balcony.
There were no signs of Dazai.

Chuuya took out his phone and dialled the number he knew by heart. Nothing.
He called again.
Nothing.
He called a third time.
Same answer.
He texted the number, but no response ever came.

Dazai was gone.

…

One week had passed since that awful day.
One week had passed since his partner had abandoned him.
Since he’d woken up in a world without Dazai.

And it felt strange.
This last year they’d grown apart, he knew, but even then, even if he almost never talked to him, Dazai would always be sleeping in the room opposite to his. He’d always return to their apartment at the end of the day.
They seldom ever conversed or even saw each other, but they knew where the other was. Chuuya knew that if Dazai wasn’t there he’d be at Lupin.
But now Lupin was no longer a choice.
Oda was dead, and Ango...He wouldn’t go there anymore.

Still, for a week straight, Chuuya went to that bar every night.
Hoping that maybe Dazai would show up.
Hoping to see him again.

He’d drink some bottles of wine, and call him, only to be linked to an empty line. Then he’d drink some more wine and call him again, trying to convince himself that Dazai was busy, or sleeping.
His calls never went through.
He let the phone ring for at least half a minute before closing it each time. Once he realized calling him wouldn’t work, he tried to send him some voice messages.

In his drunken state, the words those messages were formed with, weren’t that many. There were some curses, some I hate you’s, some sorry’s, and even some come back’s.
There were some other words there as well. Some words sober Chuuya regretted ever saying.

One week had passed where everything had changed, yet the moon was still there, mocking him and his misery.

He was drinking another bottle of wine, seated on the balcony, when he heard knocking.
Three knocks.
The bottle fell off his hands, but he didn't care. 

He rushed to the door and there he stood.
Dazai. 
A clean, polished Dazai.
He wore a nice sand-coloured coat, a striped shirt and a vest. His pants were beige, and he had a pendant on his neck.
What caught his attention though, were his eyes.
They were both uncovered, their colours slightly uneven.
That night Chuuya had been too busy worrying, to notice the slight difference in them.
" Chuuya..." Dazai whispered, looking back at the boy.
Chuuya stepped back. Both to let him enter, and because he was surprised. Maybe scared?
Dazai. 
He didn't look like his Dazai.
" I want you to come with me " The brunette did not hesitate in his words. He did not go around the subject. Chuuya wished he had.
" What? "
" I left the Port Mafia, and I want to ask you to come with me " Dazai's eyes found his. There was a spark inside them. A spark that hadn't been there before.
Chuuya recoiled.
Leave the Port Mafia.
" And go where? " He asked.
" Underground for a while. Then wherever we want "
It sounded too good to be true.
Dazai sounded, not happy per se, but definitely excited.
Oda had died a week ago, Dazai's sudden mood change made zero sense to him.

Chuuya moved to his kitchen and brought two glasses, and a bottle.
He purred wine on both glasses, setting them on the table.
He indicated for Dazai to join him.

He was back.
All week Chuuya had been begging for him to come back. He had left so many stupid, drunken messages on his phone. 
He had broken so many things, had been furious, and Dazai would never respond.
But here he was now, telling him to...to do what?
Leave?
With him?
Chuuya desperately needed a drink.

" Chuuya...? " Dazai looked at him, with those eyes he had never seen before. Chuuya realized he hadn't spoken.
" No " The words came out of his mouth, but they felt wrong.
Yet at the same time, he couldn't imagine saying yes.
He couldn't bear the thought of leaving the Port Mafia. Of leaving Mori, of leaving Kouyou.
Dazai's expression fell.
" Don't you want to come with me? We can run away, leave the PM behind. " He looked at his drink, trailing the side of the glass with his finger.
" I'm an executive here. I have my job. "
" But you don't need to stay here. You can find another job "
Why was Dazai being so insistent?
Why did he want to leave so much?
" What the hell is up with you, man? You left a week ago. You gave no sign you were even alive, you did not respond to a single call of mine, and now you're here, asking me to what? Ran away with you? "
Chuuya was angry.
His initial relief of seeing him after thinking he was dead, was washing away. Turning into bitter anger.
" I know. I had to leave. But I've decided to change. " Dazai's eyes remained on the glass " I want to be good, " he said, with a desperation Chuuya had never heard before.
" I want to save people, I want to find a reason to live. " Dazai swallowed. It was taking a lot for him to say those things, Chuuya could tell. " And I want to take you with me " brownish-red eyes found blue, and Chuuya felt his heart skip a beat.
What was Dazai talking about?
Saving people?
Being good?
" Since when do you want to do those things? " 
Dazai remained silent, as he took a sip of his wine. " Oda...When he was dying he used his last words to tell me to be better. To guide me. To help me find what I'm searching for." He stood up from the chair and placed his hand on his heart.
" I want to try. And I want you with me "
He was talking to him so openly. 
Dazai never talked to him like that.
He did want to try.
No.
He was already trying. 
Chuuya thought about it. Dazai, his Dazai would have left. He would have left without saying anything.
He would be distant and cold, he would try not to open up, but close more to himself. 
This Dazai had come back.
" But I can't, " Chuuya stood up and walked to him. " Leaving the organization, I cant. "
He had grown up with them. They had taken him in, had taught him all he knew. Mori, Kouyou, his subordinates, even Dazai.
They were his family. He couldn't just, leave them.
" You feel the Port Mafia as your family," Dazai chuckled, " I get that. I know you, of course, you do. And I know what I'm asking of you is a lot, but think about it. "
" Dazai-
" Do you really want this life? A life of wine, luxury and death? Because that's the Mafia-
" You were the one to introduce me to that life. Did you forget that? "
Dazai took a step back and lowered his eyes.
" You were the one to drag me here, you and Mori. And now what? You are telling me I should leave? "
Dazai didn't have an answer to that.
" Are you telling me I should listen to you, join you, just so you can change your mind again? "
" Do you think I knew myself what I wanted? I never did. I joined the mafia because I wanted to see if I could find it. And the only time I ever felt close to finding it, was when we went on our first mission. When we fought Arthur together."
" So you found it in the Mafia? Make up your fucking mind, Dazai "
" No. " Dazai snapped. " What I'm trying to say is that I can see now that the Mafia life wasn't what made me feel like that in the first place.
It wasn't the mission. It wasn't succeeding."
" Then what the fuck was it? "
" It was you." 
Chuuya's eyes widened. He was what Dazai had meant that day.
When he said, maybe life was worth trying after all.
He?
" Me? " Chuuya laughed because if he weren't laughing he would be crying.
" Me? You threw me aside, you bastard. You chose those two over me. How can you lie so blandly? "
" What are you-
" You were never here, Dazai. You were never with me, but you know where you were? At that fucking bar, with Oda and Ango. I thought you were my partner, my friend, but as soon as you found others- You fucking threw me aside "
Chuuya had acted like it hadn't bothered him, all year. He had pretended it was okay, for his partner to never be there. 
But that was all it was, an act.
" It wasn't like that..." Dazai whispered, clearly shaken by Chuuya's words.
" Then how was it, Dazai? Please tell me " Chuuya's smile was wide and full of venom. Dazai couldn't blame him. He knew nothing.
Dazai had made sure of it.
" You think it was a coincidence our schedules were like that? " Chuuya's expression relaxed his attention on his ex-partner. " You think it was a coincidence Mori put you under Kouyou's care, while I stayed under his? "
Dazai rolled his eyes and smiled. " You are so naive, chibi "
Chuuya had stayed still.
He had never thought about it that way.
" But Mori didn't force you to make friends with Ango and Oda. " Bitterness laced his words.
" You're right. They weren't calculated for. " Dazai swallowed, and inhaled, 
" That's why it was so easy to kill him. Mori orchestrated everything around Odasaku's death because the benefits were too great to refuse. He got the permit, and he made sure he was out of my life. He and Ango, who was a double agent, by the way. "
Dazai wanted to say more but he couldn't. 
He couldn't tell Chuuya that Mori had once tried to kill him too. He couldn't tell him about the two hours he had spent in his office, reasoning with him that Chuuya was a good investment. He couldn't tell him of how hard he had tried to keep him in his life.

Chuuya knew they had the permit. But he hadn't known how they got a hold of it. Only that mimic had been involved.
It made sense. Oda died the day before. Mori had used him as a pawn.
Dazai knew that. That's why he wanted to leave the Port Mafia so much.
" I'm sorry for your friends," Chuuya said. He knew how it felt to lose friends, he knew it too well. 
Still, he never thought that he would live to see Dazai experience that.
Dazai only smiled. 

" I already lost them. " He said. " I can't lose you, too " Dazai took his coat from the chair and walked towards the door, 
" Still, I'll let you choose... " He turned and looked at Chuuya one last time.
When he saw Chuuya was not answering, he turned back, opened the door and left.

...

Dazai walked out of the apartment alone. What had he been expecting, honestly?
He had been expecting Chuuya to say yes.
He wanted to try this being good thing with him. He wanted both of them out of that black cage, that was the Mafia.
He wanted to help Chuuya as he had once helped him.

Dazai knew what he was asking was a lot.
He was asking him to drop everything he had worked so hard for.
His executive place, his job, his status.
He was asking him to refuse that easy life of luxury he so loved.
His expensive wines, his money.
He was asking him to leave the family he had found after the sheep had betrayed him.
He was asking him to leave Kouyou, who he thought of as his big sister.
And all that just to be with him.

Now that he was rethinking it, it sounded like a joke.
Someone sacrificing so many things, their whole life, for him?
Why had he ever even considered that?

Chuuya was right.
He had left him. He had created that distance between them.
But still.
Dazai had held out hope that Chuuya would have said yes.

Such a foolish thought.

He continued walking towards the station, a few blocks away from their place, now Chuuya's place. 
He had already made half the way when he heard footsteps behind him.
A hand reached out and grabbed his. Dazai turned.

Chuuya was standing there, trying to catch his breath.
Had he run after him?
" You'll let me choose? " Chuuya mocked, but there was no resentment in his voice. 
" Whenever you say that...I never actually have any other choice, do I?" 
Their eyes locked, and Dazai could see the spark that had been ignited inside the blue.
He smiled. He smiled wide.
Because Chuuya had chosen him.
Because Chuuya had run after him.
Because Chuuya, had smiled.

...

They were back at their old apartment, sitting inside the living room, discussing the situation. 
" We go underground. What if the Mafia comes after us? " Chuuya was still shocked with his decision. 
His body had acted on its own, running after him. The words had slipped from his mouth and they had felt right.
But at the same time, wrong.
" Chuuya, even if they do, do you think they could catch us? " Dazai's smug face made him sure.
Chuuya snickered, " no " he answered because it was the truth.
Their partnership was legendary. They were the devastating rivals. Mori knew he wouldn't stand a chance against them.
" We are Double Black, chibi " Dazai laughed again. " No one can touch us "
Chuuya liked this new Dazai.
He was open to actual conversation. 
" If you call me chibi one more time, I'll make sure our name changes to Solo Black. " Chuuya half halfheartedly joked.
" Awww, you would actually kill me? You are too kind " Dazai grinned.
"Still on your suicidal bullshit aren't ya?" 
" No no no, I told you I decided to change. From now on, my goal will be to..." Dazai placed his finger on his chin as if thinking. " commit suicide with a beautiful lady "
Chuuya raised his eyebrow and then burst into laughter.
" So what, you'll like, go around and ask random women to die with you? " Chuuya was still laughing, the thought was just too funny. And he had also drunk some more wine than he should have.
" I don't know, maybe? It could work "
Chuuya continued laughing with no guilt. He didn't mean it.
He could see Dazai didn't mean it.
Not this time.
Something had changed. And it was now apparent to him.
" Oh, hey girl. Would you mind doing me a little favour? Could you please jump off this bridge with- " Chuuya tried to impersonate him, and his future attempt. 
" Why did you cut it off so abruptly? "
Chuuya knew he'd ask. " Oh, you got slapped," he said with a straight face.
Dazai looked at him and then laughed.
A loud, stupid laugh, that would forever be carved into his heart.

Chuuya felt sad about leaving the Mafia. Leaving Kouyou, and even Mori.
He had wanted to stay, but looking at Dazai laughing, he knew he wouldn't be regretting his decision. 

THREE DAYS LATER

Mori Ougai, the boss of the Port Mafia was in peril. Two, of his most precious subordinates, two executives, had left the organization the same week. Just some days apart.
The worst thing, he knew it would be foolish to go after them.

So he was sitting inside his office now, watching the view from the wall made of glass. Kouyou was standing nearby, purring them two glasses of wine.
" Do you think they'll be fine? "
She asked.
Chuuya had been under her protection all those years. She understood his decision, but still, a goodbye wouldn't have hurt.
Even if she hadn't received one, she was happy for him. 
She knew he was with Dazai, the same way she knew Chuuya would be the happiest with him.
" They'll be fine, Kouyou-san " Mori answered her. A factual tone in his words.
Kouyou believed him.
They were together. Of course, the two of them would be fine. 

Mori thought the same. It was strange. They were traitors of the Mafia, executives turned deserters, yet they were still the two boys he had known since they were fifteen. 
He knew they'd be fine.
The same way he knew he would get his revenge one day.

...

" Is that a burner phone? " Dazai asked, settling down the last box in their new apartment. It wasn't as big or as luxurious as their previous, but it would do. Chief Taneda had been generous enough to let them there.
Chuuya turned to face him, " oh, yeah. I wanted to send a message," he said.
Dazai smiled. " Say hi from me," he said.
Chuuya typed it in. " I'll tell her. "

Dazai continued unboxing and setting up all of Chuuya's stuff. He, himself, hadn't brought anything with him. Only some new clothes, he had never worn before. He didn't want anything that had been brought using his money. He didn't want anything from his days in the mafia.
One exception. 
A photo, that was now inside his drawer. 
That was the only thing that could stay.

Chuuya hadn't had the same outlook. He'd taken most of his clothes with him, his most expensive wines, and even some furniture from their old apartment. 
Dazai hadn't minded.
Chuuya had come with him, he could settle with having some tacky stuff like that around.
After all, Chuuya had made the grave decision of bringing their gaming console with him.

Dazai placed the box down, leaving the rest of the work to Chuuya. He laid on his bed and grabbed the book from his nightstand, continuing from the page he had stopped to, the previous day.

Chuuya entered his room, tossed him the box, and said ‘’ It’s your job to set it up ‘’. Dazai placed the book on the nightstand and carried the box outside.

It was his work.

HALF A YEAR LATER

" YOU ARE GOING DOWN, MACKEREL " Chuuya yelled, furiously pressing every button there was on his controller. Dazai pressed only those that would guarantee his victory.
" DON'T YOU DARE, YOU FUCKER, " Chuuya continued with his unorthodox technique,
" YOU'RE DOING THE SAME FUCKING THING, MY CHARACTER IN ON A FUCKING CORNER " Dazai grinned.
Winning at this was as easy as breathing.
" You bastard. " Chuuya threw the controller to the couch in defeat.
" I'm, sorry, I didn't hear you, what was that? "
Chuuya bit his lip, he didn't want to say it.
" I still can't hear you~
" Dazai is the best in this game, while I, Chuuya Nakahara, am a sore loser. " he said it faster than he could breathe.
" Come on, it's not funny if you say it like that~ " Dazai whined.
" I said it, you heard it. That was the de-.what are you doing? "
Dazai had taken out his phone.
He pressed a button and Chuuya's voice could be heard, slowed down.
" Dazai is the best in this game, while I, Chuuya Nakahara, am a sore loser." 
" This is better, " He kissed his phone, " thank you, technology " 
" When did you even-
" Dazai is the best in this game, while I, Chuuya Nakahara, am a sore loser.", Dazai played the recording again." I'm sorry, what was that? "
" I hate you so fucking much. " Chuuya shook his head and went to his room. 
" Fu fu " Dazai laid on the couch, now unoccupied by the short boy.

...

Five months.
Five months had passed in the blink of an eye.

Things were a bit rough at the beginning.
Chuuya was still hesitant with the whole idea, and the situation. 
The thought of living underground for two years had been physically stressing him and because of that, he would often let steam off in the form of yelling at Dazai.
Dazai let him. 
He took every shout, and every cuss, and never uttered a word back, during those days.
Chuuya had known what would follow had he said yes, and he still had done it.
That was enough for Dazai. A bit of yelling, wouldn't change that.

It was only fair he supposed. Chuuya had his angry days and he had..well... it's difficult to explain, but there were some days when things got so overwhelming for him, he emotionally shut down.
Chuuya had been terrified the first time it had happened. Dazai had been frozen in place for hours, silently staring at the wall.
It had reminded him of the state Dazai had been in, when Oda had died.
Chuuya had tried to shake him off of it but soon had realized his attempts had been in vain.

After two days, Dazai reverted to his normal self. Chuuya had felt relief when he woke up and saw him eating a sandwich by the kitchen counter. 
They hadn't spoken about it, and Chuuya wouldn't question him
He understood.

After those first few weeks, things had started to get smoother.
Dazai would actually hear a good morning on a good day. And sometimes even a good night.
They'd eat together, and even converse, not like friends yet, but definitely not like sworn enemies either.
It had been nice.

Four months later, they were best friends.
Eating together, playing video games all day, talking and joking, like they used to.
Their friendship had become a lot healthier and steadier than when they were at the Port Mafia.

Dazai was a lot more open with him now, and Chuuya soon learned to reciprocate that openness. 
They would talk about the most random things, and then engage in deep philosophical conversations, drinking wine and scotch. 
Dazai would even tell him things from his past. At least those he could remember. Chuuya would tell him about his time with the sheep, and what he did that one year they had drifted apart.
They would still compete over the stupidest things, and they would still cuss at each other, as if they were sailors.
But it wasn't the same as back when they had been forced partners.
They would find the most creative of insults, but they wouldn't say them with same bitterness, or anger.

Something had changed between them, and they both knew it.
As much as they still pretended to hate each other's guts, they knew it was all an act to amuse themselves. 

TWO YEARS LATER

Dazai felt hands shaking him, before he opened his eyes. Chuuya was bent over his bed, with a worried expression on his face.
Dazai rubbed his eyes, "What happened?"
" What happened? " the other boy echoed, " Dazai you were screaming. " Dazai stared at him with a questioning look.
Then it hit him.
The dream he had been having.
" Sorry I woke you up. It was just a stupid dream. " Dazai tried to laugh it off.
" I don't care that I'm up. Dazai what the fuck did you see? " Now that his vision had cleared, Dazai could see Chuuya was horrified. He stood up, straight. " It's fine, Chuuya. I'm fine " he tried to assure him, with a hoarse voice.
Dazai did not want to speak of that dream ever again. 
He wanted it removed from his head.
" I though someone had broken in and was murdering you. " Chuuya's voice caught, " Dazai, your scream... "

Chuuya had been awakened by the worst sound he had ever heard. A scream so loud, so ear piercingly brutal, he had wanted to faint..
He had run to other room, sure he would find a murder scene, a gruesome one at that.
But instead he had only found Dazai, kicking his blankets and thrusting around his bed, screaming. 
That sound shouldn't have been human.
That sound shouldn't be coming off by someone like Dazai.
" My scream? I can't hear myself when I'm asleep, Chuuya. I don't know what you're talking about "
He knew what he was talking about.
He knew because the same thing had happened once again.
But Dazai wasn't ready to relive that memory. 
He would never be.

" Dazai, whatever you saw I'm sorry " He couldn't phantom what could have caused that. 
Dazai didn't like the pity his voice was laced over. 
He didn't like the whole situation. 
Why, why on earth couldn't he control his dreams. He could manipulate his fucking heart beat, but not his dreams?
He was pathetic.
" Want to play some street fighter? " He asked, desperately trying to find a way out.
He wanted more than anything to physically go out but that was forbidden.

Chuuya understood immediately. Dazai did not want to talk about it. He didn't want to even think about it.
He could tell, whatever it was, Dazai had been affected. 
" Screw that. " Chuuya grabbed his hand and pulled him up from the bed.
" We're getting out of here " he said.
Forbidden, forbidden not, he couldn't care less. 
They were leaving.

Chapter Text

Chuuya saw his brown eyes, two pools of sorrow, and decided he wanted to change that.
How exactly, he didn’t know yet.

He grabbed his hand and dragged him out of their house, his movements quick.
Dazai allowed Chuuya to take his hand and pull him to whatever direction he pleased. He was too beaten up to pick a fight with him, and he didn’t see any reason to do so.

The only thing he wanted was to escape that dream, and in his own way, Chuuya was helping him achieve that.

Dazai’s eyes travelled to the sky above. The nice, comforting black, the millions of little stars dancing around them, and the glorious blue moon.
It wasn’t that rare of a phenomenon but still, a blue moon remained beautiful no matter how many times he saw it.

‘’ Why are we here? ‘’ Dazai asked, his eyes wondering to the blue sea.
It felt strange, walking by the sea at such an hour, with no men in black or guns surrounding him.
No shipments he expected to be delivered.
No warehouses he needed to check.
Chuuya looked at him and stopped.
Why were they there?
‘’ I just wanted to get out. ‘’ The red head responded, ‘’ This was the first place I though of ‘’
The sea used to calm me down, so I thought maybe it could have the same effect to you as well.
‘’ I see ‘’ Dazai murmured, before settling down on the edge of the wooden deck. Chuuya followed his lead, sitting down and crossing his legs.

They were both former executives of the Port Mafia, wanted traitors, yet here they were, sitting on the port watching as the moon slowly faded from the sky, clouds covering it whole, not giving a single thought to the fact they could be killed if found.
Chuuya would have loved to describe the feeling as playing with fire, but for him, it wasn’t nearly as dangerous as the other thoughts he had.

He glanced at the boy next to him.
At the real fire.

Dazai seemed so out of it.
He was sitting normally, starring off at the horizon, with his lips slightly parted, as if he was ready to say something.
Chuuya knew starring would only make things worse, but he couldn’t help himself.
Dazai looked so empty under the moonlight. His face and hair turned a pale bluish but his eyes remained untouched. They remained dark.
No, Chuuya could have sworn they darkened, even.
It was as if the light had been sucked inside of them ,instead of being reflected.
He looked like he was in pain.

Chuuya let his back fall on the wooden deck, Hoping the sound would be enough to pull Dazai out of his thoughts.
‘’ Say, Dazai ‘’
‘’ Hm? ‘’ To his surprise, the other boy actually heard him.
‘’ Do you have any good memories at the beach? ‘’
Dazai blinked twice. ‘’ What? ‘’
Chuuya let out a breath, ‘’ I asked if you-
‘’ No, I heard. ‘’ The question just startled me.
Chuuya placed his hands underneath his head, making himself comfortable. After some seconds of silence, Dazai replied. ‘’ Yes ‘’
Chuuya waited for him to elaborate but he never did. Instead, he returned the question.
‘’ Yes ‘’ Chuuya said with the same tone, his voice a bit softer.
He wondered if they had the same memory in mind.

Of two boys a bit younger coming back from a mission and making Hirotsu stop the car, so they could get to the beach for a few hours.
Of two boys destroying whatever the other build with the sand around them.
Of two boys digging a small hole, and watching as Hirotsu stepped on it and fell.

‘’ Hey Chuuya, ‘’ Dazai turned to his left and looked down to face him. ‘’ Is there any place you’d like to go, that you haven’t already been to? ‘’
Chuuya shifted his eyes to the boy he was supposed to hate.
‘’ France ‘’ he responded. It was a place he had always wanted to go.
Dazai turned to face the waters again, ‘’ figured ‘’ he said.
‘’ What about you? ‘’ It was only fair to return the question after he had done the same just some minutes prior.
‘’ I don’t have somewhere I want to go ‘’
‘’ Really? Nowhere in the entire world? ‘’ Come on, surely there must be a place.
‘’ Nowhere in the entire world. ‘’ Dazai echoed, letting out a small chuckle.

Chuuya hadn’t said a word about it two years now, but talking to Dazai had always felt like he was walking on a tight rope.

Dazai was the kind of person Chuuya was supposed to hate.
He was the embodiment of every single thing wrong in a human.
He was selfish, and condescending, and obnoxious, and mean, and awful.
And so apathetic, and cold.

Yet it felt like, the more time he spent with him, the more he didn’t hate him.

Chuuya used to see reason in hating him. He used to feel right about doing so.
But the closer they grew, the more apparent it became.
Chuuya did not hate him.

Even when they were fifteen, when they had first met, Chuuya had never truly hated him.
He’d hated the thought of him, and everything he represented, but not him.

Dazai had done so many fucked up things, and he was absolutely, without a doubt a horrible human being, but at the same time, Chuuya could see something entirely different in him.
Something he wasn’t sure he understood himself.
Something that provoked a lot of dangerous thoughts.

And those kind of thoughts were like spikes added beneath that rope. The more he had, the more spikes would be added, and thus, the more painful his eventual fall would be.

Chuuya focused back on the present and on the moon in front of him.
He bent his knee and brought his leg closer to his body.
‘’ Oi, Dazai, ‘’ he kicked him gently with his other leg, ‘’ Sunrises or Sunsets? ‘’ he asked.
He was still very hesitant with the whole asking Dazai thing, but he assured himself that as long as the questions weren’t too personal, and Dazai played along, they’d be fine.
‘’ Neither. I know you prefer sunsets though. ‘’
‘’ I do, yes ‘’ There was a small shimmer of satisfaction in his voice, as he realized Dazai knew that about him, ‘’ But what do you mean neither? ‘’ his tone shifted.
‘’ Neither ‘’ Dazai shrugged his shoulders, but didn’t face him.

Chuuya thought about his rule, and then spoke again. ‘’ It’s how you told me, huh ‘’ He begun, ‘’ You really don’t have preferences and that kind of stuff in general, right? ‘’
‘’ Pretty much ‘’ Dazai’s answer was too quick. ‘’ There are a few exceptions, but they are very few ‘’
Chuuya tried to think how that was. Living a life with no likes and dislikes, no strong opinions, the thought alone was baffling.
‘’ What are the exceptions? ‘’ He made sure to ask in the most polite tone he could master.
Dazai turned to face him then. An unreadable expression on his face.
Shit.
Had he said something wrong?
‘’ They aren’t something fixed ‘’ his voice neutral, controlled.
‘’ Oh ‘’ The question slipped from his lips, right after, before he could even think of it. ‘’ How is that? ‘’
Dazai considered him for a second. ‘’ How is what? ‘’
‘’ Living with your lack of emotions ‘’ Chuuya realized his mistake immediately. He opened his mouth to speak, but Dazai was already talking.
‘’ My lack of emotions… ‘’ he repeated, his voice faint as a whisper.
‘’ I didn’t mean it like-
‘’ No, I get how you meant it ‘’ Dazai assured him, his eyes on his, now, outstretched hands.
Chuuya was regretting ever opening his mouth. ‘’If you don’t want to answer you can just say so‘’

Dazai gave no response.
He remained silent.

Chuuya respected that, but the fact Dazai couldn’t just say he didn’t want to answer, frustrated him beyond belief.

He waited for him to say something, make a joke, ask a question, anything.
He didn’t.

‘’ Oi ‘’ Chuuya tried, ‘’ Want to get out of here? ‘’
He watched as Dazai’s eyes remained glued on the horizon. ‘’ Oi, Dazai ‘’ He nudged him again on his side, ‘’ Dazai ‘’

The other boy gave no indication he heard him.
Was he having one of his episodes again?
‘’ Can you hear me? ‘’ he asked, ‘’ if yes, fucking say something ‘’
‘’ Dazai I swear, ‘’ Chuuya kicked him a bit harsher, but the brunette stayed put.

There was a loud thud, and then Chuuya was up on his feet. A small crack now on the wooden deck.
‘’ Fine. ‘’ Chuuya snapped, ‘’ I’m leaving you alone ‘’ He said, walking away, his head turned to see if Dazai would react. He took five steps.
‘’ Are you seriously not gonna talk? ‘’ No reaction again.

‘’ Fucking drown yourself ‘’

…

Chuuya wasn’t angry with him. He was frustrated.

Two whole years had passed since they had fled the Mafia, and Dazai had yet to improve on his stupid communication skills.
Yes, he was more open to conversation now. Yes, he was more easy to talk to, more capable of talking about the things he thought, and wanted to share, but no.
Dazai wasn’t getting any better at communicating what mattered.
He wasn’t getting any better at communicating those thoughts and emotion he hid from everyone.

Chuuya understood that, for the most part.
He gave him time, and even assured him that it was okay to stay silent during those days.
But it wasn’t okay.
He wanted to help him, he really wanted to, but soon he realized he couldn’t. And that deafening silence was just a constant reminder of that.

No matter how many days, how many months, how many years passed, Chuuya would never be able to actually help him. He just, didn’t know how.
Oda would know what to do.
The thought kept torturing him like a plague. The thought that, that man was the only person that had ever truly helped Dazai.
The thought that no matter how hard he tried to, Chuuya would never amount to that.
Oda would keep his temper under control.
Oda would have known better than to say those things.

Chuuya kicked the sand under his boots, as he thought about it.
Your lack of emotions.
That was something his sixteen year old self would have said out of spite, back in the day when he hated him.
Not the person he was now.
Chuuya knew better now. Dazai didn’t lack emotions. If he did, they wouldn’t be there in the first place.
His emotions are just…different.
He feels different than others but he does feel. And that’s what frustrates Chuuya the most.
He does feel, but he thinks he doesn’t.

Dazai thinks the worst of himself, and is doing nothing to change that.
If he could just share what he feels, maybe he could see the same thing Chuuya sees.
Maybe that could help him.

Chuuya took a deep breath and turned his head back. He gazed at the sea, at the dock, and at the shadowy figure sitting there.
Oda wouldn’t have left out of anger.

He needed to learn to be more patient.
He needed to figure out a way to help him, and soon.
In two months time, Dazai would be allowed back into the outside world.
In two months time, he’d start working at the Armed Detective Agency, Chief Taneda had spoken so proudly of.
In two months time, he would join the side that helps people.
Chuuya was to follow him six months later.

Ha

He could laugh at the thought.
Him, saving people?
A mass murderer, a mafioso bathed in blood, a vessel of the fucking god of destruction?
Someone like Chuuya wasn’t meant to be a saviour. He wasn’t meant to be a good guy. He didn’t even know how to be that.

Growing up with the Sheep he knew only to steal for his survival. He knew only to protect his companions and destroy anyone who would try to harm them. He knew only to live in secrecy, to live as an outlaw in the shadows.
His teenage years in the Mafia changed nothing but his conscience.
To live up to everyone’s expectations, he abandoned half of his morals. He learned to excuse actions such as murder and fraud. He learned to mask his shame and act confident.

Now he had to learn to be the good guy.
To be the one that saves people from death.
The one that helps.

Why the fuck was he even doing this…

Dazai.

Dazai had asked him to.
If Dazai believed he could be on the side that helps people, then what the Hell.
Chuuya would try his best to prove him right.

…

Dazai had not moved an inch.
Chuuya sat quietly next to him.
He took a deep breath, ‘’ look…
‘’ Do you regret coming with me? ‘’
‘’ Huh? ‘’Chuuya’s head turned to face him.
Dazai didn’t repeat himself. He knew Chuuya had heard him well enough.

Chuuya was thinking of his answer, when he made the mistake of looking him in the eyes.
His tired eyes said everything.
He didn’t want to hear lies. He wanted the truth.

‘’ Sometimes, yes ‘’ Chuuya answered with honesty. ‘’ There are days where I want to strangle you, and go back to the PM like nothing ever happened. ‘’ He tried to play it off as a joke. Dazai didn’t laugh. ‘’ But for the most part, no. ‘’ At that, Dazai eye’s glistened.
‘’ You are incredibly annoying, and being stuck in a small apartment for two years has been awful, ‘’ He continued, ‘’ but I don’t regret it. ‘’

‘’ It’s not that I ignore you, you know ‘’ Dazai started, ‘’ I hear everything you say when I’m in that state, but I physically cannot respond ‘’
Chuuya tried not to lift his eyebrow in question. He kept his expression under control.
‘’ It’s like I’m paralyzed, but not quite ‘’ It wasn’t easy for him to explain those episodes of his. After all, you can’t explain something you can’t understand yourself.

Chuuya nodded his head.
Dazai was making an effort.

‘’ I saw an art supply store nearby ‘’ Chuuya confessed, earning a questioning look. ‘’ I saw they had spray cans there ‘’
‘’ You want us to go and graffiti walls? What are we, sixteen? ‘’ Chuuya rolled his eyes.
‘’ So you don’t want us to? ‘’
Dazai stood up, ‘’ I didn’t say that ‘’
Chuuya scoffed and got up as well. ‘’ Race you there? ‘’ He said, already leaving.
Dazai threw his head back in exasperation, ‘’ You’re such a brat ‘’ He laughed, before racing after him.

Dazai tried desperately to catch up to him but his physical abilities wouldn’t let him. Chuuya was by far faster. Dazai held no delusion he could win by playing his game, but still.

‘’ You’re late ‘’ Dazai said, already holding a red can of spray, sitting cross-legged on top of the small store’s roof.
‘’ How the fuck- ‘’
‘’ Come on, Chuuya ‘’ He smirked, ‘’ If I can’t beat a slug to a race, then what am I good for? ‘’
‘’ You took the fucking path didn’t you? ‘’ Dazai’s smirk only grew wider. ‘’ You were supposed to outrun me, not take the easy way ‘’ Chuuya complained.
‘’ Pfff ‘’ Dazai scoffed, ‘’ you said no such thing ‘’

Chuuya shook his head. ‘’ Whatever, just toss me the blue can ‘’
Before he could scold his expression, Dazai’s eyes widened for a fleeting moment. He was surprised Chuuya had read his moves so well.
He decided not think of it further, and just toss Chuuya the can he had hid behind him.

‘’ You know, seeing you up there reminded me of something ‘’ Chuuya said, catching the metallic can.
Dazai jumped off the roof, landing on his two feet. ‘’ If it’s the saying about fools and smoke sharing the same affinity for high places you owe me a drink ‘’
Chuuya bit back what he had wanted to say. ‘’ It wasn’t that ‘’
Dazai raised one eyebrow.
Chuuya rolled his eyes, ‘’ Fine. Next time we’re out, I’m buying you a glass of wine ‘’
Dazai made a disgusted face, scrunching up his nose and closing his eyes. He looked like a toddler refusing to eat broccoli.
‘’ Not my fault, ‘’ Chuuya shrugged his shoulders. ‘’ You didn’t say what kind of drink ‘’

…

‘’ The fuck is this? ‘’ Chuuya asked, seeing Dazai’s masterpiece for the first time.

They had decided to graffiti a small skating park, no one went to. Dazai had taken one ramp, and one wall, while Chuuya had taken the gate of the park and a small section, connected to a low hangar.
Dazai had said their theme was warning people. Chuuya hadn’t asked for a theme in the first place, but he decided to go along.

Right after Chuuya had agreed to it, Dazai said that it had now become a competition. Whoever won, by having the best graffiti, could, for one day, make the other do anything they wanted.
Initially, Chuuya refused.
Dazai, being the very mature person he is, started calling him a chicken.

Dazai was now standing besides his art, awaiting Chuuya’s judgement.
‘’ It’s a warning about a rabid dog ‘’
‘’ It’s a drawing of me, holding a wine bottle and looking angry. ‘’
‘’ What did I say? ‘’
Chuuya glared at him and then at the wall.
‘’ Why are my ears so pointy? And are those fangs? ‘’ Chuuya examined the wall closer, ‘’ I look like a fucking vampire ‘’
‘’ They say art imitates real life ‘’
‘’ Do I look like a fucking vam-
‘’ No, but I once saw this dream where you had turned into one, and you were trying to bite my head off ‘’
Chuuya squinted his eyes and tried to imagine it. ‘’ Why the fuck would I-
‘’ Why were I in your dream in the first place? ‘’
‘’ The seven dwarfs were also in one of my dreams, so don’t feel special ‘’
Chuuya opened his mouth, and the closed it again.

‘’ From Snow White? ‘’ He asked eventually, still trying hard to imagine how dreams exactly worked .
‘’ No, from Sleeping beauty ‘’ Dazai deadpanned.
Chuuya shook his head. ‘’ I wont even question it… ‘’
‘’ Oh, come on ‘’ Dazai pouted, ‘’ It’s really not that bad. I got your hair right ‘’ he trailed of, ‘’ …kinda ‘’
‘’ You drew my collar having a little bone on the middle. ‘’
‘’ It fit the theme ‘’
‘’ There is a cloud above me that says bark.
‘’ It’s to show people the dog is feral ‘’

Chuuya was honestly so done with him.
The sun would soon be appearing, and here they were still.

‘’ It’s awful ‘’
‘’ You clearly don’t understand art ‘’
‘’ That’s not art ‘’
Dazai gasped, offended. ‘’ Let’s see yours then. Since you say you know what real art is ‘’

Chuuya scoffed, and then walked with Dazai to the gate.

‘’ It’s my name and a bad drawing of me ‘’
‘’ And…’’
‘’ Some words above my character. ‘’ Dazai turned to him, ‘’ How is this any better than mine. ‘’
‘’ Unlike your rapid dog, my Dazai Osamu, is an actual Danger to Society ‘’
‘’ Your Dazai Osamu ‘’ Dazai echoed, ‘’ you flatter me, Chuuya ‘’
Chuuya pointed at his mouth with his finger, ‘’ disgusting, ‘’ he said, ‘’ you make me sick ‘’
Dazai ignored his gestures, and read the smaller text below. ‘’ If you see him throw rocks, really? ‘’
‘’ Some rocks in the head would be good for your health ‘’
‘’ So caring ‘’
‘’ It would also do the world good. ‘’ Chuuya smiled.
‘’ Helping the world already? ‘’ Dazai returned the poisonous smile, ‘’ That’s amazing Chuuya. You’re becoming such a great person ‘’
Chuuya rolled his eyes, ‘’ I just vandalized a skate park ‘’
‘’ We did, yeah. ‘’ Dazai agreed. ‘’ And we also robbed a small store. ‘’ he reminded, ‘’ BUT ‘’ he jumped closer to him, ‘’ At least we aren’t robbing a bank. Or killing a bunch of people. ‘’
‘’ Wow ‘’ Chuuya’s voice was laced with sarcasm, ‘’ we are really becoming the good guys, huh ‘’
‘’ Less talking ‘’ Dazai tossed him another can ‘’ More vandalizing, mister good guy ‘’
Chuuya caught the black can on his hand.
‘’ Oh, you’re gonna regret giving me that ‘’ he said, a stupid, petty plan forming on his mind.
Dazai shook his hands as if he were trembling out of fear, ‘’ Oo, I’m so scared- ‘’

…

When they returned back to their apartment, Dazai had black spots all over his clothes, his face and his bandages. Water was dripping all over him, and he had a nasty cut on his hand.
Chuuya was dripping wet as well.
He also lacked one of his shoes.

‘’ I never complained about not leaving the apartment, no ‘’ Chuuya said defensively, entering the room. ‘’ I like staying here. Yes, I love it ‘’ he said, jumping to the couch.
‘’ Jeez, dramatic much? ‘’ Dazai remarked, taking off his coat.
‘’ Oh no, I’m just saying that I will never go out again. Especially with you ‘’
Dazai tried to squeeze the water out of his shirt, ‘’ Why, afraid you’ll lose another ? ‘’ He laughed eyeing Chuuya.
Chuuya shot him a murderous look, covering himself in a blanket he found on the couch.
‘’ You bastard, ‘’ Chuuya trembled, ‘’ You owe me a shoe ‘’
‘’ Not my fault you jumped in the river ‘’
‘’ The fucking railing hit you on the head while falling. ‘’
‘’ So? ‘’
‘’ If I hadn’t jumped to save you, you would have drowned ‘’
‘’ Wasn’t that what you wanted? Make up your mind, Chuuya ‘’
‘’ When did I- ‘’
‘’ Anyways, ‘’ he cut him off, ‘’ my hand hurts, my head hurts, and I’m cold. ‘’ Dazai took off his shoes, and walked to his bedroom, ‘’ Night ‘’
‘’ Night ‘’ Chuuya said sharply, the sound of the door closing accompanying his words.

He stood up, and moved himself to his room.
He was freezing.
The river had been a lot colder than he had expected it to be.

It hadn’t been Dazai’s fault he winded up in it.
Still, he blamed him.

Chuuya had been walking alongside Dazai, who, respectively, had been walking on top of the bridge’s railing. He tip toed, and showed off his incredible balance while also annoying Chuuya with stupid remarks.
Chuuya may have gotten irritated and hit the railing a bit harder than he should.
The railing gave up upon contact with his hand, and well…Dazai fell, and the piece of the railing as well.
While falling, Dazai tried to grab the railing. A big mistake, really.
He cut his hand, and it hit him on his head.

Chuuya had jumped after him, cursing, and had dragged him all the way to the shore.
During the process, his shoe decide to leave him, and let itself be driven by the motion.
Thankfully, Dazai regained consciousness quite fast.
Chuuya may, or may not have drawn a moustache on him with his sharpie while waiting.

It had been an eventful night, to say the least.

…

After that night, their friendship had improved a lot.

How, they didn’t know, but apparently, vandalizing a skate park, and almost dying of hypothermia after falling into a river, had been enough to make something between them change.

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

They continued playing video games all day, and eating together and all the other stuff they had been doing, but it felt way more natural, now.
It didn’t feel like they were stuck with each other, or forced to be friends.
Not anymore.

Their conversations had changed as well, with Dazai becoming even more open now, more willing to talk. Chuuya acted annoyed at him, and his sudden change of heart, but he enjoyed it.
Dazai was finally tearing up some of his walls, and Chuuya was grateful for that.

Most nights, they would sneak out and go to different remote places around Yokohama. Taneda hadn’t approved of their little excursion, but what he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him.

Yesterday, they had went back to that same old arcade they frequent when they were kids still in the Mafia.
They had been having a great time, when for some reason, they got kicked out.
The reason being that they destroyed one of the machines…accidentally…

It was another sleepless night, and Chuuya was laying on his bed, looking between the ceiling, and then the clock on the wall. Counting down the seconds, the minutes, the hours.

In seven hours time, Dazai’s first day at the Agency would begin.

Chuuya didn’t know what he was felling.

On one side, he was happy Dazai would finally be able to work somewhere that saved people. He was feeling a bit proud of his choice as well.
On the other side, he felt sick.

He couldn’t join Dazai for another six months.
What if during that time Dazai decided he didn’t want him as his friend anymore?
What if he decided he didn’t want to save people and just left? Leaving Chuuya alone, again?
What if he found other people there that he liked more than him?

His head was beginning to hurt from all those venomous thoughts. He felt his stomach twisting into a knot.

What if that doesn’t happen?
He tried to counter himself.
What if six months pass, and you join him, and everything goes well?
What if you both like it there?

What if we become better?
What if we do become the good guys?

He looked at the hat laying on his bed-side table.
Maybe Verlaine had been wrong.
Maybe he wasn’t good only for destruction and death.
Maybe if he tried, he could protect and save.

He closed his eyes again, and tried to sleep.
A few minutes later it became apparent that sleep wouldn’t come.

….

When the sunlight finally hit his face, coming in from the open window, Chuuya finally got up.
He hadn’t slept all night, and his fatigue was getting worse as the hours passed, but that didn’t stop him from heading in to the kitchen and preparing breakfast.

He took out a can of crab meat he had brought earlier this week, some rice, some vegetables and some seaweed and he started to cook.

‘’ What’s all this? ‘’ Dazai asked, entering the kitchen, yawning and stretching his arms.
His nose could smell the delicious aroma of recently cooked rice, and of freshly cut vegetables. He could also smell cooked crab.
He looked over at the table, and his suspicions got confirmed.
The corners of his lips tugged into a soft smile.
Home cooked breakfast on the table, and Chuuya asleep on his chair. His red hair tousled, his mouth open and his head rested on his arm.
The sight was dangerous.

He sat down quietly and ate his food.
The rice was a bit too raw, and the crab meat a bit too cooked, but he couldn’t care less about them.

When he was done with his soup, he saw something written on the bottom of the bowl.
Hope you choke

Dazai stifled a laugh, as he put the plates and the bowls on the counter.

He looked at the clock, and sighted.

He headed to the bathroom to wash himself, change his bandages and put on his clothes for the interview with the Agency’s president.
He looked at the mirror and fixed the pendant on his neck.

His reflection was a lie.
One that concealed his true nature from the world.
He wore brighter and paler colors now, and his eyes were uncovered but he could still see his younger self starring at him.
He would have hated him.

Being friends with the person he had claimed to hate so many times.
Smiling at him when he wasn’t looking.
Leaving the Mafia and joining the good side.
Dressing like that.

What a fucking hypocrite he was.

Dazai closed his eyes shut, and left the bathroom. He slammed the door on his way out.
‘’ The fuck you banging the door for? ‘’ Chuuya’s sleepy voice was heard. ‘’ Some of us are trying to sleep. ‘’
‘’ On my way out‘’ Dazai replied easily, putting on his shoes.
‘’ Break a leg or something ‘’ Chuuya murmured, half asleep.
Dazai looked at him one last time before heading to the door. ‘’ Will try to‘’ he said, pretty sure Chuuya wouldn’t hear him, ’’ thanks ‘’

…

Dazai fixed his coat’s collar, and placed his hand on the doorknob. He looked at the small framed sign that hung from the door.
Written, with a simple brush, were the words, Armed Detective Agency.

He pushed open the door, and smiled wide.

Chapter Text

Dazai walked into the apartment, a bag of ice pressed against his temple. He closed the door, tossed his keys and his coat to the floor, and headed straight to the kitchen.
The bag of ice found the counter the minute he walked in. With his hands still sore, he grabbed a glass and poured himself some water.
He lifted his cup to drink, but then froze when he looked at his hands.

‘’ How did it go? ‘’ Chuuya asked, his voice coming from the living room.
His voice was enough for Dazai to momentarily forget what had happened.
The man put down his cup, groaned in response and made his way there.

‘’ You know, the usual ‘’ Dazai said, waving his hand dismissively, ‘’ We saved a girl and she gave us information. Then the Agency got a phone call telling them to deactivate a large scale bomb. Ranpo figured out where the bomb was with this ultra deduction ability,‘’ He signed air-quotes on the word, ‘’I got accused of being the culprit and a man held a gun to my head. He shot me. ‘’ He acted the scene out ‘’ But, of course, all that was orchestrated by me, so we could catch the real culprit. After that, two guys attacked us. The buff guy beat me up a bit more than I would have liked, ‘’ Dazai pointed at a bruise on his face and a small bump on his head, ‘’ I pretended to be a hobo at the embassy at some point ‘’ That got a giggle out of Chuuya, ‘’ And then the girl we saved and gave us the Intel, was revealed to be the bad guy all along.‘’
‘’ Huh ‘’
‘’ Yes. Then I told my supervisor to come to this abandoned hospital, cause I knew she’d go there. And then the son of a man, who was my supervisor’s friend, showed up wanting revenge for his father. Sasaki, the woman, very kindly shot him, and the boy fell on top of me. ‘’ he paused, ‘’ My gun, somehow ended up on his hands, and he shot her back. Then Kunikida yelled at me for how things had turned out ‘’
‘’ Interesting. ‘’ Chuuya remarked in a monotone, ‘’ So did you pass or not? ‘’
‘’ Pretty sure I did. ‘’ He said, a smug smile on his lips, ‘’ I kinda amazed Kunikida, the man that was my supervisor, with my intellect and good humor ‘’
‘’ I’m sure you annoyed him to no end ‘’
‘’ Pfff, I’m not annoying anyone, I’m a delight to be around ‘’
Chuuya snickered, trying to hold in his laughter. ‘’ Yeah, okay, whatever helps you sleep at night ‘’
‘’ It doesn’t, but I’ll take it as a win ‘’
Chuuya opened his mouth to say that wasn’t even a competition, but in all honesty, he wasn’t really feeling like responding.
‘’ So this guy, Ranpo. You said he has an Ultra Deduction ability? ‘’ He questioned instead.
Dazai sat on the couch next to him, ‘’ Oh yeah. He pretends to be an ability user, but he isn’t one. It’s quite impressive, actually. His deductions are even better than mine.’’ Dazai had been genuinely impressed by the man.
‘’ Damn ‘’ Chuuya tried to imagine someone as smart and even smarter than Dazai. The thought was terrifying yet amusing. ‘’ And so this other guy, Kunikida-
‘’ Oh, he is certainly a piece of work-
‘’ Says you ‘’
‘’ Hey ‘’

Dazai told Chuuya everything about his entrance exam in perfect detail. Chuuya sat there and listened, eager to hear more about the Agency and the people he soon would be working with. When Dazai was done reciting the events, he asked him to describe them all the best he could, and tell him what he thought of each member upon first glance. Dazai gladly did just that.

‘’ So are they siblings or not? ‘’ Chuuya asked, hearing about the Tanizakis. Dazai scorned, ‘’ Not. I’m pretty sure they’re just pretending to be. ‘’ he explained, ‘’ Which is still weird, but a lot less‘’
‘’ A shame he is weird, His ability sure sounds cool ‘’
‘’ Light Snow? Oh yeah ‘’ It would have been perfect for a mafioso ‘’ Unfortunately, he can’t fully control it yet. The president said that joining the Agency full time would help, so he will probably be joining us officially after he is done with school. ‘’
‘’ Because of the President’s ability, right? ‘’
Dazai nodded. ‘’ yep’’

…

The moon outside had finally reached its highest, after hours and hours had passed.

The windows had remained closed and the room had stayed dark.
For those few hours, there had been no movement nor sound in the room beside that of the clock’s.
And even the ticking of the clock, loud and present at the beginning, had now faded, giving its place to an all-consuming silence.

Talking to Chuuya had been a great distraction, but the moment he had been left alone, his thoughts had won.

He knew it shouldn’t have affected him that much, but it had.

Dazai was no stranger to death.
He’d seen people being tortured till they breathed their last, more times than he could count. He’d seen people choosing to kill themselves rather than be caught by the mafia. He’d seen missions going wrong causing the death of tens of hundreds of his men. He’d seen the eyes of those he himself had killed seconds before they had closed forever.
He’d seen so much death in his life, it was now but a part of it.
Death was nothing strange or out of the ordinary for him. It was simply there.
And like most things, he didn’t care about it.
He didn’t think about it after it had happened.
He didn’t feel pity for those whose deaths he had witnessed, the same way he didn’t feel regret for those he had killed.
A college boy dying to avenge his father shouldn’t have affected him.
But when his body had fallen on his, and his back was on his chest, all he could remember was another body cradled in his arms.
Another person seeking revenge he couldn’t save.
Another person dying with the one that had killed their family.
Another person’s blood on his hands.

He had cleaned all the red off immediately after the incident. Had washed his hands until there was no blood on them other than his own, yet he could still feel the warmth.
There was no one in the room, yet he could still feel the lingering touch on his cheek, as his friend whispered his last words.

Dazai threw his head back, letting it hit the wall.
‘’ I couldn’t save him ‘’

Two years ago, he wouldn’t have batted an eye at the boy’s death.
And if he were to be honest, his present self cared all the same, that hadn’t changed.
What had changed, was the feeling that he had failed him.

Not the boy, no.
Odasaku.

His eyes drifted to the nightstand beside his bed. They focused on the small drawer beneath, the picture he knew was laying inside.
The only thing he had allowed himself to keep from his time in the Mafia.

Well…
That and his dog.
The thought put a smile on his face.

His eyes shot wide as he stood up.

He had been sitting there in the dark, in silence for hours, drowning in a sea made of his own thoughts. His whole body had felt wrong, his own hands, strangers.
He had tried to stop it, had tried to laugh it off, to stand up and leave the room, but once again, it had all been in vain.
He hadn’t been in control of his mind or of his body for hours.
But that was normal for him.

What wasn’t normal, was that it had stopped.
And it had stopped because he had smiled.
And he had smiled because he had thought of-
No.

Dazai ignored the logical conclusion that was forming inside his head.

It had felt as if he were bound to the floor by some invisible shackles, impossible to lift. As if every time he tried to escape them, to stray away from those thoughts, he only made them heavier.
It was always like that, whenever it hit him.
And as far as he could understand it, It never stopped until he had either fallen unconscious, or someone had dragged him out of that state.

Nothing else had ever been able to stop that.
Nothing else should ever have been able to stop that.
Nothing.
Especially not a stupid smile.

‘’ What’s for dinner? ‘’ Dazai asked, waltzing inside the living room with his usual smug attitude, pretending like everything was fine.
‘’ Whatever is in the fridge ‘’ Chuuya quickly responded, not bothering to take his eyes off the screen.
Dazai moved to the kitchen, opened the door of the fridge in the most dramatic way he could, and whined.
The way a little kid does when there are no biscuits left in the jar.
‘’ There is nothing in here ‘’ He started, dragging the vowels of the words, ‘’ What am I going to eat, Chuuya? I’m going to starve. Haven’t you cooked anything? ‘’
‘’ The fuck am I? Your maid? ‘’ Again, his eyes stayed on the screen and on his character that was winning the round.
Dazai continued to complain, and Chuuya continued to ignore him until he had had enough.
‘’ Fine ‘’ He said, ‘’ we can order if you want ‘’
Dazai slid through the door frame and into the living room, ready to whine some more and tell him that he preferred when Chuuya cooked, just to spite him.
Then he looked at Chuuya and reconsidered.
‘’ Nah, it’s fine ‘’ He said, his voice now lowered. ‘’ I’m not really that hungry ‘’
Chuuya turned to face him, risking losing the round.
‘’ Is that so…’’ he whispered, watching Dazai’s back getting further away.
‘’ Yeah ‘’ He said and closed the door.

Chuuya turned back on his screen, and pressed the start button to pause the game.

Dazai told himself that he would go back to his room and try to sleep, but then half an hour passed, and the strong urge to annoy Chuuya returned once more.
Life was just a bit more entertaining when he messed with him.
He couldn’t help it.

He was thinking of getting up and opening the door, when he heard knocking.
A second later, Chuuya was standing underneath his doorframe, wearing a black jacket with the hood up, covering a big portion of his red hair.
‘’ Got a new game and some pizza ‘’ he simply said, raising his left hand to show Dazai the small bag he was carrying. ‘’ It’s a two player game ‘’
He didn’t need to say anything more.

‘’ Chuuya, all that for me?~ ‘’ Dazai asked mockingly, taking a big slice of pizza out of the box. ‘’ You shouldn’t have~ ‘’
Chuuya rolled his eyes. ‘’ You’d wish ‘’ he could have left it at that, but he felt the need to explain himself. ‘’ I was going to go out anyway, after I was done with the final round. Your childish tantrum had nothing to do with it ’’
Dazai took a big bite, ‘’ Your words hurt me ‘’
’’ Go cry about it ‘’ Chuuya snickered, taking a slice as well, ‘’ now move your ass ‘’, he elbowed him, and Dazai moved to the side.

Dazai finished the slice, and went to reach for the second controller, the one laying on top of the table.
Blue eyes pierced through his soul, and he smirked. ‘’ Just kidding, ‘’ he reached for the paper towel instead, ‘’ I won’t grease your precious game ‘’ He said, wiping his hands thoroughly to make his point.
‘’ You better not ‘’

…

‘’ Yeah yeah, sure ‘’
Kunikida looked at him and frowned. ‘’ Dazai, it’s serious. You need to hand in that report by tonight ‘’
‘’ I know, I know ‘’ Dazai continued agreeing, waving his hand, ‘’ and I will write it‘’
The blond man moved closer to his desk and placed his hands on his hips, taking the stance he always took when he lectured someone. ‘’ You said the same thing for last week’s reports as well ‘’
Dazai groaned at the reminder and put his headphones back on.
‘’ Oi, Dazai ‘’ Kunikida nudged him, ‘’ Dazai ‘’ he said a little louder, whisking his headphones away from his head. ‘’ I had students a lot worse than you. ‘’ he tossed him the papers and a pen, ‘’ Just write it ‘’
Dazai hit his head on the desk.
" Fine "

Working with Kunikida was both entertaining and draining at the same time.

Dazai had taken quite a liking to him, actually. He had a strange personality, a very strict and rule-following one, Dazai often liked to test.
He was very easy to tease, and his reactions, although tame in comparison to Chuuya's, were always worth the extra reports he had him write.
In Dazai's eyes Kunikida was one of the most hard working people he had ever met. A person that took pride in what they were doing, liked it and didn't fake it for a promotion.
In fact, most people in the ADA were like that.
They were all there because they wanted to help and save people. Ranpo and Naomi being the only exceptions.
Dazai was sure Ranpo did like helping people and showing off in front of them, but he knew he was there for more personal reasons.
Naomi...well everyone knew why she was there.

Whichever the case, to the president, the reason didn't matter all that much. He only cared that you would help and do your best when the time came.
His faith in his members was admirable. Dazai respected him for that.

Having been a member of both organizations, it was clear as day that the Port Mafia and the Armed Detective Agency were polar opposites.
Their ways of doing things, and their treatment of their members were completely different.
Dazai had expected that, of course, but still, it felt strange.
Having been a PM executive for over three years, Dazai had gotten used to certain things. Certain approaches that are not considered ethical by most.
Now being a member of the ADA, Dazai was feeling like a fish out of water.
He was not used to people doing their best to help others, and not wanting some kind of compensation.
He wasn't used to finding solutions that abided by the law.
He wasn't used to helping people just because.
Doing those things for the first time felt odd, but in an interesting way.

" Here, " Dazai handed the papers to Kunikida, his handwriting purposefully unreadable. " Can we go now? "
Kunikida looked at the papers for a few seconds, then at Dazai.
He ignored his mischievous grin and placed the papers on a stuck that had formed on top of his desk.
" Where do you think? " He asked, hiding his surprise at his partner already having a plan of action.
" Judging by our clues, I'd say the graveyard " The clues in question were some flower petals they had found at the crime scene.
" The cemetery? " With only those, Kunikida could not help but wonder how on earth had Dazai come to that conclusion. " You think our culprit is at the cemetery? "
" Oh, I'm certain "

...

The sun was shining bright, as they entered the graveyard through the big gate.
Dazai walked inside, a spring in his steps. Kunikida followed him, his pace slower. He wasn't a big fan of places such as those.

With his mood still lifted high, Dazai continued waltzing around the gravestones, examining their peripheries for, what Kunikida wanted to be, clues.

He leaned in and read the inscriptions aloud, making a big fuss about secret codes inside names, and secret spellings. Kunikida tried to lecture him a few times, when he was louder than should, but seeing it was in vain, he gave up.

" Can I help you? " The rusty voice of a man was heard from behind a tree.
" Do you work here? " Dazai asked unfazed, watching as the figure walked near them.
" I'm the funeral director, my lad. I arrange all that is to do with the journey that is one's end and one's new beginning."
Kunikida felt chills as the man talked. Dazai grew excited.
" How could I be of assistance? " The old man asked, fixing his cane to the ground.
" We are Detectives, here for a case "
The old man tilted his head and squinted his eyes.
" What would you like to know, my boy? "
Kunikida took his notebook out and flipped to a page with several photos. " Have you ever seen any of them? "
The old man traced the paper with his finger.
" They were all clients of mine this past week. " he said
Kunikida looked at Dazai and then at the man. " Could you tell us if you saw anything weird the day of their funerals or-
" Most didn't have one, '' the old man interrupted. " Most were lonely people. No one showed up to mourn them or organize anything in their memory. The only two that had an actual ceremony were this girl, " his bony finger stopped at the photo of a woman with blond hair, " and this man. '' his finger moved to the right, and tapped another photo. " He was a rich businessman from abroad. A lot of people came from afar to say their goodbyes "
The two men considered his words carefully. " Is there anything else you remember sir, about them? ‘’ Kunikida urged him, " Any similarities, any common acquaintances? "
The old man looked distraught, " I dig graves for countless people every day. I bury a lot of people and I speak to as many. " he paused, " I'm sorry my boy, but my memory is failing me, at this moment "
Kunikida nodded his head in understanding. Dazai opened his mouth. " That's alright, sir. If you do remember anything, we'll be around here. Please don't hesitate to find us "

Initially, Kunikida had thought it was strange. Dazai had been as energetic, and as loud at the beginning of the day, as he normally was.
Knowing Dazai was not the quiet type, him being this silent all of a sudden, was alarming.
He wanted to say something and make sure his partner was okay, but it felt as if he would be intruding.
" Oi Dazai, "
Dazai turned to face him.
" What are we looking for, exactly? "
" A nice, plain gravestone, near the top of the hill? " Dazai said, a hint of a smile on his face.
" Why? "
" Cause I want my grave to have a nice view? " he said it, as if it was a normal thing to say.
Kunikida sighted a bit louder, " Stop wasting my time with your stupid jokes, and tell me why are we here "
" You think of it as a joke, but once I leave this mortal world, how will I be able to enjoy the afterlife without a good view? "
Kunikida stared at him, before hitting his head with the notebook he had been carrying.
" Fine, fine. " Dazai threw his hands up, " You don't care about my afterlife conditions. " he shook his head. " But if you had cared, you would have noticed the grave a few feet away from us. "
Kunikida fixed his glasses and looked to his right.
" I don't-
" Look a little closer "
He focused on the spot Dazai was indicating and searched for anything familiar. " Wait. Those are the same-
" Yep. The same flowers as the petals we found. "
" But why -
" They only grow in one place in the entirety of Yokohama. In this very cemetery "
Kunikida looked at Dazai again, " How did you know? "
Dazai grinned. " I know stuff "
" Hold it. That means our culprit must have come here prior to the attacks, picked his victims and left? "
" It could be that, yes…" The way Dazai said it, raised doubts in his head. There was a hidden or in the end of his sentence that prompted Kunikida to rethink the scenario.
" From what we know, all the victims were seen again after their death, right?
" They were caught on camera, looking perfectly fine and healthy. " Dazai agreed.
" But they were dead at the time, so they couldn't be. "
" Makes sense. Dead people don't just come back and go for walks "
" But they didn't go for a walk. All of the victims were seen at different banks a day after their death. "
" Makes you wander. Do ghosts need money? "
" Okay then. We are most probably searching for an ability user that can shapeshift into others in order to take the victim's money out of the bank with no problem. "
" So the culprit knew they had money, huh "
" All the victims were fairly wealthy, that is true. "
" I wonder who could have known such a detail. Who could have access to them "

Dazai had figured it out hours now, but he wanted to see if Kunikida would crack the case as well.
When Kunikida raised his head again, he wasn't disappointed.

" Where could he have gone to? " Kunikida asked, quickening his pace. Dazai continued walking behind him, his hands in his pockets.
" Probably digging some graves? "
" Yes but where? " Kunikida looked around once more. " The cemetery is huge, and it's already getting darker. "
Dazai lifted his brow," Afraid of the dark? " he teased.
" No, but I am behind schedule, " Kunikida said, taking out his notebook and flipping to the pages his day's program had been written on.
Dazai examined the paper with great interest. " Oh my, " he stepped back. " We only have 10 more minutes to find the culprit or your report will be at the president's office five whole minutes later than it should have been "
The boy gasped, " Come on, Kunikida. We must make haste. We can not allow such an atrocious thing to happen. " Dazai said, running towards the other side of the place, " We have to-

Not seeing what was in front of him, Dazai bumped into a young woman, making her lose her balance, and inevitably, falling into the ground.
Kunikida rushed to help her, " I'm sorry miss, are you alright? " The woman looked at him and then at Dazai, who was dusting off his clothes.
" I'm fine. " she said.
Dazai took a long look at her and then smiled. " What does a beautiful lady such as yourself do in a place such as this? " he extended his hand for her to take.
The girl refrained.
" I'm on my way out of here " she responded, " I was just bringing some flowers "
Dazai's smile grew, " Then allow us to escort you to your house, please "
" That's quite fine, detectives. I can go home by myself "
Dazai looked at Kunikida.
" Detectives huh? "
The woman's eyes widened in surprise.
" Don't remember me mentioning that to you "
The woman stayed silent, probably thinking of how she could patch up the conversation and save herself.
She couldn't.
Seeing that, she decided it was best to take off.

Dazai caught her arm, before she could have a chance at escaping.
Before him, the beautiful woman transformed into the old man from before.
His gray eyes found Dazai and then Kunikida.
He looked perplexed.
" My ability nullifies others. " Dazai explained, " Now. Would you be so kind as to give us an honest confession? We already have enough evidence to prove it was you behind the case," he bluffed, " but we would much rather a clean confession to the authorities. "
The man looked at him again, his eyes fragile. " I didn't kill anyone, I swear, " he said.
" Don't worry sir, we know. " Kunikida reassured him. " You changed into them after they had died. But you still took money from their accounts. ‘’ He reminded him. ‘’ That's illegal "
" Don’t you think I know that?." Dazai let go of the old man's arm. He knew he wouldn't try to get away.
The man stretched his hand before opening his mouth again." How much money do you think us gravediggers get paid? ‘’ He asked, not expecting any answers. ‘’ I'll tell you. Not enough to live in comfort. "
They both looked at him.
" I had a big family once. A wife who I loved more than anything in this world and beyond. Two sons I was proud of and a beautiful daughter that was my joy. " He smiled as he talked about them. " Then as the years passed my family grew. I had two grandsons and three Granddaughters. " His eyes darkened as tears formed in their corners. " An accident took my family away. All that remained was me and my grandkids. This was the only job I could get at my age. It didn't pay enough, but I did my best to provide for all five of them. Until I couldn't. " His voice broke down.
" I never wanted for this to happen, but I had an ability that I didn't use and I thought to myself-
Kunikida placed his hand on the man's shoulder, Dazai stayed silent.
" I never wanted to-
" It's alright sir. Please come with us, and we'll find a solution, okay? "
The man looked askance at the two detectives. ‘’ Please, don’t let the kids know. I’ll do anything, just, let me return to them. ‘’
" I promise, we will help you, sir. But you need to help us first. "
The man nodded his head weakly. " Help me help them, and I’ll do whatever you want me to do. "

…

" Hey, Dazai " the woman's voice made him stop. " Are you off to somewhere? " Yosano asked, her hands crossed in front of her white blouse.
Dazai smiled, " Doctor Yosano, what a pleasant surprise "
" You're sneaking off, aren't you? " She raised an eyebrow. " I thought you'd stay till deep in the night doing those reports you promised Kunikida you would do? "
" I said that I would do them, I know, " Dazai placed his hand on his chest, " and it pains me, but I really have to be somewhere right now "
Yosano lifted her brow higher, silently demanding a better explanation.
" I will do them tomorrow, I will stay the whole night, I promise. But I have to be somewhere today, before midnight and it's already a quarter to twelve.. "
Yosano sighed, " Okay okay, I'll cover you this once " she said.
Dazai smiled, " You're the best. " he turned around to leave.
" But. I do expect you to owe me…a favor…perhaps? "
" Whatever you want doctor, name it and you'll have it "
Yosano turned her head away from him.
" My eyes are on the painting on the wall. " She whispered loud enough for the escapee in front of her to hear. " If someone were to...leave right now, I don’t think I’d be able to see them. "
She winked at him, and that was his que.

…

" Chuuya~ "
Dazai entered the apartment, a cheerful tone in his voice. " If you could only forgive my lateness, I have four american burgers, some fries and two colas, in my hands~ "
He stepped into the living room, expecting to find him seated on the couch, looking at him in disappointment. The game, ready on the screen behind him, their players waiting.
" Chuuya? "
To his surprise, all the lights were out and no one was there.

Dazai placed the food on the table and proceeded further into the room.
" Chuuya? " He called for him again.

A few weeks ago, Chief Taneda had showed up to the house with the intention of speaking to them about the process of their rehabilitation.
The poor man had ended up sitting at the kitchen table, by himself, for more than three hours, waiting for them to come back from their little outing.
When the door had finally opened, the two of them had walked in, arguing about what they thought to be, the best type of cheese,
Taneda, very reasonably, had not been in his best mood.
He began his lecture by explaining thoroughly to Chuuya why he should not go out before all his papers are finished being processed.
Then he had expressed his disappointment at Dazai, who had failed to inform him of their weekly, as it had later been revealed, little excursions.

After the fiasco that was Taneda's last visit, Dazai had thought Chuuya would have wanted to stay in the clear and avoid going out for at least this month.
He knew his flatmate would find it hard, the same way he knew he'd do it. No other reason but purely out of respect for the chief.

Chuuya wouldn't go out, but he would bend the rules a little.
Dazai opened the door of the apartment again.
He stepped out and walked towards the stairs.

" Chuuya? " He opened the big metallic door that led to the roof, the cold air hitting him hard on the face.
He stepped out and saw a short shadowy figure jumping down the railing, holding a cigarette in his hands.
" What are you doing up here? " he asked.
Chuuya opened his mouth and let some smoke out. " Taking in some fresh air " he responded, his voice colder than the wind.
" Oh, come on. " Dazai moved closer to him, " I was only a few minutes late. I haven't missed a single game night this entire month." Chuuya wasn’t moved by his words.
" There was a case at work and it took a bit longer than I had expected it to." Dazai tried. " I came here immediately after, only one stop in my way. '' Dazai wasn’t lying. He had left the office literally running.
" Whatever " Chuuya pocketed his hands and looked at the ground. " Go back inside and I'll follow in a bit "
Dazai opened his mouth to ask him what was wrong but Chuuya's words interrupted him.
" You can tell me about that case of yours while we play " a simple smile appeared on his lips.
Taking the hint, Dazai swallowed his question and headed back inside.

He wasn't stupid.

He knew exactly what was troubling him.

Still, he couldn't do anything about it, other than sit with him for a couple of hours, play some video games and distract him the best he could with some stories from work.

…

" What happened to the old man? " Chuuya asked, hearing the keys turning and the door unlocking.

Before he could even turn his head to the sound, Dazai had already crossed the threshold.
" You want to know? " he asked, catching sight of the redhead, seated on the couch.
Chuuya's eyes followed him as he closed the door behind and entered the room.
" Sure" he replied, not understanding why Dazai wasn't already telling him.

From his semi-surprised expression, it was easy to see that Dazai hadn't expected him to care all that much about the case.

And he would have been right.
Chuuya did not care about the case, or the old man for that matter, but there was one thing he did care about.

" Well, " Dazai clasped his hands together, " if you insist on knowing. I'll tell you "

He cared to see how the Agency had handled it.

Dazai made himself comfortable on the couch, and began talking.

" After Mister Tanaka, the old man, " he specified, " gave us his confession, we had two choices. " he continued from where he had left off the previous day.

" The first one was to take him to the authorities, where he'd be put under custody. Then, tell the victims of what had transpired and let them file a lawsuit against him. " he paused.
" The second option was to find someone able to fabricate a convincing enough lie, in order to make the old man seem innocent."
" So you lied? " he didn't even have to think about it.
" Well..." Dazai scratched the back of his neck and looked at the ground. " Let's just say...system errors happen all the time. "
" And the cameras? " Chuuya scoffed.
" I thought there was footage of the living dead entering the bank. "
" There was. Exactly " Dazai gave him that look he always did when he was implying something.
" You deleted it? "
" I mean, even if it still existed it proved nothing. " he let his head fall back to the pillows " No one knows about Mister Tanaka's ability, except for me, the agency and you. Therefore, with no evidence..."
" ...you can do nothing " Chuuya completed the sentence. " And the agency was good with that? " He questioned. '' Letting him off the grip with nothing but a warning? "
Dazai laughed softly, " You'll come to see that the Agency isn't as rule-following as you'd think " he paused. " In cases like this one, their decisions are mostly based on sentiment rather than the law "
" Hmm " So they really did care about the people they helped.
" And don't worry about the old man, " Dazai continued, " Kunikida took him to apply for a Social Security program. "
" Wait. " Chuuya turned to face him, " He didn't have one? " he asked, " But he is older than 60, isn't he? "
" He is, but the poor man didn't even know what Retirement was. " Dazai explained. " He hadn't even thought about applying for social security. " After hearing that, Chuuya started to feel bad for the old man.
" If he hadn't done what he did and we hadn't caught him, he would have gone ahead and would have worked for all the rest of his life. "
Chuuya crossed his arms. " He sure is lucky the Agency was the one that caught him and not the police "
" Indeed. " Dazai agreed. " He is also lucky the detective on the case was Kunikida. The stuff he needed help with would have been too much paperwork for me, " Dazai gave Chuuya a knowing look.
" And even if I did try to help, I would have found a way to mess things up. " he shrugged, " In the end, there was no other choice but to let Kunikida deal with him. "
" You lazy bastard, " Chuuya chastised, kicking him on his leg. " still using the same tactics to get others to do your work... "

Dazai flashed him a grin but said nothing.

Day after day, like clockwork, Dazai would return to their apartment after work and tell Chuuya of all the crazy, and all the boring cases he had either worked on or heard of.
And like clockwork, Chuuya would sit down and listen to all the stories while trying to beat him in whatever game they played that week.

That was their routine for the first two months.
After that, well...

" Are you going somewhere? " Chuuya asked, hearing the door open from the living room.
Dazai closed the door, and popped his head round the corner of the frame.
" I promised Kunikida to take him out for a few drinks. " he explained.
Chuuya looked at him with doubt. " And how many times did you have to ask him before he agreed? " he didn't trust that Dazai was telling the whole truth.
" Believe it or not, some people genuinely want to be around me." Dazai said, taking the keys from the little hanger next to the door. "I didn't have to ask "
Chuuya raised an eyebrow.
Dazai waited a few seconds before replying, his tone almost shameful. "...fifty four times."
The redhead sighted and shook his head disapprovingly, as if he had expected it. " You're just tryna get him drunk so he can do some weird shit and you can blackmail him, aren't you?"
"Chuuya " Dazai gasped. " I would never"
A pillow found its way to the brunette's face. " God, you're awful " Chuuya said, clear in his tone that he was joking.
Dazai chuckled at his childish behaviour and opened the door.
" I know. "

...

" Oi, Dazai " Chuuya knocked on his door. " Hey " He knocked once again, before turning the knob.
'' Dazai? ''

His room was empty.

Of course it was.

Chuuya shook his head and headed back to the couch.
He took the controller in his hands and switched his game from multiplayer to solo.

Seeing as he had reached one of the highest levels, there weren't any mission left to do.
Well, who cared.
He pressed some buttons, and there it was, the opening scene of the game.

The beginning of the first level.

...

The sharp piece of metal sheared through the air, letting out a reaping sound that was enough to drive Chuuya mad.
The sound continued to echo in his head, even after the dart had found its target.
He had heard the sound so many times by now, that it had been engraved on his brain.

He looked at the wall, and at the new item that was now decorating it.
It was something he had brought from his old apartment, but had forgotten had been laying in a box, under his bed, all this time.
He walked closer to it, and reached with his hand.

There it was.

Another dart on the board.

Another perfect ten.

Another boring, repetitive day.

Chapter Text

The days that followed felt longer, and the nights, those where he couldn't sleep at least, felt as if they could go on and stretch out forever.
It was a nightmare.
One he hadn't forethought would come true when he had decided to follow Dazai.

The days had become blurs.
Big white strokes on a black canvas that represented absolutely nothing.
Strokes so empty and devoid of intention, someone would say the painter was simply just messing around with their new paints.

Time passed slower than ever before, and he could do nothing to speed it up but sleep.
It was a distasteful joke.
Sleep had never been kind to him, a shame that hadn't changed.
Only when he wasn't awake did time seem to move.
Only when he wasn't awake did the strokes seem to be forming anything remotely close to a shape.

Four more months of this were bound to feel like an eternity, but if he wanted to have a chance to join the Agency, he would have to push through.
If he wanted to work with Dazai again and be back on the field, he would have to withstand all that just for a bit longer.
If he wanted to start anew, he would have to fill that canvas with meaningless strokes until he had a new one.

A blank one which he could paint however he liked.

He took a deep breath, distanced the cigarette from his mouth and blew the smoke out.
With his eyes, he followed that smoke upwards until it reached a certain height and then disappeared into nothingness.
He continued to look up, not at the smoke now but at the clouds that had gathered above him.
Clouds that hadn't been in the sky when he had first got there.

How many hours had passed since then?
One hour had turned into two, and two hours had turned into four, and before he knew it, it was noon.
He had lost track of time.
Again.

His visits to the roof had frequented as the days had passed, and it made sense.
He considered the rooftop to be the closest thing he had to an actual escape.
He wouldn't admit it to Dazai, but inside the apartment, he felt restrained.
He felt as if he stayed there any longer, he would suffocate.

It was a terrible feeling he had buried deep inside of him, ever since they had moved there, because of the embarrassment it brought.
It was a feeling he would never dare express aloud.

He wasn't afraid of closed spaces or things like that, but being stuck inside four walls all day was exhausting.
Seeing those beige walls staring back at him every time he opened his eyes made him so irrationally angry he couldn't explain it.

It made him want to bring the whole building down with his ability and just leave.

Handling that feeling had been so much easier when Dazai had been there, but now that he was at work all day, it had become unbearable.
The silence that he had once considered comforting was now so brutal, that it made him want to scream. The solitude he had once craved so desperately seemed more like torture.
He had so much free time on his hands, that he didn't know what to do with it.

Chuuya had always liked to be on tight schedules that told him what to do and when. He liked having responsibilities because they made him feel like he had a purpose.
He had always been productive and efficient. He had always worked his ass off for the sheep and later on for the Mafia. And he was sure, when the time came, he would do the same for the Agency.

But until then, he had to endure the life of a lazy man that does nothing but stay inside his house all day and watch movies.
He always made fun of Dazai for being lazy and slacking off, but he had to admit. It was a lot harder than it seemed.

Chuuya threw the cigarette down and stepped on it a couple of times to extinguish any remaining fire. He made sure the cigarette was well put out before kicking it off the roof.
He took one last look at the scenery that lay before him, at the busy streets of Yokohama and at the tall buildings that shadowed their little neighbourhood.

After that, he opened the door and headed back down.

…

" Were you on the roof again? "

Chuuya walked into the living room to find Dazai standing there with two bags in his hands.
He looked at the clock, then back at him.
It was close to noon.
Dazai shouldn't have been back for at least five more hours.

" I wanted to get some fresh air," he replied after some consideration.
It was the same excuse he had given the last time he had asked him.
The same excuse he would always give.

" Okay, great, good, now- " Dazai waved the conversation away, changing the subject completely.
It made Chuuya feel lighter.
He hadn't tried to pry on why he was using the same cheap excuse, and he hadn't teased him about doing so.
Chuuya appreciated that, though he couldn't help but feel wary of that behaviour.

" I got us some food and a surprise." Dazai continued, " You can see it as me being a good person and wanting to do something good for my roommate. "
Chuuya squinted his eyes, looking for any tell on Dazai's face.
Dazai displayed nothing.
" What are you up to? " he asked, slightly raising his eyebrow.
" Jee Chuuya, can't a man just-
" It's you we're talking about, " Chuuya interrupted, " So what do you want? "
Dazai shook his head, his disappointment clearly visible.
" Well..."
" Just say it. "
" I’m not planning on staying here today… "
Oh
It felt like someone had hammered a nail into his heart.
‘’ Okay ‘’
Their game nights were the only thing he looked forward to these days.
The only time of the week were Dazai would come home earlier from the office to spend time with him.
" You going out or something? " He asked, using curiosity to mask any true feelings he may have had about the question.
" Yeah..." Dazai said putting his hand behind his neck, " I've been planning it for a bit so I really don't want to miss it "
The room grew silent.
'' Still if you-
" I'm not holding you hostage. " Chuuya said with forced laughter, " If you want to go somewhere, just go. "
" You won't get angry if I do go, right? "
" Why would I? " his lips curled into a poisonous smile. " I honestly couldn't care less whether you're here or not "
He was a terrible liar.
" Great then,’’ Dazai mirrored Chuuya's fake enthusiasm as he placed the bags on the table. ‘’ I'm glad that's the case "

It was one of the most awkward, most silent dinners both of them had ever had.
Dazai was being his usual nothing-ever-happened self, eating in silence and ignoring Chuuya, while Chuuya was trying hard not to stab him with his chopsticks.
No one acknowledged the other, and no one spoke.
The thickness of that tension made Chuuya regret some of the choices he had made in his life.

He watched as Dazai finished his plate and got up.
There was a strange look of satisfaction on his face.
It was unfair, but he wouldn't say it.
He wouldn't stoop so low as to say that it bothered him.

'' Leaving already? '' He observed, breaking the silence.
'' I told you I had something planned, didn't I? '' Again, that stupid little grin on his face. Was he enjoying this? Leaving him so he can hang out with others?
'' Yeah, you mentioned it. '' Chuuya placed his plate on the sink before heading towards his room.
'' Have fun! '' He said, closing his door as soundlessly as he could.

…

'' You coming or not? '' Dazai asked, opening the door.
Chuuya turned his head to look at him, his hands gathering some of the papers spread on his desk.
'' Huh? ''
The man leaning on the doorframe threw his head back and groaned. '' Are you coming or not? '' He asked again, his eyes finding Chuuya's.
That fucking bastard.
Chuuya considered him.
He was all dressed up now, with a suit, tie and everything,
Had he changed in those five minutes? He had to. He hadn’t been wearing that suit before.
‘’ Weren’t you going out with some friends? ‘’ He asked, having already realized what was going on.
Dazai pretended to think about it. ‘’ Hmm. I don’t recall myself mentioning with who ‘’
That sly son of a bitch.
'' You suck ''
It was all he could say once he understood.
‘’ You know that, right? ‘’
'' I know. '' That smug look of his made another appearance. '' And before you ask, yes, our gracious landlord is aware of this outing of yours ''
'' I wasn’t going to ask, '' Chuuya corrected him, picking up the last paper on his desk. ‘’ but- ‘’
'’ Just, get up~ '' Dazai whined, '' I told you, I have something planned, '' he reminded him, '' if we don’t hurry, we'll end up running, and I really don't want to. ''
'' It’d serve you right '' Chuuya mumbled, walking towards the door. ‘’ For being such a-’’
‘’ Not so fast. ‘’ Dazai stopped him midway. ‘’ You gotta get dressed up first ‘’
Chuuya raised his eyebrow at him but Dazai didn’t seem to want to elaborate.
The redhead sighed in defeat.‘’ Fine ‘’

Dazai grinned with satisfaction.
‘’ Now leave ‘’ Chuuya pushed him out of the room and closed the door on his face.

After some minutes, and some questionable first choices, Chuuya came out of the room in a simple black suit and a red cravat.
He felt strange, dressing up not knowing for what and where, but he knew Dazai wouldn’t tell him even if he asked.
So he didn’t bother to.
Instead, he put on the simplest piece he owned in his wardrobe and prayed that the place they would go to didn’t have a more specific dress code.

‘’ Finally. ‘’ Dazai exclaimed upon seeing him, his tone exasperated. ‘’ How long does it take to put on a suit? ‘’
Chuuya walked towards him. ‘’ Takes me about two minutes ‘’
‘’ Then why did you take so long? ‘’
‘’ Was contemplating on whether to go with you or not ‘’ Chuuya answered him, a slim smile tugging on his lips. ‘’ You’re being annoying today, ‘’ he walked towards the door. ‘’ More than usual. ‘’
Dazai grabbed his coat from the hanger. ‘’ Is that so? ‘’ he asked, putting it on.
‘’ Indeed ‘’ Chuuya grabbed his from the second hanger. The one behind the door.
‘’ I’m being unreasonably annoying you say? ‘’
‘’ More every second ‘’ He put his on, as well.
‘’ Interesting. ‘’ Dazai admitted. ‘’ You find me so annoying yet here you are, ready to go out with me. ‘’ The man opened the door and walked out. ‘’ I wonder why that is. ‘’
Chuuya punched him, not that gently, on his arm, before heading to the stairs.
The man behind him snorted. '’ Is that the best you've got? ''

…

'' You said we had to hurry up. '' Chuuya shot Dazai a dirty look. ‘’ so stop acting like a kid and fucking go faster. ‘’
Dazai grimaced. '' I'm not acting like a kid, '' He defended himself.
'' You're sure are walking like one. '' Chuuya remarked, '' Maybe even slower. ''
'' Well, I wouldn't if someone hadn't kicked me down the stairs. ''
'' Oh, poor baby, '' Chuuya mocked him, '' maybe next time, don't challenge me. ''
'' You're the one acting like a child. '' Dazai countered, '' But then again, our attitude does match our height. ''
Chuuya turned around and looked at him. '' Careful, now, '' he warned, '' or I'll kick you again. ''

Dazai wanted to prompt him by saying that he'd like to see him try, but the pain in his leg was enough to make him refrain from making that statement.

'' Where did you say we needed to be? '' Chuuya asked, looking around trying to figure out the answer before Dazai could respond.
'' I didn't, but I would have if you had asked. ''
'' Okay, so where do we need to be? ''
'' It's a surprise. ''

After walking for, what seemed like half an hour, the two of them finally arrived at their destination.
Their destination, being a closed-off neighbourhood near the Kawasaki hospital.

They passed the neighbourhood fairly quickly, with Dazai leading the way through some shortcuts and alleys he seemed to know.
Soon enough, they found themselves standing before a big, recently renovated by the looks of it, building.

Chuuya looked at the building, trying to figure out what its purpose was supposed to be.
It had four stores and quite a unique architectural style. Like all the other structures on the street, it was tall and expensive-looking, yet it seemed misplaced, somehow.
It didn't fit with the rest, but besides that, he couldn't see the why.

Eventually, Dazai signalled for Chuuya to follow him to the back of the facility.
Although a bit hesitant, Chuuya obliged.

'' What is-''
'' If anyone asks, '' Dazai rudely interrupted him, '' you are a rich businessman from Osaka, called Riyu Honda. ''
Chuuya gave him a questioning look but said nothing in order to let him finish his sentence.
'' And I, am your business partner, Nakamura Takashi. '' Dazai continued, taking two red envelopes out of his coat's sleeve and extending one to Chuuya.
Chuuya took the paper in his hand and stared at it. Then his gaze shifted to the man beside him.
'' And we are here because...? ''
'' As upper-class businessmen, we were invited, of course. '' He grinned, subtly fixing his tie.
'' Invited to...? ''
'' One of the biggest auctions to date. '' Dazai finally revealed.

Chuuya looked at the building again, '' So this is an auction house? '' he questioned. '' Is it new? I don't remember coming to this place before. ''
Dazai nodded his head, impressed. '' What a kin memory you have. ''

When they were still Mafia members, a lot of their side missions, as they called them, had to do with sketchy auctions.
So as teenagers, both Dazai and Chuuya spent a lot of time running around all the different auction houses in Japan, trying to find people who had stolen from the Mafia and were trying to make a profit out of it.
Those missions had always been more laid back than the others, more fun, in a way.
They always began with them stealing some poor men's invitations, knocking them out unconscious, and proceeding to pretend to be them.
To make it even more fun, they would challenge each other by doing different accents or trying to act in certain ways that seemed fitting.
Once phase one was accomplished, they'd have a few sips of whatever liquor was being served, and then they would bid like all the other guests, but with money provided by the Mafia.
Of course, they would always end up stealing the items they were after with well thought out plans.
Then, they would confront the smugglers that dared to steal from the PM and depending on their mood or what Mori had instructed them to do, they would either ask for a favour as compensation or kill them.

They were too easy for them, and they both knew that, yet they never complained to Mori.
Not once did they tell him to stop assigning them those dull, quick missions.

'' Indeed, this place is new. That's why I picked it. ''
'' Looks promising, '' Chuuya observed, '' do we have a target, or do we just wing it? ''
Dazai stifled a laugh as he started to walk towards the main entrance.
'' You'll see. ''

It was as if time had moved backwards.
As if they were seventeen again, doing another mission assigned by their Boss.
Doing crimes together, as partners.
It was, in a way, both a sweet feeling and a bitter one. Like when you think of a memory that once made you so happy but know you will never relive it.
They weren't seventeen anymore, and they definitely weren't back in the Mafia.
Yet they were still together.

'' Easy there, '' Dazai took the glass away from Chuuya's hand. '' if you continue like this, you won't be able to run away from the cops later. ''
Chuuya took the glass back and downed it. '' Screw you, I'm perfectly capable of handling my liquor. ''
Doubt clouded Dazai's face. '' Yeah, sure. '' He said, moving away from the table.
'' Hey, where are you going? '' Chuuya walked after him, leaving the beverage table. Dazai turned to face him. '' The show is about to begin. '' he pointed as discretely as he could to the man taking his place on the podium. '' Trust me, you don't want to miss it. ''
'' You never told me what is being sold today. ''
'' Have a little patience, will you? ''
'' I'm being patient with your sorry ass. '' he mumbled under his breath.
'' Kicking me all day out of frustration is not considered patient. '' Dazai took the seat closest to the hallway. The one in the last row.
Chuuya sat on the one next to his. '' I've kicked you twice, '' he corrected him, '' stop being so dramatic.''
'' I'm gonna be all bruised up tomorrow, and it's your fault.''
'' Like I give a shit. '' '
'' Like I give a shit. '' Dazai echoed in a mocking voice. Chuuya looked at him with pure disgust and disappointment. '' God, you are so fucking immature. ''
He said it like he was amazed by it. As if he couldn't believe someone could be that moronic.
'' Says you. ''
Chuuya was honestly so done with him, that he didn't even care to disagree.

The man on the podium began to speak, and silence fell into the room. Everyone around stopped what they were doing, whether they were eating, drinking or socializing, and took their respective seat.
After a very boring introduction, the curtain behind the man fell, revealing the items being auctioned.

'' So? ''
That asshole.
'' Which one do you want? '' Dazai asked, side-eyeing Chuuya.
Chuuya looked at the stage again, at the hat placed on the middle pedestal.
'' You took me to a hat show? '' He whispered, loud enough for only Dazai to hear.
'' You like hats, don't you? '' Dazai justified, '' Thought you'd want a new one for that collection of yours. ''

Shopping for incredibly expensive and extravagant things used to be a pleasure of his. But since he left the Mafia, Chuuya hadn't had the chance to buy anything new for his various little collections.
Shopping was an activity he had quite missed doing, actually.

'' Middle.'' It was like when they were teens, and they would agree on stealing whatever had caught their eye. A small souvenir from their mission that the Boss would most likely never know of.

'' The one with the red feathers and the ribbon? ''
'' Yes.''
'' Alright then. ''

It would just so happen that the item Chuuya chose was the one being auctioned last.
Dazai had no intention of spending any more time in that place than necessary.
A crowd of rich folks drinking and talking about hats. God, it was awful. So utterly boring for his tastes.
He had wanted to progress their little mission as fast as he could, but then he had looked at Chuuya, and Chuuya had seemed semi-interested in what the man was talking about, so he had decided to at least wait until the break.

It was stupid.

When the time came, the man on the stage approached the microphone and announced the auction's break.
Ten minutes for all the guests to carefully think about their next moves while eating and networking.
Ten minutes for someone, or rather a duo, to steal whatever they wanted and be on their way out.

'' Ready? ''
Chuuya nodded his head in agreement, following Dazai as he moved closer to the back of the stage, carefully concealing himself with the help of shadows and furniture.

The way the stage was built made stealing items a lot easier than one would think.
All you had to do, was pass the awkward area between the chairs and the stage and reach the back. Once you were there, and if you hadn't been detected by anyone, the rest would be child's play.
With the big red curtain already looming over the items, all you had to do was, create a diversion and just take what you wanted.
As always, Chuuya was the one handling the stealing part, while Dazai was the one in control of the diversion.

Dazai made sure Chuuya was in place before walking away.

He fixed his tie again, which for some reason was looser than he had intended it to be, and waltzed right into the middle of the great hall, where most of the guests were now eating at the buffet.
He counted to five before letting himself collapse to the marble ground.

A big crowd of people rushed to him immediately, trampling over each other to see what had caused the commotion. They all yelled for someone to get a doctor, clear panic in their voices.
Dazai continued to lie there unbothered, even when a man was checking for his pulse.
There was none.
The man refused to believe it. He tried to bring back Dazai by pressing his chest a few times in a specific rhythm.
Which, considering Dazai wasn't unconscious, hurt quite a lot.

After 3 failed attempts, the man turned to the small circle of people that had gathered above them and announced what they all had been dreading to hear.

At the same time, a loud thud was heard, coming from the direction of the main entrance.
The people's heads turned to the door only for a few seconds, but it was enough.
Dazai managed to slip past them and ran to the other side, away from all the fuss.

'' Cardiac arrest? Really? '' Chuuya looked disappointed in him and at the little gimmick, he had pulled. '' I expected better from you, Dazai. '' he mocked him.
Dazai shrugged his shoulders, '' Unoriginal, I know. '' he said, stretching his body, '' But it still does the trick. '' his fingers indicated the hat Chuuya was holding.
'' That, I can't disagree with. '' The redhead moved closer to him in an effort to have a better view of the building's exit. '' When do you think-
'' THERE THEY ARE '' Chuuya's words were cut short by the screaming voices of the security guards. '' DON'T LET THEM ESCAPE ''
They had finally caught sight of the two culprits.
Good for them, Chuuya thought.
Dazai snickered as he heard them approach.
'' Right on cue. ''

Running away from security guards holding stolen items was something Chuuya had thought he would never get to experience again.
Manoeuvring through dark alleys with Dazai at his side while the cold air of the night hit their faces.
It was another thing he had missed.
The feeling of satisfaction after an accomplished mission. The adrenaline rushing through his veins as he ran in the dead of night.
Dazai, following suit, talking about nonsense as always, his words getting lost in the wind.
He wanted this back so badly.

'' We lost them. '' Chuuya observed, finally stopping so that he could catch his breath. Dazai glanced at the area behind them to make sure.
'' Yeah, three blocks now ''
Chuuya glared at him. '' Then why didn't you say anything sooner? ''
'' Wanted to see for how much longer you would run. '' Dazai grinned, jumping up on a bench.
Chuuya walked beside him. '' I hope you trip and die. '' He said it with such an endearing manner that Dazai was caught off guard.
'' Aww, Chuuya '' his lips tugged into a smile. '' Hoping for me to achieve my wish? '' he said, landing back on the ground. '' You are so considerate ''
'' You make m-
'' Wait, before you say it '' he cut him off, '' Read the paper on your left pocket. ''
It wasn't a new trick, not by a long shot.
Knowing exactly what was about to happen, Chuuya still reached for the piece of paper and took it out.
Once he had unfolded it, the sentence written inside became visible.
'' You make me fucking sick '' Chuuya read aloud.
Dazai faked a yawn. '' God, you're so predictable ''
If he punched him right there and then, would he continue to be as predictable?
'' Thinking about punching me, just to surprise me? '' It was like the fucker had read his mind.
'' You'd wish. '' Chuuya had nothing left to counter him.

They continued their pointless little feud on the way back, with Chuuya trying to insult him faster than Dazai could guess what he was about to say.
It was a game of wits, and he was going up against the master of predictions.
Needless to say, it wasn't going well for him.

He didn't care.

'' Using your ability is cheating '' Dazai said, struggling to climb up the low hanging hangar. '' It's not fair. ''
Chuuya bent over the ledge to look at him. '' Okay, so? ''
Dazai pulled himself up, stabilizing his feet on a small ridge. '' Cheating is wrong,'' he said, sitting down and crossing his legs.
Chuuya moved closer to the wall so he could have somewhere to rest his back. '' Okay, and? ''
The man beside him shook his head disapprovingly. '' Here I was, thinking you were trying to become a better person. ''

It was funny how insincerely Dazai was saying it.
He was just needling him.
There was no malice in his words nor spitefulness anymore.
It was just a friendly tease.

'' You took me out so we could rob an auction. '' Chuuya reminded him factually. '' I'm holding a priceless piece in my hands that I did not buy, '' he raised the hat, '' and we are sitting on a small, roof-like hangar that literally has a caricature of you painted beneath it because you challenged me, last time we were here.''
'' Don't forget the part where we ran away from those guards. '' Dazai added. '' You know, casually escaping the law. ''
'' Yeah, of course, my bad. ''
'' Don't worry, it happens. ''
'' My point is, '' Chuuya tried again, holding back his laughter. '' you are no better than me. ''
'' Never said I were. '' Dazai flashed him a grin. '' Still, we haven't killed anyone in over two years. That's a big win for the both of us. ''
'' You're impossible. ''

Dazai let his back fall to the ground. His eyes gazed upwards at the night sky. '' How do you feel about it? '' suddenly, his playful tone changed into a serious one.
'' Not killing people anymore. How does it make you feel? ''
The question knocked the air out of him. He hadn't expected Dazai to ever ask something like that.
How did it make him feel?
'' Beats me. '' He hadn't really thought about it before. '' Maybe, lighter? I guess? ''
When he saw Dazai wasn't saying anything in response, Chuuya stilled.
''Why? '' He asked, tentatively, scared that he had failed some kind of mind test.
'' I was just curious. '' Dazai admitted.

Some minutes passed in silence before Dazai had another question.
This one was even stranger than the first.
'' What do you think I feel? ''
Chuuya wished for him to repeat himself, but he never did.
'' About not killing? '' He wanted to make sure he had understood the question right.
'' Yes ''
How the fuck was he supposed to know?
'' I don't think you feel that different. '' Chuuya spoke hesitantly, '' I don't think it makes a difference for you. '' It was an honest answer. '' You may feel a bit proud because of your promise to Oda, but other than that, I don't think there is a difference.''

There was a reason he had asked him that, one he had decided to keep to himself for the time being.
Dazai listened to his answer with his eyes closed, giving Chuuya his absolute, undivided attention.
Closing his eyes made it easier for him to focus. He felt calmer that way. More there, if that made any sense.

When Chuuya was done talking, he opened his eyes again and looked at the moon above him.
'' No difference, huh? '' he echoed, turning his head to the redhead.
'' Is there? ''
Dazai could have sworn that only for a fleeting moment, his eyes had shone brighter than any star above.
Just for a second, Chuuya had hope.
'' No, not really. '' That glint left his eyes as soon as Dazai replied.

And maybe it was his imagination, but Chuuya felt the air get colder. He sensed the wind shift, he sensed the sky darken.
He looked upwards at the stars and at the moon, trying to find an answer to a question he hadn't even articulated yet.
He looked at Dazai.
At the weird kid he had met and had instantly hated when he was a teenager.
At the boy that had caused so much of his suffering, yet he could never seem to blame.
At the only ever person who had somehow given him a sense of normalcy in a life most abnormal.
At the only ever person who had beaten every odd and had stayed.
He looked at Dazai and wondered-

…

A lot of thoughts had been plaguing his mind lately, and most of them had to do with a certain blue-eyed ginger.

Chuuya had shown, time after time again, a tremendous amount of patience with him, even when he, himself, wasn't feeling that good.
Dazai knew he wasn't well, that much was obvious, but still, the man had not worded it.
He hadn't even tried to.
And that fact made Dazai all the more sure of the decision he had taken.

Dazai took pride in how well he could read people. He took pride in reading their actions and their motives as if they were words on paper. He could see what others felt, even if they hid it behind false smiles or even long-awaited bursts of anger. Nothing in the human behaviour surprised him anymore. He could see it all coming.
The only people to have ever been the exception were two.
One person had been his friend, Odasaku. The other one was Chuuya.

Even when they were still teenagers, Chuuya had always managed to surprise him with his actions. He could predict most of them, naturally, but he still found ways to make Dazai second guess.
It had always been fascinating, but this time around, it had straight-up been irrational.
Chuuya did not bottle up his emotions, especially his anger or frustration. Everyone that had ever met him knew that. It wasn't a secret.
After two years, things would definitely feel dull for him, especially once Dazai had joined the ADA.
Dazai had expected him to snap. To scream and curse at him and tell him he regrets everything. He had expected him to be so angry at him, to try and make him feel bad about the situation.
Chuuya had done nothing of that sort.
Instead, he had resulted to going up on that roof and staying silent about his troubles.
Even when Dazai had tried to get him to snap earlier that week, he hadn't.
On the contrary, he had smiled and had said, 'Have fun.'
Even if his smile had been full of poison, he had forced himself to be nice.

Dazai had been perplexed by that behaviour. Amazed as well.
Which was why he was so set on doing this.

He took a deep breath and entered the threshold.
The familiar smell of booze and smoke infiltrated his nose immediately once he stepped in, making it impossible for him to breathe.
The warm air around the room filled his lungs. A tinge of nostalgia came with it.

He climbed down the remaining steps and walked deeper into the room, towards the bar stools.
Towards a man that was sitting there, his back turned on him.

Dazai took a few more steps before sitting down, two seats next to the man. He fixed his coat and turned to face him.
'' Ango, '' Dazai happily exclaimed, opening his arms to greet him, '' It's been a while. ''

...

His eyes drifted to the clock on the far end wall.
He closed them, blacking everything out, and focused on the faint ticking sound the machine made as it counted down the seconds.

Tick...

Tick...

Tick...

It was twelve o'clock, and he was officially 20 now.

He had no one to celebrate with.

Ever since he could remember, Chuuya had never cared about Birthdays much, but his Birthday last year had been great, he had foolishly been under the delusion that this year would have been the same, if not better.

Last year, Dazai had woken him up at 12 o'clock, by placing a slug on top of his face and then proceeding to make absurd noises with a toy flute he had somehow acquired.
Chuuya had opened his eyes to the slug.

A second later the slug was soaring through the air, before landing on Dazai's own face.

He cursed him a little, threw a temper tantrum, as Dazai had called it, and then he stopped.
Once he had stopped being annoyed and had calmed down Dazai had told him the plans he had for the day.

Due to them being inside, there wasn't much they could do, so Dazai had gotten creative.

For starters, they played some video games of course, and some two-player card games they could find. They talked a little, had a nice laugh, it was nice.
Even with only that, Chuuya would have been content.
But that wasn't enough for Dazai, no.

Dazai had gone out of his way to buy cake ingredients so they could bake one together. He had gone out and had bought frostings and even decoratives for the cake a day before.

He had also gone and brought something else, something he had kept hidden inside the apartment.

They had spent all afternoon trying to make the cake, both knowing that it would have come out a lot better if only one of them had made it, and they hadn't cooperated. Both ignored that possibility, of course. Having flour on your hair, and cake mix all over your clothes, was definitely better than having a good cake.

The cake had come out decent. Edible even, to Chuuya's surprise.
After baking it, they had spent a good hour or two decorating it.

The cake had ended up being a red and blue catastrophe, with sprinkles all over that did nothing to make it seem better.

After it was finished, Dazai took some candles out of his pocket to put on top of it.

Chuuya had blown out the candles, making a stupid wish, and then they had tried the cake.
The cake had ended up on Dazai's face for various reasons.

It had been a great day, one full of laughter.

Today was nothing like that, it would seem.
It was already 12, and there was no slug on his face.

There was no Dazai laughing in the corner.

…

" Chuuya! " Dazai stepped into the apartment with a spring on his step. " Happy Birthday! " he wished him, walking down the hall.

Chuuya heard him from the living room but pretended to not. He was already laying down, so closing his eyes and faking being asleep wouldn't be that difficult.

He heard Dazai's footsteps approaching.
" Chuuya? "

Silence.

The next time he spoke, Dazai's voice had softened. " If you're pretending to be asleep because you're angry at me, I understand, okay? " the man sat down on the armchair close to the couch. " But come on, that's just childish "
It was annoying how well he could read him.
" If you don't want to talk to me right now, just turn your back to me. " Dazai proposed, knowing Chuuya was listening. " If you want to curse at me for being an asshole and missing your Birthday, wake up and do just that. "

Chuuya considered his options.

" Shut up, I'm trying to sleep." he said, tossing around on the couch.
" Oh, come on. " Dazai tried, " It's still evening, we have plenty of time to go out and celebrate your Birthday. "
" Not interested " he mumbled, shoving his face on the pillow.
" We can go to a karaoke~"
" Fuck off. "
" Then we can go and-
" I don't want to go anywhere. " Chuuya said, standing up. " Especially not with you."
Dazai slid back on the armchair, his eyes staying on Chuuya.
" Look-
" I don't want to look either. " Chuuya got up, " I don't care that you weren't here, okay? So why are you making it such a big deal? " Chuuya's eyes avoided his. " I don't care about my Birthday Dazai, so just drop it. "
" I had to do something, I'm sorry I wasn't-
" I don't care, " Chuuya said again. " I really do not fucking care, so stop making it a big deal. "
" Are you sure? "
Chuuya tried to stay calm. He tried to keep his anger to himself. " Yes, I'm fucking sure."
Dazai sighted.
" Okay,'' he said, defeated. " If you do change your mind, however, I'll be on the roof. "
" Fine. "

In the end, Chuuya did end up changing his mind.

As much as he had wanted to be petty, and keep being mad at Dazai, he couldn't. At least not when he didn't know the reason Dazai hadn't been there.

He climbed up the stairs and stepped outside to the roof, the cold air hitting his face and tussling his hair.
He had walked up to Dazai and had demanded an explanation, but as he had predicted, Dazai had told him that he would explain everything only after they had gone out.

Chuuya had no other choice than to agree.

It wasn't bad.
No, that wouldn't do it.

It was amazing.

Dazai had dragged him to a karaoke he had found nearby, and they had sung a few songs together, had drunk a few drinks, had tried to play some musical instruments after... Maybe had gotten themselves kicked out because of that...

Well, by the end of the karaoke incident, as they decided to call it, they were both quite tipsy. Needless to say, that didn't stop them from going to their next destination.

Dazai's phase two involved a bakery specializing in hot-pot cakes.
It was a disaster.

How they didn't get food poisoning from that, they honestly didn't know.
Some of the ingredients they had decided to use included but were not limited to, toothpaste, mustard, mushrooms, an onion, and some other stuff they couldn't remember.

Dazai, being his awful self, had challenged Chuuya to eat it all. Chuuya had counter-challenged him to finish it all faster than him.
Both cakes had tasted awful.
And both Dazai and Chuuya had left the store with a terrible stomachache.

Phase three of Dazai's plan began once they had stepped inside the apartment.

He had told Chuuya to go and figure out what movie they should watch. Chuuya had obliged, moving himself towards the gaming console in order to turn it on.

On top of the console, Chuuya found an envelope. It was a formal one, one that had been sealed with wax.
He turned to Dazai to ask him what it was.
" Well, open it "

Chuuya did just that.

TWO WEEKS LATER

Chuuya looked at the door in front of him.
There were so many thoughts running through his head, so many worries plaguing his mind.
The Armed Detective Agency
Fuck.
It was real, and it was happening.
He looked down at his hands.

Why the fuck was he so nervous?

He hadn't been this worried when he had joined the Mafia, so why were his hands all shaky now?
Because you don't want this to fail. His mind whispered.
Because if this fails, that will mean-
" Oh," a familiar voice pulled him out of his thoughts, " Chuuya is here already, and it's only a quarter before 8." Dazai's voice beamed. Chuuya caught sight of him, as he climbed up the stairs.
That bastard.

Two weeks ago he had left a letter for him to find.
One that proclaimed his return to society after being under the radar for more than two years.
A legal document signed and approved by none other than Sakaguchi Ango.

Chuuya shouldn't have been out for at least four more months, but Dazai had changed that.

Because of him, he was now standing in front of the Agency's door, ready to go in and meet everyone.

With his heart beating faster than it should, Chuuya smiled and turned his hand.

Chapter Text

Cold and dark.

Chuuya still remembers how he had felt the first time he had ever set foot on the towering building that was the Port Mafia Headquarters. The first time, he had pushed that haunting metallic door and had let himself inside the only building that dared to touch the Yokohama skyline.

Silence.

He remembers how all the hallways and all the rooms had been dark. He remembers the big red curtains hiding the windows, the lights barely doing their job to illuminate all the rooms. The busy men running around, all dressed in black, all holding weapons.
He remembers the disgusting smell of chlorine getting stronger the further he walked in. The smell of crimes getting covered, of sins being committed and then washed away.

Emptiness.

He remembers the hallway with the stained glass leading to the Boss's office.
The way the light glistened in different colours and the way the air got colder once you stepped closer.

He remembers turning the knob.

It had been so different this time.

The first thing he noticed about the Agency was the light.

The tall windows that could be found on every wall, their curtains pulled back, letting in the daylight. The way it flew right into the room from every direction imaginable, casting little shadows on every item in its way.

Then there were the people, at least those he could see from the threshold. They were all wearing their best smiles, all looking healthy and happy.
Same as the windows, they were sources of light too. A different kind of light, the kind that radiated warmth.

It hurt his eyes a little, how bright everything was.

'' You must be Nakahara '' Chuuya turned to face the person that had spoken.
He found that the voice belonged to a man seated on what he assumed was his desk. He wore a brownish old-styled short coat and matching pants which he had paired up with a black vest and a white shirt underneath. He also wore a blue striped tie and a brown hat. What Chuuya noticed tho, was the lollipop in his hands.

Before he could reply anything to that man, a hand was extended to him from his left.
'' It's a pleasure to finally meet you, '' The blond man in front of him introduced himself. '' I'm Doppo Kunikida. You are Nakahara Chuuya, right? ''
Chuuya shook his hand firmly, plastering a smile on his face. '' Indeed, I am,'' he replied, doing his best to sound formal. '' It's a pleasure to meet you as well. ''
So this was Dazai's new partner, huh?
He looked to be a bit older than them, perhaps because of the way he carried himself. He looked mature and serious, yet not unfriendly. He reminded him of someone else he knew but he couldn’t recall who.
If that was Kunikida, then the man sitting on the desk, could he be Ranpo, the detective that had amazed even Dazai?
He would figure that out later.

Chuuya cleared his throat and focused on the task at hand. He looked at the blond man again. '' Where could I find-
'' Is that Nakahara? '' Before he could finish his question, he was interrupted once more, this time, by a woman's voice.
She came out of a room located in the back of the office, a golden butterfly pin on her hair and a bloody scalpel in her hands.
Yosano.
'' Oh, you're here much sooner than we thought you'd be. '' She said, walking up to the entrance where Chuuya was standing. She put her hand on her waist and turned to Kunikida. '' Will you let the boy come inside? '' She asked, indicating how he was blocking the doorway. '' I know we are all excited to meet him, but we should try and make him feel comfortable first, shouldn't we? ''
Kunikida nodded his head in agreement. '' You're right, '' He took a few steps back and signalled for Chuuya to step forwards.
Chuuya hadn't even realised he had been standing still the entire time.
'' Welcome, Chuuya, '' Dazai's hand gripped his shoulder as he stepped beside him, making him jump in surprise. '' to the Armed Detective Agency. '' He motioned his hands to indicate the room, creating a semi-circle in the air.
'' Morning Dazai, '' Yosano and Kunikida both greeted him.
'' Rare to see you here so early, '' Kunikida remarked, taking his seat back at his desk and writing something down in his notebook.
'' I’m sure he’s here to show our newest member the place, '' Yosano guessed, '' Probably won't happen again. ''
'' Oh, you know me so well, doctor '' Dazai joked. '' Now Chuuya, let me introduce you to the rest of our members, '' he said, walking away. '' the quieter ones,'' he added in a whisper.

Chuuya liked the way Dazai had come to show him around and introduce him to everyone. He seemed eager to do so, excited even.

He took him to meet Junichiro Tanizaki first, who had been sitting in his office alone this whole time, and then Kenji, who had been away on a small case nearby. While Junichiro had been uninterested in them, Kenji had been so excited to meet him that it had caught Chuuya completely off guard.
The kid told them that if not for that case, he would have been the first person to have run up to Chuuya.
He had been dying to meet him ever since Dazai had let them know of his ability.

While talking to them, the boy also expressed his excitement and how much he had been looking forward to seeing ' From the Tainted Sorrow' in action.
To please him, Chuuya had lifted a cup and then some other stationery items, using his gravity manipulation. Making them swim in the air and then bringing them back down.
Kenji had been thoroughly impressed.
Dazai had stifled his laughter.
After that, Kenji told them that he would have loved to chat more, but that unfortunately, he was really sleepy and had to rest.
Knowing the way his ability works, both of them left him immediately.

The last person Dazai had introduced him to was the President.
Yukichi Fukuzawa.
A man that emitted respect and authority.

Dazai had knocked on his door once before the President had told them to come in.
His voice had been commanding, intimidating and clear. Great for a leader.
Chuuya had stepped inside his office with the highest of expectations.

He had not been disappointed.

The president had been one of the most straightforward people he had ever met and that became clear early on, from the first minute of their interaction.
Although he had greeted them both with a neutral expression, the President had signalled only for Chuuya to sit.
Directly and discreetly

Once Dazai had made the introductions and had left the room, he told Chuuya everything he needed to know.

Like Dazai, in order to join the Armed Detective Agency officially, he would have to undergo an Entrance Exam with another member supervising him.
The Exam would help his supervisor review his personality traits, his ability control, and, of course, his detective skills. Those qualities would determine whether he would be a good fit for the Agency or not. The test would be designed in such a way that it could bring forth even his most hidden emotions.
The Exam wouldn't take more than a few days, and it wouldn't be something impossible. However, it would be crucial.
Even one tiny mistake could cost him everything.

The President had been nothing but clear to him. Chuuya appreciated his transparency and honesty.
'' If your supervisor tells me that you did anything suspicious, you will not be passing. '' The man looked at him, his grey eyes piercing through his soul. '' I know about your past, Nakahara.'' He started. '' I know about Dazai's too. I wanted you to know that in case you tried anything. '' Chuuya was already aware of that since Dazai had informed him prior to his interview with the man. Still, the way he said it, it was nothing less than a threat.

'' I understand ''
‘’ Good.’’ The President had considered him for a few moments before dismissing him. ‘’ You will be assigned a Supervisor by the end of the day. '' he had said, before letting him go.

…

'' Hey Nakahara, '' Stepping out of the President's office, Chuuya was met with Ranpo's voice. '' President said you'd come along, so why are you making me wait? ''
'' I was inside his office for the interv-
'' I know that. '' Ranpo jumped out of his desk, '' But you aren't anymore, right? So why aren't you at the door? ''
Chuuya had no answer to that. Maybe because no one had told him to be there? No, that wouldn't work on Ranpo.
He moved to the door and said nothing. A moment later, Ranpo was leading the way.

Climbing down the stairs, his phone biped.
He opened it to find a text message from Dazai saying, ‘' Good luck with him. ''
After reading it, Chuuya very eloquently responded with a simple, '’ He can't be worse than you.’’

…

How the fuck had Dazai been amazed by him?
The longer he spent with Ranpo, the more foolish all his descriptions of him had seemed.
' A genius ' The man didn't even know how to ride the fucking bus.
Chuuya had had to explain to him the concept of a ticket not once but twice. Twice because the first time, Ranpo had gotten distracted by a fucking candy shop he had seen across the street.
The man was useless.
No, he was worse than useless. Useless people didn't start fights by being know-it-alls.
Ranpo did.
Chuuya had to physically step in and stop a person's punch in midair because Ranpo had told him his wife was cheating on him.
Who even does something like that?
His excuse had been that the man had been insulting another passenger, a woman.

Chuuya had heard stories about Ranpo's eccentricity from Dazai but damn. He was really something else.

After half an hour, they finally arrived at their stop.
A small street near the Yokohama Art Museum.

'' What is this case about? '' Chuuya asked Ranpo, hoping that, unlike Dazai, he would actually tell him instead of saying, ' You'll see. ‘
'' Hm, it's about a murder and a stolen painting. '' Ranpo said, unbothered.
'' What's so special about it then? '' Chuuya was under the illusion that the Agency dealt only with cases involving abilities or large-scale threats to the city.
'' Haven't you figured it out, yet? '' Ranpo shook his head disappointed.
When could I have possibly-
'' Of course not,‘’ he responded, not the littlest ashamed. ‘’ Wait, how long have you been working on the case? ''
'' President gave me the summary of the case just before you stepped into the office. '' That was less than two hours ago
'' And that summery was? '' Chuuya tried again.
'' You're asking a lot of questions, new guy, '' Ranpo observed, '' but it's fine. You are impressed by my ability. I get it. ''
Ranpo completely ignored him and his questions and stepped into the building. Chuuya followed him.

'' The best detective is on the case, '' Ranpo loudly announced, approaching the security guards gathered around the ticket booth. '' Prepare to be amazed. ''

There were a lot of words coming into his mind to describe Ranpo. Discreet or quiet was not one of those.

'' Are you here for the murder or the painting, sir? '' One of the guards asked, walking closer to them.
'' Both are connected. Haven't you figured that out? '' He didn't even try to be nice to them, Chuuya had thought he would show a bit more understanding, but no.
'' Of course, you haven't. ''.
The security guards remained calm even after they had been insulted. It made Chuuya wonder if they had crossed paths with him before.
'' Mister Ranpo, '' One of them tried to get his attention, '' We appreciate that you are here, but how exactly can you tell that the two incidents are connected? '' That poor bastard had a lot of courage if he was asking him a question like that. '' There is nothing linking the victim to the painting. ''
'' You can't see it? Really? '' His condescending tone was worse than Dazai's. '' But it's so obvious. '' He continued to mock them.
'' Even Nakahara could get it. ''
Chuuya knew he should have felt insulted, but honestly, nothing Ranpo could say would ever make him feel that way.
Maybe it was the fact he had decided early on not to take anything he said seriously.
'' Come on, new guy, '' Ranpo patted his shoulder, '' Show me what you got. ''
Chuuya turned to him. '' You want me to solve the case? ''
'' Aren't you a friend of Dazai's? '' Ranpo shrugged, '' I'm sure you'll manage. ''

A friend of Dazai's, huh?

No one had ever referred to him as Dazai's friend before, without it being sarcastic or a blatant lie to get under his skin. His partner? Sure, people in the Mafia called him that all the time. But no one had ever dared to call him his friend.
It felt strange, but he supposed it was true now, wasn’t it?

Dazai's friend.
It didn't sound half bad.

'' Just because I'm his friend, that doesn't mean I'm a freak like him. '' It was true Chuuya did not possess the same detective skills as Dazai.
He had resolved a few problems in the past using his brain, but there was no way he could have done half the things he had seen Dazai do to solve cases over the years.

At his words, Ranpo turned to him and opened his eyes. It was the first time Ranpo had looked him eye to eye.

'' You say that, yet I know, for a fact, that's not true. '' His green eyes had a dangerous glint in them as he spoke. One that told Chuuya Ranpo knew something. '' I won't get into detail now, tho '' He closed his eyes before Chuuya could examine them further. '' we have more important things to do.''
Just how much did he know?
Chuuya cleared his throat and agreed, feeling just a little wary of him.

'' Okay then, mister fancy hat. Lead the way. ''

What way.

Before Chuuya could have had the chance to ask him, a lady dressed in black walked through the Museum's gate.
She entered the building crying and screaming, demanding to have an answer from the guards and the police.
In her hands, she was holding the missing painting.

Chuuya watched as the guards realized.
To his surprise, nobody seemed to bat an eye at her.

'' Miss Achika, we're all so sorry for your loss. Yaru was a great man. '' One of the guards neared her, extending his hand.
" You have my condolences. "
The woman stared at his hand but seemed not to be able to say a word anymore.

Just a few moments ago she had been screaming, but at the mention of Yaru, she had immediately stopped.

She lifted her head to meet his eyes and tears started strolling down her cheeks again.
'' He is dead '' The poor woman's expression said everything. '' He is dead, Tano, he is gone.'' She broke down again, falling to her knees.
The man, Tano, kneeled next to her, trying to wrap her in his arms.
Though he whispered, Chuuya managed to understand him perfectly.

'' He says he'll find out who did it, and he will make them pay for it. '' He explained to Ranpo. '' He'll do anything to honour his friend and bring justice to his name. ''
Ranpo looked at him unimpressed. '' You can read lips, okay. But do you think he's being honest? ''
Chuuya glanced at the two people kneeling on the floor. '' No ''
'' Hm ''
'' He wouldn't be able to kill anyone. '' It wasn't that hard to read him. '' He's making false promises to reassure her. ''
'' Hm,'' Ranpo made the same sound again. He said nothing.

Was that a cue?
Fuck, what next.

" Miss Achika, " Chuuya whispered, " I understand that you're unwell right now, but could I ask you a couple of questions? "
The woman paid him no mind.
" It will help the investigation so we can find out who killed your husband. "
He tried again, reminding her of what was important.
The woman turned her head to him, letting go of the man she was holding onto. " He was a good man, Detective. " her eyes had lost all light as she spoke, " Why would anyone do this? " She asked, her voice shaking. " Why would they kill him? " She stood up to meet Chuuya's gaze, " Why would they leave my daughter without a father? "
The woman's eyes were red and puffy and her make-up had smeared all over her face. Thick black lines trailed the surface of her cheeks ending on her chin.
She looked like she could fall apart at any moment.

Chuuya thought to himself, what would a good Detective do in that case?
They'd try to reassure the widow.

" Don't worry ma'am, " He said, his voice soothing and low. " We'll find whoever is responsible and we'll bring them to justice."
Tentatively, he put his hand on her shoulder.
The woman took his hand in hers and held it tightly in front of her.
" I'll tell you whatever I know, " She confessed, " I'll try and help you, but I don't think I'll be that useful."
She took a hold of Chuuya's other hand as well. She clasped it between her own.

" Don't say that, ma'am. I'm sure whatever you say will be of much help."
The woman's smile was painful to look at.
She was trying so hard for her husband.

Now ask.

" Can you tell me how the painting came into your possession? " he kept the same, reassuring tone, in his voice.
" I found it in the house, under our bed, while I was cleaning." She explained, " It wasn't hidden or anything, it was just laying there."
Okay, so the man had stolen the painting and had managed to get it to his house.
A normal theft so far.
So where did it go wrong?
" Your husband didn't tell you of it, right? " The woman shook her head negatively.
" No, he didn't." She whispered.
" Do you know anyone that could have-
" He was a good man, sir. " she cut him short. " There was no one that would wish him ill. None I can think of."
" Okay then. ‘’ Chuuya knew better than to argue with a widow about her perception of her dead husband, so he decided on a different approach. ‘’ Could mister Yaru have been involved with-
"He isn't the type to go out and look for trouble, " she cut him again. " He is-", she took a moment and corrected herself, " He was a quiet man."
Chuuya considered her words carefully.
" Had that always been the case? " he asked with caution. He didn't want to upset the wife, but he needed to know.
The woman shook her head again, this time a little more hesitant.
" He had had troubles with the police before, but that was a long time ago. " She looked at Chuuya, and then at the ground. " He was a changed man, sir. A family man, a great husband and a great father. ‘’
‘’ What kind of troubles did he have back then? ‘’
‘’ I don’t know the details.’’ The woman said, ‘’ All I knew is that he had said multiple times that he has done bad things he was not proud of, in the past ‘’
With that sentence, Chuuya’s suspicions grew thicker.
‘’ You’ve been very helpful, miss Achika ‘’ He said, thinking of his next move.
The woman flashed him a shy smile, barely lifting the corners of her lips. ‘’ I know I haven't. ‘’ She said, ‘’ but thank you for lying. ‘’

…

'' Watching the tapes is boring.'' Ranpo kept complaining as he stood behind him. '' Is this the best plan you could think of? ''

Ranpo had been standing in the same position, criticising Chuuya, for over twenty minutes now. He kept telling him that his method was super slow and super boring and that he was not cut out to be a detective.
Chuuya had tried his best to ignore him and not let his comments affect his mood.
He had kept his eyes focused on the screen, trying to catch the detail that would give everything away and would let him proceed with the case.

Watching the security footage from the museum's cameras had been his fastest option.

He had never been as observant as Dazai or Ranpo, and he definitely could not solve cases in seconds just by deducting things like them.
He wasn't a skilled detective either.
He wouldn't go and pretend otherwise just so he could make a fool of himself.

'' Yes. '' He responded, not taking his eyes away from the screen.

By now, he'd seen footage covering almost a whole week and had discovered nothing.
Yaru seemed to be a pretty direct guy in the tapes.
He didn't slack off on his job, and he didn't take extended breaks either.
He was a perfect employee, which made Chuuya all the more suspicious.

The man took the computer's mouse and changed the date again, finally opening footage from the week before.
'' How long will this take? '' Ranpo complained again.
At that point, Chuuya was sure he was doing it on purpose to make him tick off.
'' Well, we just reached the second week prior to the murder, '' Chuuya justified, '' So I guess, it won’t take a while. ''
Ranpo moved away from his shoulder and reached for a nearby chair.
He dragged it across the floor and placed it beside Chuuya's.

Chuuya kept watching the footage in silence, waiting for the first clue, for the first piece of evidence.
After half an hour of nothing, he finally found it.

'' He's making phone calls'' He said, excited to finally have something to offer to the other man.
Ranpo simply shrugged. '' So? ''
'' Every day the same exact hour, '' He elaborated, typing furiously on the keyboard.
'' He could be calling his wife or his daughter. '' Ranpo offered.
Chuuya turned his screen so Ranpo could see as well. '' If he were talking to them, why is the footage erased? ''
Finally, he had caught Ranpo's attention.
'' Every day, he pulled out his phone and called someone at 6 a.m. From 6 till 6 and 2 minutes, the footage has been deleted. ''
'' So he must have been conducting someone he didn't want others to know of. '' Ranpo summarized.
Chuuya looked at the screen puzzled. '' The thing is, if he had wanted to cover it up he could have easily duplicated the two minutes before the phone call and just, edit them in. '' he thought aloud, '' But he didn't do that. Instead, he deleted it and replaced it with the same glitch as that of the robbery tape. ''
'' Your point? ''
'' We saw him stealing the painting in a glitched out tape, and now we are seeing him receiving calls the same way.'' Chuuya closed the tabs on the computer and opened a new one. '' That means he wanted to get caught. ''
'' Why? ''
'' I don't know, ‘’ maybe he knew someone would kill him and he wanted to trap them as revenge? Maybe he planned on betraying whoever had made him steal the painting?
So many possibilities it hurt his head to think about them all.

He got up from the chair and looked at the door then at Ranpo.
‘’ We need to find that phone ''

…

" Yaru's phone? " the woman echoed, " Yeah, I have it. "
Tano put the phone on speaker so that they could all hear her through it. " They gave it to me along with some other things of his when I went to identify the body. "
" Could we have it? " Chuuya asked, nearing the phone.
The woman seemed to take a few seconds, " If it will help the investigation, sure. '' She responded, her voice sounding tired. " I'll bring it to-
" No need, ma’am, " Chuuya interrupted, " We'll come and get it ourselves."
Ranpo gave him a questioning look, but Chuuya didn't retract his offer.
" I'll be waiting then," she said and hung up.

" Why do we need to go and get it? " Ranpo asked, already walking away from the guard.
" She isn't well, and she is obviously tired. " Chuuya expressed, " going to her instead of having her come to us is the least we could do to help. "
" Huh. " Ranpo crossed his arms. " Fine."

The two of them left the museum and headed towards the nearest bus stop to hopefully catch the right bus that would lead them to the woman's house.

Chuuya would have preferred to drive them there, but unfortunately, seeing as he had no car at the moment (thanks a lot Dazai) and no driver's license to his name, that choice was out of the question.
He had always considered public transportation to be a nightmare on its own but add Ranpo to the equation, and you have a recipe for disaster.

He thought things couldn't go worse than when a random man had attempted to punch him earlier that day. Ranpo proved him wrong.

The walk to the woman's house was a long one. Neither Ranpo nor Chuuya talked during it.
Ranpo was lost in his own little world, and Chuuya was, once again, trying really hard to maintain his patience and not kick him to the fucking moon.
'' I hate walking. ''
He was doing it on purpose.
There was no way this man was actually so fucking-
'' We are almost there. '' Chuuya said calmly, '' Just a few more blocks. ''
Ranpo put his hands in his pockets and sighed, '' I preferred the bus. ''
He was testing his patience.
Yes, that was it.
Ranpo was testing his patience because if he weren't-
'' We'll catch a different bus on our way back. '' Chuuya reassured him. Ranpo said nothing.

After some minutes, the men finally reached their destination.
Once at the house, they rang the doorbell, and the woman rushed to open the door.
She looked worse than before if that was possible. It was clear in her face and especially in her eyes that she had not stopped crying, not even for a second.
It was a sad image to look at.

She gave them the phone, telling them it was protected by a password she did not know and then offered to answer any other questions they may have had. She even offered to tour them around the house so they could search it and maybe find something.
Chuuya assured her that her earlier contribution had been enough and then told her that they had to leave.
The woman walked them to her door, her legs barely moving. She looked so tired as she wished them a happy evening.

Chuuya smiled at her as she closed the door.
He only hoped she would finally rest after all that.

While waiting for the bus to come, Chuuya made his first attempt to open the phone. Unfortunately, as the woman had already told them, it was locked with a password.
However, she had failed to mention that you only had three chances to find the password before the phone self-destructed.
'' He was definitely hiding something. '' Chuuya murmured, looking at the phone's screen, searching for a fingerprint trail.
'' Because it’s a self-destruct phone? ''
'' Yes, and no. ''
'' There are many kinds of that type of phone. Anyone can use them. They aren't only for hiding things. ''
Yes, but this model is.
'' That's true. Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions too fast. '' He lied. Yaru was undoubtedly hiding something, and he knew it for a fact.
'' Or maybe you're thinking based on your experience. '' Ranpo said, and then quickly added, '' You know, as a tech supporter. ''
Ranpo knew something, and it was clear in his voice.
'' Dazai told you about my job in the tech store? '' He questioned, remembering some of the fake backgrounds Dazai had created for them.
'' Yeah, '' Ranpo's voice told him he was lying. '' So maybe because of it, you know something better? ''
'' All I know is that we need to find that password. ''
'' We need to find that phone, we need to find that password, '' Ranpo repeated, '' Your way of doing things is so time-consuming, Nakahara.''
Chuuya had no effective reply to give him.
At least not one that didn't include curse words.

'' So, new guy, '' Ranpo turned to him, '' what's your plan? ''
The question is, do I have one?
'' We'll go back to the museum and investigate further. ''
Ranpo looked outside the window, '' It's nighttime, '' He observed, '' The museum won't be open anymore. ''
Shit.
'' And even if it were, we don't have a warrant. We can't search the place without one. ''
Mmm, what now.
What would a good detective do? What would-
'' We break in and search the place ourselves,'' he said, without thinking it through. Ranpo continued staring outside the window unbothered.
'' I see.'' He mumbled, '' You can go and search the place. I'll be waiting outside. '' Ranpo agreed to the plan.
Again, Chuuya had this weird feeling Ranpo was testing him, but in what, he didn't know.

...

Only some minutes after their arrival at the place, Chuuya had already entered the building, having immobilized both the security guards on duty, successfully.
It was a fairly easy operation in his opinion.
The security, if you could even call it that, was weak at best. The building had multiple openings and ways to get in, and there had been only two guards.
The only real threat would have to be the cameras, but he didn't fear them. Having gained access to the control room earlier that day, he knew exactly what to do to erase the footage, and how to do it in a way that it wouldn't seem as if someone had erased it.
He'd learn to do that sort of thing while still at the mafia.

His plan was to go to the staff's locker rooms, and then to the late man's office. Those were the only two places he could think of, where the man would have left some kind of clue about his password. He would go in and search both rooms thoroughly.
If he found nothing…well, then he'd be in trouble.

He proceeded into the staff room, as silently as he could, and started surveying for anything that could be a clue. He looked through documents, and papers laying on the desk.
He looked at the man's locker, and even at the other staff members' lockers, but he came up empty handed.
He moved furniture and searched behind the paintings hanging on the walls. He searched under the desk, inside the drawers.
Nothing.

He was prepared for that, so it was fine.
He still had Yaru's office to investigate.

He closed the door of the locker room and headed towards where the man's office used to be.
From outside the door, he heard clutter.
He approached with caution, stepping on his toes, leaning his body outwards, keeping his eyes on the dancing silhouette he could see from the tiny window.

There was someone there.

And they looked as if they were doing the same thing as him.

He knocked on the door to surprise the intruder and immediately hid behind where the hinges would open up.
The cluttering sounds inside stopped and he heard footsteps approaching.
The door opened in one violent motion and from the opening, a knife was thrown.
Chuuya rushed into the room activating his ability in case the intruder decided to open fire.
The shadow screeched as it saw him, and Chuuya recognized the scream as belonging to a girl.
She tried to stand her ground and attack him, using a slashing knife.
Chuuya avoided her attacks but didn't strike back.
" Who are you? " he asked, " Dodging another one of the blonde woman's kicks. She gave him no answer.
" What are you doing here? " he asked again.
The woman stayed silent, as she tried to break free from his grasp.
Chuuya held her wrist tight enough to bruise her, but not tight enough to cause any real damage
" Who are you and what are you doing here? " he asked a third, final time, pushing her to the chair.

The woman sighed and gave up on trying to free herself.
" I'm searching for something my lover left behind." She said in a sharp tone. " Now will you let me go? "
Her lover?
" Your lover? "
" The dead man." She said with a sardonic smile.
" What exactly are you searching for? "
Instead of answering him, the woman used her free hand to grab a small knife she had strapped beneath her black coat.
She tried to stab him in the leg.
To her surprise, the knife bounced away from him.
" The fu-
Before she could finish the word, she was already on the ground, both hands behind her back.
" If you want to leave this place in one piece," Chuuya squeezed her hands a bit tighter to emphasize his point, before releasing them again. " Talk"

The woman didn't seem to want to cooperate, but she did anyway.
" He was supposed to sell it. " She started. " Yaru would sell the painting and then he'd meet me at the Port." She said, her words hesitant.
" I waited for him there, but he never showed up. A man came instead. A man I had never seen before, in my life." She tried to move, so her face wouldn't touch the ground, " He told me to find the painting or he'd kill him."
"The painting was in his house. His wife brought it here, earlier "
" That was a fake." She confessed. " The real one is still missing."
Oh.
" Who would he sell it to? "
The woman's eyes blinked a couple more times than they should have." I don't know." She lied.
Something was really fishy in her behaviour but he decided to let it slide.
At least for now.

He took his hands away from her and helped her stand up.
" What you're looking for isn't here. " Chuuya stated, " You should go before it's too late."
The woman got his innuendo.
It was a phrase used among the Port Mafia members when there was trouble.
Chuuya figured out her identity the moment she threw that first knife.
One of the oldest tricks in the book.

The woman regarded him with a silent understanding nod before she left through the window.

The Port Mafia.
Of course, they were involved.

Chuuya continued searching the office for the password, a million different thoughts roaming around his head.
Yaru was dealing with the Port Mafia.
He had them steal the painting.
Then he did something wrong, maybe tried to betray them?
And they killed him.
But why the fake?
His supposed lover, said the painting they had was a fake, why?

As he was thinking all of that, he stumbled across the hanger.
From it, hang a coat and a hat.
Chuuya took them both in his hands to examine them further.
On the coat's tag was a number.
A four digit number.

Quickly, Chuuya took his phone out and snapped a picture.

He placed everything back to its original position, went for a walk to the control room and then left.

" You found it?" Ranpo asked, getting up from the bench he had been sitting on, this entire time.
Chuuya walked towards him, with his phone in hand. ‘’ Yes. ‘’ He said, ‘’ Now give me the phone so I can unlock it. ‘’
Ranpo reached in his pocket and pulled out the dead man’s phone. ‘’ Here. ‘’
Chuuya took it and typed in the password, ignoring all the candy wraps that had fallen out of the pocket with it.

It opened.

The redhead pulled out a small piece of paper, handwritten by him. He looked at the numbers on it and tried to see if they would correlate to the call history.
It was a perfect match.
‘’ Oh, you actually did find it. ‘’ Ranpo murmured.
Chuuya pocketed the phone and then the paper.

Phase one and two had been completed.
Now, for phase three, he only had to take the phone to the agency, call the number, and trace its location and origin.

" Was that yours? " Ranpo asked, eyeing Chuuya's pocket. Chuuya nodded his head looking at the bus stop at the end of the road and at the moon even further.
" Probably. "
" Won't you answer it?" Ranpo said, continuing to walk beside him, his hands behind his head.
" Eh, it's Dazai, " He said, patting the phone still inside his coat," It can wait."

…

His phone beeped again, as they reached the Agency's front door.
Chuuya sighted.
It beeped a second time.
" Annoying much? " Ranpo commented, waiting for Chuuya to open the door.
" He is, yeah," he agreed, " but I'm used to it."

He didn't know why he had felt the need to add that, but he had.

Chuuya pushed open the door, letting Ranpo walk in first.
" Chuuya! " Dazai rushed to the door. " Why don't you answer my texts? " he took his phone in his hands and pointed at the unread messages. " I could have been in trouble." Dazai said dramatically, his hand over his forehead, " I could have been kidnapped. " he fell to his knees, making a loud noise. " I could be dying." He collapsed to the ground, playing dead.
Chuuya nudged his body with his leg before stepping over him and crossing the room.
Dazai gasped.
" How dare you," he started, getting up. " I- Who have never been-
" Oh, shut up." Chuuya glared at him from the nearest office, ready to throw something on his head.
His gaze shifted around.
" Where is everyone? "
Dazai dusted off his coat and approached him. " It's past twelve, they are all at their homes by now."
Chuuya thought about it. " Did the president leave you the key? "
" Yeah, sure." Dazai sneered." Left me the Agency as well."
" You broke in. " Ranpo deducted, already tired of them both.
" Knew Chuuya would come here.’’ He said. ‘’ His fault he didn't answer my texts."
Seeing no one but Ranpo around, Chuuya picked up a metallic pencil holder and threw it to the brunette.
" Ouch."
‘’ Good. ‘’ Ranpo smiled, ignoring them. ‘’ I knew you'd be here. Was counting on that, actually. ‘’
Dazai smiled back. ‘’ Oh, I know. ‘’ He said with that smug look of his, ‘’ You forgot something earlier this morning and you wanted to get it, didn’t you? ‘’
‘’ Exactly. ‘’ Ranpo said. ‘’ Well done, Dazai. ‘’
What kind of mind games were these two playing? And why was he somehow involved, he didn’t know
‘’ We have work to do, you vagabond. ‘’ Chuuya called, ‘’ So you can leave now. ‘’
Dazai rolled his eyes. ‘’ You’re no fun,‘’
‘’ Nakahara is right. ‘’ Ranpo agreed, ‘’ We are still working, ‘’ He said, kind of hinting that he didn’t want to be doing that, ‘’ So you do have to leave.’’
‘’ Yeah, yeah,’’ Dazai waved his hand. ‘’ fine, I’m leaving. ‘’
‘’ Finally. ‘’
‘ Oh, by the way, I’ve already fixed everything on the software. The only thing you need to do is put the number in.‘’
Ranpo and Chuuya both turned to face him as he was leaving. ‘’ Helpful. ‘’Ranpo admitted. Chuuya didn’t feel the same way.
‘’ II could have done it myself, asshole ‘’
‘’ Oh, I know. ‘’ Dazai agreed with him, walking out. ‘’ But it took so long, and it’s already nighttime so I thought I could help a bit. ‘
‘’ Oh, fuck off. ‘’Chuuya glared at him as he closed the door.

He hovered over Dazai’s computer and turned to Ranpo.
‘’ You must admit, that was helpful. ‘’ Ranpo said, his tone clearly genuine, tho he could sense a bit of mockery on it as well/
‘’Yeah, ‘’ Chuuya admitted, ‘’ But there is no way in hell I’m telling him’’
Ranpo sat down on a chair, and threw his head back. ‘’ Suit yourself. ‘’

…

As he had expected, the signal came nowhere else but from the Port.
Specifically, it had come from a large warehouse owned by the Port Mafia for years now.
It was a warehouse he had gone to, millions of times before for millions of different reasons.

He told himself that things were different.
He couldn’t waltz in, and demand to see the one in charge.
He couldn't just ask what happened, or who set Yaru up, and expect to be given an answer.
He had no authority anymore.

From the call he had made to trace the phone, he had gathered two things.
First one, he knew the caller.
He’d heard that voice so many times when he was younger, that it would be impossible not to have recognised it.

Second, he was most definitely walking into a trap.

If he knew anything about the man behind the phone, instead of him, soon another person would walk through that door and attack him.
He wondered if it would be someone he knew.

That trap was the reason he had chosen to go there alone.
Ranpo would have been in danger if he had come, and honestly, he would have been a burden.
Chuuya knew these people. He knew their ways, he knew their tricks.
He would resolve this as fast as he could, with the least damage possible and then go back to the Agency with an honest explanation to give to Ranpo.
He would solve the case and he would be proud of doing so.

‘’ You.’’
The voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
Chuuya turned his head and started searching the room for the source of the sound.

There, standing on top of a metallic box, was a boy. His black coat flowed around him, transforming into spikes.

So that’s who he had sent after him, huh?
The Port Mafia’s hellhound.

The boy known as Akutagawa Ryunosuke.

Chapter Text

Two years ago

Chuuya knocked on the wooden frame once, praying that nobody would answer.
To his misfortune, he heard footsteps approaching from behind the door.

‘’ Yes? ‘’

From inside, Akutagawa’s voice was heard, as low and controlled as always.
Chuuya debated between staying and telling him the news or walking away and giving that responsibility to someone else.
Maybe ignorance was bliss.
Maybe it would be better if he didn't learn of it yet.

No, it wouldn't.

‘’ It’s Nakahara. ‘’ Chuuya said, deciding on staying and getting this over with.

It wouldn't make anything better.

Upon hearing the voice, and without wasting a single second, the boy opened the door immediately, not wanting to have an executive waiting on him.

Chuuya looked at the boy first before shifting his gaze to peek inside the newly revealed room.
He wasn't sure of what he had been expecting.

There were no lamps, no open windows.
There was no light.
Nothing he could distinguish between the darkness.

As if embarrassed by the sight, Akutagawa closed the door behind him and stepped forward, nearing his superior.
‘’ Is there something I can do? ‘’ He asked, clearly confused by Chuuya’s presence in the hallway leading to his apartment.
Chuuya took a moment to breathe before answering him.
‘’ Dazai is gone, ‘’ He said, watching as the boy’s eyes widened with surprise. ‘’ He left the Mafia this morning. I thought you should know. ‘’

Chuuya hadn’t wanted to talk to anyone that day, but he told himself he had to do this one thing.
He didn’t know Akutagawa that well, and they had never been close, yet he had felt the need to break him the news himself.

The boy’s eyes darkened then, his brows knitted together. ‘’ Nakahara, sir, what do you mean? ‘’ He asked, his voice failing him.’’ What do you mean, he left? ‘’

As he uttered those words, Akutagawa didn’t seem like the vicious hellhound of the Port Mafia.
He didn’t seem like the heartless monster everyone was so afraid of.
At that moment, Akutagawa had looked like a child.
A child ready to break.

‘’Dazai betrayed the Mafia. ‘’ Chuuya repeated, keeping his voice professional. ‘’ I know he was your mentor, but he is a traitor now. ‘’ The words felt foreign in his mouth as if someone else was speaking them. They felt wrong. ‘’ I expect you to treat him like you would, any other in his position. ‘’
It was the same thing Mori had told him not so many hours ago.

Akutagawa stared at him in disbelief. Those black holes he had for eyes seeming more empty than before if that was even possible.
‘’ He left. ‘’ The boy echoed, not believing the words." Dazai left." He repeated again and then paused.
" I understand. ‘’

The boy's gaze turned colder, his face a blank page, devoid of any emotion.
He had that unreadable look Dazai used to have.
That unreadable look Chuuya had tried time and time again to understand but in vain.

Same as every other time, he wanted to say something to wipe that look away.
And same as every time, he didn’t know what.

He knew Dazai had been rough with the boy. He knew his methods of teaching, and disciplining him had been barbaric and violent. He knew Dazai had been awful to him, but he also knew Dazai had cared about Akutagawa.
He would never say it to his face, and he would never show it, but Chuuya knew he cared.

If he hadn’t cared, he wouldn’t have been so worried in his first mission when the boy hadn’t returned at the appointed time.
If he hadn’t cared, he wouldn’t take him out to dinners, nor would he make sure the boy always returned to his room, sober.
He treated him horribly, but that was because of their job. Dazai didn’t have anything against him personally.
On the contrary, to Chuuya, Dazai had always seemed interested in him.
In his own twisted-messed up-Dazai way, Chuuya was sure he had cared.

‘’ Oi, Akutagawa, ‘’ Chuuya turned to face the boy again, ‘’ If you want to discuss anything, come and find me, okay? ‘’
It felt so forced and disingenuous, but Chuuya had meant it.
He hadn’t said it just to seem reassuring as his superior, nor to seem like he cared when he didn’t.
Chuuya remembered how it had been when he had lost people close to him at that age.
Akutagawa was a mafioso, sure, but he was also still a kid.
A kid that had just lost someone important to him.

…

Chuuya had always known Akutagawa wouldn’t take the news well.
So when Hirotsu had come to him to report a few incidents that had led to explosions and numerous deaths, it hadn’t surprised him the tiniest bit.
Akutagawa had always been a loose cannon, but fortunately for the Mafia, Dazai had been there to discipline him.

Now Dazai was gone, and Akutagawa was left all alone.

Present

Chuuya dived in, dodging one of the attacks. The black razor-sharp ability barely scraping his head.
‘’ You-
Akutagawa attacked again, his eyes filled with malice and hatred.
With his speed and agile movements, Chuuya managed to do the same he had done at the museum.
He dodged and blocked all of his attacks, but he didn't strike back, not once.

‘’ Fight me you coward, ‘’ The boy yelled, unleashing Rashomon towards his direction, ‘’ You’re a traitor, ‘’ He reminded him. ‘’ You should die. ‘’
Chuuya stepped back, letting the ability come to him.
When the black sharp spike was inches away from his body, he jumped.

Akutagawa waisted no time. He used the spikes his coat had become and elevated himself to be at the same height as his past superior.

‘’ I’m not here to fight you, ‘’ Chuuya said, putting his hands in front of him as if he was surrendering. ‘’ I’m here to find out what happened with Yaru. ‘’ Chuuya let his feet touch the ground.’’ I’m here for a case.’’
Akutagawa followed his lead, descending himself to the ground as well.

‘’ That’s Port Mafia business. ‘’ Akutagawa snarled, extending his hand again, readying himself for another attack. ‘’ A traitor like you, has no right to know. ‘’
Although his voice had remained controlled and distant, Chuuya could still detect a small hint of bitterness in his words.
‘’ I don’t want this to turn ugly,’’ he warned him. ‘’ Tell me what you know, and I’ll be on my way. ‘’
Akutagawa cracked his knuckles and adjusted his sleeves, ignoring the young man’s words.
‘’ I don’t think that will happen.’’ He said, and charged.

Chuuya had hoped he wouldn't have to fight him.
He really had hoped that it wouldn't be necessary.
Not because he was afraid he would lose, or get injured, but because he knew it would mess with the boy's head.

Unfortunately, it would seem there was no other choice.

Chuuya was not close to Akutagawa, but he knew a lot about him.
In the past year that they were stuck together, Dazai had told him all about his protege.
About the bloodthirsty beast that was Akutagawa.
About the kid, Dazai had found and had ‘saved’ by dragging him to a Hell worse than the slums.
Chuuya had paid attention.

The boy launched his attack at him but this time, Chuuya decided not to dodge it.
He stood his ground and waited for the lethal blade, for Rashomon, to slash his arm.
No cut was made.
Instead, Chuuya’s body started to emit a radiant red glow.

Akutagawa stilled as gravity pulled on him.

To Chuuya’s surprise, even tho his body must have felt heavier than a rock, the boy was able to struggle and keep standing on his ground.
Just for a few seconds, he was able to fight off even Chuuya’s ability.

Unfortunately, gravity was far stronger than him, and so his knees gave out.

The boy coughed once, lifting his head to look at the one at fault.
‘’ You-
‘’ That’s quite enough. ‘’ Another voice cut him short from what he was about to say. Chuuya recognized it immediately.
‘’ It’s being a long while, Chuuya, sir.‘’

From the shadows, an older man stepped in. A faint smile on his lips, a cigarette between his fingers.
Chuuya looked toward the man and a strange feeling of nostalgia rushed through him.
‘’ Hirotsu,’’ he said the name aloud, greeting him. ‘’ Long time no see. ‘’

The man averted his attention from Chuuya, shifting it to the boy kneeling on the ground.
‘’ Akutagawa, sir, ‘’ he neared him, handing him a handkerchief. ‘’ Maybe it’s time for you to go. ‘’
The boy didn’t seem happy to hear the old man speak.
He pushed down his hands, and with his legs shaking, he stood up, completely ignoring the man’s extended hand.

‘’ I was told to be here in case it was a trap. ‘’ Akutagawa explained, ‘’ And it is. ‘’ He concluded, glaring at Chuuya. ‘’ Nakahara is a traitor, ‘’ He said the name like it was a cuss, ‘’ He should be dealt with as one. ‘’
‘’ I think it would be best if we didn’t, sir.’’ Hirotsu remarked, his voice slightly warning.
‘’ Nakahara is indeed a traitor to the Mafia.’’ he agreed with him, ‘’ However, he can be of help to us, in finding the painting. ‘’
Akutagawa’s intense stare continued to follow Chuuya as he spoke.
‘’ The real one, right? The one that was supposed to be brought here.’’ Chuuya questioned.
Hirotsu nodded.
‘’ But if the Boss knew… ‘’ Akutagawa started carefully.
‘’ Unless someone tells him, he won’t. ‘’ His cold gaze shifted to the man that had just spoken. ‘’ Besides, ‘’ Hirotsu turned to Chuuya. ‘’ Won’t solving this case help Dazai as well?‘’
‘’ It will. ‘’ Chuuya replied, wishing it hadn’t been necessary to use such ugly means.

Akutagawa took a few steps towards them before turning his body in the direction of the exit of the warehouse. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out of it.
He turned his back on them.
‘’ I see. ‘’
It was the only thing he had managed to say before he left the warehouse.

‘’ I’ll help. ‘’ Hirotsu voiced, seeing as Akutagawa was no longer there. ‘’ Not because I care about the Agency finding Yaru but to honour the old times. ‘’
Chuuya gave him a quick smile, ‘’ I’ll be in your debt, old man ’’

…

Chuuya kept telling himself that mentioning Dazai had been the only course of action they could have taken.
With one word, Akutagawa had both left them alone and had reassured them that he would not say a word of this little ‘reunion’ to the Boss.
It had been a necessary evil.

Still, it had felt wrong.

‘’ So he was a subordinate? ‘’ Chuuya asked, making sure he had understood correctly.
‘’ He was, yes. ‘’ Hirotsu confirmed. ‘’ He used his ability to make fakes and then he replaced the paintings with those. Then, he’d bring the paintings, the real ones, here. ‘’
‘’ So he could create things? ‘’
‘’ Duplicate them.’’ Hirotsu corrected him, ‘’ He couldn’t create something out of thin air, but he could duplicate whatever he touched. ‘’
‘’ Useful. ‘’
‘’ It was quite useful, indeed. The Boss had been very impressed by what he could do for us. ‘’
Of course, he had been.
Such an ability could save him a crazy amount of money.
It could make transaction offers seem so much more appealing to partners.
It could help with-
‘’ Why is he dead then? ‘’ Chuuya asked, realizing that the Mafia couldn’t have killed him.
He would have been too great of an asset for Mori to get rid of.
‘’ A good question, my boy, but let me raise you a better one.’’ Hirotsu looked at him before taking another sip of his cigarette.‘’ Is he dead? We’ve seen his corpse, but taking his ability into account-
‘’ It could easily be a fake one. ‘’ How had he not seen that before? ‘’ He left with the real painting and faked his death so that the mafia wouldn’t go after him. ‘’
Hirotsu chuckled as Chuuya explained his theory.
‘’ That’s why you sent over that girl. ‘’ Chuuya realised. ‘’ She couldn’t care less about the man that died. She only wanted to find the real painting. ‘’
The older man smiled again, ‘’ Ah. I see you’ve met Higuchi. ‘’ He said, taking in another puff. ‘’ Her acting isn’t that great, seeing as you’re here, but I assure you, she is a very skilled mafioso. ‘’
‘’ Put up a good fight, ‘’ Chuuya admitted. Hirotsu nodded.
‘’ I’m sure you’re being too generous to her. ‘’ he regarded him. ‘’ As our top martial artist, I don’t think anyone could have ‘put up a good fight’ with you, as you put it. ‘’
Chuuya had no words to that comment.
‘’ I’m not saying that to flatter you, ex-executive Nakahara. I’m simply stating a fact. ‘’ Hirotsu walked closer to one of the creates stacked inside the warehouse. ‘’ You’re no match for anyone, boy. No wonder you were an executive at such a young age. Or a part of Double Black, for that matter. ‘’

Chuuya needed to change the subject.
Getting praised and reminded of his status and how strong he was…it wasn’t something he liked to hear. Getting called things like the king of the sheep or the strongest mafioso in Yokohama. He knew how strong he was, and he knew everything Hirotsu said rang true, but still, hearing it had always just felt, weird.

‘’ I see the Boss is still not making you an executive? ‘’ Chuuya observed, light-heartedly, trying to direct the conversation towards the older man instead.
Hirotsu shook his head. ‘’ Oldest and most experienced member of the Port Mafia, yet the Boss refuses to. ‘’ He responded, taking the joke as he always had.

It was like they were co-workers again, drinking at a bar and making jokes about their job and the Boss and everything that had happened that week.
It was a familiar situation.

‘’ The Boss refuses to make anyone an executive nowadays, actually. ‘’ HIrotsu added.
‘’ Says he is keeping two seats open in case you and Dazai decide to return. ‘’
Chuuya furrowed his eyebrows, a questioning look on his face.‘’ Does he really think that we’ll come back? ‘’
HIrotsu shook his head. ‘’ I don’t think he is so naive as to believe that. ‘’ he said, ‘’ He knows you won’t be returning to the Port Mafia. At least not willingly. ‘’
Chuuya nodded in understanding.
Not willingly.. he wondered if Mori would ever plan a revenge…
No…
‘’ I know it’s a stupid question, but how is he? ‘’
‘’ Dazai? ‘’ Chuuya said the name as if it were a question. ‘’ He is well." He replied,
" Better. "
Hirotsu gave him a slight nod, " That's good to know."

‘’ I do wish I had more information on that case of yours to help you, but we only know what you do. ‘’ Hirotsu changed the topic back to the original subject. ‘’ Yaru faked his death and most probably fled with the painting. ‘’
‘’ Then he left clues to blame the Port Mafia. ‘’ Chuuya completed. ‘’ Can’t even imagine the Boss’s face when he figured it out. ‘’
Hirotsu sat down on the crate and signalled for Chuuya to join him. ‘’ He called for me and ordered me to go and search him with my unit. Then, when we couldn’t find him, he ordered Akutagawa to take over the operation. ‘’
Chuuya sat down next to him, taking another cigar from Hirotsu's extended hand. ‘’ He did that? ‘’
‘’ Oh yes, most definitely. ‘’ Hirotsu took a sip of his own cigarette, nearing to its end. ‘’ Now, I’m in a unit called the Black Lizards, with Akutagawa and, by extension, Higuchi as my superiors. ‘’
Chuuya crossed his leg to make himself more comfortable. ‘’ And who else is on it? ‘’ he asked, genuinely interested in what the man was telling him.
‘’ It’s me, Gin, and our newest member, a boy named Tachihara. ‘’
‘’ Wait, Gin? As, Akutagawa? ‘’ In his time in the Mafia, he’d only seen her a handful of times.
Chuuya remembered Akutagawa’s sister only in flashes.
‘’ Pretty handy with a knife. ‘’ Hirotsu admitted. ‘’ Very silent, observant, and likes to keep in the shadows. She is the exact opposite of the troublesome young lad that is our rookie. ‘’
‘’ Her and Tachihara don’t get along well? ‘’
‘’ No, they don’t, ‘’ Hirotsu got up, ‘’ they remind me of two other kids I knew.‘’ he said, his lips tugging into a smile.
Chuuya chuckled at his words. ‘’ So bad, huh? ‘’ He followed the man, realizing that it was time to go.
‘’ Not as bad, but they do keep things interesting. ‘’

Chuuya looked at the man, as he extended his hand again, this time for a handshake.

‘’ It was nice seeing you again, boy ’’ Hirotsu said, ‘’ even under these circumstances. ‘’
Chuuya shook his hand firmly, smiling. ‘’ It was.’’ He agreed. ‘’ The feeling is mutual. ‘’
Hirotsu let go of his hand.
‘’ I don’t need to remind you to be careful when walking around these parts of the harbour, do I? ‘’
Chuuya opened the door, ‘’ When have I ever listened to you? ‘’ He said, flashing a smile before disappearing.

…

‘’ It had all been a Port Mafia ploy. Yaru was working for them. ‘’ Chuuya announced to Ranpo, entering the office.
Ranpo looked at him, from where he was seating on the ground.
‘’ It was? ‘’ He asked, his mouth full of candies.
Chuuya tried his best to ignore that childish behaviour of his. ‘’ Like you didn’t know. ‘’
At that, Ranpo laughed. ‘’ Well, I did. But you didn’t, and you figured it out. So good for you. ‘’
Again, Chuuya ignored his low-key condescending tone, trying to focus on articulating what he wanted to say correctly.
‘’ I went to the location the machine indicated, ‘’ Chuuya started to explain. ‘’ It turned out to be a Port Mafia warehouse. I only fought some agents, before retrieving the information. ‘’ He said, purposefully leaving some of the details out. ‘’ No higher ranks were involved. It was a quiet and quick job. ‘’
Ranpo considered his words carefully, already knowing they were nothing but lies.
‘’ Oh, and what information did you retrieve? ‘’ He asked.
Chuuya walked closer to him, ‘’ Yaru had been stealing paintings for months now. He stole them, made fakes of them, and then placed those fakes back in the museums while giving the real ones to the Port Mafia.’’
‘’ So he sold them to the mafia? Is that it?’’
‘’ No, he worked for them.’’ Chuuya corrected him, ‘’ Until his latest mission, that was. He kept the painting for himself and then fled the crime scene, betraying the organization.’’
‘’ So the painting we have is a fake. ‘’
Chuuya nodded.
‘’ And the man isn’t actually dead but rather faked his death to get away with little to no consequence.’’
‘’ Pretty much, yes. ‘’ Chuuya said, pride in his voice.
‘’ And it took you so long to figure that out? ‘’ With that one sentence, Ranpo had destroyed every dream he had ever had about becoming a detective.
‘’ You...You knew, didn’t you.’’
‘’ It was clear as day for me, but I am Ranpo Edogawa, the greatest detective alive, so it doesn’t count. ‘’
That man was so full of himself it made Chuuya want to mock him.
‘’ But you did solve it, in the end, even if it took you so long, so I’m not entirely disappointed in you and your abilities as a detective.’’
This had to be the closest thing to praise he would ever hear from the man.
‘’ Uh, thank you.’’ Chuuya reponed, ‘’ Should we continue searching for the fugi-
‘’ No, no. There’s no need for that. ‘’ Ranpo cut him short.
Again.
It was becoming a habit, and Chuuya didn’t like it.
‘’ It would be too boring of a job, ‘’ Ranpo reasoned, waving his hand at him. ‘’ Besides, I’ve already gotten what I wanted.’’ He said with a smirk.

Chuuya and Ranpo stayed at the Agency for a few minutes more, before agreeing to end the night there.
Having solved the case and having the truth uncovered, all that remained now, was for them to tell everything to Yaru’s wife and the museum security, and then make a report of the case for the President of the Agency.
Due to the current time tho, those things would have to wait until morning.

…

‘’ If you send me one more text while I’m at work, I will chop your head off and throw you at the river to become food for the fish.’’ Chuuya very calmly said, entering the apartment and walking towards the living room." You understand?"
Dazai lifted his head to look at him, a huge grin on his face.‘’ You would help me die? Aw, you're so thoughtful and kind and-
Chuuya threw his head back and let out a sigh.‘’ I’m so fucking done with you, ‘’ He said, letting go of his coat, and taking off his shoes. ‘’ If you want to die so much just go and jump off the fucking roof already. At least then you’d stop texting me all the time. ‘’
Dazai stood up, taking his phone from the table. ‘’ What if it had been an emergency? ‘’ he asked, ‘’ What if-
‘’ You weren’t dying, Dazai. ‘’ Chuuya glared at him. ‘’ And I really doubt you were getting kidnapped either, so- ‘’
‘’ Fu fu, how would you know? You didn’t even read them. ‘’
Chuuya let out another sigh.‘’ Fine, ‘’ he snapped. He reached into his pocket and got his, own, phone out.
'’ From Mackerel at 12:20 ‘Chuuya’. 12:22 ‘ Chuuya’ with four a’s. 12:25 ‘ Why are you ignoring me?’. 12:25 ‘ I just want to check up on my friend, is that so bad?’. 12:26 ‘ Chuya’ you said my name again, this time with a typo. 12:28 ‘ aliens have come into the Agency ‘ " he deadpanned, looking at him.
‘’ 12:29 ‘ I don’t have much time left ‘ 12: 29 ‘ they’ve taken Kunikida I think my turn is co-’ and then you cut off.’’
‘’ Your point? ‘’

It was when he looked at him like that that Chuuya often thought, God, Dazai really has such a punchable face

‘’ My point is that you’re wasting my time with nonsense. ‘’ Chuuya blurt out, throwing himself at the empty couch.
‘’ How do you know that didn’t happen? ‘’ Dazai argued.
Chuuya thought about throwing him a pillow to his face, but then he reconsidered.
‘’ You wouldn’t be here annoying me if aliens had taken you. ‘’ He replied to his question. ‘’ You’d be up on a spaceship annoying some poor alien bastard. ‘’
Dazai turned his head to look at the turned-off screen in front of him. ‘’ Okay, so I might have exaggerated a little. ‘’
‘’ A little? ‘’ Chuuya scoffed, ‘’ If that is your idea of little, god, help us all. ‘’
‘’ So religious all of a sudden.’’ Dazai rolled his eyes at him, ‘’ Never had Chuuya for a religious person. ‘’
‘’ I’m not. ‘’ Chuuya responded with a sharp smile. ‘’ But whenever you speak I really do pray for someone above to make it stop. ‘’
Dazai fell from the couch and landed with his back on the carpet. ‘’ What if a bolt of lightning struck me and I died? ‘’
Chuuya raised an imaginary glass, pointing it at Dazai. ‘’ Then my prayers would have finally been answered.’’
Dazai rolled to the left and hit the table.
Chuuya looked at him, a confused look on his face. Dazai ignored him.
He stood up, and with a slight movement, he opened the table.
‘’ The fuck. ‘’ Chuuya watched as Dazai reached with his hand inside the table.
He was pretty sure he had never seen any hidden cabinet space inside the table prior to that day, but oh well, it would appear he was wrong.
‘’ Since when-
‘’ It’s my secret stash. ‘’ Dazai said, still fishing for whatever it was he had wanted to take from inside.
‘’ Stash? ‘’
‘’ My wine stash. ‘’ Dazai proudly declared, raising a bottle in the air. ‘’ For emergencies.’’
‘’ And what is the emergency? ‘’ Chuuya asked, albeit a bit hesitant.
‘’ You solved your first case today, ‘’ Dazai elaborated, ‘’ It’s only proper that we celebrate.’’ He handed the bottle to Chuuya. Chuuya inspected it.
‘’ Oh come on, I want to hear about your day, ‘’ Dazai continued, ‘’ I want to hear about your thoughts on the Agency, on Ranpo, on the case-
‘’ Did you hit your head on the table? ‘’ Chuuya asked, eyeing the table Dazai had bumped into earlier. ‘’ Or perhaps, when you fell from the couch? ‘’
Dazai looked at him perplexed.
‘’ I…didn’t? ‘’
‘’ Okay, how many fingers am I holding up? ‘’ Chuuya made a fist before extending his thumb and index finger.
‘’ Two, but wha-
‘’ So you’re not having a concussion.‘’ Chuuya concluded.
‘’ Why would I be having one? ‘’
‘’ Why would you wanna know about my day? ‘’
Dazai stilled, his confusion growing larger on his face. ‘’ Why wouldn’t I?’’

Oh fuck.
He’d done it again, hadn’t he?
Crossed some invisible line by asking something stupid.
God, he was being so unpleasant and he knew it.
Why?
Why had that been his first thought?
Having a concussion instead of just being curious?
Really Chuuya?
Aren’t you friends with him now? Doesn’t he tell you about his day?
Isn’t it common sense that you ought to do the same?

Seeing as Chuuya wasn’t saying anything, Dazai brought the bottle back to the table.
‘’ Change of plans," He announced his face dropping, "I’m clocking out for the night. ‘’ Dazai said, faking a yawn as to seem tired. ‘’ You can drink it all if you want, I’ll be in my room sleeping.’’
Without adding anything else, he turned and walked away.

Chuuya stared.

They were friends, for fuck's sake.
Why was it so hard for his brain to register that?
Why was it so unbelievable even to him?
Dazai was trying so hard to better himself, to be a good friend to him, and all Chuuya could do was sabotage their friendship.
Why was it so hard?
He had never had trouble having friends before, so what made this so different?

‘’ Dazai? "
Chuuya knocked on his bedroom door, holding the bottle of wine and two glasses in his hands.
" Oi, you-
Not getting a reply back, he turned the knob and entered the room.

As he had expected, he found Dazai seated on his chair rather than asleep on his mattress. A black shadow reading a book in the darkness, his finger brushing through the pages.
If Chuuya didn't know better he'd wonder how he was doing it.
Reading with barely any light inside the room. It couldn't be easy to do. Nor could it be good for your eyes.

Chuuya stretched his hand and hit the light switch.
Immediate regret filled him.
Now that the room was illuminated he could see everything clearly.
The messed up bed, the pillows scattered throughout the room the sheets pulled down.
That view was a clear indication of the sleep Dazai hadn't been getting.

‘’ What is it? ‘’ Dazai asked, not bothering to look at him.
Chuuya closed his eyes for a moment, reminding himself why he was there.
"You need something? " The way Dazai said it made Chuuya want to hit him in the head. He didn't though.
Instead, he smiled.
‘’ I saw Hirotsu today. ‘’
That seemed to have caught his attention.
" He asked about you. " Chuuya proceeded.
‘’ You saw Hirotsu? ‘’ Dazai asked, pretending to be surprised. ‘’ How come? ‘’ His face remained buried in the book in front of him.
" Turns out, Yaru was Port Mafia."
" No, I know that. I meant, how come you talked to him." Dazai specified. " Was he the one dealing with Yaru's betrayal? "
Chuuya completely brushed off the fact that Dazai had known. It was Dazai, it wasn't even surprising anymore.
" To an extent, yes." He answered him. " He was the one that set up the trap at the warehouse."
" Trap? "
" Akutagawa. He was the one that greeted me when I entered through the gates. "
" Must have been a warm welcome. " Dazai scoffed, finally letting go of the book he had been reading, and turning his head to face him
" Oh, yeah, definitely. " Chuuya returned the mockery. " You could say he welcomed me with open arms. "
" Wouldn't expect anything else from him. " Dazai remarked, a strange ounce of pride emitting from his voice.
Chuuya decided not to comment on it.
" You mentioned Hirotsu asked something? " Dazai's joking tone dialled down as he spoke about the man.
Chuuya's lips curled into a smirk.
" I said he asked about you." He replied. " You know, like a father fi-
" Oh, don't start that again. " Dazai whined.
" I'm not starting anything, I'm just saying-
" The same thing you've been saying ever since we were fifteen. " Dazai stood up, " Hirotsu was just another subordinate of mine. Nothing more."
" You say that, yet he is the only person you still keep contact with." Chuuya's smirk grew wider. " And don't ask how I know that."
" I wouldn't. Hirotsu's question gave it away, didn't it? "
" More so his lack of interest in continuing the conversation. " Chuuya reasoned. " If you didn't keep tabs on each other-
" He would have been more interested yes, yes, I know. " Dazai finished the sentence.
" Look at you and your deductions. " he amused, " you're getting better. "
" Fuck off’’

The first sun rays of the new day found them sitting on top of the roof, passing the bottle of wine between them as they described the perfect crime.

In Chuuya's opinion, the perfect crime would entail that the culprit would never have been caught.
Dazai had disagreed with that, saying that the culprit should aim to be caught. In fact, getting caught should be a big part of their plan.
Only if you're caught can you prove your 'innocence' with a perfectly crafted alibi.

Chuuya had ignored him and his hypothesis, going in to say that the perfect crime should be a combination of criminal activities.
With that, Dazai had agreed.

How they had ended up having that discussion while drinking on the roof, not even they knew.
Chuuya had gone to Dazai’s room, in an attempt to correct his previous behaviour.
They talked for a while there, before moving back into the living room, and inevitably up to the roof, because of how hot it was getting inside.

Hours passed and they were still talking, about the case and the Agency and Ranpo and then about other things.
Chuuya had so much to say about everything and Dazai wanted nothing but to listen to his every word.

When they first saw the sun rise behind the shortest of buildings, they looked at each other and stilled.
The realization hitting them both at the same time as their eyes met.
It was morning.

They had stayed up all night talking to each other, completely losing track of time. So deeply invested in the conversation that neither of them had bothered to notice that the moon had disappeared from the sky.

‘’ Morning. ‘’ Dazai said, breaking the silence with an easy laugh.
‘’ Morning. ‘’ Chuuya echoed, grinning back.

…

‘’ Move, we’re gonna be late. ‘’ Chuuya shouted at Dazai, opening the door.
Dazai put on his coat and fumbled to find his keys inside one of the pockets. ‘’ It’s just work, jeez.‘’
Chuuya grabbed his sleeve and pushed him outside to the corridor before locking up the door. ‘’ For fuck’s sake just walk. ‘’

‘’ And where have you two been? ‘’ Kunikida asked, looking at his watch and then at them as they entered through the door.
Dazai plastered a smile on his face as he approached him. ‘’ We’re so sorry we’re late, ‘’ he said, such a fake apologetic tone in his voice, it made Chuuya want to laugh. ‘’ It’s just, Chuuya is so hard to wake up sometimes.’’
‘’ You fu-
‘’ I see. ‘’ Kunikida interrupted him before he could defend himself. ‘’ Well, Nakahara, we do value punctuality in this office. ‘’ He remarked, finally letting them through the door. ‘’ There is one exception, of course, ‘’ His gaze shifted to Dazai, who was already heading for the couch‘’ But everyone would appreciate it if you weren’t like Dazai in that sense. ‘’ He fixed his glasses, ‘’ or in any other, really. ‘’
Chuuya nodded his head, as the man turned to leave.

‘’ Chuuya, good morning! ‘’ Kenji smiled, waving his hand from where he was seated further inside the room. Chuuya turned to him and waved back. ‘’ Morning, kid.’’ he said, walking towards the desks, and the couch Dazai was laying on.
‘’ What should I do now? ‘’ He whispered, looking at Dazai. Dazai removed his headphones to hear him. ‘’ Uh, work? ‘’
‘’ But I haven’t gotten through my entrance exam yet.’’ Chuuya reminded him. ‘’ So do I stay or-
‘’ Go and ask the President, I don’t know. ‘’
Dazai was being so helpful, today.
‘’ But didn’t he say that he’d assign me a supervisor by the end of the day? Why didn’t he? ‘’ ‘’ Just go and ask him, man. ‘’
Chuuya looked as if he wanted to smack him with something, ‘’ Fine.’’ He spitted out, ‘’ I’ll go and ask him. ‘’
‘’ Have fun! ’’ Dazai waved him off, putting back his headphones and turning to the other side of the couch.

‘’ Please, do come in. ‘’
Fukuzawa’s voice had the same calculated tone as the last time he spoke to him. ‘’ Sit down. ‘’ Chuuya did just that, entering the room.
Fukuzawa looked at him as he tied up a small cluster of papers he had in his hands. ‘’ Something I can do for you? ‘’ He asked, arranging the papers.
‘’ I was wondering,’’ Chuuya started, ‘’ why haven’t I been assigned a supervisor yet? ‘’
Fukuzawa kept tending to his papers, signing them one, one by one.
‘’ And why hasn’t my entrance exam started? ‘’ The man kept signing the papers with his pen until he handed one to Chuuya.
‘’ Sign me this. ‘’ He instructed.
Chuuya stared at the document, trying to read it as fast as he could before the man would take it away.
Realizing what it was, he picked up the nearest pen he could find and signed his name at the bottom of the page.
Fukuzawa smiled as he retrieved the paper.
‘’ Any other question? ‘’
Chuuya shook his head. ‘’ No.’’
‘’ Then you’re free to go. ‘’ Fukuzawa voiced.
Chuuya looked at the stack of papers again. At the freshly signed one that bore his signature.
He stood up and turned to the door.
‘’ One last thing.’’ Chuuya stilled, ‘’ Find Ranpo and tell him that the device broke and that he ought to get here and fix it. He’ll know what I mean. ‘’
Chuuya nodded his head, ‘’ Of course, ‘’ then he left the room.

It was am employment contract.
The paper Fukuzawa had given him to sign was his employment contract. A.k.a. the paper that made his recruitment to the Agency a hundred percent legible.

He turned to look at the couch Dazai had been laying on, eager to share the news.
To his surprise, Dazai was no longer there.
He looked around.
Dazai wasn’t the only one missing from the frame. No one was there.
Kunikida wasn’t in his office, and neither was Kenji.

Thinking how odd it was, he moved closer to the infirmary. Maybe something came up and they had to leave while he was inside discussing with the President.
Whatever the case, Yosano should know.

He knocked at the infirmary's door, but no answer.
‘’ Doctor? ‘’ He called, knocking a second time.

Well, it seems like Yosano isn’t there either.

He turned his body again, this time moving towards the only other closed-off room he knew the Agency had. The conference room.
Maybe they had a conference Dazai had forgotten to inform him about.
Happened all the time in their days in the Mafia.

He reached the door and knocked.
‘’ Yes? ‘’
Dazai’s voice was like an invitation.
Chuuya turned the knob and entered.

‘’WELCOME TO THE AGENCY, NAKAHARA!’’

A cacophony of voices and party horns greeted him as he stepped inside. The noise too loud and too obscure for him to understand what was happening.
‘’ Officially this time, ‘’ Kunikida added, earning an approving look and then a smile from Yosano.
From where he was standing. Dazai grabbed a small party hat and rushed to get it to Chuuya’s head. He patted his shoulder.
‘’ They wanted to welcome you with a party, ‘’ Dazai explained, rolling his eyes. ‘’ I told them it wasn’t necessary but-
‘’ Oh, you liar, ‘’ Yosano called him out. ‘’ Don’t listen to him, Nakahara, ‘’
‘’ Yeah, ‘’ Ranpo agreed, ‘’ He was the one that-
‘’ I think it’s time for the cake. ‘’ Dazai interrupted, ‘’ walking further away from Chuuya and towards the middle of the long table where the cake was placed.
Naomi held up the cutting knife, ‘’ It was the best I could do,’’ She said, ‘’ Given the time limit.’’ She looked sharply at Dazai. ‘’ I hope you’ll like it. ‘’
‘’ It’s cherry and vanilla flavoured. ‘’ Tanizaki added,

Chuuya stood there for a good minute just watching everyone.
The smiles on their faces when they welcomed him, the eagerness to cut the cake and share it around.
Dazai’s smile that he was trying so hard to hide.

‘’ We have to get back to work in 3 minutes, so Nakahara, will you cut the cake already? ‘’ Kunikida reminded everyone in a factual tone.
For some weird reason, those words were exactly what Chuuya had needed to hear to solidify that this was happening.

‘’ Yeah, sure. ‘’ He said, finally stepping near the cake.
Naomi handed him the knife carefully., and all eyes fell on him.
‘’ I’m glad I’m here, ‘’ It was the only thing he felt was appropriate to say as he cut into the cake. ‘’ Thank you, everyone. ‘’

It’s funny how so many things can change in the span of a few years.

For Chuuya, it still felt like yesterday, when he had been welcomed into the Port Mafia.
When he had crashed through the wall and into Dazai’s secret party for him.
Although at the time he had been nothing but angry and frustrated, the memory left a bittersweet feeling on him now.
Back then he had been so clouded by his hate he hadn’t cared about anything Dazai did or said. But remembering all these things now, knowing all that he does, he can’t help but wonder how differently things would have unfolded if he hadn’t been so angry. If he hadn’t acted the way he had.

Would he still be there?
Or would he be at the Mafia?
Would Dazai still be around him?
Or would he have left no matter?

It was stupid to think of these kinds of scenarios but he couldn’t stop it once he had started.

He looked at Dazai as he dig into his piece of the cake. Dazai rolled his eyes again, walking towards him.
‘’ Eat up, cause if you aren’t done in exactly, ‘’ He looked at his phone, ‘’ one minute and 29 seconds, Kunikida will yell at you, and taking your tardiness this morning, ‘’ Dazai grimaced, ‘’ things aren’t looking that good for you. ‘’ He smirked, knowing damn well that had been his fault.

Would they be having this same conversation?
Had he been friendlier, kinder to him even…
He had a feeling they wouldn’t.

He took a bite out of his own cake, tasting the cherry flavour on it.
His favourite.
‘’ So this little thing,’’ he said, ‘’ It was your idea? ‘’ His lips tugged into a smirk.
‘’ This? ‘’ Dazai echoed, ‘’ Pfff, of course not. ‘’ he lied. ‘’ Ranpo was just trying to pin it on me because he wants to get revenge by embarrassing me or something. Making me look like a nice human being, so my mysterious image gets shattered.’’

If he didn’t know him, he would believe him.
Dazai lied like no other.
He was an artist, and deception was his craft. He could make anyone believe anything. He could convey whatever emotion he needed to and lie his way to wherever he wanted.
It was so easy for him, so natural.
Nobody ever questioned his words exactly because of the way he delivered them.

Chuuya wasn’t nobody, though.

‘’ Sounds like him. ‘’ Chuuya agreed, pretending he didn’t know Dazai was lying.
Dazai knew his lies didn’t work on Chuuya.
‘’ Yeah, it does, doesn’t it?’’ still, he kept up the charade.

That charade had always worked as a wall for him.
Normally, he used his lies to deceive anyone he wanted. To manipulate people into doing or saying things needed for his plans and schemes.
With Chuuya, he lied in order, to tell the truth.

Dazai wasn’t one to admit when he didn’t want to talk about something, or why. So by lying about it, Chuuya picked up on that lie and understood just that.
He knew Chuuya would see through him, so he always made it abundantly clear that when he didn’t want to discuss something, like the party being his idea, for example, he lied.
It was an unspoken rule of some sort.

‘’ 20 seconds left. ‘’ Dazai pointed out, picking up all his remaining cake and shoving it all in his mouth.
‘’ You’re revolting, ‘’ Chuuya said, doing the exact same thing but two times instead of one and with smaller bites, so it wouldn’t seem as revolting.
Yosano, who had been standing just a few inches away from them, turned to Naomi with a disgusted look.
‘’ Boys.’’ She muttered under her breath, making Naomi laugh loudly.

Once they were both done with their cakes, they watched as Dazai’s phone counted down the seconds.
Not a second later than what they had calculated, Kunikida got up to tell everyone to return back to their respective position and resume their duties.

…

After finishing with the party, like Kunikida had instructed, everyone went about their day.
Kenji, Kunikida, Tanizaki and Naomi went to their respective offices to work, Dazai went to his, tho he made a little stop to that nice comfortable couch first, and Chuuya went to talk to Ranpo, who, turned out, had been his supervisor all along.

Albeit a bit frustrated with his vague answers at first, Chuuya had a good chat with him about his entrance exam and what had made Ranpo pass him.
He couldn’t tell him all the details of his report, but what he told him was enough to paint the picture.
He’d describe him as a professional-mannered type of guy, that lacked any ability to solve cases quickly. Not a master of deduction but that didn’t make him any less of a good detective. His skills to use and utilize every technique and every machine that was offered to him, paired up with his physique and fighting style, made up for that.
In conclusion, he had painted Chuuya to the president as a hard-working, patient and considerate man, that was ready to learn how to be a better detective.

In conclusion, Ranpo had decided Chuuya had passed the exam and had said so to the President.

What followed that discussion had been another trip to the museum with Ranpo. This time, to close the case and bring some closure to the widow.
Both Chuuya and Ranpo had been on the same page when deciding what to tell her.
They had lied, withheld and modified a lot of information, but in the end, it had been for the best.

‘’ Hey, where are we going? ‘’

A tiring day of closing cases, picking up phones and doing paperwork had finally come to its conclusion. After a lot of hours of doing stuff like that, Chuuya’s first day of work had officially ended.
Dazai and he had been walking back home when Chuuya noticed that Dazai took a wrong turn.
Of course, in his case, it couldn’t have possibly been a mistake, which was why Chuuya asked him about it.

‘’ To a nearby bar, to drink and celebrate your recruitment. ‘’ Dazai answered him, full of honesty.
‘’ Really? ‘’ Chuuya asked, a bit surprised by the plan.
‘’ Yeah, ‘’ Dazai confirmed. ‘’ I was thinking we could drink some beers, maybe some wine, before heading back to the apartment? You know, to commemorate the occasion.’’
Chuuya took him up on that offer.

A terrible mistake, truly.

They went to this little bar just a few blocks away.
As Dazai had expected, the building wasn’t too crowded nor was it too empty. It had enough people to make the place seem lively, but not so many as to not find a spot to sit.
In other words, it was great.
The place they chose to sit was near the bar, obviously, for convenience, and a bit further away from the stage, where all the people had gathered to enjoy some kind of live musical performance.

The plan was to drink a few drinks, have a nice chat, maybe watch a part of the performance later on and then leave.
But give Dazai and Chuuya some alcohol and a nice comfortable space, and yes…that won’t be the case.

Two hours and two bottles of wine later, Chuuya had started to talk nonsense.
‘’ Come on, you’ve had enough. ‘’ Dazai said in an attempt to get him to stop talking. Chuuya moved away before he could take the glass out of his hand.
‘’ But I mean it, ‘’ He insisted, ‘’ Am I a little tipsy right now? Probably, yeah, but that doesn’t make me a liar. ‘’
Dazai sighed as he positioned himself closer to the other boy,’’ You’re drunk. ‘’ He simply stated, his voice lower than before.
‘’ Drunken thoughts are sober words, ‘’ Chuuya replied, fumbling over his words. He looked so proud of himself after he had said that.
Dazai shook his head as if disappointed in him, ‘’ Come on, we’re leaving. ‘’
‘’ No, no, no ‘’ Chuuya refused, waving his hands around him so that Dazai couldn’t approach him. ‘’ You play the piano first. ‘’ He said, standing up a bit shakily.
Dazai looked at him in horror.
‘’ You’ve said before that you used to play, ‘’ Chuuya explained himself, ‘’ And look, ‘’ he pointed at the, now empty, stage, all excited, ‘’ There is a piano right there! ‘’
‘’ Yeah, no ‘’ Dazai shut him down. ‘’ There is no way I’m playing. ‘’
‘’ If you don’t play I will- ‘’ Chuuya paused, probably thinking of a good enough threat. ‘’ I will- ‘’ He repeated again, staggering over his feet as he tried to get near Dazai. ‘’ I will-
He fell down before he could complete that sentence.

Dragging Chuuya back to their apartment had been a very time-consuming and exhausting thing to do, but he had done it multiple times in the past, so it hadn’t really bothered him. Chuuya’s weight felt familiar, as he placed his arm beneath his to support it.
His body leaning unconsciously into Dazai’s as the taller man walked for them both.
I’m glad that you’re here
Dazai couldn’t get those words out of his mind.

Who even says that kind of stuff?
Carrying Chuuya while thinking of all that nonsense he had spurted earlier, was definitely not helping him forget.
Chuuya had been so good to him, it couldn’t be true.
It was all a product of alcoholic consumption
Yeah.
Whatever gibberish Chuuya had said had all been a result of his intoxication.
You’re my best friend Disgusting. I know that going back to Ango wouldn’t have been easy for you, so I’m sorry that you did that for me Sickening.
Thank you for the party, it was nice Rancid.

‘’ …Dazai? ‘’ Chuuya’s voice brought him back to the present. ‘’ The fuck you carrying me for? ‘’ Chuuya took a small step to the left, getting away from Dazai’s body.
He stumbled and almost fell.
Dazai caught him before he could hit the ground. ‘’ I’m just helping you walk, ‘’ He reasoned, ‘’ because you clearly can’t do that alone right now.’’
‘’ I can. ‘’ Chuuya said, not refusing his helping hand, ‘’ I just don’t want to. ‘’
Dazai was so done with that whole conversation.
‘’ My head is killing me, ‘’ Chuuya complained leaning into Dazai’s shoulder. ‘’ The music is of fucking loud.‘’ he kept complaining, as Dazai did his best to ignore him.
‘’ Music? What music? ‘’ He challenged him, ‘’ Man, you’re so wasted.’’
‘’ Whatever you say. I’m fine. ‘’ Chuuya said, clearly not fine as he couldn’t even drag his feet without them swaying. Dazai didn’t want to provoke him any further for the time being.
I appreciate all that you do for me., my ass.
It wasn’t fair that Chuuya could say all that and then just forget everything because of Booze.
Not even alcohol could make Dazai forget anything. His good memory had always been such an inconvenience, honestly.

‘’ You can let go now, ‘’ Chuuya started saying as they passed through the threshold.
Dazai, as instructed, let go.
Chuuya fell down.
‘’ I meant once we were inside, you idiot. ‘’ He said, doing his best to get up from the floor.
‘’ Oops,‘’ Dazai scoffed, ‘’ my bad. ‘’

Trying to sleep with those words still buzzing in his head was impossible.
Dazai kept looking at the ceiling and just replaying that scene again and again.
Chuuya had really said all that, but he said them while drunk.
So automatically his words held little to no value. Drunken words mean nothing. Dazai reminded himself.
If he had been sober, that would have been different.
Thankfully, he hadn’t been.
Thankfully? Why was it good that he hadn’t been sober?
Because if he had been, Dazai would not know how to react.
Because if he dared tell him that kind of stuff while being sober, Dazai wouldn’t be able to respond in a way that wouldn’t make Chuuya hate him.
Why?
They were friends but that didn’t mean Dazai liked to be reminded of that.
It didn’t mean Chuuya had the right to tell him things like that.
It didn’t mean anything, their friendship.
It was just, a convenient way for-
Dazai pulled on his hair as he thought that. He stood up and moved towards the bathroom.

Unwrapping his bandages he couldn’t help but stare at his scars.
He only ever did that when he felt like he couldn’t take something any longer. This time, something being the feelings he had for Chuuya.
The red-head was his best friend, but he couldn’t admit that not even to himself.

He looked down at his hands.
At the blood that covered them still, yet was invisible to anyone else.

Maybe with Chuuya, it would be different.

Maybe, just maybe, he would be there even if he admitted the existence of their friendship.

Maybe he could be the exception.

Or maybe he won’t.

Maybe he’ll meet the same fate as-

Dazai violently shook his head, trying to get rid of that thought. No, no, no
He kept shaking his head until he could feel pain.
No
He would never let what happened to Oda happen to Chuuya.

Losing Oda…It had been a pain worse than when he himself had been on the brink of death.
His death continued to haunt him every single second of his every day.
Just thinking about him made Dazai want to drown in whiskey and just drink until he’d pass out.
It had been the worst thing to ever happen to him, but he was still alive.
Chasing a ghost’s dream.

Losing Chuuya…
He couldn’t even handle the thought of it.

He reached for the cabinet behind the mirror and took a fresh roll of bandages. He washed his hands and arms, dried them with a towel and then he wrapped the white bandages all around them like he always did.
Then he took some more rolls from the cabinet and changed all the remained bandages on his body as well.

He passed through the kitchen to get a glass of water before heading to his room. But before reaching his destination, silently, and with caution, he neared Chuuya’s ajar door. He took a peek inside.
Chuuya was laying on his back, his limbs all stretched out, his mouth wide open.
He’d fallen asleep as soon as his back had hit the mattress.

Dazai considered the current weather.
It was hot enough, Chuuya didn't need any kind of coverlet.

He left the door as it had been and went to his room.

Again, he tried to lay down and sleep.
Yeah, as if that would happen.

Chapter Text

A FEW DAYS AND A MONTH LATER

The day of Dazai’s 20th birthday would forever be carved in his heart for a lot of different reasons.
Not even in his death would he forget it.

The day had started out pretty simply, with Chuuya and him going to the Agency, and working with their respective partners.
Dazai had continued being Kunikida’s partner, while for a month now, Chuuya had been partnered up with Kenji and Ranpo, depending on the day.
Most of the time he would accompany Ranpo to his more dangerous cases and act as his bodyguard. Being that he mostly protected Ranpo, he didn’t offer much to the case-solving aspect which was why he made up for it by also being Kenji’s partner.
In his team with Kenji, he was the one doing most of the work in the case department.

He'd come to really like that boy, actually.

Kenji reminded him of his younger self a lot, minus all his anger and mean attitude.
He always got so excited when the battle began, and he loved to taunt and mock his enemies, blatantly displaying his raw physical power over them.
He was a cool kid.
A good partner to have.
Unlike Ranpo.

It still didn’t make sense to Chuuya how could a person like Ranpo be the same age as Kouyou. It was baffling.
Although he could see Ranpo’s talent, and appreciate it for what it offered to the agency and the world by extension, that didn’t make the manchild any less annoying.
Ranpo was a walking headache, but Chuuya had learned from early on not to pay him any mind.
It was easier that way.
They both did their job, maintaining a strictly professional relationship.
With Kenji, he was a lot more friendly.
Joking and laughing with him and even taking the boy out for ice cream a couple of times.

It was nice working for the Agency.
And being a detective was definitely more interesting than he had originally thought.
Chuuya was beginning to like it a lot there

He finished all his assigned paperwork and looked over at Dazai’s desk.
That bastard. Instead of working, like he was supposed to, he’d putten on an eye mask and had fallen asleep on his chair.
Well, it was better that way. Since he was asleep, he wouldn’t suspect a thing.

With that on his mind, Chuuya walked over to Kunikida’s office.

…

When Dazai woke up, he was greeted by a big pile of unread and unsigned papers that hadn’t been on his desk before.
Great, more paperwork
He stretched out his arms and legs, lightly turning his neck so he could crack his head and get rid of that stiffness he felt.
He picked up the first paper from the gigantic pile and skimmed through it.
Oh no.
He realised that the papers were in fact all the reports he had poorly written in the past that now needed to be polished and edited in order to get stored in the archive.
He thought it would take Kunikida more time to collect and gather them all, but it would seem he had underestimated him.

He wiped his eyes in an attempt to clear his fogy-just woke up, vision, and looked around the room.
Specifically, he looked around the area that was considered to be Chuuya’s workspace.
Chuuya wasn’t in his office, that wasn’t surprising. He’d probably be out in a case with Kenji or Ranpo.
At least he was out.
Indoor work was so much more draining. He prayed for a new case to appear, a murder maybe? Anything that would get him out of the hell that paperwork was.

‘’ Oi, Dazai, ‘’ Kunikida called for him. ‘’ Can you get you’re ass here for a second and stop lazying around? ‘’
Dazai stood up.
‘’ Ah, Kunikida, kind as always I see, ‘’ He teased the other man, moving himself to him.
‘’ What can I do for you? ‘’ He asked, hovering around with his body still on the chair.
Kunikida made a mental note to remove Dazai's office chair and replace it with one that wouldn't have wheels. He wrote the thought down in his notebook ln order to not forget it.
‘’ Are you busy at the moment or available? ‘’ Kunikida asked him.
‘’ Totally free. ‘’ Dazai lied, thinking of the big pile of reports he wouldn’t have to write that day.
‘’ Great. ‘’ Kunikida handed him a paper, ‘’ I’ll have you be in a stakeout,’’ he said, handing him an envelope as well. ‘’ Details are inside.’’
‘’ Aren’t you joining me, Kunikida? ‘’ He asked, eyeing the papers in his hands and then his partner.
‘’ Oh, no, I have way too much work to do here if I want to stay inside schedule,’’ he explained, ‘’ You’ll be going along with Nakahara. If that is okay with you. ‘’
No.
‘’ Wait, really?’’
‘’ Yeah,’’ Kunikida confirmed. ‘’ Now, if you have nothing else to ask me-
‘’ Nope, I’m all covered. ‘’
‘’ Great, then.’’ Kunikda shifted his position to reach the drawers of his desk. He pulled one out and picked up something from inside. ‘’ This is for you,’’ he handed it to him. ‘’ Happy Birthday, Dazai.’’
Dazai was taken aback by the gesture.
Two questions throbbing in his head.
How had Kunikida known it was his birthday when he hadn’t told anyone in the Agency yet and why had he given him a gift?
‘’ Thanks, Kunikida ‘’ He said, hiding his confusion behind another smile‘’ I’ll speak to you later, kay?’’
‘’ Okay.’’ Kunikida offered him one of his rare smiles before resuming his work.

A stakeout with Chuuya?
On his birthday?
Hm, something was fishy there.

Dazai opened the envelope with the details of the stakeout. There was an address written inside and a photo of the man that was their target.
Dazai only read the address before pocketing the envelope and leaving the Agency.

…

‘’ Hello~’’ Dazai greeted, sneaking up behind Chuuya.
Chuuya, knowing he was coming, didn’t even flinch. ‘’ Oh, great,’’ He mumbled instead, trying his best to act annoyed.‘’ They sent you’’ He said it with such an exasperation he wondered himself if he was being too hyperbolic.
Dazai smiled as he took the seat next to him.

‘’ So, have you spotted our target yet? ‘’ Dazai asked, pretending to care about the mission.
Chuuya shushed him,
‘’ Yeah, he passed by with his car earlier." He whispered," Once he returns we’ll follow him. ‘’
‘’ And how do you know he’ll return?’’
‘’ His case file has his entire schedule. He'll come back, don't worry.’’
‘’ If you say so.’’ Dazai agreed with him. ‘’By the way, did you tell Kuninkida my birthday is today?’’
Chuuya turned to face him, ‘’ Yeah," he confessed, putting his hand behind his neck," I let it slip earlier this morning. I didn’t know you hadn't told them.’’ The second part was actually true. Chuuya hadn’t known that Dazai had kept his birthday a secret.
‘’ Okay then, I just found it weird that he knew.’’
‘’ Yeah, my bad.’’

It was noon and the sun was still high, its light hitting them as it penetrated through the tall trees that tried to shield them. They were sitting on a high enough building, overseeing the road the man would drive on, through two pairs of binoculars.
Dazai pointed out that following him would be hard, seeing as they wouldn’t have enough time to get down or a vehicle to move with.
Chuuya called him stupid before explaining to him the premiss of the plan.

The man would make a stop for just a few minutes to pick up his kids from the school opposite them. In that little space of time, they would run down the stairs, rush out of the building and plant a bug beneath the man’s car.
Then they would follow him as they saw fit.

Dazai had asked him if they would go by foot or by car. Chuuya had smiled, telling him that he’d gotten a legal driving licence, and a temporary motorcycle, provided by the agency.

When the time came they followed the plan suit.
Chuuya jumped off the building, using his ability to get to the car as fast as he could while Dazai ran down five stories of stairs, to get there.
They planted the bug and hid behind some tall columns.
Then they watched as their target and his two kids got inside the car.

Once they were off their viewing field, Chuuya took out the tracker from his coat’s pocket.
‘’ Let’s go. ‘’ He said, with an excited voice.
Dazai ran after him.

Motorcycle had been an exaggeration.
The machine that lay in front of them was more like a small Vespa rather than a fully fledged motorcycle, but hey, it had two wheels and an engine.
That should be enough.

Chuuya jumped on the bike, feeling the brakes beneath his clenched fists.
To Dazai he had the excitement of a child.
‘’ I’m not riding with you after last time.’’ He said, already knowing he was going to. Chuuya rolled his eyes at him, ‘’ You can’t still be mad about that,‘’ He reasoned, ‘’ It was entirely your fault that you fell.’’
Dazai got to the back of the seat, carefully. ‘’ I broke my leg.’’ He reminded him with a snarky smile.
‘’ Poor baby, and I had my motorcycle confiscated for a month.’’ Chuuya was still petty about that. Being a mafioso and having to drive around? Fucking embarrassing.’’ You didn’t see memoaning and whining ‘’

Dazai remembered Chuuya very vividly breaking vases out of frustration but sure, that wasn’t whining.
‘’ Oh, just start it already. ‘’

He regretted ever touching that thing.

Dazai had completely forgotten how it felt to ride a motorbike with Chuuya.
The oxygen getting knocked out of your lungs the moment the engine started.
The wind blowing on your face, the whiplash so strong you can’t even hear.
The air suddenly getting colder as he accelerates, your grip tightening because fuck Chuuya drives so carelessly you feel like you will die at any given moment.

All those things brought back so many memories of their time in the Mafia, and of that god-forsaken pink motorbike.
Chuuya used to love that thing.
He used to treasure it.
Dazai did the same, although in secrecy. He never let the bike get damaged, or if it had to happen, he always made sure the damage would be minimal.
The only thing Dazai knew about the bike was that it had been given to Chuuya by one of the Flags. By the man with the codename Albatross.
That was the only thing he knew, yet that was enough for him to understand its value.

He wondered if Chuuya missed that deadly thing.
He probably did.
Leaving the Mafia the way they did, he couldn’t possibly have taken it with him. And even if he had, he would have to keep it hidden for years.
The biggest possibility was that his motorbike was still stored somewhere in the Port Mafia garage underneath Headquarters.
Dust would have covered it whole by now.

‘’ You good back there? ‘’ Chuuya asked, slightly turning his head to him for only a second.

There was one thing Dazai had always enjoyed in his rides with Chuuya in the death machine, and that was his smile.
Chuuya had this glint in his eyes, he had that spark, Dazai only ever saw when he was either fighting or driving around Yokohama.

Was it that thrilling for him?
It had to be.

‘’ I’m fine. ‘’ Dazai said, and it was true.

His stomach would hate him later, and possible in the far future considering the idea he had just come up with, but seeing Chuuya so carefree and excited, made him feel…content?
No, it was stronger than that.

He didn’t know what he was feeling, but he knew it was something good.

‘’ Okay, so this must be his house, ‘’ Chuuya said, as they both watched the man going inside a, quite expensive by the look of it, estate.
‘’ No way.’’ Dazai deadpanned.’’ Are we sure about that? I think the woman coming out to greet her family must have be-
Chuuya slapped him behind his head to shut him up.
‘’ Shut up and watch.’’ He said.

Twenty minutes of incredibly stupid small talk would pass before the man would come out of his house.
Once he did, he got inside his car again.
‘’ Great.’’ Dazai muttered under his breath, already walking towards the bike.

The cold breeze wheezed through his ears once again, as Chuuya ignited the engine. His longer hair flowing in the wind, landing on Dazai’s face. Dazai tried to push them away, but the wind wouldn’t let him.

They followed the man’s car for what seemed like an hour, finally arriving at a small beach area near Sagami Bay.
Dazai could easily recognize the place. He’d been there a handful of times.
The Port Mafia was located in Yokohama, yes, but that didn’t mean they weren’t involved with surrounding cities like Kanagawa, Kawasaki or even Tokyo.
After all, the Port Mafia had a very rich network all around Japan.
A very rich network constructed by no other than Dazai.

‘’ Remind me why are we following him? ’’ Dazai asked, crouching next to Chuuya so they could be hidden by the bushes.
‘’ Cause he is our target?’’
Dazai stretched out his arms` keeping his eyes on the man walking to a nearby store. ‘’ No.’’ he said with a blank look, ‘’ You don’t say.’’
Chuuya ignored his sarcasm, focusing on watching their target from what he had decided was a safe distance.
‘’ Didn’t you read the file?’’ He asked, already disappointed by the answer Dazai was about to give him.
‘’ I skimmed through it. Said we’d just act as surveillance.’’
Skimmed through it
‘’ Then what’s so confusing about that? We just have to follow the guy today, and note down everything he does.’’
‘’ If he were to-
‘’ Everything of importance.’’ Chuuya specified before Dazai could make his stupid joke.
‘’ That’s boring.’’

They watched the man come out of the shop with a handful of bags. All of them containing snacks and six-packs of beer.
‘’ At least someone is gonna have fun.’’ Dazai remarked, still watching the guy as he loaded all his cargo inside the car.
Chuuya stood up hastily, ‘’ He’s moving again, let’s g-
‘’ No, no.’’ Dazai grabbed his arm and pulled him back down.’’ He ain’t going far.’’ he added. ‘’ He’ll probably just move his car so it will be closer to the stage.’’
Chuuya arched his eyebrow.’’ You think he’s here for the concert? ’’ he asked, looking at the stage near the beach.
It was a temporary one by the looks of it. A small one.
Not many people had gathered there yet.
‘’ Definitely,’’ Dazai replied. ‘’ Look.’’

And soon enough what Dazai had described happened.
The man got inside his car and drove it just a few feet away before parking it again.
Then he opened his door and took all his stuff out of the trunk. He took a foldable chair out of it as well.

‘’ He’s come prepared.’’ Chuuya commented with a sly smirk. Dazai nodded his head. ]
He opened his mouth to say something by then his attention went elsewhere.
Chuuya tried to follow his eyes to see what was looking at.
‘’ I reckon we’ll be here for a while.’’ Dazai finally said, standing up.
‘’ Yeah, that will probably be the case.’’ Chuuya agreed with him, getting up as well.’’ Well, I’m coming back in a bit.’’ He turned away.‘’ Find us a good place to sit, in the meantime. ‘’ He added before living. ‘’ Preferably with an okay view of the stage.’’

Knowing what happens next can be so frustrating at times.
Dazai had never felt this strong of a dislike for his deduction skills before as he did now.
It was so stupid.
He could see how hard Chuuya was trying to keep it all a surprise, and although he wanted not to know, he couldn’t.

He’d figured it out the minute they had stepped into the Agency that morning.

It was his birthday, and Chuuya had come up with a plan for the day.
It made sense.
He’d even let Kunikida in, which was why Kunikida had known it was his birthday.
This stakeout mission or whatever? A fluke.
Their target? Probably a guy Chuuya had paid good money to go about his day and just spice it up a little with a random trip nearby.
God, it was so frustrating.
He wanted his mind to go silent. He wanted for once in his life, to just exist without his head thinking of everything all the time.

‘’ Here,’’ Chuuya said, handing him an ice cream cone. ‘’ They didn’t have vanilla, so I got you Chocolate.’ Chuuya explained.
‘’ Chocolate?’’ It wasn’t a flavour Dazai got often.
‘’ Yeah, don’t go crying about it.’’ Chuuya teased.
Dazai took the cone, and just stood there, staring at the sea on the horizon.
Chuuya sighed.
‘’ Was it really so obvious?’’ He asked, joining him in staring at the sea.
Maybe if he wasn’t Dazai it wouldn’t be.
Maybe if he was normal, then Chuuya’s surprise would have actually worked.
‘’ Yeah…’’ Dazai said, letting his voice trail off.’’ But I mean, I’m me.’’
I’m me? What was that supposed to mean?
‘’ I knew it was stupid,’’ Chuuya admitted, his voice dropping. ‘’ You can’t surprise Dazai Osamu.’’
Something in the way that he said it made Dazai feel as if he had been slapped.
He turned his head to look at him, trying to think of something to say when Chuuya beat him to it.
‘’ Screw surprises then.’’ He grinned, ‘’ Here’s the day's plan, and whether you like it or not, I don’t give a fuck.’’
It seemed like he didn’t need to say anything.
‘’ First, since we’re already here, we’re staying for the concert, the snacks and the beers. Once we’re starting to get bored, we take this old thing,’’ He kicked the motorcycle lightly, ‘’ and get the hell out of here.’’
‘’ Is there a continuation awaiting us?’’ Dazai asked, interested to know.
Chuuya laughed.‘’ You bet your ass there is.’’ Since surprises didn’t work, why not just say everything? ’’ After we’re done with this place, I’m taking us go-karting around Tokyo.’’
‘’ Oh?’’ That actually sparked Dazai’s interest.
He was known for his dislike and his aversion to driving, so that was something he hadn’t expected Chuuya to come up with.
‘’ Sounds good?’’
‘’ Sounds promising, ‘’ Dazai stated. ‘’ But really Chuuya, are you doing this all for me? ’’ He couldn’t not tease him.
‘’ Yeah, as if.’’ Chuuya rolled his eyes at him. ‘’ I’m just using your birthday as an excuse to get a leave today from work.’’ He informed him, ‘’ The rest are just things I want to do. You just happen to be here.’’
‘’ Pff, yeah sure, whatever you say, softie.’’

Was it worth it?
Calling Nakahara Chuuya, an ex Port Mafia Executive, their top martial artist, a man with a living god inside him, a softie?
Dazai and his three, possibly broken, ribs would say yes.
Yes, it was.

After getting kicked to a wall (and almost passing out because of the pain), Dazai got up perfectly fine and joined Chuuya at the venue the concert was taking place in.
Before moving to a good spot, that they could both hear and see from, they stole some of their target’s snacks and a six-pack.
Chuuya assured him that the man wouldn’t mind, Dazai told him that even if he would mind, he didn’t really care.
It was a fair point. They’d done the same thing countless times before. Chuuya hadn’t cared that much either.

The concert wasn’t half as bad as he had expected it to be.
Chuuya’s plan from the start had been to get Dazai here and just hung out. Eating, drinking, commenting on everyone and everything, casual things.
Maybe sabotage one of their microphones or the sound system, if the music wasn’t good.

Turned out, they didn’t have to.

Dazai had seemed to quite like the whole thing.
The music the band played hadn’t been bad at all. A bit lacking, sure, but not bad.
They were able to have a good enough time, drinking a few cans of cheap beer and singing some of the lyrics at the top of their lungs once they had listened to them enough times. They even danced in that jumpy-crowdy way teenagers tend to.
They talked and they laughed, and it was nice.

He couldn’t wait to see what else Chuuya had in store for the day.

…

Driving through Tokyo at night is definitely an experience.
Driving through Tokyo in a tiny go-kart, wearing a character costume, while your friend is throwing banana peels on you trying to sabotage you, is a whole other thing.

Even when Chuuya had announced to him their plans, Dazai hadn’t thought he’d like it nearly as much as he had.
But he was wrong.
And, oh, how much he enjoyed being wrong.

Dazai had had some pretty crazy experiences in his life, being in the mafia and all, but this had to be one of the most bizarre things he had ever done.
Driving around a city in a tiny vehicle while wearing a pink puffy dress and a long blonde wig. Having Chuuya yell and laugh at him as he surpassed him. Triumphantly cheering, thinking he was gonna beat him.
And then watching the seer horror and disgust in his face, when Dazai managed to surpass him by throwing a blue shell plushie near his vehicle and making him sidetrack.
Oh, it was wonderful.
Driving that thing had been so…fun? Enjoyable?

It had been great.

But the best part had to be watching Chuuya as he got out of his car in defeat and just walked his way to him to shake hands.
Good sportsmanship or something.
Dazai had lost it then.

He hadn’t laughed that hard in-
Probably never.

…

With his stomach still aching from laughing so hard, Dazai followed Chuuya out of the Go-Kart centre.
‘’ Please tell me there isn’t more.’’ Dazai said, hoping there was more.
Chuuya couldn’t help but smile, ‘’ I’m afraid there is.’’ He said, confirming his worst fears.
‘’ Oh no,’’ Dazai whispered, ‘’ How much longer do I have to suffer before this day ends? ’’

He wondered what more could Chuuya have planned.
It was getting late, and they both hadn’t eaten anything all day besides some snacks. So most logically, he’d be taking him out somewhere to eat.

‘’ Well, I have a couple more things planned. After that, you’ll be a free man.’’ Chuuya joked, already getting on the motorcycle again.
‘’ Fine, be me.’’ Dazai moved to the vehicle, cautious of the exhaust.

Their next stop was a restaurant back in Yokohama.

The restaurant Chuuya took him to had a large, warm. spacious venue, full of tables, chairs and guests. The food they served there was Italian, and there was live music as well.
Seeing as they just had been to a concert, they decided to sit far away from the stage.

It had been a normal dinner until it happened.

Dazai and Chuuya had been eating pasta with vegetables and cheese when the waiter arrived.
He walked up to them, singing as loudly as he could, holding in his hands a giant, blue birthday cake.

He had wanted a surprise, hadn’t he?
Now he was getting one.

Dazai had looked so awestruck by the man, so completely dumbfounded.
He’d sat there, frozen like a statue, listening to them as they had sung the birthday song.
Then he had been expected to be functioning normally enough to make a wish and blow the candles.
Dazai didn’t have to think about his wish.

He had blown out the candles and had turned to Chuuya, only to find him staring with the biggest grin on his face.
It had been so embarrassing, having the whole room looking at him, while a random man who he had never met before, sang him Happy Birthday, but he wouldn’t have traded for the world.

It was so unbelievably stupid, that whole scene, but he didn’t care.
Maybe sometimes stupid things like those were necessary.

‘’ Happy Birthday, Dazai,’’ Chuuya said again, digging in on his piece of cake. ‘’ You’re a year closer to death now.’’ He joked, taking another bite.
Dazai laughed with him, ‘’ One year closer to death, I like that. ‘’ He took a bite out of his own plate.n
‘’ So this was also another thing you wanted to do right?’’ He asked, provoking the other boy,’’ Definitely not about my birthday.’’ He said, fiddling with the two candles that had made up the number 20.
‘’ Yep.’’ Chuuya responded sharply. ‘’ You’ve got a big idea for yourself if you think differently.’’

Dazai remained silent.
It was all too much for him.
This whole day, god it was too much.

‘’ Won’t you ask me to play you the piano this time? ‘’ His eyes drifted on an old piano on the wall closest to them, that looked to be open to the public.
Chuuya stared at him with a confused face. ‘’ When did I ask you to? ‘’
‘’ Couple of weeks ago, when we were out celebrating your-
‘’ Yeah,’’ Chuuya cut him off immediately,’’ I remember nothing from that day. Everything after work is just a big fuzzy cloud.’’
‘’ I know.‘’
‘’ So whatever I said, I don’t even remember it. You can forget it as well, I’m sure it was nothing important.’’
‘’ Nah, it was mostly nonsense.’’ Dazai agreed,’’ And you confessing your undying love for me.’’
Chuuya choked on his drink.
‘’ I’m just kidding,’’ Dazai smirked, taking a more serious pose. ‘’ Or am I?’’
Chuuya arched his eyebrows at him, a calm expression on his face. ‘’ Really? At least make it believable.’’
‘’ You’re right, you’re right.’’ Dazai agreed again, ‘’ I should have said that you told me how thankful you were for my existence.’’
Chuuya looked at him lost.
‘’ We just ate, you bastard. Don’t make me wanna throw up.’’
‘’ Fine, fine, I’ll drop it.’’
Chuuya’s voice was laced with poison as he thanked him

They finished their dinner nicely and civilized with no other scenes occurring.
Then they left.

This had been the most ridiculous day he had ever lived.
It was like an episode of some kind of show. It was so surreal.
And Chuuya.
Dazai could swear he’d never seen him as starry-eyed as that day. So excited to share his little plan, and just do all the things he said he would
Was that the fun side of a friendship?
It had to be, right?
Just spending time with your friend doing stupid stuff. That had to be it.

Back in the mafia, they seldom had days like that.
And when they did, it was never to that extreme.
They did have some fun moments, and they did have their fair share of laughs, but it wasn’t the same as now.
Everything had been so clouded by that darkness, that hatred they harboured for each other, those unspeakable rules about their strictly professional relationship.
Their whole relationship had been so heavy back then.

But now it was so much lighter.
There was no longer any hatred between them.
Even if they loved to argue the opposite, the truth remained that they were friends, and it was weird.
But a good weird.

‘’ Drinking? ’’
‘’ Yes.’’ Chuuya replied, ‘’ Drinking.’’
‘’Okay, sure. But if you pass out, I’m not carrying you to the apartment. Just to be clear.’’
‘’ I can handle my liquor.’’ Chuuya brushed him off.
‘’ You really can’t.’’

…

Indeed, Chuuya couldn’t handle his liquor.
Dazai, as it would appear, couldn’t either.

So overwhelmed by the entire day, Dazai had drowned himself in whiskey and scotch
He hadn’t cared about how much he had drunk, he just kept on going.
Chuuya hadn’t drunk not even one-third of what Dazai had before he’d reached the same state as him.

Taking him out for drinks after that entire day had been a huge mistake.

When Chuuya finally woke up, he found himself inside the apartment.
In the living room, more specifically.

He looked around the room, trying desperately to find any clue that could help him remember.
The only thing he could find that was different from before was a tattoo pen that was now laying on the tabletop.

Oh, no

Using the last bit of common sense he had, he tried to figure it out.
With a hasty movement, he violently pushed back his right sleeve and looked at his bare forearm.
Nothing. Good.
He moved on to his left sleeve.

Which was already pushed up…

He looked at the inside of his wrist…

‘’ DAZAI YOU FUCKING BASTARD COME HERE RIGHT FUCKING NOW. ’’
No, this wasn’t happening.
No, no, he was hallucinating, yes.
‘’ DAZAI I SWEAR TO GOD IF YOU DON-
‘’ What is it? ‘’ Dazai ran inside the room, looking actually concerned. ‘’What happened?’’
He looked as if he hadn’t slept in weeks.
‘’ Please tell me that you remember what happened yesterday.’’
Dazai stared at him blankly. ‘’ Yesterday…yesterday…yesterday,’’ he snapped his fingers, ‘’ My birthday. Yes, I remember, why? ’’
Chuuya was going to murder him.
‘’ Why is there a tattoo pen on our table? ‘’ he asked, trying his best to stay calm.
Dazai looked at the pen, and then at him.
‘’ We got tattoos. ‘’ He said casually.
Chuuya considered the possibility that Dazai was high.
No, the thought was stupid. He was drunk. He just wasn’t used to seeing him like that.
‘’ Elaborate? ‘’ He was being too patient.
Dazai continued looking at him. Then he looked at his hand.
His bandages were half wrapped, half dangling from his arm.
‘’ You wrote ‘Mackerel’ on my wrist and drew a little fish. ‘’ Dazai explained,‘’ I wrote ‘Slug’ on yours and tried my best to draw one. It’s like our contact names, you know.‘’
he said, proving his point by showing him his arm.

Chuuya recoiled, ‘’ Wait, we tattooed each other? ‘’ a stupid question, he knew. He blamed the booze inside his system.
‘’ Yeah, pretty much. Stole the machine from some guy while on that bar.’’
That sounds like them.
‘’ Okay.’’ Chuuya muttered in defeat, a lightness overtaking his head. ‘’ That’s…

He didn’t have words.
His eyes felt so heavy and he could barely even hear Dazai over all the static noise still ringing in his ears.
Yeah, he wouldn’t be staying up for longer after that.

‘’ okay. ‘’ He repeated, his eyes closing.

…

When Dazai had woken up, the first thing he had felt had been water and the first thing he had seen had been blood.

It didn’t take more than a few seconds for him to realize he was lying inside the bathtub. His clothes all soaked up, his bandages unravelled, scattered around.

He tried his best to pick them all up out of the stained water while also trying to get up and leave the bathtub without making a bigger mess.

Once he had thrown all his bandages inside the trash can, he turned to face the mirror.
He felt horrified by how naked he looked.
With all his scars, blatantly exposed for everyone to see.
The bruises, the cuts, the burns, everything on display.

Looking at the crimson water he wondered if an old wound had re-opened. He checked for the most obvious ones, before touching his head and realizing.
The memory surfaced almost immediately.

Last night had been crazy and all that drinking they had done hadn’t helped with anything.
He remembered them struggling to get out of the bar and then walking towards the apartment. Staggering and stumbling on whatever thing along the way. He remembered Chuuya hoisting him up at some point when he fell.
It had been such a draining day.
Dazai clearly remembered wanting to take a shower.
After messing around with the tattoo pen they had stolen, he’d left Chuuya sleeping on the couch while he went to the bathroom.
Being so drunk, he slipped and fell, hitting his head hard on the marble.
It made sense.
Why his bandages were halfway undone, and why there was blood everywhere.
And of course his headache, a mix of hangover and physical pain,

His whole body felt stiff.

He needed sleep.
Real sleep.
But winning the lottery had more chances to happen than that, so he shook that thought out of his head and reached for the faucet. He turned it to cold.
He cupped his arms and threw some water in his face. Then, he picked up a towel, wetted it and applied pressure to his head wound.
He waited for a couple of seconds before removing it.
The bleeding had stopped hours now by the look of the wound. It would be fine, it was just a surface cut for him.

He was turning to the door to leave the room when he heard it.

‘’ DAZAI YOU FUCKING BASTARD COME HERE RIGHT FUCKING NOW.’’

…

‘’ You look like you’re having the worst hangover of your lives, ‘’ Ranpo commented laughing, seeing Dazai and Chuuya as they entered through the doorway.
Chuuya glared at him with more annoyance than usual. Dazai elbowed him so he would stop.
‘’ I’m perfectly fine,’’ Dazai assured him, ‘’ Chuuya on the other hand, ‘’ he side-eyed him,’’ let’s just say he isn’t in his best mood.’’ This time, Chuuya glared at Dazai.
Ranpo looked at them both but before he could speak, Kunikida approached them, his notebook open in his hand.
‘’ I see you’re both late,’’ He observed, ‘’ I assume it's because of yesterday? ’’
‘’ Yeah, ‘’ Dazai answered for the both of them.
‘’ I see.’’ Kunikda noted the time they arrived at his notebook, ‘’ Well, I hope you’re both sober enough to deal with the case you have, cause I won’t be covering for your asses.’’
Chuuya looked at him confused.
‘’ Our respective cases, you mean, right? ’’
Kunikida returned the confusion, looking at Dazai. ‘’ Didn’t you tell him? ‘’ He asked.
‘’ Tell me what? ’’
Dazai looked at Chuuya who was beginning to get angry and then at Kunikida‘’ Tell him what?
‘’ Didn’t you open the envelope I gave you? ‘’

Oh.
Dazai had completely forgotten all about it.
Kunikida’s present. Fuck
Thankfully, he remembered enough to know that the envelope was still in a pocket inside his coat.

Kunikida let out a sigh. ‘’ Read it, and then go to the president.’’ He instructed. ‘’ Once it’s finalized, you can both join me in my office, to discuss the decision in greater detail.

What decision?

‘’ Alrighty~’’ Dazai responded cheerfully, his head an abyss of possibilities. He moved over to his office, to open the envelope.
Filled with curiosity, Chuuya followed him there.

Dazai took the envelope out of his pocket and opened it. He started reading the contents of the paper inside. When he was done, he turned to Chuuya.
Chuuya was already staring back at him. He looked awake.

Ranpo passed by them then, ‘’ A nice little surprise isn’t it? ‘’ He laughed. ‘’ Don’t go ripping each other’s throats, now.’’

Chuuya had entered the building with a terrible headache. His plan for the day had been to avoid everyone and everything, ignore his hangover state and just exist in peace. That letter had changed everything. Even being in the state that he was, he couldn’t keep himself from smiling at the news.
Dazai very well could.
He didn’t tho.
Why hide it?

‘’ Does that mean-
Chuuya couldn’t believe what had just happened.
‘’ I think it does. ‘’
Dazai could, but that didn’t help him with figuring out what he was feeling.

What was it?
What could it be?

He opened his eyes wide, as he realized, taking the letter, and stuffing it in his pocket.
‘’ Shall we go? ’’ He turned to ask Chuuya, still smiling.
Chuuya nodded walking passed him, and he followed.

It was the same thing he had felt yesterday all day long.
It was the same exact feeling, the same sped-up beat in his heart.
It was…

It was happiness.

He felt happy or at least the closest he could to it.

There was no doubt in his mind, the symptoms were all there.
Suddenly his overwhelm made perfect sense.

He’d never experienced this level of happiness before for so long, so it made sense why his brain wasn’t able to register that.
It all made sense.

‘’ You coming? ‘’ Chuuya pulled him out of his mind, and he realised he had forgotten to follow him.
‘’ Yeah, I’m right behind you.’’

Dazai Osamu was happy.
Huh. What kind of anecdote was that?
He was happy and he was self-aware enough to know it.
And all that because of one stupid sentence from one stupid letter about one stupid boy.

It was ridiculous.

Chapter Text

‘’ Hey Odasaku, ‘’ Dazai started, ‘’ I know I haven’t talked to you in a while, but here I am, ‘’ He said, kneeling down so he could sit with his back on the tombstone.
‘’ So many things have happened since I last spoke to you, but don’t worry, I won’t bore you with all the details. ‘’ he laughed.
A soundless, empty laugh.
‘’Do you remember that day at Lupin when you told me I should try harder to be Chuuya’s friend? ‘’ He asked, knowing he would never get an answer. ‘‘ I had been complaining about him while in a drunken rant, and you told me that it would be better if I tried to be his friend instead of acting like a jerk every time I saw him. ‘’ Dazai remembered that day well. ‘’ Of course, at the time, I only disagreed with you. I thought a friendship, a real friendship with Chuuya would be impossible. We were partners, sure, and we trusted each other with our lives, but we weren’t friends. Not like we had been. ’’
Dazai looked longingly at the sky, thinking of everything he wanted to say to him but couldn’t. He looked at the clouds above, at the sun as it fell.
‘’ It wasn’t the right time. I couldn’t be friends with Chuuya back then, it was too difficult. I know. ‘’ A tinge of melancholy in his voice. ‘’ But I’m his friend now,‘’ he admitted. ‘’ I can sit here, and say it, out loud, with no fear. Chuuya is my friend, and it’s honestly so much better this way. ‘’
‘’ I never knew life could be so nice, Odasaku.‘’ Dazai smiled. ‘’ Leaving the Mafia has been the second-best thing I’ve ever done. The first, being inviting Chuuya to join me.’’
He closed his eyes and let his head fall back.
He let it rest on the stone.
‘’ We’re both detectives now, working for the ADA.’’ Dazai proclaimed, ‘’ We solve cases and we help and save people. We bring bad guys to justice.’’ he paused, thinking how ironic it was.
‘’ We’re also partners, again, but this time it’s different.’’
‘’ And it’s nice. It really is.’’
Dazai opened his eyes again. ‘’ And I’m happy, ‘’ he confessed. ‘’ Surprising, isn’t it? ‘’ He tried to joke, ‘’ I never thought I would feel this way, but there was this one day and from then on, everything has been so different. Even little things have been different.’’
‘’ I think that day was the closest I’ve ever been to feeling true happiness. ‘’
He imagined he was back at the Lupin, looking at the wooden floors and the walls covered in wallpaper. A glass of whiskey in his hands as he spoke to Odasaku.
Ango was there as well, sitting on his stool, listening thoroughly but pretending not to be interested in the conversation.
‘’ I’ve never used the word happiness aloud before, you know. But I can’t seem to find a more fitting word.’’
‘’ It’s crazy when I think about it. Me, talking like a sappy teenager, using all these words, and-It sounds so silly, doesn’t it? But I’m happy, Odasaku.’’
‘’ I always used to hide whatever little emotion I felt and I still do that, but not as much.’’
‘’ If it weren’t for you telling me to leave the Mafia, neither I nor Chuuya would be the people we are today.’’
‘’ I really wish you could-

He can’t

The realization dawned on him.
He’ll never be able to.

Dazai didn’t want to open his eyes.
He wanted to stay there, at the Lupin for a little longer.
He wanted to stay seated on that little stool just for a few seconds more.
Just enough so that he could finish telling Oda about his day.

But the smell of grass and of early spring gave it all away.
The feeling of the sun on his skin, and of the gentle breeze.

He wasn’t inside Lupin.
And Odasaku wasn’t sitting by his side.

His body shifted so his eyes could focus on the stone next to him. On the name engraved upon it.
Sakunosuke Oda
It’s been three years now.
But it feels like yesterday.

Odasaku had been the first-ever person Dazai had dared to consider a friend.
He’d been the first-ever person to voice his affection for him without shame or fear.
Odasaku had never hidden the fact that he considered him a friend of his.
And that had been something Dazai had needed.

‘’ I won’t tire you today, ‘’ Dazai’s voice lowered as he spoke, ‘’ I already told you everything I needed to.‘’ He reached for the bouquet of flowers he had brought with him and placed them in front of the stone. ‘’ Thank you for always listening to me.’’ He smiled as he let go of the flowers.
‘’ Till next time.’’

Dazai hadn’t visited his friend’s grave ever since he'd started working for the Agency. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to or that he hadn’t been thinking about it, it was strictly a time management issue.
So many things had happened ever since Chuuya had joined the ADA that he hadn’t had the time to properly visit him.
He’d pass by to leave flowers and clean the tombstone from now and then, but he hadn’t sat down to talk to him in a long while.
It felt cathartic, in a way.
Having someone he could talk to so openly about everything in his new life.
Even if he knew he’d never receive a reply, it still helped him.

There was no one else that could listen to him.
Chuuya was his best friend, and he did speak to him about heavier matters, but he couldn’t talk to him about Chuuya.
He couldn’t go and just tell him how it felt now that their relationship had changed. He couldn’t tell him how content he was with his life now, how happy he was on certain days because of him.
The only person he could ever say all that stuff to was Odasaku.
He couldn’t admit most things, not even to himself but talking to the man was different.
He could easily say all that stuff because he knew Odasaku would never judge him.
Because he knew Odasaku would never say anything about Dazai’s behavior.
Nothing positive, nothing negative.
Nothing.

In a twisted way, it made Dazai feel comfortable speaking. It made him feel secure.
No one was truly listening to him when he spoke, after all.

He wasn’t delusional.
He was very well aware of Odasaku’s death.
He knew it had happened and he had accepted it.
That didn’t mean he liked it.
And that didn’t mean he was fine with that.

Dazai missed Odasaku.
He missed him so much.
But it was a grief he had chosen to keep secret.

The only time he had ever talked about him was with Chuuya.
Over the years he’d told him countless stories of their infamous little trio. Of him, and Odasaku and Ango and their adventures at a small, little bar in Yokohama.
And although Dazai had initially wanted to keep that friendship a secret, something private only to him, he’d found out that sharing it with Chuuya had helped more than he had expected.
It had somehow made the whole thing feel more real.

Now Chuuya was a witness to that friendship as well.
So if a time ever came, where Dazai would have trouble recognizing that friendship, that experience, as real, he knew he could always turn to Chuuya.

Dazai had always prided himself on his ability to remember names and faces and passwords and locations and clothes and sentences and everything, really, but sometimes-
It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his memory,
It was just that, sometimes, his memories would get clouded by doubt.
Sometimes he’d look back on a good day or a good moment and he would debate if it had really happened.
If the people that had been with him had really been there.
If they had existed at all.

And it was so stupid.
He knew for a fact his memory made no mistake, yet he could never seem to shake that little cloud of doubt whenever it appeared.
So having a third party helped.
Be it a person, be it a photograph, be it a small relic of that memory.
Whatever it was, it always helped make it real.

…

It was five in the evening, and Chuuya was getting back to the Agency after helping Kenji with a small case they had undertaken. To his surprise, they had solved the case a lot faster than they had anticipated, so to reward themselves, Chuuya had taken the boy out for some ice cream.

On their way back to the Agency, they passed by a bar. Kenji looked inside and halted, before raising his head to look at the older man accompanying him.
‘’ Can we go for beers next time? ’’ He asked, wearing an innocent youthful smile. ‘’ Can we?‘’
Chuuya burst out laughing, patting him gently on his back.
‘’You’re thirteen, Kenji. You can’t drink. ‘’ He reminded him in a joking manner. ‘’ You’re still just a kid.’’
Kenji looked at the bar’s window again, a strange longing in his big golden eyes.
‘’ So is that a no?’’ He asked, averting Chuuya’s gaze.
‘’ That’s a no.’’ Chuuya confirmed.
‘’ Okay.’’
Oh, damn it.
‘’ How about this,’’ Chuuya started to propose, ‘’ stay alive until you turn twenty and I’ll take you out to the best bar in Yokohama, okay?.’’
‘’ Twenty? ‘’ Kenji started counting, using his fingers. ‘’ That’s six years from now.’’
‘’ Seven ‘’ Chuuya corrected him.
‘’ Even more, but- ’’ Kenji seemed to consider his offer. ‘’ You promise you’ll do it, right? ’’ the boy asked again.
‘’ I promise,’’ Chuuya said. ‘’ yes.’’
‘’ You swear it? ‘’
Chuuya looked at the kid, thinking to himself how naive he still was. How trustful.
‘’ I swear.’’ He said, placing one hand on top of his heart.
Kenji smiled.
‘’ Good. ‘’ the boy exclaimed happily, continuing to walk towards the Agency’s building.’’ I’ll remember it. ‘’
‘’ Got it.’’

Though they weren’t partners anymore, Chuuya still helped Kenji whenever he could. He helped everyone around the Agency, actually, trying to make up for the fact that his partner was completely useless.

Dazai hadn’t been this way when they were in the Mafia. Sure, he had had the same bored, uninterested attitude but that’s where the similarities ended.
Executive Dazai had worked his ass off back then, completely ignoring himself and everything that didn’t have to do with his job. He’d stay up for days, trying to find solutions to all of the Port Mafia’s problems. He wouldn’t eat, he wouldn’t drink, he wouldn’t do anything besides working the hardest he could to preserve his position as an executive.
Detective Dazai, well, he wasn’t the same.
He was an amazing detective due to his various skills, and he solved every case he got, but he didn’t work nearly as hard. Most days he wouldn’t even pick up the phones.
It was the easiest job yet he refused to do even that.
The only thing he did besides solving cases, was laying on the couch in the common hall until it was time to leave.

Everyone in the Agency called Dazai lazy and a sloth for that behavior of his, but Chuuya was glad he was acting like that.
What they saw as laziness he saw as years of incredibly hard work finally catching up to him.
They saw Dazai taking another nap on the couch while he saw Dazai finally being able to sleep, even for a few minutes.
They saw a man that couldn't be bothered to get up from the couch. He saw Dazai, who could finally catch a break.

Their perspectives couldn’t have been more different.

Chuuya had experienced both versions of him, and he was certain he preferred this one.

‘’Oi, Ranpo, ‘’ Chuuya called, walking towards the man with his shoes on the desk. ‘’ Have you seen Dazai? ’’ he asked, looking around for the brunette.
Ranpo took out the lollipop from his mouth so he could answer him. ‘’ Took a leave. ‘’ He replied. ‘’ Said he wasn’t feeling that well.’’
Chuuya nodded his head to show him he had heard.
‘’ Thanks.’’ he muttered, walking away.

He returned to his office and sat down, removing the papers from his desk so he could put his hands there. He looked at his computer’s screen.
Oh.
Suddenly Dazai’s disappearance made perfect sense.

Three years ago today marked the day Oda Sakunosuke had died.
The day everything in their lives had changed.

Dazai always took that day to himself.
Even when they had been under the radar, Dazai had gone out that day. Chuuya remembered it clearly.
It had been during the night but he still had risked everything.

He had never asked him where he went every year at that exact date, and he never would, but if he had to guess, Chuuya would say he either went to Lupin or to the place his friend had been buried.
Odasaku had meant a lot to Dazai, for that he was certain.
And he knew Dazai was still hurting from his death.

Even after three years, Chuuya could still hear Dazai having nightmares. And they were almost always about Odasaku.
He remembered one night in particular, just a few months ago.
He couldn’t sleep so he was heading for the kitchen to drink some water when he saw Dazai’s door was ajar. He reached to close it, and that’s when he heard him thrusting between his sheets.
He remembered hearing Dazai screaming, ‘’What do I do? What do I do now, Odasaku ’’. There was so much pain in his voice.
He had wanted to go inside, and just help him, somehow, but in the end, all he had done was close the door and pretend he had never heard anything.

Three years had passed and he still didn’t know how to help him.

‘’ Something on your mind? ‘’ A voice startled him.
‘’ Oh, it’s you, doctor’’ He said looking at the woman hovering over his desk.’’ I’m sorry.’’
‘’ No need to apologize, Nakahara. I’m the one interrupting you from…’’
‘’ I was just thinking about something. It wasn’t important.’’
‘’ Right.’’ Yosano agreed with him, albeit a bit hesitant..’’ Anyways, the reason I’m here…would you mind doing me a small favor?’’
‘’ What kind of favor?’’
‘’ I need someone to help me ran some errands.’’ Yosano explained. ‘’ Normally, I wouldn’t ask you, but there is no one else available right now and so.’’
A few errands? ‘’ Sure.’’ Chuuya replied.
‘’ If you don’t want to it’s fine, you can just say so.’’ Yosano tried, her tone indicating a tinge of hesitation. She really didn’t want to be asking him, huh?
But why? He didn’t think he had done anything to offend her or be put on her bad side.
‘’ I don’t mind helping.’’ Chuuya reassured her.
‘’ Great then.’’

Chuuya had come to find that the work schedule in the Agency was very…flexible.

Yosano and he had left the building at the premises of running a few errands related to the Agency. They had a few things they needed to acquire for the infirmary, as well as some stationary shortages to deal with.
Apparently, his good-for-nothing partner was very fond of this new hobby he had found. It entailed flinging pencils and pens out the window and into random people’s heads.
He couldn’t believe Dazai was still playing that game.
After ‘accidentally’ hitting Mori that one time, they had agreed to quit playing it, or as it would seem, at least Chuuya had.

They went and purchased everything fairly quickly, splitting up to be even faster. In just a few minutes, they had completed their full list.
Yosano had gone to find all of the medical supplies and a few groceries, while Chuuya had headed to a nearby paper store to get pens, pencils, and other stationery items. He’d also passed by the grocery store as well, but only because Yosano had forgotten something.

Once they were done, they met up and gathered all of their belongings to see how they would get them back. Yeah, like that wasn’t the reason Chuuya was there.

Using his ability, Chuuya was able to lift every single bag they had without even raising a finger. The bags just floated around and followed him.
It was super convenient.

‘’ Let’s go shopping. ‘’ Yosano grabbed his arm in excitement, her eyes looking at the windows of the stores on their street.‘’ Shall we? Unlike Kenji, I’m sure you won’t drop my bags.’’ she laughed.
Chuuya looked at her. ‘’ I’m not some kind of professional carrier, you know.’’ He said in a joking way, ‘’ And besides, aren’t we supposed to go to work after we’re done with our errands?’’
‘’ I didn’t know I had invited Kunikida with me,’’ She said, acting surprised. ‘’ We are already behind schedule, you’re right. We should be getting back.’’’
Chuuya sighted.
For some reason, Yosano reminded him of Dazai right then.
That slight tongue they both had, knowing exactly what to say to get someone to do what they wanted.
‘’ Okay, okay, I suppose we can be away from the Agency for a few more minutes.’’ he said in defeat.
Yosano nodded her head in approval. ‘’That's the spirit.’’

A few minutes, apparently, for the Agency’s doctor, meant a few hours.
But that was fine, Chuuya didn’t mind her.

Yosano was a fun person to hang out with. In a sense, she was very much like him. Mostly though, she reminded him of Kouyou, the woman who had raised him as her little brother when he was still in the Mafia.
They should be around the same age too.
Like them, he found out Yosano was really into fashion. She also loved to drink wine.

After spending half the day with her, Chuuya realized that being on edge around her was just stupid. Yosano was such a genuinely good person, he really didn’t know why he had been so unnerved with her ever since he joined the Agency.
Could she kill someone by beating them to death? Sure. Did that make her any less nice? No.
She went inside every store she saw, buying whatever seemed to fit her best. She had asked Chuuya’s opinion a few times as well, saying that he was a man of fine taste and that his opinion would actually be of value, unlike of people like Kunikida or Ranpo.
Chuuya had taken that as a compliment.
He did pride himself on his fashion sense, that much was true.

‘’ Canned crab? ‘’ Yosano asked, looking at the one item they had bought that hadn’t been on the list.
‘’ Yeah, that’s mine.’’ Chuuya said, taking hold of the small container.
‘’ You like crab? ’’ Yosano asked him, adjusting a few of her shopping bags.
Chuuya looked at the can before putting it inside one of the many floating bags around him.
‘’ Dazai does.’’ He said, waiting for the woman’s reaction.
Yosano replied with a simple, ‘’oh.’’

It was something he had noticed months now.
Their mutual aversion.
He had asked Dazai once about it but all he had said was that he highly valued Yosano as a coworker.
Nothing more, nothing less, which had made Chuuya even more sure.
‘’ If you don’t like him just say so. I don’t like him either.’’ He joked. ‘’ He is so annoying and so-.’’
Yosano couldn’t hold his gaze. Her eyes fell to the floor. ‘’It’s not like that, ‘’ she tried, ‘’ I think Dazai is a great person, he just…reminds me of someone.’’
Oh.
‘’ A bad someone? ‘’
Yosano nodded her head.
‘’ I see.’’
‘’ Don’t tell him I told you that. ‘’ She said, ‘’ Or do, it’s not of much importance, now that I think about it.’’
‘’ I won’t.’’ He said. ‘’ Now, are we done, or is there any other store you’d like to visit?’’
Yosano smiled, ‘’ We’re done,’’ she stated, ‘’ now we’re going back to the agency.’’

‘’ If I were you, I would leave the agency now. ‘’ Ranpo whispered behind his ear. ‘’ Except if you like being dragged around to go shopping with a girl every week, then I just feel sorry for you.’’ He said, before sitting on top of Chuuya’s desk with his legs crossed.
‘’ I don’t mind.’’ Chuuya simply replied, thinking of the countless times he had accompanied Kouyou on such shopping trips in the past.
‘’ Suit yourself.’’ Ranpo got up again, ‘’ At least the rest of us are free now.’’ he remarked, heading back to his office.

Chuuya swiped his desk clean before lighting up the nearest and smallest lamp he could find. With his hand, he reached and took out a few folders from under his desk. He placed them on top of the surface and started reading and annotating them with a pen.

For better or worse, like his job in the mafia, this one also required a lot of paperwork. Chuuya used to loathe paperwork, he always preferred being in the action rather than writing words. But paperwork was a necessary evil. He had to do it, even if he didn’t like it.
When he was still young, fifteen-sixteen, he used to dodge it as much as possible, and when he couldn’t, he was always complaining about it to Dazai.
Reaching seventeen and eighteen though, he had come to understand the importance of it.
So now, it was just a standard procedure, equally as important as the action and the case-solving itself.

He sat there with his papers and pen until it was finally time to leave.

‘’ Hey,‘’ Yosano called, rushing up to him as he was about to exit through the door.
‘’ Yes?’’
‘’ I found this in one of my bags,’’ She handed him the canned crab he had brought earlier.
’’ Must have been mixed up with the rest of the groceries...’’
‘’ Oh, you must be right,’’ He said, taking the small container from her hands, ‘’ I had forgotten all about this, thanks.’’
‘’ No worries.’’ She paused and turned. ‘’Have a good night, Nakahara’’ She said, heading back to the infirmary.
Chuuya put the container in the pocket of his coat, ‘’ Goodnight, Doc.’’ he said, heading out.

He went down the stairs, left the building, and cursed at himself.
Great, now he would have to walk all the way back to the apartment.
Fuck
It wouldn’t take more than a few minutes, he knew that, but something about walking back from work didn’t sit quite well with him.
He didn’t want to have to walk back.
He wanted to feel the cold, night air hit him in the face as he drove.

Walking everywhere was too time-consuming and taking public transportation was just out of the question. What he wanted was-
no
What he needed was a legitimate license and a car, if not a motorcycle.

Yes. That would certainly fix all his problems.

…

Walking back from the cemetery was Dazai’s least favorite part of the visit.

He couldn’t stand the sight of people crying and sobbing, begging for their loved ones to come back. The widows throwing themselves at their late spouses’ graves, screaming and yelling. The children placing flowers, silver tears lining their eyes.
Everyone looked so pathetic and sad and broken.
He couldn’t watch them for more than a few seconds.
Not when he knew he couldn’t do all those things no matter how much he had wanted to.

Dazai’s grief was different than most people’s.
He didn’t make it obvious, he didn’t show it.
No, that wasn’t the correct phrasing.
He couldn’t show it.

Even when his best friend had died, breathing his last words inside his arms, all Dazai had done was shed a single tear.
One single tear.
Nothing more.

He had stayed there, frozen holding his body for at least an hour before he could return to his senses. The pain he had felt had been insufferable, yet all he was able to do was shed one tear.

There was nothing that made him feel more inhuman than that.
So when he saw people grieving the way he couldn’t, he hated them.

He turned the key, careful not to make any noise, and entered the apartment.
He hung his coat on the rack, put his shoes away, and headed toward the kitchen.

He hadn’t drunk nor eaten anything all day, yet his body hadn’t made any attempt to warn him.
Only when he saw the plate already set on the table did his stomach start to growl.

He glanced over at the living room. Chuuya didn’t seem to be there.
By now, he should be asleep in his room.

Dazai sat down and looked at the plate in front of him. A smile tugged on his lips.

5 MONTHS LATER

‘’ Good morning, how can I help you? ‘’ A beautiful young woman greeted them as they approached the reception, dragging their luggage behind them.
‘’ Good morning miss,’’ Dazai smiled at the woman, fondly. ‘’ We’re here for the check-in?.’’ He said, looking at her,
The woman turned to the screen on her desk, her hands on the keyboard.‘’ Can I have a name? ‘’
‘’ I believe the room is under the name Dazai.’’ He said, looking at Chuuya. Chuuya nodded his head.
The woman typed his name in. ‘’ Room 160, right? ’’
‘’ Yes.’’
‘’ Great.’’ The woman exclaimed, handing them two cards, ‘’ Your room is on the first floor. Those are your key cards.’’ She explained. ‘’ Would you like for me to call you a groom? ’’
‘’ No, we’ll carry them ourselves,’’ Dazai replied, kindly refusing her offer. ’’ thank you.’’
‘’ Okay. Should you need anything, the reception is open 24 hours. If you don’t want to come here, your room is equipped with a phone. Ring it, and we’ll have someone there immediately.’’ She informed them, showing them the phone on her end.
‘’ We’ll keep that in mind.’’ Chuuya said, finally contributing to the conversation.
‘’ Alright!’’ The woman smiled at them again. ‘’ Have a great day!’’

The case shouldn’t take them more than a few days.

‘’ Room 160? Really,‘’ Chuuya said, walking towards the door. ‘’ I swear, you can be so immature at times.’’ He complained, putting his key card on the slot to open the door.
‘’ Why? Do you have something against that number?’’ Dazai asked, pushing the door open with his hand.
Chuuya thought about extending his leg and making him trip, but he didn’t do it.
‘’ Oh, so the number is a coinci-
His words were cut short as he stepped inside.
‘’ Your face.’’ Dazai laughed, pointing at him. ‘’ Oh my god, your face-
Chuuya’s eyes were like two daggers ready to cut him into pieces.
‘’ Haha, funny,’’ Chuuya deadpanned,‘’ You’ll be sleeping on the floor.’’ he said factually, looking at the single bed in the middle of the room.
‘’ Oh come on, I-
‘’ Yeah, no.’’ Chuuya interrupted him, throwing himself on top of the bed. ’’ You, ‘’ He pointed at him, ‘’Floor.’’ he pointed at the floor.
‘’ But-
‘’ Not negotiable.‘’

Okay, so Dazai might have wanted to mess with him a little by booking a double bed room instead of a twin. It was all in good fun, there was no need for him to be sleeping on the floor.

‘’ Whatever, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.’’ Dazai started, ‘’ For now, let’s focus on the case.’’
Chuuya bit down his desire to tell him there was no bridge. ‘’ Fine, what’s the plan? ’’

The reason they were in the Hotel in the first place was because of a big case they had been working on for the past week.
A case they both felt obliged to solve.

The hotel was a hot spot for a very special group of people, actually. A group of people they needed to find, follow and then capture.
Every month, and for three days only, those three people would leave their homes and high esteemed workplaces to gather here and discuss their future business plans.
Plans that would make anyone that would hear them sick to their stomach.

‘’ The best way to catch predators is by playing the prey. ‘’ Dazai said, opening his suitcase. ‘’ And what better pray than some drunken, small, defenseless teenager.’’ He fumbled inside the case until he found what he was looking for.
‘’ I hate you.’’
Dazai handed him the clothes he’d brought.‘’ You know it wouldn’t work on me. ’’
‘’ Why, cause you’re not…vertically smaller? ’’ Chuuya challenged.
‘’ Just say sho-
Dazai didn’t have the chance to finish his sentence. Chuuya slapped him in the back of his head.
‘’ Fine, vertically challenged, whatever.’’ He earned a sharp look, but not another slap.
‘’ Point is, you pass as a teenage boy, I don’t. So you play the bait and I come and save you.’’
Chuuya threw his head back laughing. ‘’ You, save me? ‘’ Chuuya questioned, ‘’ Sometimes I forget that you can actually be funny.’’
Dazai’s eyes widened.‘’ Chuuya finds me funny? ‘’
‘’ I find your face funny.’’
‘’ Aw, ‘’ Dazai swooned, ‘’ I find your height funny.’’
The daggers were out again, this time piercing through his soul, or whatever was in that place, instead.

Chuuya took the clothes in his hands and went to the bathroom to change.
When he came out he looked as if no time had passed since the day they had first met.
‘’ The fact you remember what I was wearing is creepy, you freak.’’ he joked, looking at himself through the mirror.
‘’ Of course, I do, it was the day I told you I love you for the-
‘’ Not this again. ‘’ Chuuya turned away, disgusted ’’ One more word and I swear I’m out.’’
‘’ Okay, fine. You don’t want to hear about me confe-
‘’ Dazai.’’
‘’ Fine.’’ Dazai threw his head back, hitting the wooden frame of the bed. ‘’ Can’t even joke here.’’ He complained to no one at all.
Chuuya bit back another nice remark. This one being about his schizophrenic tendencies.
‘’ And what will you be doing while I’m baiting them?’’
Dazai smiled. He pointed at the suit hanging from the hanger in front of the closet. ‘’ I’ll be out for a few drinks. Thought my outfit should be matching.’’
Looking at the black costume and then at his attire, Chuuya couldn’t help but think about that day.
That fateful day he met that stupid, insufferable, suicidal brat.
He couldn’t help but think of how far they had come since then.
‘’ And, I’m doing all the work while you laze around,’’ Chuuya scoffed, ‘’ Just like always.’’
‘’ Yeah, ‘’ Dazai agreed, attaching a small bug to Chuuya’s hood. ‘’ Just like always.’’ He gave him a smug smile.

It wasn’t hard for Chuuya to pretend he was drunk. He’d already done it a few dozen times in the past for cover, so it wasn’t anything new.
He entered the club room and headed straight for the bar, where he ordered a glass of Vodka, something he didn’t drink so often. Then he ordered another glass and a third one.
Vodka was a liquor he knew didn’t have much effect on him, unlike wine or beer. So it was the one drink he used in missions when he had to pretend he was drinking.
He kept drinking, trying to spot the men.
According to Dazai, they would surely pass by there to do their little ‘haunt’.

The whole case was disgusting, but that wasn’t the reason they wanted to stop it so badly.

Soon enough, three men entered the bar, their appearances perfectly matching the descriptions Dazai had given him
They entered the bar with such confidence and purpose, marching towards their goal. Their eyes scouting left and right, trying to spot their next victim.

Human traffickers were really the worst of the worst.

When the case had first fallen into the Agency’s table Dazai had immediately taken custody of it. He said he had found it intriguing. Chuuya knew that wasn’t the reason.
When they were finally at the apartment, Chuuya had dared to ask him why he had taken it.
Dazai needn't hold back the truth from him. Why would he? There was no good reason. Chuuya wasn’t a stranger to the Mafia ways. He knew better than anyone what was going on in the darkest parts of the city, he wasn’t oblivious to it.
So Dazai had told him.
The ring was his fault.
At least partially.
A big revenue went to the Mafia every month because of that ring of traffickers. And while still an Executive, Dazai had been aware of it.
No. He wasn’t just aware. He was the reason the ring hadn’t been caught for so many years.
Dazai had ensured that their ‘business’ would continue uninterrupted because, well, it was in the Mafia’s best.

He not only had condoned those actions, but he had made sure they would continue because it was beneficial to the Mafia.
So Chuuya had been right. He hadn’t taken the case because he had found it interesting. He’d taken it for more personal reasons.

Seeing the men in the flesh, just hovering over younger women and men made Chuuya want to smash something in their heads. They were sick for that, but was he any better?
They took people away and forced them into situations they didn’t want to be in. They treated people as if they were cage animals or even worse.
Their actions were unforgivable, they were inhumane.
But so were his.

He used to kill people for his job, taking them away from their loved ones without a second though. He used to torture and beat people without ever caring to know what they did or didn’t do.
He followed orders that led to countless deaths.
Wasn’t that as awful? As sickening?

He shook those thoughts away, focusing on the task at hand.
He grabbed his glass tighter and, staggering, he made his way towards the booth near theirs.
He stumbled on the chair, and then sat down, making it completely obvious that he was in no shape to get up again.
He glanced over only to discover that their eyes were on him.
Good.
He blinked a few times, making it look as if he was struggling to keep himself awake. He hit the table with his hand before pretending to be passing out.
He closed his eyes and focused on hearing the footsteps around him.
Soon a hand was shaking him, ‘’ Hey boy, you good? ‘’
The way they pretended to care about their future victims made his blood boil.
Chuuya kept his eyes closed, slightly twitching to indicate he was somewhere in between awake and asleep.
‘’ Boy,’’ The man shook him again, ‘’ Do you need any help?’’
That was his cue to wake up.
He opened his eyes slowly, trying his best to seem disoriented, confused.
‘’ Would some water help you?’’ The man asked, looking over at his table and at his two accomplices. Chuuya nodded his head.
‘’ Get the boy some water,’’ the man called to the other two.
A glass was placed in front of him almost instantly. The man pushed it towards him.
Chuuya took the glass with both his hands, tipping it over to his lips.
In reality, he wasn't actually drinking it, but he made sure it would appear that way from their perspective.
The water was certain to be spiked, for Dazai had said that was the way in which they operated. And since Dazai had been the one to say that, he wouldn't be taking any chances.
‘’ Here, ‘’ The man extended his hand at him, ‘’ We’ll help you up.’’
Any non-sober person would have missed the sly smile on his lips.
‘’ Let us get you to your room.’’

They didn't help him to his room.
Once he had passed out, (about 20 minutes later like Dazai had instructed him to, so he could fake it convincingly) they moved him to the fourth floor.
The floor their room was at.
They ‘helped’ him inside and placed him on the floor, tying his arms and legs with some rope.
Yeah, like that would hold him.

Chuuya waited to hear the footsteps fading before he opened his eyes. He waited to hear the door open and then close.
with his right eye, he took a quick peek to ensure that no one was there. Once he made sure, he broke free.
The rope was severed the moment he activated his power.
It was too easy.
He stood up and looked around the room.
Three more people were lying on the floor, their hands and legs tied up just like his had been.
They must be the rest of their ‘hunt’.
Two very young seemingly girls, around the ages of ten, and a teenage boy.

He would return for them later.
He couldn't stall the mission now.

Searching closets, safes, cupboards, and everything else he considered a good hiding spot, he was able to find two of the men's real IDs and some pretty incriminating evidence.
The papers bore the same signature as the IDs he had discovered inside the safe. The hidden one, the one between the mattress of the bed and the floor.

He’d snatched the papers away, fast, before taking a last look inside the safe. Seeing nothing else of value was in there, he closed it, making sure the placement, the angle, and everything, were the same as before he had intervened.

Now all he had to do was wait for one of them to come back to the room.

It didn't take long.
Soon, one of the three men returned, a child sleeping in his arms.
Chuuya had said to himself that he wouldn't bother with the rest of the victims now, but when he saw how that man was looking at the little girl he reconsidered.

While tying her arms, the man seemed to observe there was no more rope for her legs. He let go of the girl to go and fetch the rope that was on the counter behind Chuuya.
With one swift and clean motion, the man flew across the room, stopping only at the far end wall.
If he had wanted, Chuuya could have made him go through that wall, but that would have resulted in his cover being blown.

With a kick like that, the man wouldn't be getting up for a while.
Chuuya dragged him inside the closet that seemed to not have been used by them, before resuming his initial position.

Then he waited.

An hour passed before the two other men both returned, two more people, hoisted up in their arms.

According to Dazai and his plan, that marked the end of their monthly visit to the hotel.
6 people.
Always the same number.
Was it for convenience? Was it a habit? Was it a business tactic?
They'd know in a few hours.

Dazai had said that the sedative drug they had used on them would last for about 10 hours.
And he had been right, the dragged people around him seemed to be awaking now that the hours had passed.
He could see all of their confused faces as they woke up to a living nightmare.
They tried to yell, to scream, but inside the truck, and after being unconscious for so long, their voices were barely audible.

Chuuya tried to shush them. He tried to tell them that things would be okay soon, that he'd help them out of here, but they wouldn't listen.
Chuuya knew they wouldn't listen, he knew his attempts would be in vain.
In a situation like this, the shock and the fear you feel is much stronger than the words of a stranger.
Still he tried.

The drive didn’t last for long. They were probably taking them to some isolated warehouse near the port.
Maybe near Hiratsuka, the place where the river met the ocean. He could definitely smell the salted water, so it was possible.
Once they had arrived at their destination, the doors of the back of the truck opened, revealing the inside of a metallic container.
It didn’t take a genius to know what they had to do.
Just in a few seconds, all six of them were inside, Five of them clinging to the corners.
Chuuya stood there unbothered.

Stopping a ring requires patience and a good plan.
Had he only stopped the three men at the Hotel he would only have stalled the situation. If he wanted to figure the whole thing out, he needed to be at their headquarters, at their place of operation.
There was no faster way than being one of the victims.

The truck moved forwards, and the doors of the container closed.

They were stuck there, now.
But Chuuya knew it wouldn’t be for long.

…

Finishing his drink Dazai took out his phone to check the tracker.
Seeing Chuuya was on the move, he let down the glass and left the room

He waited to see where the car would stop before jumping to the first train he could find that would take him there
There, apparently, being a stranded location, near the river and the sea.

If you didn’t know better you’d think it was an abandoned container terminal. A place shipments used to be unloaded and loaded back.
And for the first part, you would be right, that was true. It used to be that.
Now that place was one of the biggest black markets in all of Japan.

It being near Yokohama was purely a convenient coincidence. Surely no one did that on purpose so they could have profit.

Dazai stood up and walked towards the glass door on his side. He waited for the train to announce its next stop, his eyes wandering to the view outside the window.

He reached the station and got off.
The place was accessible by foot, so he decided he’d walk there.

Upon reaching the gates he noticed a few men there, a few guards.
As if they would be a match for him.

He looked around to see what he could use to his advantage. The terrain, the people, the constructions. His head was already planning his next moves before he could even think of doing that.
He’d throw them off at first, making noise on the other side of the road by throwing some rocks there.
The ones going to check that noise would probably be the guards.
Having them gone, he could get access to the men standing near them.
They were obviously the men from the hotel. Their pricey outfits and their movements gave that away.
Being that they were those they called the ‘hunters’, they would probably have little to no knowledge of martial arts or self-defense.
It would be a child’s play for Dazai to knock them out and secure the third for questioning.

The men were far away enough, and the guards were already on alert.
That was the perfect moment for Dazai to make his move.
He threw a few rocks he had found on the ground on the side opposite him.
As he had predicted, they went to investigate the strange sound that had startled them.

They were two armed guards.
Dazai could take them.

He went around the bushes and ambushed them, kicking the first guard on his leg so he would double over. With his hand, he swiftly hit the other man on the nape of his neck.
They were both down before he could even count to 10.
He grabbed one of their firearms, a small hand pistol.
Then he went after the men.

He followed them soundlessly until they reached one of the containers. A big gray one, its location the same as the one in his tracker.
There was no fault, Chuuya was inside.

He waited to see what the men would do.

They moved further away from the gray container, towards the warehouse in the middle of the terminal.
There they met up with a few other men.
Dazai kept following them, keeping a mental note of everything and everyone he saw.
He had expected the whole place to be a lot more crowded. He had expected a lot more people and a lot more guards.
Guess the Mafia had really fallen off ever since he had left them.

He couldn’t hear them that well due to the distance, but he was sure he had heard something about a meeting taking place in a few minutes.
That was ideal.
While everyone would be occupied at the warehouse for the meeting, he would find Chuuya, they would free all the innocent people and then they would come here to do a little meet and greet with everyone.

Waiting for the meeting to start, he passed the time by taking a bunch of photos of the place and of the people, and of the whole situation going around him.
Those would prove helpful later when Kunikida would ask him for all sorts of evidence.

That’s more like it,.Dazai found himself thinking, seeing more people entering the premises of the warehouse.
Now that the crowd had gotten bigger, it was clear to see that the meeting was about to start.
Dazai left before they could officially announce it.

There were two more guards watching over the container Chuuya was in.
Dazai fixed the collar of his coat before going in to greet them.

He knocked three times on the door of the container.
He got three knocks back.

He didn’t bother to steal the keys from the unconscious guard laying at his feet.
He never did.
All he ever did was use the two bobby pins he always carried with him.
Container locks are supposed to be more difficult to break in. They are supposed to be more secure.
They had this bulky exterior that didn’t allow your hands much space to work with.
It was a real challenge for everyone.
Well, for everyone but Dazai.

He opened the lock and caught it before it could hit the ground.
That much noise wouldn’t alert anyone, but better be safe than sorry.

He pulled one of the doors open.

Thankfully, Chuuya had already explained the situation to all the victims inside. So when Dazai opened their door, they remained silent.
He entered the inside to give them the updated version of the plan.
All they had to do was wait there, just for a few more minutes.
To Dazai’s surprise, there wasn’t even one person that disagreed.
Chuuya was really good at crowd control, it would seem.
Better than he had though.

With some last reassuring words, Dazai and Chuuya left them to go and find the masterminds behind that horror show.

‘’ I’m sorry, ‘’ Dazai said, with that fake apologetic tone of his, ‘’ Did we crush your little party? ‘’
Chuuya was stretching himself, standing beside him.
‘’ Why didn’t you invite us? ‘’ His partner asked the men seated in front of them.
One of them had the actual guts to look at them and ask them who they were.
Dazai had laughed.
‘’ We’re Port Mafia.’’ He’d lied.
Another man, the one seated at the head of the table, stood up and approached them.
‘’ Ougai’ Moris representatives? ‘’ He asked, confusion painted across his face. ‘’ I see.’’
He returned to his chair, laughing. ‘’ It’s okay, they are with us, ‘’ He reassured the rest of the party, ’’ We’re in collusion with the mafia. They must have the date wrong, that’s all. ‘’
‘’ Is it? ’’
Dazai was enjoying this way more than he should have.
The way chills ran down their spines as he spoke. Knowing exactly what to say to make them feel uneasy.
‘’ Mister Hinode,’’ using his name while it hasn’t been spoken. Chuuya really did admire Dazai’s way of speaking in situations such as these.
‘’ Have you ever heard of Twin Dark? ’’ The man’s face paled.
‘’ But we’re working with the mafia.’’ The man tried to reason, panicking. ‘’ we’ve never broke not one payment, we’ve always bee-
‘’ I didn’t ask you to describe to me why you’re a good partner to the mafia. I simply asked a question. ‘’
The room was dead silent.
No one dared to move or breathe.
‘’ I have…’’ The man said, ‘’I have heard of them.’’ he whispered.
’’ Good.’’
The smile Dazai gave the man could only be described as terrifying.

That wasn’t Dazai Osamu of the Armed Detective Agency, standing before them.
No.
That was the Demon Prodigy of the Port Mafia, in flesh.

‘’ When Mori asks you, ‘’ He continued, his smile growing more wicked, ‘’ and I know that he will,’’ more twisted. ‘’ tell him Dazai says hi’.’’

…

Chuuya had forgotten how it had felt back then.

Being teenagers and just decimating every place, every organization in their way. Being in the front line, beating up every soldier, every guard, anyone who would dare to come at them.
There was no one that could put up a fight with them
and the underworld of Yokohama knew that all too well.

They were the Devastating Rivals.
Twin Dark.
Dazai and Chuuya.
And this? This was their forte.

Wiping out their little ring once they had found it, had been too easy.
Dazai hadn’t even needed to use his gun.

The man’s face when he realized just who he was up against, had said it all…He had been terrified, scared out of his own mind, And for a good reason.

Don’t kill anyone.
That was the only instruction Dazai had given him before they entered the warehouse.

It didn’t take long for the room to fall silent.
Chuuya didn't need to kill anyone to accomplish that.

He turned to look at Dazai.

His partner was holding his pistol against the leader’s head.
He was saying something to him.
The man was shaking.
Chuuya neared them, in an attempt to hear better. He got close enough to be able to have a better look at Dazai.

And maybe it was the setting, maybe it was the clothes they were wearing, but Chuuya knew he had lived that moment before.
He knew what came after.
When Dazai’s eyes became like that, so dark, so fixated on the target in front of him-
No.
He wouldn’t let him do that.

This time, he kicked the gun out of his hand before he could fire.
This time, he hadn’t stopped Dazai.
He had prevented him.

Both the man on the ground and Dazai looked at Chuuya. Two completely different expressions on their faces.
‘’ He doesn’t deserve this, ‘’’ Chuuya was quick to say, ‘’ He doesn’t deserve to die this easily.’’
Dazai considered him.
‘’ You’re right,’’ he said, his eyes never on Chuuya’s, ‘’ You’re absolutely right.’’ The lightness in his voice made Chuuya get the chills. ‘’ God, you’re so right.’’ Dazai’s laughter was painful to hear.
‘’ You hear that? ‘’ He turned to the old bastard on the ground. ‘’ You ain’t dying, ‘’ He announced to him, his smile venomous, ‘’ But you’d wish I had pulled that trigger.’’

There was something wrong with Dazai. More so than usual.
This case had triggered something in him. Something Chuuya couldn’t yet grasp.
He needed to fix that as soon as possible.

‘’ When is-
‘’ On his way.’’ Dazai answered before Chuuya could even complete the question. ‘’ I’d give them about five to ten minutes.’’ he added, pacing around the room.
Chuuya watched him as he walked out of the warehouse. As he sat on the ground outside, his head lifted, looking up at the night sky.
Chuuya wondered what he could be thinking of.

‘’ He’s insane.‘’ The man on the ground hissed at him.’’ He’s that demon executive, isn’t he?’’ he asked Chuuya, his voice trembling. Chuuya spared him a glance but he didn’t answer.
‘’ He is...’’ The man came to the conclusion.’’ That boy is even more deranged than-
Chuuya kicked him on his head to shut him up.

Could that have been a result o Dazai’s conscience?
Chuuya stood there and observed Dazai, a million thoughts flooding his mind.

Dazai had told him time and time again that he didn’t have one but maybe that had changed. Maybe working for the ADA had awakened it. Maybe, just maybe, this was Dazai’s attempt to make up for some of the wrongs he had done.

The man had called him crazy and deranged. Chuuya didn’t think that was true.
Dazai wasn’t crazy. He was a lot of things, but not crazy.

This wasn't something a crazy person would do.
This was personal.

‘’ Kunikida~’’
He heard Dazai’s fake laughter and his whole body recoiled.

Sometimes it scared even him, just how good Dazai was at switching up.
One moment he was having a psychotic episode or whatever that was, and the other, he was smiling and making fun of his, oblivious to everything, co-worker.
It was like he could flip a switch at any given moment.

By the time of the sunrise, Chuuya and Dazai were both back at the hotel. Chuuya was sleeping on the bed while Dazai was passed out on the floor.

The mission had been a success.
Kunikida, with the help of the police department, had arrested all the men accounted for, who had been inside and out of the warehouse. With incriminating evidence provided by Dazai and Chuuya, he was able to make a strong case against them.

The victims, those that had been found in different containers than the one Chuuya had been in, had gone alongside the police. They had been returned to their legal guardians and their houses. Their guardians had expressed their immense gratitude for the people that had found their lost kids.
Those that had been with Chuuya had returned with him and Dazai back to the Hotel they had been staying in.
For teenagers, they had handled the whole affair a lot better than Dazai had expected. Sure they had been scared and confused, but they hadn’t let those feelings affect their reactions. They had listened and had obeyed to Chuuya’s every instruction without a word. They had made it a lot easier for the detectives to do what needed to be done.
They hadn’t created more trouble for them.

When everything had been settled and after making sure that every kid had been returned to their guardian with a detailed explanation of the events that had transpired, they could finally go to their room.

Dazai hadn’t even tried to persuade Chuuya to let him in on the bed. He’d taken a bottle from the mini bar inside the room and had let himself pass out on the floor while drinking it.

For two hours after they had arrived, Chuuya hadn’t been able to close his eyes.
There were still so many thoughts, so many questions plaguing his mind.

He was glad the case had been solved, and everyone was okay and back at their homes, but a big part of him felt conflicted.
What they had done would surely have negative effects on the Port Mafia, and a part of him was glad for that.
Another part felt shame and regret.
His loyalties didn’t lie with the Port Mafia anymore, yet there was still this tiny part of him that didn’t want to see the organization being brought to its knees.

It was the same part that told him Dazai hadn’t changed.
It was a stupid little part, a faint whisper that haunted the back of his mind.

Unfortunately, today’s events had only made it louder.

…

The sun was a nuisance.

Dazai pushed the bottle away, and stood up, intending to walk towards the curtains on the side of the window and close them.
The daylight was too bright and it made his eyes hurt.

He stood up, closed the curtains to shield the sunlight away from him, and let his body fall back to the soft mattress. Now no longer occupied by Chuuya.
Dazai tried to return to his sleep.

After some seconds he realized that would not be happening.
Once he had woken up, Dazai couldn’t go back to sleep.
He did the second-best thing.

He moved himself to the bathroom to splash his face with some water.
He looked at the mirror.
A mistake, really.
The black coat and the white button-up shirt beneath it. His bandages dirty, stained with blood. His hair a mess.
Simply throwing some water on his face wouldn’t be enough.

He took off his clothes and his coat and he stepped into the shower.
He turned the faucet on and got under the shower head, letting the hot water run down his body.

The mission had been a success but why didn’t it feel like it? he tried to ignore his reflection and just focus on his thoughts.
They had captured everyone involved in the kidnappings, and with the clues and evidence, they had gathered they could probably dig up some even deeper stuff, like the whereabouts of older victims.
They had made a gigantic breakthrough with that mission that could help so many people in the future but Dazai couldn't care less about that.
Why?
Why couldn’t he care? What was so wrong with him?
He slid his back on the wall, falling on the marble ground.
He sat there and watched the water as it spiraled before going down the drain.

The man behind the ring had recognized him.
It had taken him a bit longer to figure it out than Dazai had anticipated, but in the end, he had.

He watched the water slowly turning red as it washed over his bandages.
He’d forgotten to take them off.

The man hadn’t recognized him by his appearance.
He hadn’t recognized him by his voice.
Neither by his name.
It took Dazai holding him at gunpoint, staring at him with those soulless eyes of his, as he joked about how easy it would be to just pull the trigger.

And even then, the man was still oblivious to who Dazai was.
He’d gotten that he had been the demon Executive of the Mafia, but nothing more.
No wonder.
He’d seen so many young adolescents in his life, what was one more?
Why would he remember Dazai?
But Dazai remembered him.

It wasn’t every day that someone had the guts to ask the boss if he would sell his prodigy to them.

Dazai stepped out of the shower, water leaking from his bandages to the floor. With his hand, he took one end of the gauze and started to unwrap it, throwing every piece that came off in the bin.
Soon he was completely exposed.
He tied a towel around his waist and reached for the cabinet.

It was a hotel.
They didn’t have bandages stocked in their bathroom cabinets, and he hadn’t brought any with him.
He could find some, if he requested them, but to do that we would have to leave the bathroom and go back to the main room.
And even if he rang the reception phone, a staff member would have to come to the room.

He observed his right hand, and all the scars on it, trying to dictate if they were visible enough.
They were.
His eyes shifted to his other hand, and the scars there.
His tattoo was way more distracting than any scar.

Chuuya
He could just call Chuuya and tell him to bring some bandages when he’d come up again.
Why hadn’t that been his first thought?
Chuuya was out. He could get him some bandages on his way back, and everything would be solved.

Or not everything.

The reason he hadn’t thought of that first was that his mind was trying to avoid thinking about him.
Thinking about Chuuya he couldn’t help but remember the look on his face yesterday.
He had been so disappointed in him.
He’d probably be thinking he was having one of his crisis again, like the one he had the first day they ever met, where Dazai had just shot a random person a couple more times than it had been necessary.
He hadn’t been well that day, and he’d seen the man suffering on the ground and he just-
It had just hit him so hard.
He had been projecting his own suffering and how much he had wanted an end to it, and everything just-
Like the water on the drain, he had spiraled.
One thought had led to another, and one shot had led to a second and a third, and before he knew it, Chuuya had kicked the gun out of his hand.
Stopping that horrible little train of thoughts.
He must have thought he was doing the same thing yesterday.
Was he?
Dazai didn’t intend to pull the trigger on the man.
He just wanted him to remember.
He wouldn’t have killed him.
Or would he?
If Chuuya hadn’t stopped him, would he have been able to stop himself?
Or would he take it too far?

No, no.

It was exactly those thoughts Dazai had been trying so hard to avoid.

He would just call Chuuya and tell him to bring over some bandages because he had run out. When Chuuya would be there, he would explain to him why he had held the man at gunpoint.
He couldn’t have Chuuya misunderstand his actions because what if Chuuya started doubting him?
What if Chuuya started doubting his change like he did?
No.
He hadn’t killed anyone in over three years.
That was a change.
Wasn’t it?
Maybe it wasn’t enough.
Maybe-

‘’ You up? ’’Dazai heard Chuuya’s voice from the main room.
‘’ Yeah, just taking a shower.’’ Dazai shouted loud enough for him to hear over the bathroom door.
He grabbed the bathrobe from the hanger and put it on.
Some of the scars on his neck and lower legs were still visible, but the ones on his torso and arms weren’t.
He opened the door, enough to get his head out.
‘’ Hey, Chuuya,’’ He called.
Chuuya neared the door to hear him.
‘’ What? ’’ He sounded tired.
‘’ Can you do me a little favor? ‘’ Dazai asked, putting on an awkward smile.
Chuuya arched his eyebrow, giving Dazai the signal to go on with his request.
‘’ Would you be so kind as to go and get me some bandage rolls from the reception?’’ He asked nicely, ‘’ I ran out.’’ He added.
‘’ Is that all? ’’ Chuuya looked so done with him.
Hadn’t he slept well?
Was that why he was so grumpy?
‘’ Well, yeah.’’ Dazai confirmed.
Chuuya walked away from him and towards his suitcase. He took something out and threw it to Dazai.
Dazai caught it with his arm.
‘’ Had it in case anyone got injured. ‘’ Chuuya explained even though Dazai hadn’t asked. Dazai looked at the roll now in his palm.
Oh
Dazai thought about all the things he could say to make Chuuya absolutely livid.
There were so many.
Oh, he could tease him about that for days.

‘’ Thanks.’’

‘’ Provoking Mori was taking it too far.’’ Chuuya said, a serious expression on his face. Dazai shifted his body so he wouldn’t have to face him.
‘’ I know.’’ He admitted, uninterested in meeting Chuuya’s eyes.
‘’ Then why did you do it?’’
Cause he wanted Mori to know he was behind this.
Cause he wanted to have the credit for the Port Mafia’s inevitable fall.
‘’ I don’t know, ‘’ he lied, ‘’ that ring was one of my first responsibilities as a new fully-fledged Executive. I guess I wanted it gone.’’
‘’ So what? You’re angry at Mori for giving you a disgusting first job? ‘’ Chuuya’s confusion was understandable. It really sounded like was throwing a stupid tantrum.’’ We condoned a lot of bad things as executives, Dazai. We also tortured and killed people but I thought that was behind us, now.‘’
Here it comes.
Dazai could practically hear his next words before he even opened his mouth.
‘’ At least that’s what I thought up until you were ready to blow that bastard’s brains out.’’ He wasn’t looking at him yet he knew Chuuya was smiling.
Not a happy smile, but rather a venomous one. One that tried to hide his disappointment.
‘’ I didn’t do that out of anger.’’ It was true.’’ Anger is such a childish emotion, it can’t drive to do anything.’’ Dazai tried to explain himself. ‘’ And besides, I’m not angry at Mori. ’’
‘’ What.’’
‘’ I’m not angry with him? Why would I be?’’
Chuuya turned to look at him. To look at the way Dazai stared at the floor.
‘’ Wasn’t he the reason…your friend died? ‘’ He contemplated on saying the name.
Dazai didn’t answer right away.

The silence after that was too loud.

‘’ No.’’ He said, his eyes still on the floor.’’ He isn’t the one at fault. ‘’
There was something so earnest in his words.
‘’ Then who is to blame? ‘’ If he didn’t blame Mori then-
‘’ I am. ‘’ Sincerity leaked from his every word,‘’ I’m the reason Odasaku is dead.’’ It was as if he believed that.
His voice remained controlled and leveled but something was off.
‘’ You can’t blame yourself for not having saved him.‘’ Was it true? Did Dazai truly believe that?
‘’ It’s not your fault, you couldn’t have-
Dazai turned to face him, his brown eyes finding Chuuya’s. ‘’ Did I ever tell you about the day I met Odasaku? ’’

Chuuya had always known Odasaku had been important to him but he had never known just how much.
Hearing Dazai go into detail about how they had met and how their friendship had started and everything about how Oda treated him.
He had thought Oda was just a friend to Dazai, but he had been so much more.
He’d been like family to him.

When Dazai had told him he was the reason Oda had joined the Mafia so many dots connected in his head.
Suddenly so many things made sense.
Listening to the story, Chuuya came to a conclusion.
Contrary to what he said, Dazai did blame Mori and Ango. He did loathe them both for what they had done, but that blame, that hatred couldn’t hold a candle to what Dazai was feeling for himself.

Chuuya didn’t know what to say after Dazai had finished reciting the story.

‘’ I dragged him into the mafia, you see.’’ Dazai concluded, ‘’ So if anyone is to blame, that would be me.’’
Chuuya had this sudden urge to get up and just wrap his arms around him. Tell him that it wasn’t his fault.
He blamed the thought on his sympathy.
‘’ And who dragged you into the mafia? Mori.’’ Chuuya made a huge effort to sound rational, ‘’ so in your logic, the one at fault isn’t you but rather Mori.’’
‘’ That’s not-
‘’ Okay, then. I’m at fault for the Flag’s deaths.’’
Dazai widened his eyes when he said that. His surprise was the same as the one Chuuya felt saying it.
Dazai was showing him a vulnerable side of him.
He’d do the same.
‘’ That was-
‘’ No, no. In your logic, neither Varlaine nor N is to blame, right?’’ That was the only way Dazai would get it.
Soft words and pretty lies wouldn’t work on him.
‘’ The flags were my friends, so it was my fault that Verlaine killed them. Right? ‘’
Dazai’s face, always so controlled and neutral, had changed a thousand expressions as Chuuya kept talking. ‘’ The Flags chose to be my friends. It’s the same as Oda choosing to join the mafia.Right?’’
Chuuya was not having it.
He wouldn’t leave the room unless Dazai spoke.
‘’ They were our friends and they paid for that. They-
‘’ Stop it.’’ Dazai finally snapped. ‘’ I get it, okay, now stop it.’’
‘’ Do you still believe that we were at fault? ‘’
Dazai contemplated his answer. Did he?
Odasaku had died because he was in the mafia and he had joined the mafia because of him, but Dazai couldn’t have known what would happen when he made him the offer.
Could he?
In Chuuya’s case, he was a hundred percent sure Chuuya had played absolutely no role in the Flag’s deaths.
If anything Dazai should be blamed for that as well.
He had known Varlaine was coming. He could have warned Chuuya in advance, and he could have warned the Flags, and maybe then-
‘’ So I killed the Flags? ‘’ Chuuya would twist the knife as deep as it could go if it meant Dazai would walk out of that room, feeling even the tiniest bit lighter.
‘’ No.’’ Dazai was quick to respond.
‘’ Then you didn’t kill Oda.’’ Chuuya was even quicker. ‘’ Simple as that.’’ He stood up from the bed and stretched himself. ‘’ Now stop wallowing in self-pity, and get the fuck up. We have the day off.’’

There weren’t many people who could make Dazai doubt himself.
He didn’t care for anyone’s opinion that much.
Two exceptions.
Odasaku and Chuuya.
They were the only two people whose words could affect his mind. Whose words could make him rethink and re-evaluate circumstances and situations.

Chuuya’s words, although more aggressive than Odasaku’s, could always hit the mark.
The way he’d talked about the Flags, just so Dazai could see things from a different perspective…
He hadn’t voiced it, but it had meant a lot.

…

‘’ Do you understand how dangerous that was?‘’ Kunikida yelled, pacing around the small crowded room, ’’ Using Nakahara as bait for people like them Dazai your plans can be so-
‘’ Are we finished yet? ‘’ Dazai yawned, leaning back on his chair. Chuuya, who was seated beside him, let out a laugh. ‘’ You’ve been lecturing us for more than.’’He checked the clock on the far end wall of the storage room, ‘’ an hour and a half, Can we go already~’’
Kunikida was at his limit.
‘’ Nakahara is newer to this job than you are, Dazai.’’ He wasn’t yelling at them because he didn’t have anything better to do. He simply just wanted Dazai to understand a few things about how they operated.
‘’ I was your partner for a while, okay, so I expect you to do things like that, but that was going too far.’’ Kunikida pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to take a breath and calm himself down. ‘’ When the Agency and the President agreed to partner you two up, we didn’t expect you would-
‘’ Kunikida~’’ Dazai tried to disrupt him. ‘’ You forget that Chuuya and I know each other.’’ He reminded him. ‘’ I would never put my roommate in danger,’’ he put his hand on his heart and looked at Chuuya. ‘’ What would I do if he died?’’ He started his theatrics, earning an eye roll from his partner. ‘’ I wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt and the-
‘’ Oh, fuck off. ‘’Chuuya kicked his chair, but to his surprise instead of spinning around Dazai fell to the ground.
Chuuya let out another laugh, this one louder.’’ Forgot you had a stale chair, now’’ He said, looking down at him.
‘’ Kunikida hates me, that’s why.’’ Dazai whined, ‘’ He took away my office chair.’’ he pouted at the blond man.
Kuniida looked at the both of them, the exasperation clear in his eyes.
‘’ Okay, fine,’’ Kunikida decided to let them go.
He had a lot of paperwork to do, he couldn’t sit there and deal with their children-like behavior.’’ Nakahara,’’ He turned his attention towards the redhead. ‘’ are you okay with being Dazai’s partner and operating according to all his plans and tactics that would be considered dangerous and immoral by most? ‘’
‘’ I’ve been his partner for half a year now, Kunikida. I’m honestly fine with that.’’
‘’ See, Kunikida, Chuuya trusts me.’’ Dazai smiled, still on the floor.’’ And to leave your mind at peace,’’ He continued, ‘’ Even if we did end up in a dangerous situation, believe me, Chuuya is more than capable to get us out.’’
Chuuya glared at him.
Kunikida regarded them both.
‘’ Have your reports ready by eight and you can leave.’’

It was funny just how oblivious Kunikida was.
Noth often wondered how he would react if they casually told them that they had been partners before.
And in the Mafia.
Would he know about them? About the terror Twin Dark used to be?
He was a detective only for a few years now, so they doubt it.
If anyone would know, that would be Ranpo.

It was funny to think about it.
Funny in a sense that it made them both feel uncomfortable and light-headed.
How would the ADA react to them being from the Port Mafia?

Well, sooner or later they’d found out, it was inevitable.
Dazai knew that day was coming, and he knew it was coming rather soon.

TWO MONTHS LATER

" It's not every day a man turns 21, Chuuya. " Dazai reminded him in his nonchalant manner, " Your present had to be special. It had to be-"
" Oh, just tell me already, you fucker. " Chuuya snapped. " You've been so annoying about this present, I'm starting to believe it never even existed in the first place.’’
Dazai gasped, putting his hand on his heart. "You think I would lie to you?"
Chuuya's deafening silence and piercing gaze was an answer on its own.
" Okay, okay, fair. But not about something this important." he tried to reason.
Chuuya continued to stare at him, slowly arching his left eyebrow.
Dazai let out a sight. " Okay, point. But I didn't lie about your present."
" Where is it then? "
" We're getting there, have a little patience. "

Chuuya looked at the staircase they were descending.
The only possible place they could be going to would be the Agency's Garage. There were no other rooms down there, at least not to his knowledge.

" Oh, you're gonna love it." Dazai remarked, obviously trying to make Chuuya boil in his anticipation.

Chuuya had had enough of that.
Dazai had been teasing his birthday gift for a year now, and it was exhausting. He'd make one stupid little comment about it and Chuuya's mind would be spinning for hours, dancing around all the different possibilities.

" The garage? " Chuuya asked, coming to a logical conclusion. " What, you got me a car or something? " He joked.
" Or something. " Dazai echoed, giving him a very vague answer.
" Dazai, I swear to god, if-
His words failed him as Dazai opened the garage door and they stepped inside.
" SURPRISE~ "
No.
" Happy Birthday, Chuuya~"
No
Chuuya tried blinking a couple of times but the image in front of him wouldn't fade.
He kept closing and opening his eyes, trying to convince himself that what he was seeing wasn't the real one but rather a replica.
It had to be a replica. A perfect replica.

" It's my motorcycle." He finally said, admitting it to himself. "That's my motorcycle." The boy repeated, looking at the bright fuchsia machine in awe.
" Dazai that's-
Fuck.
" You'd have to go to Headquarters to get this and even if you did that, how the fuck did you even bring it here? "
There were so many questions swarming his mind.
" How-There must be trackers in it- The mafia-
" Jee, calm down." Dazai raised his hands to signal at him." I just slithered my way into headquarters, guessed the password, got into the garage, found your bike, destroyed every tracker I found on it, moved it to the exit, and brought it here." A smirk appeared on his lips then, " No big deal."
" No big deal? That's- " Chuuya stopped himself in the middle of his sentence. ‘’ How did you bring it here, exactly? ‘’ He asked, understanding that there weren’t a lot of ways he could have pulled that off.
Dazai lowered his head, suddenly finding the floor pretty interesting. ‘’ I drove it here. ‘’ He said, his voice as low as a whisper.
‘’ You drove it here. ‘’ It was the most logical approach yet the one most unbelievable.
Dazai drove. It sounded bad on its own, but add a motorcycle next to the verb and-
‘’ You drove this motorcycle here all the way from Headquarters? ‘’ Speaking the thought aloud made it all the more impossible.
‘’ If you’re worried about me crushing into anything, or mistreating it, don’t be.’’ Dazai started, moving towards the vehicle. ‘’ The bike isn’t damaged. it’s not even scratched. ‘’
Chuuya could see that.
The bike was in perfect condition.
‘’ Since when do you know how to drive motorbikes? ‘’
‘’ I don’t. ‘’ Dazai lied, smiling. ‘’ I just got up and wished for the best. ‘’
Chuuya was at a loss for words.
‘’ Okay, you win.’’ He finally said, trailing his hand on the bike’s leather seat. ‘’ It is the best present. ‘’
Dazai pretended to be dusting off his hands, ‘’ Then my job here is done.’’ He said, clasping them together. ‘’ Glad I could-
Chuuya reached his hand and grabbed his shirt. ‘’ Where are you running off to? ‘’
‘’ Uh, back to-
‘’ You can’t do this and just run off.’’ Chuuya lectured,

There were so many thoughts running around inside his head.
Dazai had really fucking done that.
He’d gotten him his motorcycle back.
There was nothing, absolutely nothing, that could have made for a better present than that.
Dazai had really outdone himself this time.

There weren’t enough words in the world for Chuuya to voice his appreciation.
That hot pink bike meant so much to him.
Having it finally back…
He couldn’t even start to explain how valuable it was to him.

Dazai could really be such a real pain in the ass, but then he’d do things like this and-
Fuck.
He’d make him so fucking happy, any doubt and any second thought about them would just vanish.

If his fifteen-year-old self could see him now, he knew he would just laugh at his face.
Dazai? Making him happy?
What kind of tasteless anecdote was that?
But it wasn’t an anecdote at all.

‘’ Want it or not, you’re coming with me for a test drive. ‘’ he said, jumping on the seat of the motorcycle.‘’ So sit your ass down and hold tight.’’

Chapter Text

6 MONTHS LATER

‘’ I’m tired~’’ Dazai groaned, letting his head fall into the table. ‘’ I need a break~’’ He turned his head to the right so he could look at Chuuya and the rest of them.
Chuuya ignored him, focusing back on his conversation with Ranpo and Yosano.
When he was done with saying whatever he had been saying, he turned to Dazai. ‘’I’m sure you’ll manage.’’ he said with a forced smile.
‘’ Easy for you to say.’’ Dazai fiddled with the straw of his cup. ‘’ You weren’t holed up inside the office for three days now, writing reports.’’
‘’ I think that was your fault, Dazai.’’ Ranpo reminded him, ‘’ You were the one avoiding paperwork like the plague for months. ‘’
‘’ Yeah, but that was different~.’’ Dazai tried to reason.
‘’ Oh, no,’’ Yosano spoke, ‘’ If it isn't the consequences of my actions.’’ She joked, earning a snicker from Ranpo.
‘’ Come on guys,’’ Chuuya interrupted, ‘’ It’s not Dazai’s fault that he didn’t write a single report for half a year now, even though everyone told him to do it because then they would pile up and he’d be forced in a situation like this.’’ He smiled. ‘’Oh, wait.’’
Yosano laughed at that. ‘’ I see,’’ She said, continuing the joke.’’ Ranpo, why would you blame Dazai for not doing his job? ‘’ She turned to accuse him.
Ranpo shrugged, letting his head fall on the table in the same manner as Dazai had.
‘’ I’m so sorry, Dazai, ‘’ He said, ‘’ It wasn’t your fault.’’ All three of them held in their laughter, waiting to see who would contribute to the conversation next.
Their heads turned to Kunikida as he entered through the door of the cafe, yelling Dazai’s name.
Dazai turned his head so it would face the wall. ‘’ Pretend I’m sleeping.’’ He whispered loud enough for them to hear.
Kunikida approached their table to see them all seated there, Dazai on the far left corner next to Chuuya.
‘’ He’s there.’’ Ranpo said, pointing at him.
‘’ He isn’t sleeping,’’ Yosano added.
‘’ Wide awake.’’ Chuuya shook him to show Kunikida.

Dazai turned his head again, his disappointment in his co-workers, clearly visible.
Kunikida stood there, watching them.
‘’ You know you aren’t done right? ‘’ They all looked at Dazai. ‘’ So get your ass up, and go back to work, you waste of bandages.’’’ Kunikida ordered.
‘’ But I already did so much~’’ Dazai groaned.
‘’ Didn’t I, Chuuya? ‘’ He turned to his partner for support.
Chuuya looked at Kunikida. ‘’ How many more papers does he have to write? ‘’ He asked, trying to play the middle man.
‘’ 34.’’
Chuuya turned to Dazai.’’ And how many have you written? ‘’
‘’ 66. ‘’ Dazai said, ashamed of the number.
Chuuya nodded his head.
‘’Dazai.’’ Kunikida yelled again, ‘’ Stop lazing around, and get to work.’’
Dazai's eyes went back to his partner.
‘’ Oh, don’t look at me like that.’’ Chuuya said, standing up so he would clear the way for Dazai, ‘’ I’m not the one that let his reports pile up to a hundred before doing them.’’
‘’ Fine, fine.’’ Dazai got up, ‘’ Thanks a lot for covering me.’’ He said with a blank expression, turning to Yosano and Ranpo.
‘’ No problem.’’
‘’ Any time.’’
Chuuya looked at his co-workers, before adding, ‘’ It’s my job as your partner.’’
Dazai glared at them before following Kunikida upstairs.

All the rest of the ADA members had the day off, but no, he had to stay inside with Kunikida over his shoulder writing 30-plus reports.
It was exhausting.
If he was by himself, he’d just write them as quickly as he could, but since Kunikida was supervising him he couldn’t. The man would find that behavior too odd.
So now he was stuck having to pretend to slack off while also doing what by Kunikida, was considered his best.

He sat down and stared at the papers.
It was going to be a looong day.

‘’ And what did we learn today? ‘’ Chuuya prompted, walking beside him, as they passed through the park.
Dazai grimaced, before replying.
‘’ We do our paperwork so it won’t pile up.’’ He said in a robotic and monotone voice.
Chuuya applauded him, his smile full of irony.

They sat there at the park for a while, sitting on top of a ramp, dangling their feet from the edge whilst looking at the moon hidden behind the tall trees.
It was so serene.
The silence, disrupted only by the wind as it passed through the branches, the scenery, with the moon casting its bluish light on the trees and the ramps and the paths.
If you focused, you could even hear the faint echo of the busy street at the end of the park.

It was such a calming place, that park.
Walking it at night, after a busy day at work always felt like a reward.

After a few minutes of walking, they reached their destination.

Their new apartment was a bit further away from the agency, right on the other side of the park. It was a nicer, bigger apartment than the one Chief Taneda had given them to use.
The Chief hadn’t evicted them nor had he complained about them occupying his space. The decision to move out had been entirely theirs.
They had packed everything up, handed the keys to the man, said their goodbyes, and left.

At first, they had rented the place.
Their salaries were good enough for that, so that’s what they did.
After a few months though, and after having been declared the best detective duo in Yokohama, their salaries were more than enough, and they were able to buy the place.

So it was theirs, now.
Entirely their own.

Which was a good thing, sure, but it was also very…bad in a way.

Their apartment had a very…contradicting style.
On one hand, there were sides full of expensive and luxurious items, decorated and polished to perfection, and on the other, there were sides so plain and boring, you’d think you’d stepped into another world.
It was easy to see who had made what decision.

Chuuya had always had a more refined taste, a taste for finer things of high quality, meant for people in the higher classes. He blamed that on Kouyou’s influence.
Growing up being raised by her, inside that luxury and aristocracy, he developed the same habits.
The same adoration for more elegant and more alluring things

Dazai couldn’t care less about stuff so trivial as these.

So a shared space between the two of them was bound to reflect that.

…

‘’ Would it kill you if we just put a painting there? ‘’ Chuuya asked, eyeing the empty wall in the hallway that separated their bedrooms.
‘’ I wish it would.’’
‘’ Great, then we’re-
‘’ The wall is on my side.’’ Dazai was quick to cut in,’’ And I say it stays bare.’’
Chuuya threw his head back, his patience running thin. ‘’ I let you paint it that color. I ain’t letting you decide anything else.’’
‘’ What's wrong with the color? ‘’ Dazai asked, observing the wall.
‘’ Are you kidding me?’’ Chuuya looked at Dazai.’’ That is the ugliest shade of green I’ve ever-
‘’ It’s sage.’’
‘’ It’s fucking atrocious.’’
‘’ But it blends so well with your walls.’’
He was lying. There was no way he actually believed that.
He was trying to make a fool of him again.
‘’ It really doesn’t.’’
Dazai walked away, ‘’ Just because your taste is tacky, doesn’t mean mine has to be as well.’’
Chuuya walked after him, ‘’ At least mine is tacky,’’ he pretended to agree, ‘’ yours is nonexistent.’’
Dazai crossed the kitchen to get into the living room.
‘’ I’ll paint this wall sage as well, now that I’m thinking about it.’’
‘’ I’ll paint mine red if you dare do that.’’ Chuuya glared at him,
‘’ With my blood? ‘’ Dazai completed his thought, ‘’ Wow, very original, Chuuya. Bravo.’’
He would kill him.
One of these days, he would kill him.

‘’ Just put the movie on.’’ He tried to be the mature one and end their little dispute.
Dazai took the controller and sat on the couch. ‘’ Is it finally my turn to pick? ’’
Chuuya sat on the same couch, the furthest he could away from him.
‘’ Yes.’’ He said, defeated.
‘’ Ohhh,’’ Dazai went straight for the search bar, ‘’ I know what we’ll watch.’’

Chuuya hated it when Dazai picked the movie.
Thankfully that only happened once every twenty movies, so it wasn’t often.
That agreement had been a result of a bet he’d lost, about who could alter their appearance the most before Ranpo commented on it.
It was one of the very few bets Chuuya had won.

‘’ Wait, shit, what time is it? ‘’ Chuuya took the controller and paused the god-awful movie that had been playing for three hours now.
Dazai looked at the time on the bottom of the screen ‘’ Half-past seven.’’ He replied.
They both looked at each other then, their eyes widening.
‘’ The dinner.’’ They yelled in unison, getting up from the couch and rushing to their bedrooms.

In light of recent events, the Police Department was having a dinner party and five members of the Agency had been invited.
Chuuya and Dazai were among them.

It was a very important dinner that could help the Agency’s image. A rare opportunity for the Agency to be networking with people of the government and of the police.
The presence of all five of them wasn’t optional, it was mandatory, and as Kunikida had put it so eloquently, tardiness would not be tolerated.
The dinner started at 8.
It was half-past seven, and they weren’t even dressed yet.
The drive to the restaurant alone would be twenty minutes.

Things weren’t looking too good for them.

They arrived at the appointed place, just a few seconds after the clock had struck 8, earning some sharp looks from Kunikida. Yosano, who was already present, attempted to defend them, telling the man that no one would be counting down the seconds.
Kunikida agreed to let it slide if their excuse was good enough. Ranpo turned his head to them, to see what they would say.
Chuuya opened his mouth, ready to cover them by saying something urgent had come up having to do with the piping system of the apartment. But before he could have the chance to talk first, Dazai spoke.
‘’ We were watching a movie.’’ He said, so calmly and so proudly.
Kunikida’s forehead vein popped up right then. It hadn’t been visible before.
‘’ At least they're dressed appropriately.’’ Yosano was doing her best to help them. Ranpo just stood there, calculating how long it would take before Kunikida would lose his patience with them.
Seeing Kunikida’s lack of reaction, he decided to throw some oil into the fire.
‘’ What movie? ‘’ He asked, his question addressed to Dazai.
Dazai’s eyes sparked, ‘’ A movie about the life of a bee that sued the human species.’’ He said, excited to share that part.‘’ The four-hour director's cut, of course.’’
If disappointment could take the form of a person, it would be Kunikida at that moment.
‘’ I say we head inside, ‘’ Yosano proposed, changing the trajectory of the conversation.‘’ We don’t want to be even more late, now, do we? ’’

Fukuzawa had been adamant about one thing and one thing only. Sure, tardiness and bad behavior would be frowned upon and there would be consequences but inappropriate dressing?
Fukuzawa had made it abundantly clear. Anyone who would not arrive at the occasion looking their best would lose their job.
Simple as that. He wanted the Agency to have a good image and leave a positive impression on all the attendees.
If his employees couldn’t respect and carry out his wishes, then they would no longer be his employees.
Fortunately, they all respected him enough to live up to his expectations.

Dazai and Chuuya were wearing matching black suits, with lilac button-ups on the inside. Dazai had worn his suit buttoned up, the lilac only visible on the top and the bottom beneath the suit. Chuuya had made the decision to wear his, open, exposing the shirt below in all its splendor.
Both of them were also wearing black ties, with the sole exception being, that Dazai’s had a golden little detail on the spot where the knot ended, while Chuuya’s had a silver one.
His gloves and hat, together with Dazai's bandages, would be the only other distinguishing elements of their attire. Although those didn’t count as accessories to them.

Ranpo had opted to dress in all black as well. His suit, however, although buttoned-up, was more revealing, making it easy for the people to see the green vest between the suit and the white shirt underneath. In Chuuya’s opinion, the way he had rolled up his sleeves and cuffed the bottoms of his pants, had been a nice little personal touch.
The look, albeit a bit less formal, suited him the best.
Kunikida’s outfit was most similar to Ranpo’s. He wore a black suit with a green vest layered upon a black shirt. However, hardly any of his vest was showing.
On his neck, instead of his signature red bolo tie, he was sporting a crimson cravat.

All four of them were dressed to the nines but Yosano was dressed to kill.

She was dressed in a stunning, long, red gown with a high split that reached her upper thigh. It was a backless dress with a plunging neckline and no sleeves. A pearly necklace with a crimson gem on the front, the shape of a little tear, accompanied it.
Her hair had been slicked back into a tight bun, with a few streaks left loose to frame her face.

To demonstrate the class the agency had been rumored to lack, they had all dressed their best.
If Fukuzawa could have seen them, they knew he would have approved.

Dazai, always the gentleman, pushed open the door for Yosano and the rest to pass through. She gave him a smile, before going inside the restaurant. Ranpo and Kunikida followed her.
When it was Chuuya’s turn to pass, Dazai suddenly let go of the handle.
If he hadn’t been for the occasion, Chuuya would have thrown a whole fucking table at him. Chairs included.
But he respected the venue enough not to do so.

Entering the room, they had expected to see a lot of familiar faces.
They knew Taneda was bound to be there, as head of the Special Division. The Vice-minister of justice, Tonan, and his close associate Sakashita were also rumored to attend the gathering. The chief of the police was the one behind the whole affair so he had to be present. Maybe they’d also see a few people close to the department that they collaborated with?
It was a closed event for people of a higher caliber and status. All of those candidates made perfect sense.
There was one person, however, who fit all that criteria, that both of them had failed to expect.
Well, Dazai was sure he’d make an appearance, he had just tried not to think about it.
That man was no other than Ango Sakaguchi, a close friend of the Chief’s and a valuable ally to have.

Dazai tensed up the moment he spotted him sitting at their table but acted as if nothing had ever happened. To his co-workers' knowledge, Ango was nothing but a stranger to him. Someone of a high status whose friendship, should be earned, could be proven beneficial to the Agency. There was no reason for Dazai to act all jittery around him.
Chuuya wasn’t just another coworker of Dazai’s, though.
He didn’t miss the micro-expressions on his face when he saw him. The way his eyes widened just enough or the way his lip quivered ever so slightly.
Dazai didn't want to be around Ango, and Chuuya was well aware of that fact.
For personal reasons, he also did not want to be around the man.

Arriving last at a gathering such as that had one major con. You can only sit where there is an opening, and unfortunately for them, the only opening, the only two seats available, just so happened to be next to Ango.
Dazai, knowing about Chuuya’s feelings towards the man, had decided to take the empty seat between them. Him enduring Ango’s presence wouldn’t be as hard as it would be for Chuuya. Chuuya had always hated him, whereas Dazai had once been his friend.

He was heading towards the chair when he noticed Chuuya ahead of him.
His partner had already sat down before he could reach it.
Dazai took the chair next to him.
He looked at Chuuya, a question in his eyes.

Chuuya hated Ango.
He wanted nothing to do with that man. He remembered how he used to curse and call him names every time he had to work with him back in the mafia. He deserved it, of course.
Ango had been responsible for the deaths of some of his friends during, what he had later called, the Dragon Head Conflict.
Chuuya's rage had not subsided throughout the years. He still blamed him.
So why had he sat there?
Dazai would never hear the answer but the reason was quite simple.

Chuuya shrugged his shoulders at him before directing his attention to the person greeting them, seated at the head of the table.

He cared for Dazai more than he hated Ango.

…

The dinner had been a disaster but it hadn’t been the Agency’s fault.

From the moment they arrived, till the moment the dinner had ended, both the Justice Minister representatives had been at the Agency’s throat, constantly bugging them with questions about their views on certain topics.
One of the topics mentioned had been their collusion and alliance with the Port Mafia, as part of the Tripartite Framework.
From what Dazai had gathered, they had been trying to find a reason to start questioning the Agency’s morals. He didn’t know why they were being so persistent but if he had to guess he’d say they had some personal issues with their president, Fukuzawa.
Their questions were mostly directed at Ranpo, who they had called the President’s favorite. With evasive and vague answers Ranpo had managed to satisfy them enough as to get the hint and drop the subject. Their interrogation, however, had not stopped there.
After some minutes of letting the head of the police lead the conversation, they opened their mouths again, this time to ask Taneda and Sakaguchi about their own opinion on the Tripartite Framework, and if they thought it was working.
That’s when everything started to go south.

Taneda had proposed that Ango answer that question, since he had a more vast experience, having been on two of the organizations in the Tripartite Framework. He had been a government worker, a consultant to the Special Division for Unusual Powers for years now. He had also worked at the Port Mafia, as that had been a part of his job as a spy there.
He was the only one on the table that had insights into two organizations…Well, the only one who people knew of.

Hearing Ango talk about his time while infiltrating the mafia made Chuuya want to stand up and punch him so hard that his face would be disfigured for the rest of his life.
He wondered what Dazai was thinking, as he heard Ango utter the same words over and over again.

‘’ It was just another job I had to do.’’ Ango shrugged off some of the compliments people had given him while reciting the story. ‘’ Another role I had to play to fulfill my duties. ‘’
Another role?
Chuuya made the mistake to gaze over at Dazai.
He looked so empty, sitting there with his eyes fixed on the man that was speaking.
There wasn’t a hint of emotion on his face.
Chuuya knew that look well. It was the most telling one.

‘’ How was it? ‘’ the Vice Minister asked, ‘’ working for the Port Mafia. A righteous young man such as yourself must have found it difficult.’’
If Chuuya hadn’t been watching him, waiting for his answer, he could have missed the slight smile that tugged on his lips. ‘’ It was definitely a challenge but at the end of the day, it hadn’t been that horrendous.’’ Ango said and for a split second, he scouted the table, his eyes staying on Dazai just for a tad more than they should have. ‘’ I got along with my then co-workers fairly decently,’’ he continued, ‘’ and the work wasn’t that demanding. Except for a couple of all-nighters, I remember pulling, it hadn’t been hard.’’
The vice-minister nodded his head. ‘’ Mister Sakaguchi, you are a government worker. With all due respect, we know the paperwork wouldn’t have been hard for you.’’ he stated, letting his associate continue for him, ‘’ We were asking about how it was working alongside those…people. How were they like..’’ He said it with such disgust as if the people in the mafia were the plague.
‘’ Oh, ‘’ Ango seemed to realize what they had initially meant. ‘’ The people there, they lack a moral compass.’’ He started, ‘’ They are paid handsomely to do awful and most often illegal things. They torture and they kill and they feel nothing of it. And even those few that do feel things as guilt and regret, they never lift a finger to help or fix anything. They stand idle while others kill and exploit to no end.’’
'' Oh my, that's truly horrid.''
‘’ Do you feel guilty? ‘’ The question came from the redhead detective of the agency.
Ango turned to him without missing a beat. ‘’ Pardon?’’
‘’ You say that most Mafia members are nothing but cold-blooded murderers. You were in the mafia yourself. So in which category do you fall under? ’’
By his expression, Chuuya would say Ango had not expected to be challenged in such a way.
‘’ Come on, you must surely have done bad things while working for them,’’ Chuuya pressed, ‘’ If you hadn’t, that would have raised suspicions.’’
‘’ I did.’’ Ango admitted, factually. ‘’ It was requested of me, and I had to carry out my tasks.’’
‘’ You’re not answering my question, mister Sakaguchi.’’ Chuuya kept pressuring him, never losing his composure.
The tension around the table grew thicker.
‘’ Who said I had to, mister Nakahara.’’ Ango countered.
Chuuya smiled at him, ‘’ I was just curious,’’ he said, ‘’ that’s all.’’
Before Ango could get another word in, the vice minister spoke. ‘’ The boy does raise a fair question, don’t you gentlemen agree? ’’
The rest of the men all nodded their heads. ‘’ Mister Sakaguchi,’’ The man spoke again, ‘’ what would you say was the worst thing you did, while a mafia member? ’’
‘’ Do I have to answer? ‘’ Ango was beginning to seem a little less composed.
‘’ Of course not, ‘’ Tonan reassured him, ‘’ Like the young boy there, I’m simply just intrigued on how the experience shaped and, dare I say, changed your morality.’’ the man explained, ‘’ Knowing the extent you were willing to go would give me an idea on just how much certain circumstances can affect you and your beliefs.’’
Ango considered the man, and then Chuuya, who was still wearing that smirk on his face.
‘’ Very well then,’’ he started, ‘’ The single worst thing I ever did was betray my friend’s trust.’’ he said with a sincerity his words didn’t have before.
‘’ And would you say, you feel guilty for that? ‘’ The man, just like Chuuya, kept on pressing him.
‘’ Well, I am human after all, ‘’ he emphasized the word human a bit too much for Chuuya’s comfort. ‘’I did feel bad, but it was a task that had to be done.’’
‘’ I see.’’ His answer seemed to have satisfied the man.
‘’ Do you believe those in the Mafia are human? ’’ The Vice president opened his mouth again.
Chuuya felt stupid for thinking he was done talking.
‘’ You mentioned they felt nothing for what they did, so, would that, in your opinion, make someone not human? ‘’
Ango took a moment to think about his answer.
Everyone on the table was looking at him, hanging from his lips.
Everyone except Dazai.
His head was turned in his direction, but his eyes seemed so vacant, so far away.
‘’ The absence of feelings doesn’t make you any less human.’’ Ango finally spoke, earning a few questioning looks.’’ nothing you do or don’t do can change your human nature. ‘’ He concluded,
‘’ Now, if you were a robot or a clone that would-
All eyes shifted to the left, landing on Chuuya as he coughed.
‘’ Apologies,’’ the man said, raising his hand.’’ I must have choked on my water.’’ He tried his best to remain calm. ( And not kill Ango right then and there.)
The men’s eyes returned back to Ango as he continued speaking.
‘’ Are you okay? ‘’ Yosano mouthed, her eyes on Chuuya’s hand, tightly clenched around his glass. He nodded his head once. ‘’ Fine.’’ He mouthed back.
Chuuya felt something touching his thigh, then.
He looked down to discover Dazai had moved his leg closer to his. A lot closer.
Close enough that their knees were touching.
He lifted his head to face him.
Dazai’s eyes looked so intense, at that moment. If he didn’t know him any better he’d say he looked angry. There was something more in his expression as well, that Chuuya couldn’t quite figure out.
‘’ Excuse me, ‘’ He said, and got up.
Chuuya watched him as he headed to the restroom.

‘’ You’re the best detective here, are you not?’’ Finally, another question for Ranpo. Chuuya felt relief as he saw everyone’s attention shift back to the green-eyed detective. He hoped that they would find his cases much more amusing and interesting and that they would finally drop the talk about the mafia.
As if his wishes had been heard, that’s exactly what happened.

Dazai came back just after a few minutes. To Chuuya’s surprise, he resumed his previous position, keeping the same closeness between them.
In a way, it felt reassuring.
It was Dazai’s subtle way of saying I’m here.
Being that Dazai was hardly the physical type, the gesture meant even more to him.

‘’ You just revive people? ‘’ Yosano’s ability, once out, had amazed the entire table. And why wouldn’t it? Thou shall not die, was one of the greatest abilities, in Chuuya’s mind.
The ability to save and restore lives. The ultimate miracle. It was beautiful.
‘’ I can’t revive people from the dead,’’’ Yosano specified, ‘’ but I can save them if their heart is still beating.’’
‘’ Fascinating. ’’

Apart from the hostility between the Vice Ministers and the Armed Detective Agency which had caused the most disturbances, the rest of the dinner had unfolded smoothly.
By the end of it, the members of the ADA had achieved their goal of becoming a more-well networked organization, seeing as they had tightened their bonds with the heads of the various groups gathered there. Although most of the ministry people still held them at bay, the rest of the attendees had been completely enamored by their attitudes and their stories. Especially those shared by Ranpo.

When the time came, each one of them said their goodbyes, respectfully shaking hands with the rest of the assembly and exchanging wishes for a good future.
The dinner had ended on a good note.

The five of them all exited the restaurant’s doors together, talking about the dinner and how they believed it had gone fairly well.
With the moon shining bright above them, its light fusing with that of the cars and of the buildings around, they walked the street to where their meeting spot had been. Then they stopped.
‘’ Nakahara,‘’ Kunikida turned to address the shortest man in their group, ‘’ You’re joining us, right? ‘’ He asked to make sure. Chuuya hadn’t thought he had been invited when they had mentioned their plans for later in the night. Sure, he’d been in front of them when they had been discussing it, but he didn’t consider that an invitation.
'’ Of course, he is,‘’ Dazai answered for him, putting his arm around his shoulders,‘’ right, Chuuya? ‘’ He faced him, his eyes telling him that he didn’t have much of a choice in the matter.
‘’ Yeah, that’s right,’’ He answered, turning to the rest of them, not breaking away.
‘’ Great then.’’ Yosano said, putting her coat on.‘’ So what is it gonna be today? ‘’ She asked, her eyes flying to Ranpo. ‘’ According to my notebook, Ranpo said we’d go out for a few drinks.’’ Kunikida reminded him, taking his notebook out, readying it in case he’d need it as evidence. ‘’ Hmm,‘’ The man pretended to be thinking, putting his finger on his chin.‘’ You must be right, Kunkida.’’ He said, turning to him. ‘’ I guess we’ll go with that.’’ ‘’ So drinks? ‘’ Dazai asked, a mischievous grin appearing on his lips as he looked over at the blond man. ‘’ Drinks.’’ Ranpo confirmed.

…

‘’ Before we leave, ‘’ Chuuya turned to Dazai,‘’ I know for a fact you didn't go to the restroom, so where did you go? ‘’

The bar they had agreed to go to was a small, low-profile, roof bar near the center of the town. They had agreed to go there in the same way they had come to the dinner so as to not leave any vehicle behind. This meant that Ranpo and Yosano would be in Kunikida’s car, while Dazai and Chuuya would ride on Chuuya’s motorcycle. Since they had the faster vehicle, it was only logical that they ought to leave a bit later, so as to not arrive first and have to wait for them. So now that the two of them had been left alone, Chuuya figured it was the best time to ask him.

‘’ I did go to the restroom," Dazai replied, " The bandages on my arm had begun to unravel so I went to fix them.‘’ he tried to throw him off. Chuuya simply shook his head. ‘’ What did you do Dazai? ’’ He asked again, clear in his voice that he’d figured out he was lying. Dazai couldn’t hide from him. " I was literally just fixing-
" Bullshit."
Dazai's eyes widened just enough.
Lying to Chuuya…it didn't seem to work like it used to. It didn't seem to be working for a long while, now, actually. The fact kind of frightened him. He didn't know whether he had developed some kind of unconscious tell Chuuya had caught up on or…
Whatever the case, withholding the truth from him wouldn't do it anymore.

Dazai let out a sigh before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small folding knife. Chuuya’s eyes urged him to elaborate. ‘’ Ango pissed me off.’’ He said as if that was enough of an explanation. ‘’ So I slashed his tires.’’ ‘’ Wait, what pissed you off? ‘’ Chuuya tried to remember the discussion, searching to find where had Ango said anything that could have angered Dazai to that extent.
Dazai looked at the ground and then at the wall beside Chuuya.’’ He took it too far.’’ He whispered, ‘’ Saying what he did about you.’’ Oh.
" I was fine…" Chuuya lied, " you didn't have to go and-
" And you didn't have to provoke him." Dazai countered. " But you kept on doing it anyway." Why… " Well, he was pissing me off." Chuuya used the same reasoning. " I respect the ADA and the goal of today's gathering and all but he was being a jerk about, you-know-what, and I couldn't let that slide." His words made you sad, goddamnit. You tried to hide it behind that blank expression but I know they made you sad, and I couldn't have that.
" He wasn't being a jerk." Dazai corrected him. " He couldn't exactly reveal everything that went down, so he stated the facts." " He knew you were there, Dazai." Chuuya didn't understand why Dazai was trying so hard to defend him. " He could have worded things differently." 'Another role I had to play to fulfill my duties'...You had been right there. Ango could have chosen better words.
" I really couldn't have cared less about that." Dazai stated. All I cared about was planting a bullet in his head the moment he had made that comment about humanity.

It was weird how they were actually saying all those things.
In short, all they were doing was just having each other's backs against a common enemy. The situation wasn't that unique. They always did that. The difference, however, was that they used to lie about it.
They weren't being perfectly honest now either, but damn they were getting close.
A few years ago even if they had done the exact same thing, they would have never addressed it.
Never.
Chuuya would have rather died than have said anything along the lines of, " they were being a jerk to you and that angered me." Because why, why the fuck would he ever let Dazai know of that? It would have been embarrassing, admitting to him that he actually cared enough about him to get angry on his behalf. Disgusting.
The same went for Dazai. He would have chosen a slow painful death over admitting he had Chuuya's back, any day. ‘He got angry because of a comment Ango made about Chuuya?’ So many things wrong with that sentence.

Several years ago, they would have preferred an agonizing demise rather than speak of it, but here they are now, doing their best to explain to one another why they had gotten mad on the other's behalf.
If fifteen-year-olds them could have seen that, they would have died out of pure embarrassment and disgust

" Okay, let's just agree that Ango was being a jerk to the both of us and end the discussion there." Chuuya gave emphasis on the word both, making it crystal clear to Dazai that he had thought Ango had been a jackass even when he had made that comment about him playing a role. " Fine." Dazai said, not agreeing with him completely. " I have to say tho, it was nice seeing him struggle like that with your questions." He decided to admit. ‘’ It was, wasn’t it? ‘’ Chuuya snickered, feeling a bit better about the situation." God, I would have loved to see the look on his face when he tried to start that car." Dazai let out a laugh. " Yeah, me too."

…

‘’ Wait, is that wine? ‘’ Chuuya asked, observing Ranpo as he sat down next to him and Yosano. ‘’ Grape juice.’’ Ranpo corrected him, placing his glass on the table in front of them. He shifted his body around, trying to get comfortable on the couch. ‘’ But it looks like wine, doesn’t it? ‘’
‘’ It does,’’ Chuuya agreed with him, ‘’ I almost believed you had finally become a decent human being for a second.’’ Yosano laughed at that. ‘’ The day Ranpo joins us in drinking wine, is the day we all die.’’ She said, the irony, of course, being that the day would never come. He gave them both a sharp look.

Ranpo didn't drink.
Everyone who knew him knew that. Ranpo had voiced his aversion to alcohol on numerous occasions. He saw no point in drinking or getting drunk, and besides, the taste of most alcohol-based dinks was truly horrid in his opinion. Whenever he was out or in need of a drink, he always preferred to have some juice or a smoothie or even a nice cup of chocolate. Unlike any alcoholic drink he had ever tried, those were actually enjoyable. Such beverages had actual flavors, nice flavors that satisfied your thirst. Alcohol had never given his tongue the same satisfaction, so he had chosen to avoid it.

Still, getting made fun of for not drinking wasn’t something he liked. He wouldn’t let Chuuya get away with it so easily.

‘’ Wait, Is that Dazai flirting with a girl? ‘’ Ranpo asked, his eyes deliberately searching the place behind Chuuya. As he had expected, Chuuya’s head snapped to the direction he had pointed at. Ranpo could see his eyes as they moved in all directions possible, scouting the perimeter.
He smiled at Yosano who was shaking her head disapprovingly at him. After a few seconds, Chuuya turned his attention back to their table. Understanding what had just happened, he remained quiet.
‘’ Question for you, Nakahara, ‘’ Ranpo grinned, breaking the silence that had befallen their table, ‘’ why did you turn your head just now? ‘’ He asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
‘’ Wanted to see the bastard getting slapped again. ‘’ Chuuya answered him, taking a sip from his drink. ‘’ Eight out of ten times, the women slap him on his face.’’ It was as if he had had that excuse on the ready. ‘’ It’s funny.’’
‘’ Yeah, okay.’’ Ranpo pretended to agree, rolling his eyes.‘’ And I drink grape juice to get drunk.’’
At that, Yosano elbowed him discreetly.
‘’ Wait, why do you think I turned? ‘’ Chuuya didn’t like the way Ranpo was thinking. ‘’ Why would-
‘’ Oh come on, it’s obvious.’’ Ranpo said, exasperated.
Chuuya arched his eyebrows at him, completely oblivious to what he was implying. ‘’ What is obvious? ’’
Yosano signaled for Ranpo to stop talking.
He didn’t listen to her.
‘’ You got a thing for him.’’ he said. ‘’ And don’t you even try to deny it.’’
Yosano hit her head with the palm of her hand then, her eyes landing on Ranpo’s.
Chuuya stared at him, his face painted with horror.
‘’ You don’t know what you’re talking about.’’ Chuuya said, his eyes still wide from the surprise.’’ Me? Having a thing for someone like him? ‘’ Chuuya burst out laughing because if he didn’t he would be jumping off that roof. ‘’ Fuck, man, I didn’t know you could be so funny. ’’
Yosano continued downing her glass as she witnessed what she was pretty sure would be the beginning of a very big fight.
‘’ Nakahara please,’’ Ranpo smiled at him, ‘‘ I don’t even need to use my ability to deduct that.’’
Chuuya’s face reddened all of a sudden. Ranpo didn’t know whether it was from anger or embarrassment.’’ I don’t have a thing for Dazai.’’ Chuuya stated, ‘’ I would rather die than be with someone like-
‘’ What are you guys talking about~’’
Chuuya could see the way Yosano was holding in her laughter, watching Dazai as he approached them from behind the couch.
Shit. How long had he been there?
‘’ Dazai, ‘’ Ranpo greeted with a big smile, ‘’ We were just talking about you, actually.’’ Chuuya’s eyes flew to the man beside him.
There was no way Ranpo would be so stupid as to actually tell him, right?
‘’ Oo? ‘’ He had the same dangerous glint in his eyes as Ranpo. ‘’ And what were you saying? ‘’ He asked, making Chuuya scout over so he could sit down beside him.
‘’ Chuuya was just telling us how much he loved that movie you made him watch.’’ Ranpo said, and Chuuya could finally breathe again.
That know-it-all asshole. He cursed himself for ever becoming friends with him.
‘’ Is that true, Chuuya~’’ Dazai smiled, ‘’ I knew you’d love it.’’
It was either this discussion or the previous one.
One of the two Hells was much cooler.
‘’ I mean, it was alright.‘’ He said, providing his honest opinion. ‘’ The story made me want to leave this country but the jokes were okay, most of the time.’’
‘’ Does that mean I get to pick the next movie as well? ‘’
‘’ No.’’
‘’ But Chuuya~’’ Dazai grabbed his arm and started shaking it, ‘’ Why can’t I-
‘’ You lose the bet, you live with the consequences.’’ Chuuya broke free from him.
‘’ Pfff, bets are stupid.’’ Dazai crossed his arms.
‘’ You are stupid. ‘’
‘’ You’re stupider.’’
‘’ Is that even a word? ’’
‘’ It’s grammatically correct so-
‘’ Oh, whatever.’’
Ranpo and Yosano exchanged a knowing look between them before the woman turned to face the brunette.
‘’ Hey Dazai,’’ Yosano called for his attention, ‘’ I don’t mean to interrupt this,’’ she moved her hands to indicate them, ‘’ but where is Kunikida? ‘’

When they had just arrived there, they had all remained in one group, with Kunikida acting like the leader of said group, choosing and reserving the table he had thought would be the most suited for them.
A big enough table for six, with couches surrounding it, near the periphery of the roof. It seemed to be fastly accessible by the staff, should they need anything, and close enough to the open bar, should they want to grab more drinks. It also had a very nice view.
In his mind, that spot had been the most ideal for them. The others didn’t even bother with all those technicalities.
They simply ordered their drinks, sat there, and resumed their previous chat about Ranpo and Dazai’s bets, and why they needed to stop.

They sat together for the first hour and a half, chatting the night away.
Then, they split up in two.

Dazai, being the awful person that he was, had convinced Kunikida to play a fun little game with him. Because they were out and because they had been having so much fun all night, Kunikida had made the mistake to agree with that.
The rules had been simple. Firstly, they’d have a contest to see who could down the most shots in five minutes. Then, once they had determined the winner, the real fun would begin.

‘’ What did you say his objective was, again? ‘’ Chuuya asked Dazai, searching with his eyes for their blond friend.
‘’ Uh, have two women give him their phone numbers?‘’ Dazai replied, moving his head around so he could see better.
‘’ Is this another bet of yours, or just you being your awful self? ‘’
Dazai smirked at him, ‘’ Another bet with Ranpo but don’t tell Yosano.’’
Chuuya shook his head, ‘’ Whatever. How many shots did he have? ‘’
‘’ He lost with a jarring seven shots.’’

Chuuya found Kunikida passed out behind one of the couches.
He blamed Dazai for his unfortunate condition.
The man’s glasses had fallen just a few feet away from him while his vest, now showing, had been stained with what appeared to be wine.
Chuuya picked up his glasses so that no one would step on them and together with Dazai they lifted him up and took him back to their table.

Dazai tried to wake him up by slapping him a couple of times, softly on his cheek. After the fifth slap, Kunikida finally opened his eyes.
The man sat up, his eyes looking around trying to figure out the situation.
‘’ So how many numbers did you pull? ‘’ Dazai asked, receiving a slap on the back of his head from Chuuya.
‘’ Hey, Kunikida, ‘’ Ranpo lightly poked him to get him to focus on him. ‘’ Were you able to at least get one number? ‘’ He asked, thinking of the money he would lose if the man answered no.
Yosano gazed at him sharply, her eyes shining with clear disappointment.
‘’ I did-’’ Kunikida paused, accepting the glass of water Chuuya was handing him. He took a couple of sips.‘’ not.’’ he finished the sentence, and they all watched as Ranpo’s smile dropped.
‘’ Fufu,’’ Dazai laughed, turning to Ranpo.’’ now…’’
Ranpo reached in his pocket, his dissatisfaction evident in his eyes. ‘’ Here,’’ he said, handing Dazai some paper bills.
‘’ Well, Kunikida, ‘’ he turned to the man sitting on the couch, ‘’ thank you very much.’’ He smiled.
Kunikida looked at him lost.

‘’ About that, ‘’ Yosano started, fiddling with her glass, ‘’ Don’t take what he says seriously, ‘’ She said, ‘’ Ranpo has a very hard time understanding boundaries, ‘’ She twisted her head to glance at their table,’’ He can be a bit overbearing some times.’’
Chuuya considered her words.
In the one year and some months, he had known Ranpo, that much had been obvious. Ranpo had some serious problems with concepts such as boundaries and social cues. It was something that really irritated Chuuya most of the time but still, he didn’t hold that against him.
He was sitting at the bar stools now, drinking some more wine with Yosano, while she was trying to explain to him why he shouldn’t get mad at Ranpo or take what he said seriously.
‘’ I know all that,’’ Chuuya reminded her. ‘’ I’m not mad at him doc, don’t worry about that.’’ He reassured her, taking a few sips from his own glass, ‘’ It’s just, sometimes he says things without understanding just how heavy they can weigh on someone.’’ It would seem that the drinks had loosened up his tongue.
‘’ Does it weigh so much on you? ‘’ Yosano asked carefully, not meaning to cross any line. Sure, she and Chuuya had become good friends, but that didn’t mean she could tap into his inner psyche like that. Especially now, that he seemed to be close to being drunk.
‘’ I mean,’’ Chuuya’s eyes wandered to their table, to the man that was trying to balance a handful of glasses into Kunikida’s forehead as he slept. ‘’ Dazai is my friend, he’s always been that. ‘’ he told her, ‘’ Hearing things like that, it makes me feel-
‘’ Uncomfortable? ‘’ Yosano tried.
‘’ No, no,’’ Chuuya dismissed her, ‘’ it’s something else.’’ He said, ‘’ Something…’’ He tried to find the right words but he couldn’t.
Ranpo’s comment had made his heart beat faster. Had that been anger? Embarrassment? Maybe frustration? he didn’t know.
‘’ I see.’’ Yosano looked at her drink, and then back at him ‘’ Now, what do you think of the President's plan for August? ‘’ She asked, changing the trajectory of their discussion. ‘’ Do you plan on tagging along? ‘’

…

‘’ DAZAI,’’ Chuuya yelled the name, finally waking up from his sleep. His head was throbbing and his eyes were burning because of the sunlight coming through the open window in the room.
‘’ Dazai, where the fuck-
‘’ Chuuya~’’ Dazai greeted, entering through the door, ‘’ Good Morning to you too.’’ He smiled wide. ‘’ Would you mind keeping it down? Some of us are trying to sleep. ‘’
It was a lie.
Dazai hadn’t been able to sleep all night. He had been trying for a long time, but just a few hours ago he had decided to give up.
It would have to be one of those days. There was nothing he could do.

Chuuya looked around, the memories of last night still fuzzy in his head. He looked at Dazai and the smile on his face. Forced and insincere.
He looked so tired.
‘’ How did we get back? ‘’ Chuuya asked, baffled by the question. There was no way he had driven his motorcycle, for that he was sure. He’d been too drunk to even stand up straight. He remembers walking out of the bar with Yosano, heading to the others who were a few feet in front of them. After that, he remembers nothing.
‘’ I drove us here.’’ Dazai answered.
Chuuuya was suddenly wide awake.
‘’ You drove us here? ‘’ He remembered Dazai telling him that he’d ridden the motorcycle one more time. But that had been to get it to the Agency’s garage, and Dazai himself had said he didn’t know how to drive it, he just swung it.
‘’ I have a license, you know, ‘’ Dazai admitted, shame filling up his chest, ‘’ I got it a week before your birthday, so I do know how to ride bikes.’’
What?
‘’ You hate driving.’’ Chuuya reminded him. Why would you go and take lessons?
‘’ Yeah, I do.’’ But I needed to learn in order to get you back that shiny fuchsia death-machine you’re so fond of. ‘’ It’s a practical knowledge to have, however. Who knows, I may need it someday.’’
‘’ As long as you didn’t scratch it, I guess it’s fine.’’ Chuuya said albeit a bit reluctantly. ‘’ What time is it, anyway? ‘’
Dazai looked at the clock on the desk, ‘’ 9:50 ‘’ he said.
Chuuya threw his covers away, getting up on his feet and running to his closet.
Dazai laughed.
‘’ What? ‘’ Chuuya snapped, turning his head at him, still picking out what to wear, ‘’ We’re already late, we should be hurrying.
‘’ It’s Sunday.’’

7 MONTHS LATER

Dazai didn’t use to have friends.

He’d gone all of his life living isolated, confined in his solitude.
He had preferred it that way.
Most people he had ever encountered had been too sallow, too dull for him, anyways. He saw no point in idle, simple chat and no merit in forming any kind of passing relationship with anyone.
Yet he had gone out of his way to do just that.
When he was a kid, still attending school, he had made sure that every classmate of his had viewed him as a friend. He had always taken the role of the funny kid, or the class clown who everyone adored.
His parents had been pleased with that, and that’s all he had wanted.

In all his life, up until his eighteenth birthday, he had only ever had one true friend.
He had also had one very close acquaintance that he had once considered a friend and a partner, that was so much more than a partner yet not a friend.
Oda Sakunosuke, Ango Sakaguchi and Chuuya Nakahara.
Those had been the only three people he had ever found interesting enough in his life to form a connection with.

It didn't last long, however.

Ango had been revealed to be a traitor, just a few years after they had met him.
Odasaku had died the same week as Ango’s reveal. Primarily, because of that betrayal.
And Chuuya?
Chuuya was the only person that had stayed with him. Slowly growing from his partner to his friend and eventually to his best friend in the whole world.

After that ordeal, Dazai had been very reluctant to the idea of forming new connections.
Something in the back of his mind kept telling him that he shouldn’t. Kept telling him that they’ll meet the same fate as his previous friends.
Those thoughts had been so heavy and so loud, that for a long time, Dazai had been trying to push even Chuuya away.
So overwhelmed by that constant dread in his mind, he had attempted to sabotage their relationship countless of times, whether consciously or subconsciously.
Alas, all his efforts had been in vain.

It hadn’t worked.

Dazai was grateful it hadn’t worked because being Chuuya’s friend…
If he could have him in his life, that would be enough for him.

Dazai would have been content with Chuuya being his only friend.
But to his surprise, that hadn’t remained the case.

If he had joined the Agency by himself, he was certain he wouldn't have had the same attitude towards its people. He’d still be their co-worker and sure, there’d be times where they’d hung out and talk, but nothing would have been even remotely similar to his life now,
Because Chuuya was himself, Dazai had been able to form even more connections. Some of which he considered friendships.

It was simple. Chuuya acted like a sort of glue between him and the rest of the Agency. If Dazai had been alone there, he would just wait for work to be over so he could go and lay in his bed, doing nothing.
He wasn’t a person with much motivation.
He didn’t care to ‘do’ things, or have ‘experiences’
Chuuya was different.
Because of his need to ‘do’ things and create memories, he’d always be planning something with someone, always getting invited by people. Dazai always got invited as well.

At the start, he simply didn’t mind being around all his co-workers.
Eating with them, or just hanging out around the city at different cafes, having all sorts of conversations. It had been nice, but he didn’t actively chase after it.

Now things were a lot different.

‘’ In Mars.’’ Chuuya mockingly replied, Yosano rolled her eyes at him from the other side of the phone.
‘’ We’re already in Kanagawa, where are you guys? ‘’ He asked, turning around to look at Dazai who was kneeling down, drawing weird shapes with a stick, on the ground. ‘’ Yeah, he’s with me alright, now how long will it take you? ’’
‘’ Fifty minutes? ‘’ Chuuya echoed, ‘’ The show starts in an hour, doc. ‘’ he reminded her. ‘’ Okay, okay, we’ll be waiting for you.’’ He said and hung up.
‘’ So Kunikida is running late,’’ He observed, a grin forming on his lips.
‘’ Really? I didn’t notice.’’ Chuuya walked over to him to have a better look at the ground. ‘’ The fuck is this? ‘’ He asked, eyeing Dazai.
‘’ I’m calculating the possibilities of me dying by a firework getting off its rail. ‘’ Dazai smiled at him.
‘’ How is it looking for us? ’’ Chuuya asked, matching his energy.
‘’ They’re much lower than I expected. ‘’ Dazai said, the disappointment clear in his voice.
‘’ That’s a shame.’’ Chuuya agreed, ‘’ Maybe if you wish it on the Tanzaku, then it could happen? ‘’ Chuuya offered him.
Dazai opened his mouth wide, his eyes glistening with excitement. ‘’ It could work, ‘’ He said, getting up.
He extended his hand at the red-head. ‘’ Would Chuuya join me? ‘’ he said, ‘’ since we’re here earlier, and we have an hour before the rest of us get here, maybe we could go to the festival as well? ‘’
Chuuya had been meaning to tell him they should go. For some strange reason though, he had been embarrassed to ask him. Which troubled him, because he had never been the kind of person to just chicken out on something.
‘’ We have time, so, yeah, why not. ‘’

The seventh day of the seventh month.
Tanabata, one of the biggest festivals and celebrations in the entire country. A day filled with food stands, carnival games, walks across the beach, and wishes and fireworks.
Colorful garlands and lanterns decorated every alley, their color brightening up the city, making it look as if it had come alive.
It was a colorful and loud celebration. One deserving of the myth behind it.

‘’ Fuck off, you cheated.’’ Chuuya accused him as they walked to the next game they had decided to play.
‘’ How? ‘’ Dazai asked innocently, ‘’ I just guessed the correct answer.’’
‘’ It was too precise, even for you,‘’ Chuuya said, munching on a big chunk of cotton candy. He hated the taste and the texture, and everything about the snack, really but since he had lost, he couldn’t do much about it. ‘’ Exactly 3,758. What are the odds you guessed that number? It’s too much.’’
‘’ You’re just mad because Chuuya isn’t as clever as-
Magically, Dazai tripped and fell.
Chuuya bent down to help him up. ‘’ You were saying? ‘’ His smirk revealed everything. Dazai dusted off his shirt and continued walking.

Playing carnival games with Dazai was fun.
Chuuya loved going around all the little stands, playing all the shooting games, all the guessing games, all the games obviously there just to steal your money. The rigged games that are impossible to win, but by some miracle ( Dazai’s plans) they always managed to win.
Watching the shocked expression of the stand owners always gave them the thrill.
The pure horror, the confusion, the anger.
In most stands such as these, they’d stay around just for a tad more, making sure to say things like, ‘’ it was too easy,’’, ‘’ A child could do that,’’ and other such phrases that made the owners mad.

Shooting and strength games were Chuuya’s favorites. Strength games, he always won, shooting games, most of the time. Dazai was himself a very skilled marksman, so most of their games ended in a tie.
The games where you had to guess were his worst. He couldn’t calculate for shit.
Dazai excelled in that. Always guessing the exact right number.
It was frustrating, yet amusing.
Dazai’s grin when he won was enough to make Chuuya want to continue playing them.

‘’ Takoyaki? ‘’ Chuuya questioned, seeing Dazai carrying two plates in his hands.’’ And what’s that? Yakitori skewers? ‘’
‘’ Not a fan? ‘’ Dazai sat down on the bench handing Chuuya one of the two plates.
‘’ Didn’t say that.’’ Chuuya was quick to defend himself, ‘’ I’m just surprised you got us some good food,’’ he sneered.
‘’ One time. I bought us pineapple pizza one time.’’ Dazai excused, ‘’ I was curious and I made a mistake in the heat of the moment, okay?’’
It hadn’t been that awful but they loved to dramatize their opinions about it.
‘’ Suck mistakes can’t be forgiven, Dazai.’’ Chuuya shook his head, a sorrowful look on his face.
‘’ I know.’’ Dazai agreed. ‘’ No amount of repent will ever make that right.’’ He said, frowning.
‘’ Well, who cares, ‘’ He switched up, picking up his chopsticks.

They sat down at a little bench and ate, as they watched a screening, or rather, a puppet theater play, some kids had decided to put up.
The execution had been horrible, but the overall thing had been enjoyable.
No, not enjoyable, laughable.
Their jokes had been so awful that one of them had managed to cause Chuuya to choke on his takoyaki. Dazai had laughed before going to get him some water from a nearby stand.

The play they had performed had been based on an ancient Japanese story.
‘’ Why didn’t they just play the story of Tanabata? ‘’ Chuuya turned to complain to Dazai. ‘’ Since we’re literally celebrating, it would have made so much more sense.’’
Dazai squinted his eyes, his lips tugging into another annoying smirk, ‘’ Did Chuuya want to see a love story? ‘’ He asked, ‘’ I’m pretty sure there is a screening of the tita-
As if by magic, a small branch flew right into the back of Dazai’s head.
‘’ Oh, would you look at that,’’ Chuuya got up from the bench. ‘’ that was unfortunate.’’ He said, picking up the branch, ‘’ It didn’t hit you hard enough.’’ He threw it away.
Dazai stood up. ‘’ It’s always violence and objects magically hitting me, with you, ‘’ he said, widening his eyes and waving his hands to emphasize a point.’’ And I thought I was the shitty magician.’’
That made Chuuya giggle.
‘’ Hey, what’s the time? ‘’
Chuuya ignored his previous statement and answered him. ‘’ We have ten more minutes before they arrive.’’ he said, looking at his phone.
‘’ We have to hurry then.’’

They had just finished writing down their wishes on the colorful tenzukus. Chuuya was now trying to hang his blue one from the bamboo tree.
He was struggling a bit.

‘’ Do you need help with-
‘’ I’ll murder you in your sleep, Dazai.’’
‘’ A simple no, would have sufficed, jeez.’’

Because all the kids had already made their wishes, there was little to no room left on the shorter part of the bamboo plant, for any more papers to be hung at. Since he couldn’t use his ability publicly, Chuuya had chosen to tiptoe.
Dazai was trying his best to hold his laughter in.

‘’ What did you wish for? ‘’ He started, his voice getting higher on the last word. Chuuya knew what that subtle inflection meant. ‘’ For you to grow taller? ‘’
‘’ I should have wished for you to die. ‘’ Chuuya mumbled under his breath, retreating away from the bamboo plant, so Dazai could go near it.
Dazai took his paper and reached for the highest spot he could.
‘’ There. Now you’ll never see it.’’ He smiled, walking to Chuuya.
‘’ And you’ll never see the sun again if you continue.’’
‘’ You’re so morbid, Chuuya.’’
‘’ Says the one that was calculating his chances of dying by a firework.’’

Leaving the festival, they headed down to the docks, hurryingly descending the big and tall staircase that led to the beach.
When they arrived at the viewing spot, they finally spotted them.

Like them, they all wore their yukatas, a small fan nestled in their hands. They could see Ranpo and Yosano laughing about something they had said while Kunikida was making sure that the place they were in was the one Dazai and Chuuya had described to him.
‘’ Here.’’ Chuuya waved his hand to get their attention.
When they saw them, they smiled.

Dazai didn’t use to have friends.

But now, things were a lot different.

Because of everything that had changed in his life, he’d come to find just how important it is to have friends.
People who want to spend time with you, who appreciate and seek your presence in their lives.

He wasn’t friends with everyone in the Agency, but he was with those three.
Kunikida Doppo, his ex-partner for a small while.
Edogawa Ranpo, one of the few people that actually understood his way of thinking.
And Akiko Yosano.
Although they spent a lot of time together, his relationship with Yosano was still pretty rocky. He really liked her as a person. She was a very interesting woman. But something about her.
Maybe the way she held her scalpel, or maybe the way she talked about medicine.
She reminded him too much of Mori to be completely comfortable around her.
Still, he considered her a friend.

‘’ Oi, Dazai.’’ Chuuya called for him, ‘’ Please tell Ranpo that I won most matches. He doesn’t believe me.’’
‘’ But you lost.’’ Dazai lied, butting an innocent front.’’ Why would I lie and say that you won?‘’
Ranpo let out a giggle, looking at Chuuya.
‘’ You bastard-

And the one person he didn’t consider a ‘friend from the Agency’
Nakahara Chuuya, the one constant in his life.

Because of him, because of his impact, Dazai was there right now.
Enjoying the fireworks with people he considered friends.
People who had gone with him to the Shrine on New Year's, people who had organized a surprise party on his birthday, people who had celebrated with him Chuuya’s birthday.

He stood there in silence and watched as the sky changed a million colors.
Listening to all the different conversations happening around him, to his friends laughing and joking.

Was his wish too much to ask for?

…

‘’ Since when are you so much into myths and legends? ‘’ Dazai asked, his curiosity getting the best of him.
Chuuya arched his eyebrow slightly, ‘’ Contrary to what you may believe, I too can read. ‘’ he said, sarcastically.
‘’ I know that,’’ Dazai rolled his eyes.’’ I meant since when do you read books? ‘’
‘’ You got a big ass stack in your room, so whenever I’m bored I go there and take whatever piques my interest.’’
‘’ So this is why one of my books has a wine stain.’’ Dazai figured, connecting the dots with the new piece of information he had just received.
Chuuya looked elsewhere, ‘’ Yeah, I tried to write a small note on the top of the page, cause I hadn’t meant for that to happen.’’
‘’ Ah, that’s what the smudge was supposed to be.’’
‘’ Kinda smeared it all over. ‘’ It had been a series of stupid accidents. Chuuya hoped Dazai had yet to notice the one page that had been ripped.
‘’ I see.’’ Dazai squinted his eyes at him, ‘’ So page 102-
‘’ Okay, okay. Look,’’ Chuuya tried,’’ Some accidents happened, I tried to make it better, I only worsened it.’’ He explained. ‘’
‘’ So you decided not to say anything.’’
‘’ Pretty much.’’’
‘’ Huh.’’
‘’Although, I did consider throwing the book away so as you’d think you just lost it.’’ Chuuya added.
‘’ Right…’’

It was 4 am In the morning and they were still sitting near the beach, watching as the sea waves crashed into the docks.
Kunikida, Yosano and Ranpo had left just a few hours ago, after they had taken a stroll around the festival.
In their initial plan, Chuuya and Dazai would have left with them, but somehow, they managed to get held back as volunteers in the cleaning of the festival grounds.
Apparently, while still at the Festival, Ranpo and Yosano had decided to pull a little prank on them, signing their names up for the after-cleaning.

‘’ Oi, Chuuya, I think you missed a spot.’’ Dazai said, letting go of a small yellow piece of paper.
Chuuya watched it as it fell to the ground, just a few feet away from the broom he was holding.
He turned to Dazai, his eyes, the eyes of a killer ready to add one more victim to his list.

Two hours of swiping confetti off the ground can really change a man.

After that ordeal, they had decided to grab some more food, a few cans, and head back to the shore. Then, they sat there, eating, drinking, and talking.

‘’ To answer your question,’’ Chuuya changed the subject back to their first topic, ‘’ I do enjoy reading and learning about various myths.’’ he said. ‘’ I find most of them interesting.’’
‘’ Like the story of Hikoboshi and Orihime? ‘’ Dazai asked, grinning.
Chuuya let out a sigh.‘’ Ranpo asked what we were celebrating. I knew the story.’’ Chuuya said, ‘’ Not sharing the story with him would have been rude.’’
‘’ So you read love stories~
‘’ That’s your takeaway from this? ‘’
‘’ About princesses and-
‘’ Oh, fuck off-It’s not even my favorite story,’’ Chuuya tried to reason. ‘’ I just happened to come across it, and read it.‘’
‘’ Okay then, what’s your favourite? ‘’ Dazai asked, leaning closer.
‘’ Story? ‘’
‘’ Yeah. Or legend or myth, whatever.’’
Chuuya thought about his answer.
‘’ It’s a Welsh Legend, ‘’ Chuuya said, ‘’ The Legend of King Arthur.’’
‘’ What is it about? ‘’
‘’ It’s one of the most interesting stories I’ve ever read.’’ Chuuya admitted, ‘’ Arthur starts off by being kind of a big dick. He is this arrogant and stuck up Prince that you want to punch in the face. No one dares to disobey or challenge him, until he meets the new guy in town, Merlin.’’
‘’ Isn’t that the wizard? ‘’
‘’ Yes,’’ Chuuya replies excitedly, ‘’ But Arthur doesn’t know that.’’
‘’ How come?’’
‘’ Well, Merlin hides it from him. He hides a lot of stuff actually, from his magic, to knowledge about situations, to the prophecy that says Arthur will die. Then there is Morgana and her betrayal. There are dragons that talk, evil sorcerers. The Excalibur, this magic sword that-’’ Chuuya’s voice trailed off as he realized he had let himself be carried away.
‘’ It’s a fantastic story.’’ He concludes, shamefully.
‘’ Does he live at the end? Arthur? ‘’ Dazai asked, showing him that he was paying attention to what he had been saying and that he actually cared about it.
‘’ No.’’ Chuuya answered, ‘’ Which I would argue makes the story even better.’’
‘’ Really? ’’
‘’ You see, at that point, Merlin has tried everything to get away from the future the prophecy had described. He’s done more than Arthur could ever know. Yet all that have only brought him closer to that exact future.’’
‘’ It’s a tragedy, then.’’ Dazai observed.’’ A story where the character’s struggles have all been in vain.’’
‘’ No,’’ Chuuya disagreed.’’ Arthur did die, yes, but that doesn’t mean everything had been in vain. Because of all he did, he helped Camelot rise to the great Kingdom it became. He helped and saved so many people. And of course, he got to be Arthur’s servant.’’
‘’ I see.’’ Dazai truly did see the point he was making.
‘’ Anyways, what’s yours? ‘’ Chuuya countered the question.

He really liked moments like these, where they would ask each other questions with no ulterior motive, just to get to know the other better.
He was always looking forward to hearing what Dazai had to say. Because of his detachment from things, he used to have little to no answers. Always thinking thoroughly, responding with calculated phrases and words.
That wasn’t the case anymore.
Chuuya knew Dazai wouldn't admit to it, but he wasn’t as detached as he used to be.

‘’ Have you ever heard of the Legend of Atlantis? ‘’ his answer surprised him.
Chuuya wasn’t all that familiar with the myth. He’d only heard random bits and pieces and all from various and different sources. The information had all been jumbled up inside his head.
‘’ What, like, the lost underwater-mermaid-city or whatever? ‘’ He asked, not knowing how to describe it any better.
Dazai let out a laugh. ‘’ Close, but not quite.’’ he said.
‘’ Tell me then,’’ Chuuya urged him, ‘’ It must be truly fascinating since it’s your favorite.’’ he remarked, his eyes falling on Dazai’s.
‘’ Very well,’’
Dazai turned around so his body would face the water.
’’ The Legend of Atlantis is the beautiful and tragic story of an ancient civilization,’’ He began, his eyes drifting to the ocean in front of them.’’ It was said that Atlantis was massive, a gigantic island filled with mountains, and structures that the like of them no one had ever seen before. It was a city far ahead of its times. A city so advanced even the gods had envied. ‘’
Chuuya’s eyes stayed glued to him as he continued with the story. Never wavering away, not even for a second.
‘’ The people there, they all lived in harmony, happy and free. It was the perfect city with the perfect citizens. A utopia, if you must.’’
‘’ The men, the women, and the children, they all behaved flawlessly. They cared, and they loved and they sympathized. They were the perfect humans, capable enough to build a city so worthy as to grant them the favor of the gods. Everything had stayed perfect for a long time.
But all things carry an expiration date.
The people. They became greedy, became obsessed with money, became petty little creatures that threw away even the tiniest bit of morality. They became thieves of their friends, murderers of their families. It was a carnage.’’

Chuuya bashed Dazai’s theatrics all the time, but in reality, he actually found them to be very entertaining.
The way he made his voice lower or higher to fit the story, the gestures he made with his hands, and his expressions.
Chuuya could watch him tell stories for hours.

‘’ They denied their gods, pursuing immoral behaviors, letting themselves be corrupted, be consumed by pride and arrogance. Their hubris made the gods punish them.’’ Dazai’s eyes darkened then. The only light inside of them, the reflection of the stars and the moon, disappeared.
‘’ One day.’’ He continued,
‘’ It took one day of fires and earthquakes to bring their entire civilization down. One day, for everything they had worked so hard for, to crumble. To burn. To flood. It took one day for everything to become nothing but a distant memory. ‘’
Chuuya watched as Dazai continued to stare off at the ocean, his eyes far away.
‘’ I only see the Tragedy.’’ Chuuya remarked,’’ Where do you find the beauty in that? ‘’ He asked, genuinely curious to know Dazai’s thoughts.
His partner didn’t answer him right away.
‘’ You see,’’ he started again, ‘’ In the end, everything they had worked so hard for, got destroyed. Their entire city got submerged. You would think they all died, wouldn’t you? That they all vanished, leaving nothing behind but stories of their greatness.’’
That was the logical thing to assume, Chuuya thought but didn’t say.
‘’ But what if they survived, somehow? ’’ There it was again, that dangerous glint in his eyes.
‘’ What if they found a way to evolve and live even under those circumstances, under the surface? ‘’
Chuuya had never considered that possibility.
‘’ They were said to be advanced, right? So what if they suffered because of that. Suffered more than the stories described.’’
Chuuya was staring.
He knew he was staring at him but he couldn’t stop it.
There was something so frightening yet so charming about the way Dazai was speaking.
‘’ What if that was their divine punishment. A life where they’d be isolated from all the other cities, from all the other people. A life where being alive would be no better than being cursed.
Where their breathing would cause them excruciating pain since it would never be the normal for their lungs.
Where their food would cause them poisoning since it was never meant to be for them.
Where every movement would be impossible since their legs weren’t made for the currents of the sea.
What if the gods let them live?
In a place under the ocean, far away from everything they’ve ever known, destined to suffer in silence. Their fate, so much worse than death.
Don’t you find it beautiful, the thought of what could have happened? ‘’

The way Dazai had recited the story had deeply unnerved Chuuya. So much fondness in his voice, but why?

‘’ I think they all just died,’’ Chuuya tried to offer his own opinion. ‘’ They either died by burning alive or drowned. I don’t think anyone could have survived a whole day of fires and earthquakes.’’
Dazai turned to him, a strange glow in his eyes. ‘’ You could be right,’’ he offered, ‘’ or you could be wrong.’’ he opposed himself.’’ no one knows and no one will ever know. Isn’t the mystery of that alluring to you? ‘’
‘’ I…guess so?’’ Chuuya was sure he didn’t see the same appeal for the story.
Still, the cogs in his mind were spinning like crazy, trying to find the reason why Dazai had been so enamored by it.
‘’ So what do you like so much about this story? ‘’ He decided to ask.’’ You said you think it’s beautiful and tragic, but you didn’t say why you like it, in the first place.’’
Dazai twisted his head so he would face him.
‘’ I don’t know,’’ He said, ‘’ I read about it once when I was a kid and it stuck with me.’’

Dazai hadn’t understood it when he had first read about the city.
He’d thought it had been a very straightforward story, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Yet, later on, he discovered he couldn’t get it out of his mind.
He was a very clever kid, and because of that, most stories never stuck with him. Not in the way this one had.

Chuuya was searching for an answer in his face,‘’ Is that all? ‘’ he asked, his voice genuine. Dazai didn’t have an answer he could give him.
‘’ I used to blame the gods,’’ he said, ‘’ used to think that they were at fault for punishing the humans. Sure, the people made mistakes and they drifted off, but the gods never gave them not one chance to repent.’’ he explained.
‘’ Then, I kept imagining the city crumbling down and everyone that had lived there trying their best to save it. Trying to salvage whatever they could before it was too late.
How did they feel? The same city that had once made them so happy, had fallen. ‘’
Chuuya could hear the intensity in his words. Dazai’s questions felt personal.
‘’ After a while, I started to think that the ones at fault had always been the people.’’ he concluded.’’ They were the ones that had built the city upon unstable grounds. And they had been the ones to chase after change, pushing their luck.’’
‘’ So you like the different perspectives of the story and the mystery surrounding the future, if it existed, of the city.’’ Chuuya deduced.
‘’ I guess so.’’ Dazai simply replied, lowering his torso so as to lay on the sand. Chuuya laid down as well.
‘’ It doesn’t have dragons and magic, but I can see the appeal.’’
Dazai laughed, ‘’ You can be so childish at times, chibi.’’
Chuuya revolted at the sound of that old nickname.‘’ If you don’t wake up tomorrow, blame yourself, not me.’’ he said, sharply.
‘’ Whatever you say…’’
Chuuya waited for his sentence, and by extension, his life, to end.
‘’...chibi.’’
‘’ You’re staying outside tonight.’’
Dazai gaped at him, ‘’ The apartment is mine too, you know.’’ he reminded him.
‘’ Don’t give a shit.’’ Chuuya answered.’’ Try to sneak in and I’ll tell Kunikida about the-
‘’ Okay, okay, fine.’’ Blackmailing? Him? Who did he think he was.
‘’ Glad we understand each other.’’

…

Chuuya got out of the shower and moved to the closet, the fatigue of the day finally getting to him. He put on some comfortable clothes and moved to his bed. Since his body wasn’t itching anymore because of sand stuck on his clothes he thought he could finally retire for the day and close his eyes.
He couldn’t.
The phone on his nightstand was still ringing and buzzing. It didn’t surprise him.
He picked it up.
‘’ What? ‘’
‘’ The bench is cold,’’ Dazai said, trying to make his voice sound as factual as he could.
‘’ and I’m pretty sure there is a rabid dog that’s been watching me.’’
Chuuya let out a breath but didn’t respond
‘’ It’s still looking at me,’’ Dazai continued, focusing on the threat, ‘’ I don’t think I’ll make it through the night.’’
He couldn’t be serious…
‘’ It’s five a.m. I can literally see the sun rising right now.’’ He said, not even bothering to go to his window to check.
‘’ I think it can smell my fear.’’
‘’ What fear? ’’ God, he was being so unreasonably annoying.’’ I’m hanging up-
‘’ No p-
Chuuya hung up on him.

‘’ Where is the dog? ‘’
Dazai looked up, towards where the voice was coming from.
‘’ Uh, it left.’’ He lied, looking at Chuuya.
Chuuya nodded his head, looking down at him.

He was dangling upside down from one of the cables connected to the utility pole that stood near the bench Dazai was sitting on. He looked so done with him.

‘’ Locking me out of my own apartment and blackmailing me isn’t a good thing to do, you know.’’
‘’ Okay? ‘’ Chuuya couldn’t care less, ‘’ It’s not a good thing but it sure is amusing.’’
‘’ Watching me survive out in the wilderness? ‘’ Dazai twisted his words, ‘’ In a Yukata full of sand, my body itching like crazy? And with the hot summer air burning-
‘’ Fine, come back inside,’’ Chuuya began walking along the wire, heading to the apartment. ’’ You can so fucking dramatic, I swear.’’
Dazai followed him, skipping happily on the road beneath, a stupid smile on his face. ‘’ I want to do that too.’’ He said, looking at Chuuya walking the cable so completely unaffected by gravity.
‘’ You’d fall and die.’’
‘’ I know.’’ he continued looking at him.’’ It seems like fun tho.’’
A grin tugged on his lips, ‘’ It is.’’
Chuuya would have loved to help Dazai experience the feeling that comes with defying gravity, unfortunately for him, that was impossible.
If Dazai had any other ability it wouldn’t have been a problem, but with No Longer Human, the only result they could have would be both of them plummeting into the street the moment Dazai touched him.
‘’ By the way, ‘’ Dazai spoke again, ‘’ What did you wish on the Tanzaku? ‘’
‘’ Yeah, like I’d tell you.’’
Chuuya had never been much of a believer. He knew gods existed, same way he knew they didn’t give a crap about his wishes or prayers. Still, you can’t go to Tanabata and not make a wish, it’s the custom.
So once he had arrived at the wishing tree, he made up his mind to make one, this year,
He hadn't thought much of it.
‘’ Oh, come on, tell me~’’
‘’ Not a chance.’’
‘’ Fine.’’ Dazai crossed his arms, ‘’ I won’t tell you either.
‘’ Didn’t even ask.’’

Having been looking at Dazai writing his own wish down on the small, red paper, and having had his phone ready on his hand expecting a call from Yosano and the others, he had figured there was only one thing he truly wanted.

‘’ You’re being mean.’’ Dazai said, taking his keys out and unlocking the door.
‘’ And you’re being annoying.’’ Chuuya countered, walking from the cable into the window of his room.
He entered the room and headed towards his door, just in time to hear Dazai entering the apartment.
‘’ Night.’’
‘’ Night.’’

He wouldn’t speak his wish aloud, because for the first time in his life he actually believed it could come true.
It wasn’t something impossible and it wasn’t something out of reach, so even for a joke, he wouldn’t risk losing that chance.

He laid on his bed, set up his alarm clock, and closed his eyes.
Thinking back to the day, he couldn’t help but smile.
It had been so great, getting to enjoy the festival with Dazai and then watching the fireworks with everyone.
He wished they could have more days like that one.
He wished Dazai and him would remain friends like that forever.
He wished…

All those thoughts had come to him the moment he had been ready to write his wish down on that blue paper.
He knew he could only write one thing, so to honor the rules, he had found the perfect way to word it. The perfect way to encapsulate it all.

His wish had been for nothing to change.

3 MONTHS LATER

Ever since Chuuya had told him that story about the wizard that had known the future but had kept it a secret, he couldn’t help but relate it to himself.
He was in a very similar situation.
He knew what was about to happen this year, yet he felt like he couldn’t share it with anyone.
Not even Chuuya.

It was such a burden.
The ability to predict and calculate the future. It made living so much more unsurprising, so much more predictable.

The thought of meeting that Demon again, and having to defeat him weighed heavily on him.
The thought of the upcoming war.

He wondered if that wizard had felt the same as him.
If he had felt the same hopelessness.
If he had felt the same sense of responsibility.

Dazai knew only a few minutes remained before he would find the catalyst.
And then only a few more months before Fyodor Dostoyevski would finally make his move and wage war on their city.
On their world.

‘’ What are you thinking? ‘’ Chuuya asked him, seeing the way he was staring off at the horizon, his hands gripping the bars of the bridge.
‘’ I’m going for a swim. ‘’ Dazai said, smiling, looking at the river beneath them.
Chuuya stared at him.
‘’ Be at the bank near the bridge in about half an hour, kay? ‘’ He added.
Chuuya had this really bad feeling that Dazai was plotting something.
‘’ What’s this about? ‘’ He asked, crossing his arms.
‘’ Oh, you’ll see.’’
Chuuya wasn’t convinced.
‘’ I’m not drowning, okay?’’ Dazai tried to reassure him. ‘’ I promise, I’ll meet you there.’’
When Dazai used that word…
‘’ Is this one of your schemes? ‘’ Chuuya tried, ‘’ At least tell me that much.’’
Dazai smiled wide,’’ My biggest yet,‘’ He said, his voice off.
‘’ You’re insufferable.’’ Chuuya mumbled.
‘’ Yeah, but you’ll be there, right? ’’
‘’ Fine, whatever,’’ There was no reasoning with his partner, Chuuya knew that. ‘’ Just remember that if you do drown and die, I ain’t paying shit for your funeral.’’
Dazai smiled before saluting him and falling back to the water.

Whatever Dazai was doing, he knew nothing of it.

All that he knew was that it was important.
If it hadn’t been, Dazai wouldn’t have had that serious look on his face.

He only glanced at the river once, to make sure Dazai’s plan was working.
He saw him floating, getting carried away by the downstream current.
Well, that’s good enough.

He placed his hands on the handles of his motorcycle, continuing to drive alongside the River, watching as the sun slowly fell, sinking behind Yokohama’s tallest of buildings.

To his surprise, when Chuuya saw Dazai again, on the banks of that river, he wasn’t alone.

Next to him stood a boy.

A boy with white uneven hair.

Chapter Text

‘’ You know the risks, Chuuya. If my support is delayed even by little…you’ll be dead.’’ Dazai said, looking at his partner. ‘’ So it’s your choice to make.’’
‘’ It’s up to me?’’ Chuuya mused, looking back at him, ‘’ Whenever you say that you already know what my answer is gonna be..’’

TWO MONTHS AGO

‘’ How did you know he’d be there? ‘’ Chuuya asked, pacing around the room.
‘’ Lucky guess.’’
‘’ You knew exactly where he’d be.’’ Chuuya pointed out. ‘’ And you knew he would be desperate enough to pull you out- How?.’’

Dazai’s plans had always been intricate and confusing, that wasn’t something new. What was new was that Chuuya still had questions, even after it had been completed.

‘’ That was a gut feeling. ‘’ He couldn’t tell him the truth, no matter how much he wanted to.
‘’ A gut feeling? ‘’ Chuuya said, eyeing him warily, doubt clouding his every word. ‘’ You, knowing the kid was the tiger that had been rampaging around Yokohama. A gut feeling? You, knowing exactly where to find him and what to-
‘’ I followed some leads I found about the case and they led me to his orphanage.’’ Dazai explained, cutting him off, already exhausted by Chuuya’s questions. ‘’ Connecting the orphanage to the kid that had just been ‘kicked out’ and then him to the rumors wasn’t that difficult. He got kicked out, boom, the tiger appeared.’’ Dazai rolled his eyes, not understanding why Chuuya was so shocked about that whole plan.’’ It doesn’t take a genius to realize the two events are connected.’’
‘’ I can understand that part fine,’’ Chuuya said. ‘’What I can’t understand is how you knew the boy was gonna be there. ‘’ Well, that was the only part he couldn’t reveal. ‘’ Did you stalk him or something? ‘’
‘’ Do I look like the kind that stalks people? ‘’ Chuuya’s silence was an answer on its own.
Dazai slouched back on the couch, letting his body be absorbed by the cushions.
‘’ I saw him heading towards the banks when we were still driving around and so I figured, if I jumped on the river, I would reach the banks just a few minutes after he would.’’
Chuuya wasn’t convinced but he decided not to further pursue the matter.
‘’ Okay.’’ he said, accepting the fact that Dazai had most probably a reason as to why he was been so secretive.‘’ Will the kid be joining us? ‘’
‘’ Since you weren’t there to see his entrance exam unfolding, I’ll describe it to you. Then you can tell me whether you think he passed or didn’t pass.’’
‘’ Was Fukuzawa the one in charge of the decision? Or did the boy get a supervisor?’’
Dazai grinned.
‘’ He got the best there is.’’ He said, showing off himself by doing various ridiculous poses.
‘’ Poor kid…’’
‘’ Hey.’’

The previous day had been pretty normal up until the point Dazai had decided to go for a swim by jumping off the bridge and into the river.
Chuuya had known that action of his would be a part of some bigger plan but he hadn’t imagined it would be something this big.

When he went to check on him after half an hour had passed, he found him conversing with a boy.
At first, he didn’t know what to make of the situation, but after he heard both of them speak, he was able to figure out most things.
The boy, Atsushi, had saved him.
He hadn't done it out of the goodness of his heart, precisely, but for whatever reason, he had dragged Dazai out of the water thus, saving his life from drowning.
According to Atsushi, Dazai had been very disappointed by the fact he hadn’t died. Going so far as to blame the kid for messing up his perfect suicide.
However, Dazai had stopped complaining the moment he had heard Atsushi’s stomach growl.
Seeing that the kid had been hungry, he proposed they eat out at some restaurant.
That’s when Chuuya had found them.

‘’ Wait, you mean the barrel I shoved you in? ‘’ Chuuya asked, thinking back to that morning.
‘’ Yeah, that one. I stayed there for a bit, before calling Atsushi and telling him to come and help me.’’
‘’ He didn’t question you about why you were stuck there in the first place? ‘’
‘’ Told him it was a new suicide method I had been wanting to try.’’
‘’ And he went along with that? ‘’
Dazai shrugged his shoulders.

After Chuuya had come into the scene, the three of them had introduced themselves to each other before heading to a nearby restaurant Dazai knew to be close.
When asked what he wanted, the boy had replied with only one word.
Chazuke.
Dazai had ordered him more than ten bowls of the soup, in an attempt to get on his good side and to also satisfy his hunger.
The boy had looked like he hadn’t eaten in days.

From what he had shared with them, Dazai would have been right on the money. Ever since he got booted out of the orphanage, Atsushi hadn’t eaten anything.
If he hadn’t seen Dazai right then if he hadn’t gotten up to save him. He could have been dead for all he knew.

After Dazai had made a passing joke earlier about how the river had absconded with his wallet, Chuuya had wondered how they would pay for the meal, knowing he himself had forgotten his wallet back at their apartment.
He had been thinking of letting Dazai know when Kunikida had entered the venue.
He couldn’t help but look at Dazai disapprovingly.

‘’ So Tanizaki played the bomber? ‘’ Chuuya asked to make sure he had understood correctly.
‘’ Yes. ‘’ Dazai replied to him, ‘’ Naomi played the helpless victim, held hostage, and Atsushi played the
Innocent passerby, somehow caught up in the mess.’’
‘’ So how did he approach it? ‘’ Chuuya was curious to know how the kid had handled such a delicate situation. What had been his first instinct? Had he acted upon it?
Such an anxiety-inducing test could reveal a lot about one’s personality.
‘’ At first, he was shaking out of fear.’’ Dazai admitted, ‘’ To make the situation more believable, I had Kunikida try to approach the bomber first. Our bomber recognized him as part of the agency, so he wouldn’t listen to him and or his pleas.’’
‘’ Let me guess, that made having Atsushi play the middle man the only other option since he wouldn’t know him? ‘’
‘’ Exactly.’’ Dazai confirmed, ‘’ As I already told you, at first he was terrified, but even so, he was very quick to jump out and try his best to reason with our bomber.’’ Dazai clasped his hands together. ‘’ To convince him not to blow everything up, he made a speech. He started going off about how he had no family left, and how he had been kicked out of his orphanage. He basically told him that his life was so utterly disappointing and awful, yet he wanted to live.’’ Something flashed inside Dazai’s eyes then.
‘’ He tried to convince him that he should try to live as well, making himself the example.’’
‘’ How did the bomber react to that? ‘’
‘’ You should have seen Tanizaki’s expression. He was so uncomfortable, listening to Atsushi telling him about his life. Even that wasn’t enough to break him out of character. He would make for a decent actor.’’ Dazai reached for his glass, taking a few more sips of his water. ‘’ Us not being able to handle the threat would have raised suspicions, so I had Kunikida attack the bomber using a wire gun, provided by his ability. Once the detonator was out of Tanizaki’s hands, he tackled him to the ground. And thus another threat had been resolved,’’ he grinned, ‘’ Or so he thought.’’
‘’ From the ground, Naomi pushed Atshushi forward. Resulting in him falling down, and his hand accidentally pressing the button on the detonator.’’
‘’ Poor kid must have been frightened out of his life when the bomb started ticking again.’’ Atsushi’s behavior hadn’t surprised him. He hadn’t done something remarkable yet. All he had done was buy them some time by having a very depressing speech.
‘’ He was mortified.’’ Dazai recalled, ‘’ you could see him stressing about what to do, looking around for something to cover the bomb with so as to minimize the damage.’’
Chuuya saw it then. The look on Dazai’s face. He was proud of what the boy had done next yet troubled.
‘’ He threw himself on top of it, didn’t he? ‘’
‘’ Panic was written all over his face, yet he jumped on that thing and held it as tight as he could. I wonder what went through his mind. He really must have thought he was about to die.’’
‘’ He jumped on a bomb to protect people he didn’t know for longer than a day.’’ That was enough to impress him. ‘’ That kid got guts.’’
‘’ I hadn’t thought he would have gone that far.’’
Chuuya looked at him doubtfully, ‘’ Really? ‘’
‘’ No, I’m just kidding. I was counting on that.’’ Chuuya was sure that had been Dazai’s plan from the very beginning. Every part of that entire ploy screamed his name.
‘’ I had planned it all, that much is true. Yet I was still taken aback by how easy it was for him. He didn’t hesitate, not even for a second.’’

Kunikida hadn’t been too delighted when he found out the emergency, he had been summoned there to deal with, had been to pay for the entire dinner.
Chuuya had assured him that he would pay him back the next chance he got. Dazai thanked him for treating them.
After Kunikida had joined them, and once Atsushi was done eating all the Chazuke in the world, the kid began to share with them his story. How he had ended up on the street and why his orphanage had kicked him out. Chuuya had asked him what kind of an orphanage would do that to a kid. Atsushi had only shrugged his shoulders, telling him it had to do with finances.
Kunikida waited for Atsushi to finish talking before reminding his two co-workers that they had a job, and a case they had to tend to. Hearing him talk about a case, Atsushi couldn’t help but wonder aloud, what their profession was.
Dazai had been happy to answer him. Telling him that they were detectives, wearing a smug look on his face as he did.
Kunikida had been quick to add that they didn’t do normal detective things like, searching for lost pets or investigating affairs and wandering spouses. Rather, they belonged to the organization known as The Armed Detective Agency.
Chuuya jumped in on the conversation as well, specifying to Atsushi that their job entailed more dangerous work, almost always having to do with ability users.
Atsushi had heard of the organization before.

‘’ So you passed him.’’ Chuuya came to the most logical conclusion there was.
‘’ No. ‘’ Dazai corrected him, looking at him with a blank expression. ‘’ After such a blatant display of bravery and self-sacrifice, I failed him.’’
Chuuya stared at him.
He hated it when Dazai was being difficult like that.
‘’ Atsushi had been so confused at first. Looking around him, trying to figure out what exactly had happened. Kunikida told him to blame me. I simply told the boy that this was a kind of Entrance Exam he had to go through, then the President came to further explain things to him. However, when Kunikida asked him for his verdict, the President said I should be the one to make the decision.’’Dazai smiled, ‘’ I turned and welcomed him into the Agency.’’
‘’ Yeah, there is no way he just accepted it. ‘’ From the things he saw yesterday, and what Dazai had described to him, he didn’t think Atsushi would be that willing to join an organization like the ADA at the get-go.
The boy should naturally have some reservations at first, especially after that gimmick they pulled on him.
‘’ He didn’t…at first.’’
That was all he needed to hear.
‘’ So which card did you play? The ‘we need your ability to save and help people’ or the ‘look what your salary is gonna be’, one? ’’
Dazai laughed at how well his partner knew him. ‘’ He is a starved, homeless kid, Chuuya.’’ he reminded him.
‘’ The salary one it is, then .’’
‘’ Ah, my heart.’’ He clenched the fabric off his shirt. ‘’ You make me sound like such a horrible person.’’ Dazai said, laying down on the couch.
Chuuya just ignored him, heading towards the kitchen to grab something to eat.

Atsushi’s reaction to hearing about the case they were working on had been interesting, to say the least. He had tried to flee the scene, falling off his chair and crawling on the floor, but to his bad luck, Kunikida had caught him from the collar of his shirt before he could escape.
As it turned out, the boy’s fear of the tiger was based on an attack the animal had made on his orphanage. Because of that attack, the orphanage lost resources and thus ended up tossing Atsushi out. According to the boy, the tiger hadn’t stopped there. It continued to hunt him down even the past two weeks, where he had been living on the streets.
Kunikida was quick to point out that the facts matched the boy’s allegations since the attacks had indeed started two weeks ago.

Without wasting time, Dazai asked the boy if he would lend them a hand in tracking down the tiger. LIke Chuuya had expected, the boy had voiced his initial refusal immediately, before being persuaded by Dazai and the power of money.
After hearing that he would be paid for his services, Atsushi had agreed to go along with them.
Dazai had written down a note, then he had passed it to Kunikida. Then, he had asked Chuuya if he would be his backup.

‘’ Oi, Dazai,’’ Chuuya called from inside the kitchen. ‘’ I’ve been meaning to ask, ‘’
‘’ Yeah? ’’
‘’ Did you eat my dumplings this morning? ’’ Chuuya’s head popped up from the kitchen frame. Dazai looked at him.
‘’ I know not what you are referring to.’’
‘’ Dazai…’’
‘’ You mean those on the counter?‘’ Chuuya nodded. ‘’Hmm, reconsidering the matter, I may know a thing or two.’’
Chuuya continued to stare at him.
‘’ Fine, I may have eaten them because I was too bored to cook anything, okay? ‘’ Dazai admitted.
‘’ I’m a simple man, I err. Is that so-
‘’ They had fallen on the floor.’’
Dazai’s eyes widened. ‘’ So it was an assassination attempt.’’ he gasped. ‘’ Et tu, brute? ‘’ He fell down on his knees, looking at Chuuya, the betrayal heavy on his soul.
‘’ If I was trying to kill you, I would have used poison.’’
‘’ Aha.’’ Dazai loudly exclaimed. ‘’ So you admit you have been having thoughts about killing me.’’
Chuuya focused back on boiling the noodles in the pot, completely ignoring him and his childish behavior.
Something was troubling him.
Whenever Dazai acted so over the top, and for so long…There was always something in his mind he was trying to escape from.
‘’ Your silence is only incriminating you more. ‘’
Chuuya wondered what it could be.

The plan had been simple. Dazai and Atsushi would wait inside the warehouse until the tiger would show up. Chuuya would be guarding the perimeter of the building so as to not let it escape from them.
It had been a quiet night, with Dazai sitting on a little corner reading his book, and Atsushi sitting near him all curled up. After Atsushi had voiced his concerns, and after Dazai had made a certain comment to reassure him, the boy had begun telling him about his life in the orphanage and how he had no clue what he was meant to do now. Dazai sat there and listened to his rumble about how he didn’t know where he would live or what he would be eating, how he thought that no one would have cared if he had died on that street.
Dazai stayed quiet, talking to Atsushi only to update him on when he thought the tiger would be arriving.

By the end of the night, Atsushi had learned two things.
The first one was that he possessed an ability.
The second was that he was the tiger who was terrorizing the city.

…

‘’ So what did all of you do before you joined the Agency? ‘’ Atsushi asked, looking around at his new co-workers. He figured it would be better to get to know them a bit, since he would be working with them from now on.
Dazai chuckled, looking at Chuuya and then at Kunikida. ‘’ What do you think we did? ‘’ He countered, his eyes landing on the boy. ‘’ Let us make a game of it. Try and guess what we all were before, lad.’’
Atsushi seemed to have found the proposition interesting enough to try it.
‘’ Hm, let's see,’’ The boy's eyes drifted to the only girl at their table and her ‘brother’. ‘’ Tanizaki, sir, were you and your sister students? ‘’
Naomi was surprised he guessed it, even though it was clear as day. ‘’How did you know that? ‘’
‘’ Well, you are wearing a school uniform, Naomi, miss, and mister Tanizaki doesn’t seem to be that much older than you, so-you know, I just figured. ‘
‘’ Nice work, boy,’’ Dazai said, ‘’ What about Kunikida, then? ‘’ he pointed at the man seated on his left.
Kunikida didn’t seem too happy to be talking about the possibility of his previous job.
‘’ A government official…maybe? ‘’
‘’ Close.’’Dazai answered him, ‘’ He used to teach mathematics at a school.’’
‘’ Wow.’’ Atsushi had managed to find the fact far more interesting than it was.
‘’ It’s in the past,’’ Kunikida clarified, ashamed of his profession.’’ I hate to even recall it.’’
Dazai grinned then, before putting on an innocent face. ‘’ What about me and Chuuya, then? ‘’ He asked, waiting for the kid to answer.
Chuuya was curious to see what the boy would say, as well.
Atsushi looked at them both, his face growing more frustrated as the seconds passed.
‘’ It can’t be done, boy.’’ Kunikida took him out of his thinking. ‘’ Dazai had told us they used to work on tech support, but that was a lie. ‘’ he glared at them, ‘’ their previous profession, since they say they worked together, is one of the great mysteries of the Agency.’’
‘’ I think there used to be a price for the person that would figure it out.’’ Tanizaki added. Kunikida made some comments about how he didn’t think there was actually a job out there that could employ both Chuuya and Dazai at the same time. Saying that their personalities and work ethics were too different to have the same occupation.
Dazai ignored his comments, focusing on the boy. ‘’ Tanizaki is quite right, no one has claimed the prize as of now. And dare I say, it’s a hefty prize.’’
‘’ How much is it? ‘’ The boy asked, eager to hear the price.
‘’ 700,000 yen.’’ Chuuya replied before Dazai could. The boy’s eyes widened, his jaw hit the floor.
‘’ And if I guess correctly,’’ he grew serious, ‘’ I get it all, right? ‘’
‘’ A suicidal man never lies.’’ Dazai’s expression remained natural, but Chuuya could tell he was getting excited.
Did he think the boy would figure them out? No, certainly not. Maybe he was just intrigued to see what Atsushi would think of them.
‘’ Police officers.’’
‘’No.’’
‘’ Office workers.’’
‘’No.’’
‘’ Diplomats.’’
‘’No.’’
‘’ Firefighters.’’
‘’No.’’
‘’Actors,’’
‘’ No, but you flatter me, Atsushi.’’
‘’ I mostly said it because of mister Nakahara. He looks like he could have a rich job like that. ’’
‘’ I like that kid.’’ Chuuya said, smiling at Dazai.’
‘’So you don’t think I would make for a good actor? ‘’ Dazai asked, as dramatically as he could. ‘’ Your words pain me, lad.’’
‘’No, no- I didn’t mean it like-
‘’ He is just messing with you,’’ Kunikida reassured the boy. ‘’ If he was alone, I would say he was either homeless or a scoundrel, or even both. But Chuuya there, he complicates the equation. ‘’
‘’You couldn’t be furthest from the truth, my good man.’’ Dazai replied. ‘’ When it comes to this, I promise I won’t lie.’’
‘’ Again,’’ Chuuya whispered to him.
‘’ Again.’’ Dazai added to his previous statement.
‘’ Okay then, maybe you were-
Atsushi was ready to suggest some more jobs when Tanizaki’s phone rang.

‘’ Oi, Dazai, come over here for a little.’’ Chuuya signaled for him to join him outside the room. Dazai obliged.
‘’ What is it? ‘’ He asked, his voice a whisper.
‘’ I know her,’’ Chuuya whispered back, ‘’ She is Higuchi, the woman I told you tried to attack me at the museum on my first ever case.’’
‘’ The blonde Hirotsu sent after you? ‘’
‘’ Yes.’’
‘’I figured she was hiding something.’’ Dazai turned his head to look back at the room.
She was still sitting on the armchair opposite Tanizaki and the rest, telling them her concerns for the city. Tanizaki was still writing in his notes whatever piece of information he thought was interesting enough.
Without a word more they went back inside the room.

‘‘ You are stunning,’’ Dazai voiced, falling on his knees in front of her, taking her hand into his. ‘’ Such a fleeting beauty, like the petals of a water lily…And such touching sweetness.’’
He brought his body even closer to hers, ‘’ Would you like to join me in a Lover’s Suicide-
He could barely say the last word before he was hit by Kunikida.
The woman’s face had turned red. She looked so confused and uncomfortable.
‘’ I’m so sorry about him,’’ Kunikida tried his best to bow while simultaneously breaking Dazai away from her
Chuuya’s eyes followed them as Kunikida dragged him inside the storage room to lecture him as he often did.
As Chuuya had predicted, the woman continued talking to them as if nothing had ever happened. As if not a weirdo had just asked her to die with him.
Her acting was still not that great.

‘’ So a stakeout and evidence run, then? ‘’ Kunikda concluded, having listened to everything the woman had said.
‘’ Here, lad,’’ He turned to Atsushi. ‘’ you handle this.’’
‘’ Huh? ‘’
‘’…smugglers might be outlaws, but they’re mostly harmless. Provoke them and they scurry like mice. A fine case for your first job.’’ Kunikida’s way of thinking made perfect sense. Indeed, smugglers were the most easy to deal with, lawbreakers.
‘’ But-but-
‘’ Just stand watch. That’s all we need, and ’’ Kunikida turned to the ‘siblings’ then. ‘’ Tanizaki, you join him.’’ he said, and then his eyes found Chuuya.’’ As for you, Nakahara, I have another case I need you here for.’’
Chuuya nodded.

‘’ Quite the show you put out there, ‘’ Chuuya commented, pushing Dazai’s legs off the couch so he could sit there. ‘’ Trying to prove to Atsushi that you’re a better actor than me or something?‘ ’He teased.
‘’ I was just trying to find the perfect person for me to die with.’’ Dazai said innocently, ‘’ I was being genuine,’’ he said,’’ I wasn’t putting on an act.’’
‘’ Yeah, you’re right. You weren’t putting on an act. You were putting a tracker on her pocket.’’
Dazai ceased his fake innocent smile. ’’ So observant.’’ He said it like a cuss.
Chuuya got up, ‘’ I learned from the best,’’ he said, waiting for Dazai to smile before adding, ‘’From Ranpo.’’
‘’ Touché, my friend. ‘’ Dazai stood up as well, heading back to his office.’’ Touché.’’

‘’ Listen, lad, ‘’ They both heard Kunikida talking to the boy as they sat down near Dazai’s desk. ‘’ I have at least a small shred of sympathy for your short unhappy life, so,’’ he said, taking out his notebook, and showing Atsushi a picture. ‘’ I’ll give you a tip on surviving in this city.’’ His voice grew colder, more instructing, ‘’ Don’t run into this person. If you do, flee.’’
Chuuya and Dazai both looked at each other before Dazai approached the boy.
‘’ Who is this? ‘’ The boy asked, looking at the picture of the man.
‘’ The Mafia.’’ Dazai replied, startling him, pointing at the picture with his finger. ’’ There is no other name applicable.’’
‘’ He’s one of the Port Mafia’s attack dogs, prowling around the harbors.’’ Kunikda said, sharing what little information he had with their newest recruit. ‘’ He’s name is Akutagawa.’’
Both Dazai and Chuuya acted as if they knew nothing of him.
‘’ The Mafia itself is a dangerous group-’’ Kunikida continued, ‘’ A shadowy organization shrouded in the underbelly of Dark society…But this man? The only person in our Agency who could have maybe a chance would be Nakahara.’’
‘’ Why is he considered dangerous? ‘’
‘’ He has an ability fitted for murder, and his cruelty knows no bounds.’’ The man fixed his glasses, putting the photo back in his notebook. ‘’ I know my skills like I know my limits.’’ he said, looking at Atsushi, ‘’ I wouldn’t try to fight him, and you shouldn’t either.’’
Atsushi nodded his head to show him he agreed.

…

‘’ Now Nakahara,’’ Kunikida took a folder from the top of his desk and handed it to Chuuya, ‘’ I’m gonna need your assistance with something.’’ He said, opening the file and taking out a few of the papers that had been inside. ‘’ Remember the Konoyaka case? ‘’
‘’ The guy that abducted women and killed them by cutting-
Kunikida nodded, ‘’ Yes, that one. ‘’
‘’ It went cold, didn’t it? After a month had passed and it had been determined that the man had escaped. Neither Dazai nor Ranpo could find clues of his whereabouts. It was as if all the evidence had been erased, somehow.’’
‘’ A most frustrating case, I know, but I may have found a lead.’’
Chuuya’s eyes widened. ‘’ Really? ‘’ After their two best detectives couldn’t solve it, the case had been deemed unsolvable. He remembered Dazai and Ranpo having been so confused by the whole ordeal. So agitated.
‘’ It’s a small lead, and if we follow it we may hit a dead end, but I want to try it.’’ It had been Kunikida’s case. The only one he had managed not to resolve.
It would seem he still felt shame about that.
‘’ Let’s see what you have, then.’’

‘’ Oi, Dazai, stop slacking around,’’ Kunikida yelled at the figure laying on the couch, ‘’ Don’t you have anything better to do? ‘’ Chuuya looked at Dazai, laying on his stomach with his headphones on his ears, completely ignoring the rest of the world.
‘’ Damn it, Dazai,’’ Kunikida yelled snatching his headphones from his head,’’ what about your work? ‘’
Dazai turned to him and smiled, taking his headphones back without him even noticing. ‘’ I await divine revelation.’’ He said.
Kunikida looked at Chuuya, ‘’ What does he even mean? ‘’ He tried, his expression tired from dealing with him. ‘’ Do you know? ‘’
Chuuya shook his head, ‘’ He’s just saying nonsense.’’
He wasn’t saying nonsense.
‘ I await divine revelation’, ‘I can hear an angel’, all those phrases were codes, and like Dazai, Chuuya knew what they meant.
‘’ Let’s just get back to the office.’’ Kunikida said, passing the hallway to get to the main office.

Five minutes later, when he passed through the same hallway again to retrieve a paper he had misplaced, he noticed that the couch was empty. Dazai wasn’t there anymore.
Huh, maybe that excuse of a person, finally decided to get some work done.
It was a naive thought on Kunikida’s part.

‘’ Do you want me to go and see if I can find anything? ‘’ Chuuya asked, already memorizing the address written on the paper in front of him. Kunikida took the paper away.
‘’ It’s a high-security villa,’’ he informed him, ‘’ you won’t have a warrant. You’ll basically be infiltrating private property. If you’re caught- ’’
‘’ Oh, come on, Kunikida. We both know I won’t be caught.’’ Kunikida had always thought Chuuya’s confidence in himself and his ability had been admirable.
‘’ Fine. But let me run the plan through the President first.’’ he said, tidying up the papers into a neat stack.’’ I know he won’t have a problem agreeing, but it is still a violation of rules, and that’s why we need his approval.’’
Chuuya didn’t bother with all the technicalities. He just agreed with the man.

Then he waited for him to get back from the President’s office with his seal of approval, before leaving the Office.

…

Breaking and entering, pff, it was child’s play.

The last time Chuuya had seen that mansion was about 9 months ago when he had gone there with Kunikida to ask the maids of the house if they knew anything about their Master’s whereabouts.
The maids had known nothing.
It had been a fruitless visit.
Like everything else, in that case, it was like their memories had been wiped off.
The memories involving their master and the case, that was.

So why was he there again?
With his words, Kunikida had convinced him that there was something bigger going on in the case. According to all the information they had at the time, the evidence had once been there. There were countless witnesses that swore they had seen various kinds of evidence with their own eyes.
Yet the fact remained when Chuuya and Kunikida had gone to investigate the place and the staff themselves, all evidence had vanished.
Nothing was there. No physical evidence, no blood spots, no DNA, nothing.
The weirdest part was that all the servants of the house had claimed they had nothing to do with that. On the contrary, when they had been asked by the police while reporting what they had found, they had insisted that they would keep the house unclean for the rest of the day so that it would be easier for the police to gather samples and evidence when they would arrive the next morning,
When the morning had come, however, all the bodies, all the blood, everything had disappeared.
Their initial theory had been that someone had stolen them, but unfortunately there was no base for it other than their speculation.
The gaps in the servants’ memory and the sudden disappearance of all evidence had been enough to make the case go cold.

Chuuya entered through the top of the Chimney, slowly elevating himself downwards. If he remembered the house correctly, he would have no problem accessing the main living room through the fireplace’s front.
He advanced forward, only when he was certain no one was inside that room.
He exited the fireplace, and immediately rushed to where he thought the master bedroom was.
To his surprise, the bedroom had been left completely untempered. Maybe they had kept it that way as a keepsake of their old master?
Chuuya couldn’t say he cared all that much.

Entering the room carefully and silently, he proceeded by searching the whole place with a fine-tooth comb.

After half an hour, he finally had something worthy to report.

‘’ I think I found it. ‘’ He said, finally hearing the little beep that indicated the person on the other end had picked up his call.

…

Dazai came back to an empty house. He figured Chuuya would be out, working on some case still. It was typical of him, working more than he should and in absurd hours. He couldn’t relate. If the case wasn’t an emergency, there was no reason for him to stay and continue working on it. Simple as that. When the clock struck at the end of the workday, he left.

Entering the apartment, he took off his shoes and his coat and headed to the kitchen.
He opened the bag he was holding and took out two cups of noodles. He placed one of the two on top of the table. It was for Chuuya to find, once he’d be back.
He poured some boiled water on the other one, grabbed his chopsticks, and walked through the living room towards the balcony.
Their balcony was a small space surrounded by a smooth, thick railing. Dazai was quite fond of that railing. He liked to sit on top of it and just stare off, trying to gather and organize his thoughts before they could swallow him whole.
Seeing Akutagawa and Atsushi fight each other had solidified it for him.
There was no doubt in his mind that they would make for a good team.
Still, it would take some time before that could happen.
He only hoped it wouldn’t take longer than he had preconceived.

The view of the city at night, and the wind hitting his face. It reminded him of when he used to sit with Chuuya on the roof of that old apartment for hours and hours on end. Watching the sun slowly rise as they talked about whatever matter was on their heads.
They still did that, but they preferred to go to the park nowadays.
It was a nice place to just sit with someone and wait for the morning birds to start chirping. For the first rays of the sun to touch your faces.

Looking at Yokohama, Dazai couldn’t help but think,
Was he doing the right thing?

He shook his head immediately, trying to get the thought out.
God, when had he started thinking like that?
The right thing? He was doing what had to be done. There was no right or wrong in that.
Maybe some alcohol would help silence his brain.
It was a stupid temporary solution and he knew it, still, he went to the kitchen, threw the empty cup on the trashcan, poured himself a glass of whiskey, and returned to his spot.

He raised his glass to the moon as if making a toast, before downing it.
Then his hand wandered around the bandages covering his wrist, He took them off slowly, just for a few seconds.
The only thing he had wanted was to see if that silly, little tattoo was still there.
It was.

The realization, albeit quite foolish, made him smile.

Who knows? Maybe things will work out in the end.

…

‘’ He was a politician, right?’’ Chuuya recalled, giving Kunikida the papers he had found at the manor.
‘’ One of the 245 of the House of Councilors.’’ Kunikida specified, taking the papers in his hands to examine them further.
He fixed his glasses, blinking a few times before turning to Chuuya. ‘’ Nakahara…These are-
‘’ Yep.’’ Chuuya cut him, ‘’ They are proof of the existence of what you told me about.’’
Kunikida nodded his head, trying to comprehend what was happening.
‘’ This is indeed a lot bigger than we had originally thought.’’ Chuuya said, ‘’ So how do you want to proceed now? ’’
‘’ I don’t think we can do anything about it. If this really is what we think it is…It’s a matter way beyond our reach.’’
‘’ People hiding politician’s crimes so as to not tarnish their good names. It’s a whole new level of political corruption.’’ Chuuya sat down, slowly collecting the papers scattered around on his desk.
‘’ I had heard rumors about them, but this,’’ Kunikida showed him the paper,’’ this is concrete. We now know what really happened with Konoyaka.’’
‘’ But we can’t share it with the public, nor can we close the case.’’
Kunikida let out a sight. ‘’ Nine months later and it's still as frustrating.’’ He helped Chuuya gather the rest of his papers. Before getting the key from his own desk.
‘’ Night.’’ He saw him walking out before locking the doors.
‘’ Night.’’

On his way to the apartment Chuuya kept on thinking about the whole situation.
He came to a single conclusion.

He entered the apartment, took his coat and shoes off, and moved towards the living room.
He found Dazai sitting on the couch, reading one of his various books.
‘’ The Konoyaka case. You knew, didn’t you? ’’
Dazai lifted his finger, signaling for him to wait.
Chuuya rolled his eyes and leaned forward, his hand on the couch. He waited for Dazai to be done with the paragraph.
‘’ The case with the 7 murdered women that were never found, right? ‘’ Dazai’s eyes remained on the page.
‘’ You knew all that time, didn’t you? ‘’
‘’ Why are you so interested in that case again, all of a sudden? ‘’
‘’ Kunikida found a lead and I followed it.’’ He gave him the simplest explanation he could.
’’ Let’s just say, we learned a thing or two.’’ Chuuya squinted his eyes, ‘’ or seven.’’
Dazai considered him,
‘’ So you are aware of the existence of the 7th Agency now.’’ Dazai concluded, ‘’ And let me guess, you’re wondering why I didn’t tell you earlier.’’
‘’ Pretty much, yeah.’’
Dazai’s eyes moved from the book to his partner, ‘’ Who do you think erased all of our past crimes? ‘’
Chuuya furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. ‘’ Ango…’’
‘’ Great,’’ Dazai smiled, ‘’ And how do you think he did that? ‘’
Until then, Chuuya hadn’t put much thought into the whole affair. He knew Ango had been behind it, but other than that, Dazai hadn’t shared the details of the procedure. Not had he asked him.
‘’ He cooperated with them.’’
Dazai grinned wider, ‘’ He had to go through four separate attachments to get an audience with a representative.’’ Twice, he almost added. ‘’ The 7th Agency…not even I know much about them,’’ and it was the truth. Dazai did know a couple of things but for the biggest part, the Agency was still a mystery. ‘’ I figured they were behind the case, since all evidence had disappeared in such a manner, but I couldn’t exactly come out and say it.’’
‘’ I see.’’
‘’ It’s massive, Chuuya. Ango is the most linked person I’ve ever known, and not even he knows a thing about the organization.’’
Chuuya nodded his head.
‘’ No need to bother with it then, ‘’ Chuuya said, brushing off the subject. ‘’ Want to order anything? Unless you went shopping while I was out, which is highly unlikely, the fridge is still empty. ‘’
Dazai turned to him, offended. ‘’ First of all, how dare you. Second, there is a cup of noodles on the table, waiting for you.’’
Chuuya hadn’t expected the gesture.
‘’ You’ve eaten, then? ‘’
‘’ Yeah, an hour ago or so.’’
‘’ Okay then, ‘’ he turned to go to the kitchen, ‘’ thanks.’’ it was a faint whisper, but Dazai managed to hear it.

…

‘’ Chuuya, Chuuya, Chuuya, ‘’ Dazai continued to chant his name, poking him with his finger. ‘’ Chuuya, Chuuya, Chuuya.’’
‘’ What’’ His partner finally snapped, turning to him.
Dazai tried not to laugh as he saw his eye twitching from the annoyance.
‘’ Nothing.’’ he said and he started o whistle, acting like he hadn’t been calling his name for the last minute, now.
Chuuya took a deep breath and continued walking, unfazed.
‘’ Chuuya, Chuuya, Chu-
‘’What the fuck do you want? ‘’ It was early in the morning and they were getting to work. Why couldn’t he just wake up and be silent for once?
‘’ Nothing.’’
Chuuya took an even deeper breath than before and resumed walking across the bridge, definitely not thinking about throwing someone off it.
‘’ Chuu-
He threw someone off it.

…

‘’ Why, Atsushi my boy, hard at work as always I see,’’
Atsushi looked at him with a mix of confusion and disgust. ‘’ …Another drowning attempt? ’’
Dazai laughed at him, ‘’ Dying alone is so old-fashioned, Atsushi,’’ Our beautiful visitor yesterday convinced me. When I finally leave this dark and hopeless world, I won’t be alone. Dying with the company of myself is rather a mournful thought, thus I seek a lovely woman to perish with me.’’
‘’ Oh, ‘’Atsuhsi observed the net Dazai was dangling upside down from, noticing how Dazai was struggling to get off it in a most discreet way. ‘’ And your current condition…?’’
‘’ This? Chuuya kicked me off the bridge cause he got annoyed.’’
‘’ Mister Nakahara? ‘’
‘’ Yes.’’
‘’ I see.’’ Atsushi didn’t see but having known Dazai for two days now, he could understand why Chuuya had done it.

Without wasting another second on Atsushi, Dazai jumped off the net and ran in the direction of the body, passing Ranpo on his way there.
As he had expected, Ranpo would be the one solving the case, and after the whole fiasco today with Atsushi trying to leave the Agency and all that, of course Kunikida had sent him there as well.
Dazai got word of the Black Lizard incident, and then of the new case. Thus why he was there.

It had been a long time since he had last seen Ranpo in action, using his ‘ability’ to solve a crime. His deduction skills surpassed even his. It was incredible.
There was no doubt that Ranpo was the best detective in the world.
He could solve a case in seconds, knowing everything about it with only a glance.
Dazai had always been genuinely impressed by him.

‘’ If you ever need my skill, do not hesitate to call! ‘’ Ranpo called back to the officers, his grin reaching his ears, ‘’ We’ll even throw in a discount from now on.’’
Atsushi and Dazai walked behind him, leaving the crime scene with yet another mystery case solved by the greatest detective himself.
Ranpo had solved it in under a minute, getting even the smallest of details right. Atsushi had been amazed by his ‘ability’.

‘’ I’d say I’ve figured out about half of it.’’ Dazai said, his mind still trying to figure out the other half.
Atsushi turned to face him,’’ Figured out, what do you mean? ‘’
‘’ What you just said, about how Ranpo was able to fully deduce the case.’’ Atsushi had been saying how amazing Ranpo and his ability had been.
‘’ Huh?’’ He looked confused yet again, ‘’ Well, he used his skill to-
‘’ You still don’t know yet, do you? ‘’ From the look on the boy’s face, Dazai was certain he hadn't caught up on it yet.
‘’ The truth is, Ranpo is not a skill user.’’
His big purple-yellow eyes widened in surprise. ‘’ HUH?’’

Dazai then explained to him of Ranpo’s uniqueness and why what he was able to do was so the more impressive.
Ranpo didn’t rely on any ability, but rather on his talent for deduction and observation. He wasn’t like the rest of the ADA. He wasn’t a skill user, yet he was on par with them.
He was their best detective, the one keeping the Agency on the top, and he didn’t even have an ability.
It was truly remarkable.

‘’ Is it all clear to you now, Atsushi? ‘’
‘’ About what?’’
‘’ About Ranpo’s attitude and why not a soul at the Agency ever rebukes him for it.’’

…

‘’ Say, Chuuya,’’
‘’ What? ‘’
‘’ If you were still in the mafia and I was a traitor, would you curb-stomp my head?’’
Chuuya’s head snapped to him.‘’ Huh?’’

They were walking home after another day filled with cases, paperwork, and thinking.
So much thinking.
Different kinds of thought occupying their heads, as it was natural, but both heavy in their own way.
Dazai had tried to drown his with alcohol the previous night, but that had only led to a mild, uncomfortable headache.
Chuuya had tried to ignore his by focusing solely on his work, but that of course had no actual result.
It was difficult for the both of them.

‘’ Ou-The Mafia’s Modus Operandi for dealing with traitors.’’ Dazai specified, ‘’ Would you perform it on me?’’
‘’ The fuck kind of question is that? ‘’
‘’ Just answer, ‘’ Dazai poked him, ‘’ Would you? ‘’
‘’ You wouldn’t be caught by the Mafia.’’ Chuuya stated, his voice factual.
‘’ Yes but If I were, ‘’
‘’ You wouldn’t.’’ He repeated himself.
‘’ Pfff,’’ Dazai pouted, ‘’ You’re no fun.’’
‘’ Well, you’re no ray of sunshine either.’’

Those two stupid little remarks had been enough to release the tension.
It was stupid, just how much they could affect each other’s mood.

‘’ Say I-
‘’ Yes, I would curb-stomp you.’’ Chuuya changed his answer, ‘’ Now will you die, or do I need to shoot you three times as well? ‘’
‘’ You hurt me Chuuya.’’
‘’ uh…that’s the point? ‘’

Playing hypotheticals with Chuuya had always been like talking to a wall.
The man did not get the idea of a hypothesis. Of a possibility. He only talked in facts and sarcasm.
Trying to get another answer out of him was always a nice challenge.

‘’ If I were-
‘’ Dead, you would at least be silent. ‘’ The morning headache Dazai had caused him was a reason enough for him to be cold now.
‘’ Did something happen Chuuya? ‘’ Dazai asked, trying his best not to sound too concerned or too polite, ‘’ you look more annoyed than usual.’’
‘’ Fitting, since you’ve been more annoying than usual.’’ Chuuya countered, ‘’ Something on your mind, Dazai?’ ‘

And even though they cared and they were asking out of actual concern for the other, they somehow managed to sound like assholes.

‘’ Nothing, absolutely nothing,’’ Dazai gave him a forced smile, ‘’ this here,’’ He pointed to his head, ‘’ completely empty.’’
‘’ Well, ‘’ Chuuya sneakered ‘’ That explains a lot.’’

They walked the rest of the park in silence, both dying on the inside.
It was stupid.
It was like an invisible wall had been built in between them, making it impossible to see the other. Really see him.
The worst thing was, they didn’t know who had built it.

‘’ Come on, something has been bothering you,’’ Dazai tried again, as they were nearing the end of the park. Their apartment, practically visible from there.’’ Just tell, me.’’
‘’ Something has been bothering you as well,’’ Chuuya opposed him again, ‘’ So why aren’t you telling me?’’

He thought most of the walls between them had already been torn.

‘’ You know I’m not good at that kind of stuff.’’ Dazai admitted, shame in his voice.
‘’ And you know that I don’t care.’’ Chuuya walked to a nearby bench and sat there.’’ So talk.’’ he patted the place next to his, signaling for Dazai to sit.

Most of their walls had indeed crumbled down. He wasn’t wrong to have thought that.
Still, some of them remained.

Dazai declined his invitation, staying where he was.

‘’ I can’t talk about it,’’ he said, his voice lowering,’’ yet.’’ he added in an attempt to make things better.
Chuuya nodded his head in a disappointed manner.
‘’ Okay then,’’ he stood up. ‘’ I guess there is nothing to say.’’

Two sentences.
It took two sentences for every negative thought they had ever had to come back and hurt them.
Two sentences.
It was stupid, just how much they could affect each other.

…

‘’ Dazai went missing again? ‘’ Chuuya heard Kunikida ask Atsushi.
‘’ He’s not answering his phone and he’s not at the boarding house either.’’ The boy looked actually concerned for him.
Kunikida waved him off,’’ He’s probably at some river again.’’ He said, enjoying his morning coffee in quiet.
‘’ Did he bury himself again? ‘’ Kenji suggested.
‘’ Back in prison, no doubt.’’ Ranpo added, laying on the couch with his legs crossed on the armchair.
‘’ But after the other day's events…’’ Atsushi continued to worry,’’ could it be that the Mafia caught him, or-
‘’ What do you think, Nakahara? ‘’ Ranpo turned to ask him.
‘’ He could be falling off a building for all I care.’’ Chuuya said, visibly not wanting to participate in the discussion.
‘’ Is that so…’’
Kunikida spoke, before Chuuya could answer him. ‘’ Atsushi, you needn’t worry yourself for him.’’ he took another sip of his coffee.’’ This man’s survival instinct is out of this world.’’ he put his cup down and looked at the boy. ‘’ Let me remind you, he’s attempted suicide dozens of times yet is still alive. If he can’t even kill himself, then I doubt that the Mafia could ever manage it.’’

Chuuya wanted to laugh at the irony of their words.
Only if they knew…

‘’ But…
‘’ I’ll look into it.’’ Tanizaki said, coming out of the infirmary.

Chuuya took that as his cue to leave.
He had no interest in Atsushi and Tanizaki volunteering to look into it.
Dazai had disappeared, wow, big fucking deal.
He stood up, crossed the room, and exited through the door.

If anyone came to his desk to ask him why he had gotten up and left, he’d simply say he had more work to do than he had originally thought when he had joined them at the break room.

…

Dazai started humming as he waited for the boy to finally come and pay him a visit.
It didn’t take long.

Even when Akutagawa drove Rashomon to the wall right next to his head, Dazai continued humming. The greeting, not even making him flinch.
For only a second, Rashomon was able to wrap itself around Dazai’s neck.
The moment he touched his skin though, Rashomon was no longer.
‘’ Oh, ‘’ Dazai acted surprised, ‘’ you were here? ‘’ he grinned looking down at the boy.
‘’ A certain fate awaits those who are chained here. But you of all people should know that well.’’ Akutagawa’s voice was as cold and as distant as ever. His gaze could slice you just like his ability.
‘’ Ah, this takes me back,’’ Dazai said, averting his eyes, ‘’ I remember back when you were still the rookie.’’
Akutagawa didn’t care for his sudden flashbacks or deja vus.
‘‘ You bear a heavy sin.’’ The boy said before starting to list all the things the Mafia would accuse him for. ‘’ Dereliction of duty, dissertation of your post, and now, daring to defy the Mafia as an enemy.’’ Akutagawa let his words falter the tiniest bit, ‘’ I cannot believe a former Executive could commit such acts.’’
‘’ Indeed.’’ Dazai’s grin grew bigger, ‘’ Your former superior, no less? ’’
Abilities didn’t work on Dazai but punches surely did.
‘’ Not even you are invincible.’’ Akutagawa remarked, cracking his knuckles, ‘’ As long as I don’t use my ability, I can hurt you.’’ Resentment leaked from his every word, ‘’I could kill you anytime I so desire.’’
‘’ Is that so? ‘’ Dazai brushed his threats off like they were nothing. ‘’ My, look at how far you’ve come.’’

Since he was there he couldn’t avoid it.
If he wanted his plan to succeed, resentment wouldn’t be enough.
No.
He needed Akutagawa to hate him.

‘’ If you don’t mind my saying, it was quite an ordeal, training you.’’ He looked away from him again, as if to say, you’re not worth my gaze.
‘’ You were a slow learner, and you were too quick, too eager to take action. Always disobeying instructions.’’ he looked at him then,
He had to drive the knife even deeper.
‘’ Not to mention that useless ability of yours.’’
Akutagawa clenched his fist tightly before turning his back on him. ‘’ Your bluff will not last much longer. In a few days we’ll destroy your Agency and seize the were-tiger. We’ll dispose of you after that. You’ll be gnashing your teeth when I inform you of the demise of your Agency and those under you.’’
‘’ Do you have it in you tho? ‘’
He had to twist the knife.
‘’ Because my new apprentice is far more talented than you ever were.’’

…

‘’ YOU ARE ALL TO TRACK DOWN OUR NEW HIRE! ‘’ The president yelled, coming in from the door, grabbing everyone’s attention. ‘’ Until he’s brought back here safely, all current work is hereby frozen.’’

Tanizaki had brought the news of Atsushi’s disappearance only a few minutes prior. To Chuuya’s surprise, the first instinct of his co-workers hadn’t been to give up everything and search for the boy. Their first instinct had been to do nothing about it and resume their work.
Ranpo’s cold logic had caught him off guard.
He knew he could be a real prick most of the time but going as far as to say it wasn’t their job to find him and that he had been taken for personal reasons, was just too much.
Technically, yes, it wasn’t their job to find him. They weren’t bound by any law or contract but it was morally wrong.
They were supposed to be the good guys yet they wouldn’t even give up a case to search for one of their own.
Atsushi was still very new, but that didn’t make him any less of a member.

Kunikida had sided with Ranpo while he and Tanizaki had been trying to reason with them and explain to them why it was more important to find Atsushi first.
Without anyone noticing her, Naomi had slipped off the room to go and tell the President of the commotion.

Fukuzawa’s word was absolute.
So when he told them to drop everything and have the boy back in under three hours they did that.
He even questioned Ranpo and his cold logic and priorities.
He hadn’t thought his respect for Fukuzawa could grow even bigger but he had been wrong.
His respect for Naomi also grew.

From the meeting they conducted to gather clues and follow leads to find Atsushi, Chuuya was able to learn two new things about the Agency.
Ranpo was an even bigger dick than he had thought.
He would also jump off a moving train if it meant the President would praise him.
He didn’t know their exact relationship, but he could tell Ranpo viewed the President as a father figure.
And maybe he was jealous of that.
He never had a father figure in his life, Hirotsu would be the closest thing to that.
But he did have someone he considered an elder sister to him.
He hadn’t talked to her in a long while though.

In the end. Ranpo had used his ‘ability’ to tell them where Atsushi was.
The President had appointed Kunikida to the mission.

…

As he escaped his handcuffs, and they fell to the ground he let himself wonder.
What if Chuuya had been the next to descend those stairs?
If he had still been in the Mafia, would he come to see Dazai as a prisoner? To scrutinize and mock him?
Would he rejoice or would he be angry?
Probably the latter.
He would hate him, wouldn’t he? If he had left the Mafia without him?

He shook the scene away from his head and climbed up the stairs.
There was no reason for him to think of stuff like that.
Chuuya was in the Agency.
He was with him.
Dazai was pretty confident Chuuya didn’t hate him now, so why would it matter in a conjectural scenario?

It was stupid to think of hypotheticals.
Chuuya had been right once more.

He knew the Port Mafia headquarters like the palm of his hand. Sneaking in and finding the information he had been wanting, had been too easy for him.
The computer systems still operated the same way. Same keywords, same passwords, same filing system.
The Archive Storage Room was still on the second floor, in the same room.
Nothing had really changed.
Except for the feeling that came now, whenever he wandered those halls.

It was a strange feeling.
One could say it was disgust.
He didn’t like to be in that dark and gloomy place any longer. There was nothing interesting about it, nothing that could make him want to ever come back.
The halls, whereas nostalgic, gave him nothing to work with anymore.

He was content with that feeling.

He left the building, knowing everything he had wanted to.

…

‘’ You…went to Headquarters.’’ Chuuya stared at him, ‘’ why?’’
‘’ I needed to find some information.’’
Dazai sat down on the couch with a towel in his hand, pressing into his bruised and bloodied cheek.
‘’ On what? ‘’
‘’ Oh, I don’t know, maybe the seven billion yen bounty on Atsushi’s head? ’’ He said. ‘’ I went there, learned what I wanted, and left. No big deal. ‘’
‘’ Is that all?’’ Chuuya asked, knowing damn well that was not the only reason Dazai had gone there.
‘’ Uh, yeah? ‘’
‘’ Okay.’’ Chuuya decided to take another approach. ‘’ Atsushi almost died today.’’ He said, his eyes on him, waiting to see his reaction.’’ Went with Tanizaki to look for you, ran into some trouble.’’
‘’ What kind of trouble? ’’
‘’ The one that answers to the name Akutagawa.’’
‘’ Oh.’’ Dazai had definitely not seen that coming.
‘’ From what I understood, there was this girl involved, Kyoka. She was under Akutagawa’s orders, another Port Mafia assassin with an ability fit to kill.’’
‘’ What happened to her? ‘’
‘’ Atsushi saved her. He risked his life to take her back from Akutagawa.’’ Chuuya explained.
Dazai had this strange look on his face. Something between surprise and pride?
‘’ Did he now? ‘’
Atsushi had saved someone’s life.
‘’ Yes.’’ Chuuya confirmed, ‘’ You should have seen how impressed Kunikida was when the boy managed not only to beat Akutagawa but also come back with the girl.’’
‘’ Oh, and if you want to know,’’ He added, ‘’ while you were taking your ‘leave’ today, the President called for her to come to the Agency to meet him.’’
No.
Dazai could already see where this was going.
‘’ She was able to pursue him into letting her join us.’’ Chuuya finished his sentence.
Dazai stared at him for a second, still processing his words.
Atsushi hadn’t just saved someone's life.
He had saved someone from the Mafia…
‘’ So, do we have a new member? ‘’
That boy was already exceeding his expectations.
‘’ I saw her all dolled up, dressed in a maid dress surrounded by everyone, eating colorful candy with Ranpo while joking with Yosano and Kenji.’’ Chuuya shared with him the first thing he had seen when he had walked inside the Agency that morning. ‘’ I think that answers your question.’’
‘’ They don’t care that she is an assassin from the Mafia? ‘’
‘’ You know these people, Dazai…’’ a strange melancholy in Chuuya’s words. He turned his head to the turned off screen. ‘’ Do you want to know what Kunikida said to Atsushi about her? ‘’
Dazai continued to look at him, patiently waiting for the answer.
‘’ ‘Your Mafia ties aren’t an issue.’ Those were the exact words he used.’’

Would he say the same for them as well?
The question tortured both their minds.
Would the Agency be so civil, so welcoming even to them, if their secret came out?

‘’ Is that so…’’ His words weren’t a question but rather a realization.

Dazai knew their secret wouldn’t remain for much longer.

It was just a matter of time.

Dazai saw Chuuya turning around, ready to leave the room and probably head to his own. He wanted to reach out and say something, anything that would make the conversation last longer. Anything that would cut that stupid tension between them./
‘’ Hey, about yesterday,’’ What even was he going to say?
Chuuya turned to face him again, ‘’ yeah?’’
I’m sorry
‘’ I had a nightmare the other night, and I was just trying to, you know, silence it.’’
A nightmare? I can’t even sleep at night, Chuuya.
Chuuya looked actually concerned, ‘’ You’ve been having those again? ‘’ He asked, referring to a time when Dazai’s nightmares would leave him in an episode for days even.
‘’ Not with the same intensity.’’
No, not at all. I can’t even close my eyes anymore, let alone sleep.
‘’ So that’s what’s been bothering you for the past week? ‘’
‘’ I guess so.’’’
No.
Chuuya sat down beside him, his heart suddenly skipping faster than it had before.
‘’ Is that all? ‘’ He asked, making sure his voice was coming out the way he wanted it to,
‘’ You don’t owe me to say anything, but I’m your friend, Dazai,’’ he reminded him because even he forgot sometimes.‘’ and I do want to know when something is troubling your head.’’

Dazai was taken aback by the sudden emotion he felt.
Chuuya wasn’t like that.
He didn’t go out of his way to talk to you like that. He didn’t say that kind of stuff. He didn’t-

He must have really worried him, this time.

‘’ I was just having some sleep-related issues,‘’ Dazai said, ‘’ It really wasn’t anything that serious.’’
I want to tell you, Chuuya. I want to tell you everything but I can’t burden you like that. I can’t do that to you.
He wanted to scream. He hated lying to Chuuya. Really lying at Chuuya.

He could still do it.
He was an expert in lying. Not even Chuuya could see through him if he hadn’t intended for him to do so.
Nowadays, whenever he lied to him, he always held back. He always did it in such a manner that Chuuya, and only him, would be able to see through.
He had created in that way, this illusion, this reality where Chuuya could always tell when he was lying.
He had shaped in that way, a certain idea, a certain rule for the both of them.

‘’ Now that you know about my troubles,’’ Dazai hadn't forgotten, ‘’ What was yours? ‘’
‘’ Nothing serious either.’’ he brushed him off with his hand, ‘’ I suppose I was just, frustrated with you and work, that’s all.’’

Chuuya wasn’t an expert in lying.

…

Francis Fitzgerald.

He was the man that had taken Yokohama by storm, in a single day.

A filthy rich businessman from North America, leading a group of people with dangerous and unusual abilities, called the "Guild"
A ridiculous man that had made his entrance by landing his helicopter on the street outside the Agency and then saying he had hoped they wouldn't mind since they were the ones lacking accommodation.

Vanishing buildings, and threatening to abduct the Agency's members should their President not give in to his wishes.
Honestly, who did he think he was?

He had waltzed right inside their office with a suitcase filled to the brim with cash, and an offer any sane person would refuse.

To buy the Agency.
That had been his only objective.

He was insane.
Thinking they would be giving up their license? So easily?
When it was one, if not the most, difficult thing for an organization to obtain?
His snobbish attitude and complete lack of self-awareness were enough to make him an enemy of everyone.

The saddest part was that he had actually believed the Agency would have taken up his offer. He had actually believed that money could have bought their whole organization.

His offer had been a hard pass for Fukuzawa.
The man hadn't wasted not a single second thinking about it.
And even when Fitzgerald had turned to threaten his employees, he hadn't hesitated to tell him out of their Agency.

Fitzgerald's face had changed a million colors and expressions as he had realized he wouldn't be getting what he wanted.
But it was fine.
He had walked away with the same entitlement and the same high and mighty air as when he had entered.
Kindness only took you so far.

On that same day, Kenji disappeared.

Following that incident, Kunikida had ordered everyone to be with their pair.
Atsushi and Tanizaki had gone to search for him, while the rest (except Naomi who had followed them) had stayed at the Agency.

When they had returned, Kenji had been with them.

The ability that had captured him had been the red-headed girl's who had been standing on Fitzgerald's left side the entire time of their visit.
She had the ability to trap people in her 'playroom'. Aka, a space no one could either enter or leave by their own will.
Dazai had thought her ability could be quite useful.

After that ordeal, the Agency got another job. This one had specifically been assigned to Atsushi and Kyoka.
Their mission had been to deliver some evidence to a judge in his courtroom.
It was a fairly quick and easy job, fitted to be Kyoka's first.

From Kunikida's phone call with the boy, they had gathered that Kyoka and he had managed to complete the mission with just one small mishap.
Seeing as they had been successful with it, they were granted permission to return to the Agency.

That's when things started to derail from the plan.
Well, everyone else's plan.
Not Dazai's.

" They ran into trouble, " Dazai said, getting up from his office, and removing his headphones. " Both the Mafia and the guild ambushed them." He gave them a vague explanation as he headed to the infirmary to get Yosano.
" We have to make haste."

...

" Well, hello there, ane-san."
Dazai greeted, looking at Kouyou who was restrained in one of the infirmary's beds.
" It's been quite a while."

When they had arrived at the scene, Dazai, Yosano, and Chuuya had found everyone unconscious on the ground. People from both the Agency and the Port Mafia.
With Kunikida, Kenji and Atsushi, they hs also taken Kouyou with them as something between a hostage, and leverage.

Kouyou looked at him confused, " You think these restraints will be enough to hold me? " she asked, looking down at the stripes tying her to the bed.
" Of course, not," Dazai smiled, " that's why I'm watching you."
Kouyou smiled back at him, " It's been a while, yes..you traitor."
He wasn't sure of the sentiment behind her words. And he couldn't make sense of her expression either.
" You realize every single one of us wants your heads, right? " she said, her eyes searching the room for the person that had caused her to use the plural.
" Better tell them to get in line then," Dazai joked, " Chuuya takes priority."
At the mention of his name, her face calmed.
Then it stiffened again. " Is Kyoka safe? " She asked, eyeing Dazai.
" The girl's gone missing." He answered her." But don't worry about that, I have it under control."
Kouyou knew better than to question him.
" Not to be blunt, but war is about to break out.’’ His tone switched, ‘’ As you understand, time is precious right now, so, ane-san, do you want me to call him in, first, or do you wish to see him later after we have had our little talk? "
The woman seemed surprised by his words.
" That's...unlikely of you." She observed with caution, " But since you made the offer, I suppose we can have our little chat later, then?"
Dazai smiled, '' That’s fine by me.''

It hadn’t been hard for Dazai to figure out Kyoka had been under Kouyou’s tutelage.
Her composure, the way she carried herself, the intensity in her eyes that could tear you apart.
The evidence was all there.
He had known who had trained her, the moment he had laid eyes on her.

Dazai wasn’t a stranger to Kouyou.
He knew all too well who she was. How she thought. How she operated.
The Agency had stolen Kyoka away from the Mafia.
Kouyou coming after her had only ever been a matter of time.

Unlike Mori, Kouyou actually cared for the people she took under her wing. Dazai knew that she was only after Kyoka because she wanted the best for her.
In her twisted own way, she was only trying to protect the girl. Shield her from what she thought would corrupt her.
She was doing the same thing she had done for Chuuya.

‘’ She’s inside. ‘’ Dazai stated, looking at Chuuya who had been standing outside the door the entire time. ‘’ Go and talk to her.’’ he gave him a slight smile.

Dazai wondered why Chuuya hadn’t reached out to her sooner.
He knew they had been in contact the first few weeks after he had fled, but something happened after.
He hadn’t discussed it with Chuuya because he knew he would brush it off, but he knew he was missing her.
So yeah, maybe taking her as a hostage, when he could have very well contacted her elsewhere, had something to do with that.
Of course, no one would ever know that.

…

‘’ Ane-san,’’ Chuuya called as a greeting,’’ It’s been so long.’’
Kouyou considered him as he approached her.

It would seem he had grown quite a bit since the last time they had seen each other.
His hair, now reaching beyond his shoulder blades, had darkened. And even his face had changed. It looked more defined, now, more mature. Same with his body.
He wasn’t a kid anymore, that much was visible.

‘’ I knew you’d break out of those,’’ He said, looking at the ripped straps on the bed, and then at her hands, ‘’ So I thought we could have some tea?’’
That’s when she noticed the two cups in his hands.

Still she remained silent.
Chuuya didn’t blame her.

‘’ I hear you’re the second in command, now, right after the Boss.’’ Chuuya started, doing his best to not let his desperation show.‘’ That must be a handful.’’ he tried to break the tension in the room..
The woman only glared at him. ‘’ It is.’’ She said, her voice colder than ice.

The whole interaction was just painful.
The tension was too thick, and Kouyou was too prideful.

That was exactly what Chuuya had been trying to avoid all these years.
It wasn’t his pride that had kept him from reaching out to her, but rather the possibility of her looking at him the way she did now.

If anyone else had been in her place, Chuuya wouldn’t even have entertained the thought of doing something like that. It wasn’t in his character. Exposing himself and his feelings like that…He knew better.
However, the person seated in front of him wasn’t ‘anyone else’.
It was Kouyou.

If he didn't make the first move, she never would.
Thus nothing would change.
Chuuya didn’t want that.

‘’ I’m sorry,’’ he blurted out, so suddenly even Kouyou had to do a double take to be sure she had heard him right. ‘’ Telling you it would be best to leave my life if you don’t support my choices, was way out of line.’’ he admitted, remembering the last time they had spoken.’’ I shouldn’t have said that.’’

It was true. Kouyou hadn’t been as supportive in his decision to leave the Mafia as he had expected her to be.
He could understand her anger and her frustration, her doubts, but she had taken it too far, telling him that he would come to regret it.

Kouyou raised her head. ‘’ I was the one out of line," She said," not you, Chuuya. " reaching for the cup he was offering.
She took it in her hands before taking a sip.
‘’ I see you work here, now? ’’

It was an attempt to start a conversation.
An honest attempt.
There were no words to describe the relief Chuuya had felt.

‘’ I’m a detective here, yes.’’ He said, offering a faint smile.
Kouyou returned it.
She patted the bed sheet next to her, signaling for him to sit there.
To sit beside her.

For a second, it felt like he was fifteen again.
A confused, troubled kid with too many thoughts in his head who had just become a Port Mafia member and didn't know what to do. Akid that had no one in that world that could help him.
Not until Kouyou stepped in to be his mentor.

The same thing she was doing now, she had done back then.

‘’ How has it been? ‘’
Without thinking it twice, Chuuya sat down at the spot the woman had suggested.
He took a sip of his own drink, before turning to her.
" It's been nice for the most part," he answered," but the job does require a lot of thinking and a lot of patience."
Everyone knew those weren't his best qualities.
" Oh come on, now. You're a smart kid, I'm sure you've figured it out."

He had missed this.
He had missed this a lot.

" I take it, you like it here, then?"
" I do." It was an easy answer. One he didn't have to think about. " I really do, ane-san. It's been nothing but great so far."
" I'm glad to hear that."

And she really was glad.
Kouyou hadn’t been supportive of his decision, she was well aware of that. It wasn’t that she didn’t want Chuuya to find his place, or that she didn’t want to see him being well.
It had more to do with Dazai and her distrust of that boy.
All she had tried to do was warn him, in a way. She hadn’t meant to be so mean or dismissive of his feelings.
She had only ever wanted the best for him.

Her eyes found the wall, as she asked her next question.
" How has he been? "

He, referring to Dazai.
Speaking about him with Kouyou had always felt like walking on a tightrope.
Defending him had been the reason why he and Kouyou hadn't spoken in over two years.
He didn’t regret sticking up for him, but still…

" I know you won't believe this, but he really has changed." Chuuya started." And sure, we have had a few ups and downs, but when it comes down to it, he has become a great friend."
Kouyou nodded her head, taking his words in.

She and Dazai had never been close.
For Kouyou, Dazai would forever be the Demon Prodigy. The boss's right hand. The most twisted person she had known.

But even to her, Dazai did have seemed like he had changed.

The Dazai she had known, Executive Dazai, would have never prioritized sentiment over a mission. More or less a war.
For whatever reason, he had chosen to have her reconcile with Chuuya.
He had given them time to talk while a war was waging on them.

It had seemed genuine enough…

" That's good to hear." She said, putting down her cup.

She wasn’t fully convinced, but she would take his word for now.

There was one more question that had been burning the back of her throat.
One more question that would determine whether Chuuya was being honest or if he was hiding something.

" Tell me, Chuuya. How do you feel now, in your current life? "
She could have sworn she had never seen his eyes shine so bright before.
" I'm happy." He said, unapologetically because he meant it. He didn’t scream it and he didn’t say it with any smile. He spoke it as he would any other fact. "I'm truly happy, Kouyou," he repeated himself. " but I do have one regret."
She arched her eyebrow ever so slightly.
" I hadn't been able to tell you that."

Tears were forming in her eyes but they both knew they'd never fall.
" Oh, Chuuya." Kouyou smiled as she placed her hand on his cheek.
" If you're happy, I'm happy as well." She said.

And even if she had her doubts about his partner, and whether he was suitable to be his friend, she kept them to herself this time.

….

‘’ Are you in agreement with the plan? " Dazai asked, his eyes on her.
Kouyou nodded her head. ‘’ I am.’’
‘’ I knew you’d be.’’
‘’ Yet you had to play the remorseless torturer first,’’ She remarked, showing her disappointment in the way he had decided to reveal the plan and gather some of the information he had needed.
‘’ You wouldn’t have taken me seriously if I hadn’t done that.’’ He reasoned. ‘’ You’d think I’ve softened up or something.’’
Kouyou let out a laugh.
‘’ We both know I’m smarter than underestimating you.’’
‘’ Indeed.’’ Dazai moved away from the bed, nearing the door. ‘’ If you want the plan to succeed you have to stay here. If you were to leave, I can’t guarantee you anything.’’
‘’ You needn’t worry about that, boy,’’ she said, pouring some more tea into her cup, watching him leave. ‘’ I’m not going anywhere.’’

…

They were severely outnumbered by both organizations, and their finances weren't enough to support any kind of war, yet they didn’t let that affect them.
Sure, the Mafia had countless of subordinates at its disposal that were ready to fight and kill, but that didn’t necessarily mean they would win. The same applied to the Guild and its agents. They had money, loads of it.
That didn’t mean they couldn’t be outsmarted.

The war between their Agency, the Guild, and the Mafia had caused them to split into four teams, to make up for their shortcomings,
The first team was the Agency’s defense, made up of its leader, Fukuzawa, their healer, Yosano, Ranpo, and Kenji. It was the team that would hold up the fort.

The second and third teams were the offense, consisting of Kunikida and Tanizaki, and Dazai and Atsushi, respectively. Their abilities were the most suitable for fighting, so it made sense that they would be on the offense.

Their fourth 'team' was Chuuya.
He was their attacker.

They made their teams, held their briefing, led by Dazai, and went on with their plan, unbothered.
They were the Armed Detective Agency. They wouldn’t let a few Mafiosi and a dozen or so Americans throw them off their game.

Dazai had thought of the enemy's attack as rather predictable.
The Port Mafia, leaking information to the Guild. Using their eagerness to trap the ADA, and having them be baited instead. It was such a Mafia move to make.
Dazai didn’t mind that move.
As long as they could turn the situation around and have the Mafia’s plan benefit them instead, it shouldn’t pose as a problem but rather as an opportunity.

The two people they had chosen to go after were the ADA’s clerks. Tanizaki Naomi and Kirako Haruno. Two simple pawns in the greater scheme of the game.
Their play wasn’t just predictable. To Dazai, it was almost stupid.
Their lack of information was something the Agency could totally use to their advantage.
They had chosen to go after Naomi.
There was only one person you could send after them to guarantee victory.

While Tanizaki and Kunikida were off, chasing Naomi and Haruno's attackers, Dazai and Atsushi were already by the train station, waiting for the train, Kunikida would board the girls in.
The plan was to take them, and drive them back to their headquarters, as soon as possible, so the girls could be in a safer place than their house.

The whole time they were waiting, Dazai was just taking his time, messing with the kid while also explaining to him some of the Agency's thought process concerning the three-way war.
Atsushi had been rather pessimistic about the situation.
Dazai had wanted to laugh at him.

There were more than 600 ways to turn the tides and be the ones favored by the situation.
Dazai made sure to let him know that. Having the kid being so stressed wasn't helping anyone.
After hearing that, the boy had actually felt better. More hopeful.

" But you have to understand, Atsushi," he began explaining," War is a living creature. The tiniest mistake, the tiniest change could make the whole plan spiral. It could destroy everything. That's why information is key."
The boy's eyes stayed on him as he talked.
" Our opponent, the Port Mafia’s Boss, Mori, is the embodiment of rationality. He stays cool and commands the situation, no matter how severe or vital it is. He isn't afraid to strike when you least expect it."

That was what Dazai was waiting for.
Haruno and Naomi would arrive, but so would Mori's counterattack.
He wanted to see what he had in store for them.

He felt it then.
That looming presence.

" What's wrong, Dazai, sir? " Atsushi asked, looking at the older man accompanying him. His eyes searching his face for clues as to what had happened.
" I must have eaten too much of these." He took out the dog treats he had used to mock the dog that had been tormenting them earlier." My stomach has taken me to task, suddenly." He grabbed his stomach and pretended to feel uncomfortable.
" Oh?" Atsushi looked both concerned but also distraught by his words.
" My body and I are at our limits," Dazai proclaimed, extending his hand to stop Atsushi from reaching for him. " Take care of the Agency for me."

He knew his theatrics always left Atsushi unable to speak, but he couldn't afford to turn and look at his face to see his reaction, now.
He had to run.

It was so foolish of them.
Having Gin spy on him?
Trail him?
As if he hadn't been the one that had taught her how to do that.

Higuchi had also been there.
Dazai had yet to form an opinion on that woman.
She didn't strike him as the kind of person that would be in the Mafia. Her eyes were too bright and there was no bloodlust in them.
She was definitely not an assassin.
Dazai had wanted to brush her aside, and just focus on Gin, but there was something in the way she spoke that deemed her rather interesting.

He wondered how long she had been working for the organization.
By her obliviousness to certain elements, he figured it wasn’t that long.

" I have a message for you from the Boss."
" Oh?" Dazai wasn't the least surprised. ‘’ From Mori? What can it be, I wonder.’’ He placed his finger on his chin as he paced around the woman. ‘’ Threats, or lectures, or warnings about my life,’’ he grinned, growing excited,‘’ so many directions it could go.’’
Higuchi didn’t seem to share his excitement.
‘’ This is the message.’’ She said, before reciting the Boss’s words, word for word. ‘’Dazai, do you have any interest in returning to your position as an executive? Nakahara is welcomed as well.’’
The woman recoiled as she watched his reaction.
‘’ Oh my, what an auspicious invitation. ‘’ he laughed, ‘’ I’m so happy I can hardly contain myself,’’ He said, still laughing loudly.
Again, Higuchi wasn’t laughing with him.
‘’ I’ve looked at your records.’’ She said.
Dazai hadn’t expected her to speak after that.
‘’ Your ability, your cruelty, as if plucking the hearts out of your foes.’’
She seemed to have done some research.
‘’ Your blood is as dark as the Mafia itself.’’ She continued but something had changed in her eyes. ‘’ More so than anyone in this country.’’
Was she afraid of him?
From her posture and the way she was looking at him, he’d say she was.

‘’ Cruelty? Come, now.’’ He grinned, making his voice sound as disinterested and as unbothered as he could. ‘’ Just part of the procedure. It bores me, really.’’
‘’ Plus, we all change over time,’’ he looked at the other girl in the room. The one that had remained silent throughout the whole conversation. ‘’ I mean, look at little Gin over there,’’ He indicated to her. ‘’ She used to be a sweet little girl, no taller than this,’’ He made a gesture with his hand, showing that way how short she used to be.
Gin seemed to have been embarrassed by his comment. ‘’ Would you please not change the subject,’’ she spoke shyly, in a low voice.

‘’ This doesn’t make much sense, ‘’ He said, observing the two girls and thinking of the situation. ‘’ Why would Mori, a paragon of rational logic, assign personnel to a farce like this?’’
Higuchi considered him. ‘’ This is not a farce.’’ She said This is for your own safety.’’
He yawned.
‘’ My safety?’’
‘’ The Boss has released ‘Q’ from his cell.’’
No.
No.
No.
Mori wasn’t that desperate, was he?
‘’ Don’t be stupid. Q can’t discern between friend and foe. He destroys everything that lives. A uniquely deprived skill user.’’
‘’ If it means winning this war, the Mafia will exercise all available options.’’
As fierce and determined her eyes were, as stupid she sounded.
‘’ Do you have any idea what you have just released.’’
Dazai didn't joke when it concerned Q. He knew better than to be naive about the subject.
‘’ He is a breathing calamity. Why do you think he was imprisoned in the first place? ‘’
From her face, Dazai figured she didn’t know.
‘ Q is in possession of one of the most detestable of skills.’’ Dazai made sure to look at her eyes. Maybe then she could realize the granture of the situation.’’ It’s the ability to control people’s minds.’’

Dazai gave them a more in-depth explanation of Q’s ability. They were the enemy, but their severe lack of knowledge even in things concerning them was alarming.
As he explained it to them, something in his head clicked.

‘’ When you came here, you said this was for ‘my safety’?’’
They stayed staring at him.
‘’ DAMN IT. ’’

…

‘’ Oi, Atsushi,’’ Chuuya called, opening the door in an attempt to find him. ‘‘ I heard that-
His words failed him as his attention shifted from the boy to Kouyou, who would seem was still occupying their infirmary.
‘’ Why are you still here? ‘’ He had thought Dazai would have let her go by now.
Atsushi looked between the two of them.
‘’ How can I leave when I’m confined inside this room?.’’
It wasn’t hard for Chuuya to understand what she had meant.
‘’ She means mentally.’’ Atsushi specified..
‘’ Yeah, I figured, ‘’ Chuuya hadn’t meant to sound condescending, but his addition had really been unnecessary.
‘’ Speaking of that scheming bastard,’’ He couldn't help but notice his absence.’’ Why isn’t he with you?’’
Kouyou looked at Chuuya, surprised he didn’t know when the were-tiger did.
‘’ He’s gone to negotiate with a Government agent.’’
‘’ A government agent? ’’ He had an idea of what he meant but he really didn’t want that to be the case.
‘’ Someone from the Special Division of Unusual Powers.’’
‘’ I see.’’
‘’ Could you give us a minute?’’
Atsushi looked surprised. He couldn’t tell what Chuuya would want with their hostage. Still, it wasn’t his place to ask.
‘’ Sure.’’

‘’ What kind of deal did you two make? ‘’ Chuuya asked, once he was certain the door was closed and the boy was out of earshot.
Kouyou’s eyebrows furrowed, ‘’ A deal concerning Kyoka…’’ she answered and then paused. ‘’ Didn’t Dazai tell you that? ‘’
Chuuya felt stupid.
‘’ He didn’t have the chance.’’ It was true, enough. Dazai had been needed elsewhere and they hadn’t had the time to talk. But even if they had, Chuuya had a feeling Dazai wouldn’t have shared his plan with him.
‘’ You say you are his friend, yet I see he still keeps things from you.’’
It was a mere observation, but it still struck its point.
‘’ We all keep things from others,’’ he tried to reason. ‘’ Dazai does the same. He never speaks of his plans, not until they have come into play.’’
‘’ He did learn from the Boss, so it’s no surprise.’’
‘’ Don’t do this.’’ Chuuya pleaded.’’ Don’t compare him to Mori.’’
‘’ Is it not true? ‘’ Kouyou wasn’t looking forward to having another argument with Chuuya about that boy, but she couldn’t help it. ‘’ He was under his tutelage for years.’’
‘’ He has changed, ane-san.’’ it was a pathetic attempt, but he couldn’t have Kouyou’s opinion of him stay that way. ‘’ If you only knew half the things he has done for me.’’
‘’ Tell me, then. ’’ Kouyou urged him. ‘’ We have plenty of time, so I see no reason why you shouldn’t. ‘’
She was right.
They did have time.
And he did want to tell her.

And Kouyou did want to listen.

‘’ Fine,’’ He smiled, ‘’ I'll tell you.’’

…

Everything was going according to his plan even if it didn’t feel like that to the others.

As he had expected, the Guild had acted first, capturing both Atsushi and Kyoka in a single move.

To his understanding, the Guild had planned things in such a way, so that Kyoka could have been taken away by the military police while Atsushi had been completely unable to help her, seeing as he, himself, was getting dragged to their base by none other than their leader.

It had been a week since that happened.

In the meantime, Dazai had done his best to assure the Agency that Atsushi and Kyoka would both be fine and that they needn’t send people to find and retrieve either of them.
His excuse had been vague at best, but the Agency had taken his word for it.

The only person who had figured out what his play was going to be, would be Ranpo. And not even he knew most of the details.
He knew only what Dazai wanted him to know.

His plans had always worked in that way.
He didn’t share them with others.
Even in the Mafia, most of his plans were never explained to the Boss.
The Boss had simply trusted that they were good enough and approved of them, most of the time, he didn’t even know what he was approving of until it had come to fruition.

It was for the best.
That was what he kept telling himself.

No one knowing, was for the best.

His plans had always been intricate and much too confusing for most, but that wasn’t why he didn’t share them.
The reason was one and it was simple.
His plans had always been immoral.

Basing them on people’s behaviors and their feelings. Allowing people to go through stuff first, before they could be saved. Not telling them that they would be so that their reactions could be genuine.
It was all so immoral, so manipulative.
He didn’t need anyone pointing that out for him.

He knew.

He had been watching the sky when Kunikida found him.
‘’ Hey, DazaI. Tell me what this means.’’ he had said, showing him his neck.

Kunikda bore the bruise.
That meant that once the Guild had decided it was time to set off their plan, Kunikida, like half of Yokohama, would go crazy and start attacking everyone he saw.
If that happened to him, and he actually hurt someone, Dazai knew he wouldn’t forgive himself.
So before the Guild could activate the trigger, he took him back to the Agency to tie him up.
If he stayed tied up on a chair, and Yosano and Kenji were there supervising him, he figured he would be fine.
Soon after that, it started.

If he was Mori’s right hand still, he would have never let him go on with that plan. Using Q, and then allowing him to get abducted by the Guild? How could he ever have approved of something like that.
Because of his failure of a plan, Yokohama was now burning.
There were people fighting each other in every corner you turned to. Fires, guns, everything was out of control.

Dazai was running through the battlefield, already having calculated where the boy was to land.
As he ran, he saw the blurred figures of the Port Mafia members, fighting, trying to keep up the trenches.
Chuuya was also doing the same with Tanizaki, just in another location.
Even so, it wasn’t enough.
Q’s ability was much too strong, much too devious to be countered in such a manner.

There was only one way to stop him.

‘’ You won, Atsushi ‘’ Dazai said, finally finding the boy.

He was bleeding, and he looked pretty beaten up, yet he was still trying to crawl his way to the doll, fallen only a few meters away from him.
‘’ Dazai, sir.’’ He could see the relief in his face, the way it was finally able to relax even for just a few seconds.
‘’ The city is safe now,’’
‘’ Dazai, sir, look out,’’ His face grew worried again, ‘’ I’m being fired from above.’’
‘’ Are you? ‘’ Dazai got his detonator out. He pushed the button and allowed the thick cloud of smoke to cover them.

>He knew where Atsushi would land. And he knew the Guild would try to fire at him.
He had taken his precautions.

Once they were covered, he took the doll and ripped it in half.

‘’ How did you know I was here? ‘’ It was a logical question for the boy to ask.
‘’ I had been watching the direction of your fall, Atsushi.’’ It was all he said about that.’’ You did well. Yokohama is all clear now.’’
‘’ Or it would be nice to say so.’’ He didn’t want to further worry the kid, but he couldn’t have him thinking it was all over.
Atsushi looked at him, ‘’ Is there still another problem?’’
‘’ Well, as long as Q is in enemy hands, they can stage chaos like this anytime they want. The Special Division would be able to fight them, but they are in limbo. With things as they are, we have only one course of action that we can take, but we still have another enemy that will try to sabotage that plan.’’
‘’I had a thought up there,’’ Atsushi spoke, ‘’ Maybe it would be unthinkable to all of you, but to me, my blood and my soul tell me it's the only correct way.’’
‘’ And that is? ’’
‘’ We need allies. The strongest in all of Yokohama, people who want to protect this town more than anyone else. In the war against the Guild, the Agency could have no better ally than them.’’
Dazai knew exactly what the boy was implying.
‘’ If we get the Port Mafia to work with us, maybe they wouldn’t sabotage your plan.’’

…

Atsushi’s idea wasn’t a shot in the dark.

It was a logical idea that made a lot of sense. If they could get the Port Mafia to have a ceasefire with them, then Dazai could go on with his plan without having to worry about their interference.
However, To do that, to collaborate with the Port Mafia, they needed to have a meeting.
Fukuzawa had given the job of arranging said meeting to him.

Dazai had been talking with Kunikida when the President had come to check on his progress.
Kunikida had been completely unaware.
‘’ Hey, Dazai, explain.’’ He had waited for the President to leave, before turning to him to ask. ‘’ There is going to be a secret meeting with the Mafia?’’
‘’ That’s right,’’ Dazai confirmed. ‘’ It was Atsushi’s idea, but it has blown up quite a bit. I know the Guild is the biggest threat to us right now but-
‘’ Wait, wait, wait, I don’t get this.’’ Kunikida looked surprised, confused, and worried all at the same time. ‘’ First and foremost, why are you, of all people tasked to organize that? ‘’
Here goes nothing.
‘’ Cause I’m ex-mafia.’’ Dazai said with a smile.
Kunikida froze.’’ huh?’’
‘’ Chuuya is too.’’
Kunikida remained frozen, his eyes wide.’’ HUH? ’’
‘’ Everyone except you knows, by now, Kunikida.’’
Dazai was pretty sure he had broken him.
‘’ Kunikida? ‘’ He poked him, and then the man fell.

Well, that was definitely a reaction.

‘’ Oi, Chuuya,’’ Dazai called, entering his workspace. ‘’ Are you coming or not? ‘’

Chuuya hadn’t had much time to think whether he wanted to be there or not. When Dazai told him about Atsushi’s idea and how it was being seriously discussed with the President, he had been confused.
After a few minutes, he had understood why such a thing was on the table.
He wasn’t looking forward to seeing the Boss again, but he couldn’t let Dazai go there alone.

‘’ I’m coming, give me a sec.’’

Dazai was sitting cross-legged on top of a low wall, waiting for the Mafia to arrive. Chuuya was standing with his leg pushed against that wall, just a few meters away from him.
He wouldn’t say it, but having him tag along made things a lot better, in a way.

‘’ Welcome, Boss. ‘’ He greeted, standing up.
The boss of the Port Mafia walked closer to them. ‘’ It’s been four years.’’ he said, waving at them with a smile on his lips.
‘’ Are you still using the coat I bought for you? ‘’ he asked, addressing Dazai.
Dazai returned his smile, ‘’ Burnt it ages ago.’’ He replied.
Mori ignored his comment to address the shorter man, instead. ‘’ At least you’re still wearing your hat, Chuuya.’’
Before Chuuya could answer him, the President spoke.

The meeting had proceeded very much as predicted, with Fukuzawa seeking to persuade Mori into forming an alliance, trying to convince him that it would be beneficial to both of them, and Mori keeping refusing his offer, using his cold rationale.
Dazai knew exactly why Mori was so against it.
He had learned his methods, his tactics, and his thought patterns a long time ago. Nothing he said in that encounter could have taken him by surprise.

Fukuzawa’s attempts had all been in vain.
Mori was already turning away from them, finally leaving their sight.

‘’ Till next time,’’ he said, looking at Dazai and Chuuya, ‘’ Your invitations back to the Mafia leadership are still on the table, even if your loyalties are…ambiguous. ’’
Dazai smiled again, ‘’ Oh come now, You were the one who drove me out of the Mafia.’’ He reminded him.
‘’ I thought you quit of your own volition? ‘’ Mori tried to correct him, ‘’ Nakahara as well? ’’
Dazai wanted to laugh. ‘’ You were afraid, weren’t you, Mori, sir? ‘’ he said with a sardonic smile, ‘’ Afraid I’d murder you and assume your seat as the Mafia Boss. Just like you had done to the last one.’’
Chuuya wanted to slap him out of that state.
Why was it so hard for him to ignore the man?
Why did he always have to provoke him?

Dazai was still looking at Mori, his eyes completely blank, his smile etched on his face.
It was painful to look at him when he was like that.
‘’ The devil sees its own in the shadows of others.‘’
Chuuya hated himself for thinking it, but at that moment, Dazai had reminded him so much of Mori.

The only thing that had come out of that meeting was a rather risky ‘promise’.
Fukuzawa had told Mori that today would be the day they recovered Q from the Guild.
Since he hadn’t agreed to an alliance, Fukuzawa had only asked him to not interfere.
From his stance in the conversation and his overall approach, the ADA had figured Mori would have the decency to at least do that.

Their plan was simple.
For yet another night, Double Black would be allowed to wreak havoc.
Should Mori keep his end of the bargain’ and not interfere with their mission, recovering Q, shouldn’t pose a problem.

By the time the moon had appeared in the sky, Dazai and Chuuya were already inside the forest, on their way to crush the Guild and show them just with who they had decided to mess with.

After ‘falling’ into the Guild’s trap, Dazai decided to nullify their main agent’s ability and then stand back, and indulge in his favorite hobby.
Watching Chuuya as he fought.
He was like a storm, moving from agent to agent, making them soar through the sky and then crush on the ground. His agility, the way he attacked them with his hands in his pocket, making it seem so easy.
The stupid grin on his face as he used his ability. The way he showed it off with every kick and every punch.
Dazai could watch him fight for the rest of his life and he would still notice new things every single time.
It was mesmerizing.

They ended up finding Q in the basement of the shack, unconscious and tied up to a tree.
The idea of killing him and getting rid of him and his ability struck them both.
If they were asked why they did it, they could very well argue that it was the best solution.
His existence was nothing but a problem.
Yet when it came down to it, neither dared to raise the knife and slit his throat.
Dazai’s excuse was that Q being alive made him valuable to the Mafia. So as long as Q was well, it wouldn’t be smart of them to kill him, since he was the only one who could stop the boy if he were ever to go on a rampage again.
Chuuya hadn’t had an excuse. He had simply left it up for Dazai to decide.

In the end, Chuuya carried the kid on his back and climbed up the stairs. Dazai followed behind him.

It had been a very quick and very easy mission.
Honestly, knowing their world, they should have seen it coming.

Dazai had been intrigued by their new foe. Chuuya had been annoyed.
The Guild member that had attacked them was a tall man with long black hair and tentacles for hands.
They had both assumed that had been his ability.
They had been wrong.
That was no ability, and that became apparent the moment Dazai had tried to nullify him but failed.

Well, if his ability didn’t work then they would have to do things the old way.
With their clever tactics and perfect timing, Chuuya was able to get close to him and land a critical hit.
Activating his ability, he made sure the man hit the ground and stayed there.

Things stayed like that only for a few seconds, before the man rose from the ground and transformed into a giant nightmare fuel monster.

‘’Dazai ’’ Chuuya yelled, watching as his partner flew through the air only to land on the trunk of a faraway tree.
Chuuya stayed staring at the monster only for a second before running towards him.
‘’ Dazai your arm…’’
Fuck, it looked bad.
The lower half of his arm was completely missing.
It couldn’t possibly be THAT bad, right?
‘‘ Chuuya,’’ Dazai grimaced from the pain. ‘’ Before I die I need to tell you something…’’
Chuuya grew worried, ‘’ What-What the hell are you talking about? You can’t die in a place like-
‘’ TA-DA,’’ Dazai exclaimed, making his arm re-appear.
Chuuya grabbed him by his collar. ‘’ You fucker,’’
‘’ Oh, it was funny, no? ‘’
‘’ If you have time for your shitty–ass magician show, then you can also figure out how the hell we’re going to deal with this monstrosity.’’
He said, pointing at the gigantic monster they had to fight.
Dazai laughed, ‘’ Oh, that’s not happening,’’ He said, ‘’Let’s just give up and die.’’ Chuuya let go of him. ‘’ There is only one trick we could pull now.’’
The moment he said it, his face dropped. He was laughing no more.
‘’ One trick…You mean to pull off Corruption? ’’

They hadn’t needed to use Corruption in over four years now.
Chuuya had been so naive as to believe they wouldn’t have to use it ever again.
No, this was different.
This was an emergency.
This was to save the city.

‘’ You know the risks, Chuuya. If my support is delayed even by little…you’ll be dead.’’ Dazai said, looking at his partner. ‘’ So it’s your choice to make.’’
‘’ It’s up to me?’’ Chuuya mused, looking back at him, ‘’ Whenever you say that you already know what my answer is gonna be..’’

Chapter Text

Corruption was a last resort.

Dazai and Chuuya had only ever used Corruption a handful of times. Four to be exact.
Corruption wasn’t something pleasant for Chuuya, and Dazai understood that well. He never had him use it, not unless it was the only possible solution available.
Unlike anyone else in the entire world, Chuuya had a say in Dazai’s plans, even though he didn’t believe that to be true.
If Chuuya ever refused to use Corruption then they wouldn’t use Corruption. It was as simple as that.
Dazai would never force or manipulate him into using it.
Never and under no circumstance.

Corruption was torture.

If Dazai wasn’t there to touch Chuuya and nullify his ability in time, the power of Corruption would grow so strong it would engulf him whole.
It was much too painful and much too draining for any human being to withstand.
Once called upon, Corruption consumed his mind and body. It made him unable to think clearly or register what was happening. It also made him bleed from every possible pore and opening in his body.
Blood oozed from wounds all over him, and it felt like he was being torn apart and stitched back together at the same time. Gravity pulling and pushing him, making his internal organs combust and his bones fracture from the pressure.
The pain Corruption caused him could only ever be described as excruciating.

Corruption was something that made Chuuya feel inhuman.

It wasn’t a secret that Chuuya had once struggled to come to terms with his humanity.
Waking up one day as an eight-year-old and having no memories was scary enough on its own. But learning just a few years later that you were basically a lab rat, an experiment of a crazy scientist, and maybe even a clone, was so much worse.
Having your clone, or the original you, die in your arms. Having to confront a man that called himself your brother yet had gone out of his way to kill everyone you had cared about using that very power you had.
Chuuya hadn’t had an easy life, and Corruption, the manifestation of Arahabaki, was the main reason why.

Corruption wasn’t a joke.

And Dazai didn’t treat it like one.
If he was late even by a second, corruption would kill Chuuya.
Nothing about that possibility was funny.

‘’ The enemy’s gone now, ‘’ Dazai said, grabbing his hand mid-air, before he could strike again, ‘’ Take a rest, Chuuya.’’
He watched as his partner's eyes turned back to blue. As the crimson marks slowly faded from his body and face. He watched as he fell to his knees, the exhaustion after using Corruption too heavy for him to bear.
‘’ Dazai you ass,’’ Chuuya said over ragged breaths, ‘’ you gotta stop me right when it’s over. ‘’ He reminded him in a complaining and tired voice, too weak to raise his head and look up at him.
‘’ I know, I know, ‘’ Dazai knelt beside him, so his face could be at the same height as his partner's, ‘’ But watching you fight is so fun.’’

It wasn’t fun.
Watching him use corruption wasn’t fun in any way, shape, or form. But it was beautiful. A haunting kind of beautiful, a dangerous and tragic kind of beautiful. A magnificent, breathtaking sighting rare as a blue moon,
It was like watching a fire engulfing a forest. It's something brutal yet you can't take your eyes away from the flames as they battle.
But even if Dazai did love watching Chuuya fight, that wasn’t the reason why he had prolonged the use of corruption.

Someone like Mori would have thought it was some kind of twisted power-play to show Chuuya he was the one in control, but that was simply not true.
Dazai had always viewed Chuuya as an equal. He would never do something like that just to prove a point that was factually incorrect.
The reason was a much deeper one.

‘’ I used corruption because I trust you,’’ Chuuya glared at him, his eyes slowly closing.
‘’Just, take my ass back home.’’ He punched him lightly in the arm with all his remaining strength, before collapsing.
Dazai smiled at him.
‘’ You got it, partner.’’

There were two reasons why Dazai had prolonged the use of corruption.
The first one was that he had wanted to test out a theory. Even if he knew it wouldn’t work, he had held out a tiny bit of hope that the President’s ability, ‘All men are equal’, could have granted Chuuya control over corruption. It was a naive and hopeful thought, but he had figured, now that Chuuya was a member maybe, just maybe, it could have worked.
It hadn’t. Of course, it hadn’t. Corruption wasn’t a product of his ability.

The second was a more personal reason.
It was because every time Chuuya used Corruption, Dazai had always felt this inexplicable amount of emotion he couldn’t feel any other way.
Chuuya trusting him with his life time after time was something so important to him.
It gave him that overwhelming feeling he so desperately craved. The feeling of being needed by someone.
It was something he had longed for, all his life.

Feeling needed made him believe that he could actually have a purpose.

He took out a handkerchief and started cleaning the blood off his partner’s face and skin. His movements, slow and methodical.
Corruption always left him so broken, so tired, so damaged, after. Yet his partner had never complained when it came to it. He had never voiced the pain he was under.
Dazai couldn’t help but admire his strength and endurance. If anyone else had been in Chuuya’s place, he knew they wouldn't have lasted more than a few seconds.

After getting rid of the most prominent of blood stains, Dazai laid there for a moment, next to his body. His partner wouldn’t be waking up for the next couple of hours, so why not enjoy some quiet time with him?
He laid there for a few minutes, just watching the night sky, listening to the steady rhythm of Chuuya's heart below his head.
He wanted to close his eyes and just stay there but he knew the mission wasn’t over. Not until Q was back into the Mafia and inside a cage.

He left him inside the forest to rest, his clothes folded beneath his head, acting as a pillow. Then he went to deliver the boy that had caused all of Yokohama to go on a frenzy, back to the Mafia.

When he came back, Chuuya was still sleeping on the ground, his limbs all stretched out. The moonlight hitting his pale skin.
Dazai got closer to him.
He wanted to lay down again, put his head on his chest, and close his eyes, but he couldn't.
Something was holding him back from doing so.

He found himself thinking about doing stuff like that way more often than he would have liked to admit, and he didn’t know why.
Nowadays, whenever he looked at Chuuya all he could think about was how it would feel like if he rested his head on his shoulder on a day when they would be watching the sunset or the night sky, sitting side by side. Or if he offered his hand to him, and he took it, and they walked like that back from work, through the park, with the wind whispering all around them.
They were pointless, little thoughts yet they wouldn’t leave him alone.
He had tried to ignore them, time and time again, but the more he tried to, the more frequent they became.
Why?
He couldn’t figure it out. Dazai had never been big on physical touch or gestures such as those so why was he even thinking about it?

You know why.

He shook the thought away as fast as it had come.
No. He didn’t know why, and he didn’t want to know why.

It was something stupid and he couldn’t afford to waste time thinking about it. Not when he had a war to win.

…

‘’ Good morning, sunshine~ ‘’ Dazai opened the curtains letting the light infiltrate the room. Chuuya threw a pillow to the window, putting a bit more force than he should have.
‘’ You fucker.’’ He said as he turned his body to the other side of the bed, ‘’ Let me fucking sleep.’’ he groaned, completely ignoring the shattering sound that had just been heard from the direction he had thrown the pillow at.
‘’ But we have to go to work~’’ Dazai reminded him, snatching the sheet away, exposing his body to the cold morning air now coming in from the broken window.
‘’ Like you care.’’ Chuuya took another pillow and pressed it on his head, trying to silence the noise Dazai was making.
‘’ I thought you were a hard-working guy, ‘’ Dazai made his voice sound disappointed,’’ I guess you’re not.’
‘’ It’s Sunday, you ass.’’ Chuuya snapped, still holding the pillow on top of his head. ‘’ I’m not falling for that again.’’
Dazai stared.
‘’ Chuuya...It’s Monday.’’ He let his voice trail, ‘’ you were asleep for more than a whole day.’’
Chuuya threw the pillow away and stood up, his eyes widened and awake.
‘’ What.’’
‘’ Check for yourself.’’ Dazai showed him the clock next to his bed.
‘’ Why didn’t you wake me up sooner? ’’ He questioned him, opening his closet and taking some clothes out. ‘’ You fucker, you know-
‘’ But it’s more entertaining if you’re late~.’’ Dazai grinned, ‘’ Kunikida won’t be happy about it, but don’t worry, I’ll be on my time.’’ he added, before exiting the room and then the apartment.

Chuuya wanted to curse at him.
He could be so fucking annoying.

He got to the bathroom and turned on the faucet to wash his hands and face. Once the water was running, he brought his hands together, gathering a handful of it and splashing it on his face.
Then he raised his head to look at the mirror.
They were faint, but the marks of Corruption were still etched on his skin. He trailed them with his fingers, lightly following them as they spiraled on his cheek, before falling to his chin and then on his neck.
Corruption had always made him feel kind of empty after.

He ignored the hollowness that loomed inside of him and changed his clothes.
He wasn’t in the best condition to go to work, but when had he ever taken a break to take one now?

He caught one last glimpse of the mirror. Of the marks on his face. He knew they would disappear in a couple of hours, but still, he wasn’t looking forward to having his co-workers see them.
He wasn’t looking forward to them knowing about the true extent of his ability either.

For some reason he felt even more exhausted than he had remembered ever feeling after using Corruption.
He blamed it on the fact he hadn’t used it in years.

He took out his phone to see the time.
Fuck.
He was late.

He grabbed his coat from the hanger, put on his shoes, and got out.

‘’ Oh my, you’re actually running.’’
He found Dazai sitting beside his motorcycle, a stupid grin on his face as he watched him run out of the building.
‘’ Didn’t you say you’d go alone?’’ Chuuya asked him, jumping on the bike. Dazai shrugged his shoulders as he took the seat behind him.
‘’ Yeah,’’ he agreed. ‘’ but then I changed my mind.’’
Chuuya rolled his eyes, placing his hands over the handles. ‘’ You were just too bored to walk, weren’t you? ’’
‘’ No, not really.’’ Chuuya turned to look at him.
Dazai was still wearing that stupid grin on his face. That grin that could only mean mischief and trouble.
Chuuya put two and two together.
‘’ We don’t have work, do we? ‘’
‘’ I mean, we had, but I pursued Kunikida into giving us a leave for today.’’
‘’ Why? ‘’
‘’ Cause I solved two cases yesterday, and wrote five reports.’’ He answered him, ‘’ So now I’m too tired to do any more work.’’
‘’ But I already took a leave yesterday, didn’t I? ‘ Chuuya reasoned, ‘’ So what is my excuse for today? ‘’
‘’ I may have told them you have chicken pox.’’ Dazai glanced away.
‘’ You what-’’
‘’ I’m kidding,’’ Dazai broke into a smile, ‘’ I’m just messing with you, jeez.’’
Chuuya shot him a glare, ‘’ Okay, I’ll bite.’’ he said, ‘’ If we aren’t going to work, then where are we going? ’’

They had one day before his plan could be set in motion. One day before they fought off Fitzerald, the leader of the Guild, and kicked him and his little group out of their city for good.
His plan had already been solidified. Having been discussed with Ranpo and having been finalized, just the previous day.
There was one more thing for Dazai to take care of for their plan to work, but that would have to wait till it was evening.

‘’ We held a meeting yesterday,‘’ Dazai started, ‘’ Concerning our final stand against the Guild.’’
‘’ When is it happening? ‘’ Chuuya asked, his eyes turning to him.
‘’ Tomorrow.’’

They were sitting in that park again, letting the tall trees shelter them from the morning light. Dazai had thought of taking him elsewhere, so they could have a good time relaxing near the beach, but then he remembered he had to brief him about yesterday’s meeting and what was about to happen.
So he decided it would be better if they went to sit somewhere near and quiet.

‘’ And what course of action are we taking? ‘’ Chuuya couldn’t believe he had missed an entire day because he had been asleep. It was so stupid. Now everyone in the Agency would think of him as someone who couldn’t handle things being a little rougher than usual.

‘’ We’ll have Atsushi infiltrate the Moby Dick.’’ Dazai said, ‘’ He's going there with Tanizaki’s help, but once he’s in, he’ll be on his own.’’ That was a lie. Atsushi wouldn’t be on his own, but Chuuya, or anyone else for that matter, didn’t need to know that.
‘’ Infiltrate how? I don’t think the Agency has the means necessary to-
‘’ We’ll get them from someone else.’’ Dazai didn’t seem too excited for whoever was helping them.
‘’ The Special Division? ’’ Chuuya guessed. Dazai nodded his head.
‘’ Let’s just say I can strike us a good deal with one of their Agents.’’
Ango.
‘’ Okay, he’s in, then what? You’ll have him fight Fitzerald on his own? ‘’
‘’ You think he won’t be able to do it? ’’ He challenged him, avoiding answering his question.
‘’ That’s not what I meant.’’ He tried to defend himself, but then he realized there was no reason to do that.
Dazai wouldn’t let Atsushi go there alone. He also wouldn’t reveal to him the entirety of the plan.
‘’ Once Atsushi defeats him, we’ll start Kyoka’s entrance exam.’’
Chuuya’s eyes widened. ‘’ She is with the military police, isn’t she? ‘’
‘’ Yes, but not for much longer.’’
Even if he asked him, he knew Dazai wouldn’t tell him what her exam would be.
Even if he asked him, he knew he wouldn’t share his plan with him.
‘’ Anything else I should know? ‘’
‘’ We don’t have anything to do other than monitor Atsushi, so no.’’ Dazai said. ‘’ That’s pretty much all, so, any questions? ‘’
‘’ Do you think I’m stupid? ’’
Chuuya wasn’t stupid. What was stupid was him asking something like that. Unfortunately, Kouyou’s words had gotten into him and he couldn’t help but do so.
Dazai knitted his eyebrows as he looked at him.‘’ Where is that coming from? ‘’
‘’ Do you think I can’t comprehend or fully grasp your plans? Is that it? Or that I won’t be able to understand them because I’m not so clever? ’’ Dazai stared at him. Chuuya took his refusal to answer his question as an answer on its own. ‘’ Okay then,’’ He paused, ‘’ Do you not trust me enough? ’’
‘’ Why are you asking me that? ‘’ Dazai countered, finally speaking.
Chuuya said nothing.
‘’ Chuuya, why-
‘’ You’re not answering me, Dazai.’’ His voice was cold. Much colder than the morning breeze.
‘’ If this is about me not sharing details of the plan with you,’’ Dazai started, ‘’ You know I don’t do that.’’ He tried, keeping his voice neutral.
‘’ Why? ‘’ It was an honest question.
Dazai wished he could answer him,‘’ I don’t speak of my plans.’’ But he couldn’t
‘’ No, I already know that, you-’’ he stopped himself from cursing to take another breath and start again..’’ I know you don’t talk about them. I want to know why. ’’
Chuuya was being intrusive. He didn’t want to be, but he doubted Dazai would ever share anything with him if he didn’t use such means.
‘’ I don’t owe you an answer, do I? ‘’
‘’ No.’’
‘’ Then I choose not to answer.’’
‘’ Okay.’’ Chuuya nodded his head, showing him he understood how it was. ‘’ And I chose to go to work today so…’’ He gave him a poisonous smile before turning around and jumping off the ramp.
‘’ Chuuya-’’

A part of him expected Dazai to jump down and run after him, tell him everything he hadn’t said just now.
It was the stupid naive part in him.
The part of him that wanted Dazai to care.
No.
He was being unfair.
He knew Dazai cared. But he didn’t want him to just care. He wanted him to show it.

He was already at the entrance of the park when his cell phone rang.
‘’What.’’
The other line remained silent.
‘’ If you have nothing to say, don’t call.’’
‘’ Wai-

Kouyou was right.
Dazai was still so guarded, so secretive. He never shared anything with-
No.
He was being unfair again.
Kouyou wasn’t right. Dazai had made tremendous progress in being a better friend. And he had shared things with him.
It wasn’t his fault he didn’t meet Chuuya’s expectations. Thinking Dazai could become an open book was just foolish of him.

‘’ Can we talk? ‘’
He turned around to see Dazai trying to catch his breath.
Had he actually ran after him?
Well, it didn’t matter.
‘’ Do you have anything to say? ‘’ Chuuya asked, glaring at him, ‘’ or are you going to tell me you can’t say yet? ’’
Dazai looked at him, shame in his eyes. ‘’ I can’t tell you of my plans, so what else can I do to show you that I trust you? ‘’
Chuuya was disappointed but not surprised.’’ Nothing.’’ he said, continuing to walk towards the direction the Agency was in.
‘’ Chuuya please,’’ Dazai grabbed his hand to stop him. ‘’ I’m-I can’t-
It wasn’t often that Dazai stumbled over his own words like that. ‘’ If I tell you a part of the plan, will you be satisfied? ‘’
Chuuya looked down at Dazai’s hand still around his, Then his eyes went to his partner’s face.
It was hard for him, and he didn’t want to do it. That much was evident.
Yet he was trying.
‘’ I guess.’’
If he didn’t know him any better he’d say he looked anxious. But Dazai was never anxious about anything. It was so unlike him.
‘’ Atsushi won’t be fighting Fitzerald alone.’’ he said, his voice low, his eyes on the ground.
’’ He’ll have to partner up with Akutagawa.’’
Chuuya pulled his hand away from his, looking disgusted by his words.‘’ Why would you-
Dazai raised his head then, his eyes darkening from the embarrassment. ‘’ That’s part of the plan, okay? ’’ He said and without another word, he left.

Chuuya stared at Dazai’s figure as it grew smaller and smaller, getting lost between tall trees and bushes.

He had pushed him too far.

…

‘’ Another one,’’ Dazai called to the barman, and at once, the man behind the counter took his glass and refilled it, adding two ice cubes. He placed it back on the wooden surface.
Dazai grabbed the glass and downed it before smacking it on the counter.
This time, he simply just pointed at the glass.
The barman poured some more liquor into it.
Dazai downed that too.

He had been so stupid.
So fucking stupid.

He showed the man his glass again for the fourth maybe fifth time

Telling that to Chuuya? Why? Because he had asked?
Since when was he so…so…so honest?

The man handed him his glass.
A second later the liquor had vanished.

He told him, and what had he accomplished?
Getting Chuuya to look at him with disgust on his face.
Great.
Like, he hadn’t known that would happen.

Dazai pointed at his glass again.

That was exactly why he didn’t tell anyone of his plans.
That was exactly why he kept everything to himself.

The man refilled it.

‘’ That’s water.’’ Dazai observed, putting the glass down. The man nodded his head.
‘’ It’s still morning,’’ He hesitated, ‘’ Don’t you think you’ve drank too much?’’
Dazai shot him a dirty look, but he did nothing else.
The man was right. It was still early in the morning.
However, Dazai didn’t care about that.
‘’ One more and then I’ll order some breakfast.’’ He tried to negotiate. The man considered him before letting out a sigh.
‘’ Here.’’ He said, handing him what he hoped was his last drink for the day.
Dazai took it.
A second later he gave him the empty glass back.
‘’ What should I bring? ‘’ The man asked, looking at him. Dazai raised his head to answer.
‘’ Some rice with curry would suffice.’’ he said, ‘’ Actually, make it two bowls.’’
He turned around to see Chuuya entering through the threshold.
The scene looked odd.
Chuuya, descending the stairs of Lupin, crossing the room to get to him, as the warm light of the lamps on the side walls, reflected inside his eyes.
He had never thought he’d see him inside that place.

‘’ Why do you never answer your phone?’’ Chuuya asked, nearing him.
‘’ I have it on silent.’’
‘’ What are you even doing in a bar at 11 in the morning? ‘’ he said, looking around, ‘’ Were you drinking? ’’
‘’ Why, you care? ’’
Chuuya sat down next to him, taking a breath before he spoke again.‘’ I was just surprised, that’s all.’’ He said defeated.
‘’ By what? ‘’ Dazai’s words were sharp,’’ By me being an asshole, making Atsushi work with a man that tried to kill him? ‘’ he felt sick, ‘’ or by me not even telling him that he’ll have to do that?’’
‘’ When did I say that?’’
Dazai looked at the wall on his left, admiring the simple design on the wallpaper.‘’ You don’t have to say it.’’
‘’ You think they would make for a good team because of their abilities,‘’ Chuuya started, knowing Dazai wouldn’t. ‘’ And you want to test that theory of yours, so you’ll have the both of them team up so they can beat the leader of the Guild.’’
It wasn’t something Chuuya couldn’t comprehend.
‘’ It’s a solid plan,’’ He admitted, ‘’ but it’s not the way the Agency would have wanted to do things.’’ He added. ‘’ It could be considered manipulative and immoral, but your plans have always been like that, no? ’’ Dazai’s eyes found his, ‘’ So what makes this one so different?’’

Dazai realized one thing, then.

‘’ So you approve of the plan? ‘’ Dazai asked, looking at him.
‘’ It’s a plan of yours.’’ He reminded him, ‘’ Approval doesn’t matter if you know it’s not gonna fail.’’

He had severely misunderstood how well Chuuya could understand him.

‘’ Here is your breakfast,’’ The man interrupted them, placing the two bowls on the counter. ‘’Enjoy.’’
Dazai pushed one of the bowls towards his partner. He turned to say thank you, but the man had already retired to the kitchens.

Could he tell him the rest?
Chuuya had been understanding enough as not to ask, but-
No.
If he told him more then he would have to tell him everything. And he couldn’t tell him everything.

‘’ Aw, Chuuya is always so certain of my plans.’’ Dazai mused, picking up his chopsticks.
‘’ I mean, they never fail, so at this point, it’s just a fact.’’ Chuuya said, blowing on his rice so it would cool down. ‘’ It’s not a compliment, you moron’’ he clarified watching Dazai's stupid smile.
‘’ Come on, you can’t take it back now~’’
‘’ Oh, forget it.’’

They enjoyed a nice meal seasoned with some banter, before exiting the bar together.

Chuuya was calmer when they left, and Dazai couldn’t deny that telling him had made him feel lighter.
Once again he wished he could tell him everything. But if he did, he would just be burdening him as well.
And he didn’t want Chuuya to have to carry that cross with him.

‘’ Well, that was fun,’’ Dazai said, clasping his hands, ‘’ But I do have to go.’’
Chuuya thought about asking him where, but then he reconsidered. ‘’ Will you be back for dinner, or should I eat without you? ‘’ he asked instead, stepping inside the building.
‘’ Hm, I’ll be back before too late, so make sure you order something edible.’’
‘’ Something with poison then. Got it. ‘’ Chuuya joked, closing the door.

Dazai smiled to no one but himself, before turning his body to head towards the flower shop down the neighborhood.

…

‘’ WHY HELLO THERE, ANGO~’’ Dazai burst through the door, a big bouquet of flowers in one hand and a basket with fruits and candies in the other. ‘’ How are you doing? ‘’ He asked, looking at him. Ango didn’t seem as excited to see him again.
’’ Well, you look lovely.’’

Ango was laying on the hospital bed, his broken leg slightly raised in a cast, his head covered in bandages. He was wearing a tired expression that told Dazai he really didn’t want to be there. His expression also told him that he would be willing to listen to what Dazai was about to say.

‘’ I have a nice story for you,’’ he said, placing the bouquet on top of a nearby table. ‘’ Our Agency is going to fix your injuries from the car crash.’’ He exclaimed, ‘’ Doctor Yosano’s healing ability will have you good as new in no time.’’
Ango’s eyes stayed sharp, searching his face thoroughly for the tiniest clue. When he didn’t find it, he asked.
‘’ And what do you get back? ‘’
Dazai smiled, nearing him, ‘’ Get back? Oh come, now,’’ The Special Division and our Agency have always helped each other out, no? ‘’
‘’ I see.’’ Ango sighted. ‘’ So you want us to help with this war? ‘’
‘’ If you want to put it that way, then alright. But actually…

The main reason Dazai wanted to get the Special Division’s assistance wasn’t for the infiltration, but rather for their newest member, Kyoka.
Chuuya had been right, the ADA did not have the tools or means necessary to infiltrate the Moby Dick, but even if that was the case, Dazai had already come up with five different solutions to make up for that. They weren’t the most practical, but if push came to shove, they could always have Chuuya fly up there with Atsushi using his gravity manipulation ability.
What they couldn’t do, however, was retrieve Kyoka in a way that wouldn’t deem the Agency as criminals. In a way that was legal.
The ones holding her captive weren't the Port Mafia or the Yokohama police. It was the military police, an organization untouchable by their Agency.
The only operation in Yokohama with ties to them would be the Special Division.

According to Ango the Special Division could go above the law and negotiate a legal pardon for the girl. Unfortunately, that amnesty could only be granted to her if she was an official member of the Agency. That’s where the problem lied. Kyoka was not an official agent, yet.
But Dazai knew that would be Ango's answer, so to prepare for that he had already conducted another plan. One that would result in her passing her entrance exam and getting her amnesty.
Getting her second chance in life.

‘’ I’m accepting your ‘offer’ of treatment in exchange for support, so just tell me one more thing.’’ Ango turned his head to face Dazai as he walked towards the door. ‘’ When we were struck by that mystery vehicle, only the airbag on my side failed to inflate. Would you happen to know the reason? ‘’ his cold gaze pierced through him.
Ango was smart. Dazai didn’t need to confirm his suspicions for him to know they were true.
He didn’t need to say anything. Ango knew exactly the kind of person Dazai was.
The things he was willing to do to get what he wanted.

Still, he stopped before the door, and only for a second, he turned to him and smiled.

…

Chuuya had always been a private person.
He was similar to Dazai, in that sense. Chuuya, however, had never had a problem with making friends or talking to people he knew only on a surface level. He didn’t mind having pointless little small talks with subordinates or starting discussions with them while out on a mission. He wanted to be a part of conversations about random topics, or even very specific subjects.
Chuuya liked talking to people.
Dazai didn’t.
If he didn't find someone intriguing enough, or if he had no need or use for them, he wouldn't say anything. He didn’t care about things such as keeping up appearances or being perceived as friendly. He didn't go out of his way to interact with people or joke with them for the sole purpose of appearing more approachable.
He had always kept to himself.

When Chuuya had learned all that information from numerous sources in the Mafia, he remembered having spent countless hours wondering what had made him so special.

Everyone had described Dazai as a closed-off individual who never spoke to anyone other than the Boss. Chuuya had found that to be odd
Dazai had never been like that to him. On the contrary, Chuuya had been sure Dazai couldn’t have gone not even a few seconds without opening his mouth and uttering nonsense.
Considering all that, he had come to think of his behavior towards him as rather strange, but even then, he had never remarked or asked him about it.
They didn't chat much about such things, therefore he decided it would be best not to ask. He didn't want to inquire and appear overly interested in his partner. Or at least more than he should have been,

Chuuya still remembered a question Dazai had once asked him while they had still been in the Mafia, just a few weeks after they had become partners.
‘ Why do you never talk about yourself? ‘
It had been a rather unexpected question. He hadn’t expected his partner would have been as bold as to ask that. It was true, though. As much as Chuuya loved talking about everything, he never talked about himself. Only when it was something concerning work.
It was a question Shirase had also once asked.
And the Flags would come to ask him a very similar question a few months later, as well.

Chuuya’s reply hadn’t varied. He had answered them all with the same six words.
‘ I don’t like talking about myself.’
It was a straightforward statement. One that had made it clear he had wanted them to drop the subject.
They had all obliged.
All except Dazai.

That bastard had proved to be quite the exception in more things than one.

Chuuya had always felt as if he had locked himself inside a small room and he was the only person in possession of the key. Apart from him, everyone else was outside, some searching for a key that didn’t exist, some trying to wreck that door down.

The Sheep had been the first to try and unlock the door of that lonely room. All the kids but especially Yuan and Shirase had spent countless hours trying to get him to open up. Asking him questions, trying to figure him out by his answers.
Their tactic had been too time-consuming, too inefficient.
In the end, as much as they had searched, they had never found the right key.

The next people to try and get that door to open had been the Flags.
Unlike the Sheep, the Flags hadn’t wasted time on getting Chuuya to open that door by himself. They had simply tried to wreck it.
And who knows, cracks had already appeared on it by the end of the first year he had known them. Maybe if they had had more time, the door could have been broken down.
He would never know.

Then there was Dazai.
Dazai wasn’t like the Sheep and he wasn’t like the Flags. He wasn’t the kind of person that would waste their time searching for something that didn’t exist. And he wasn’t a ‘brute’ that would resolve to physical strength either.
When it came down to it, Dazai saw a locked door and did what he had always done best.
He had picked the lock.

Chuuya couldn’t remember when it had happened or how, but Dazai had been the first to make that little door open.
He had waltzed inside that dark and gloomy room, allowing the outside light to come with him.

It had been terrifying.
And years later, it still was.

Chuuya had thought it was time he ought to give him a taste of his own medicine.
If Dazai didn’t want to open up his own door, then all Chuuya had to do was push it until it broke. He could go ahead and accuse him of being intrusive. Chuuya didn’t care about that anymore. He was willing to do a whole breaking and entering if it meant he could finally understand him better.

Chuuya walked closer to the screens. He hadn’t expected Dazai to invite him over to the control room.
When communicating directly with the agents during a mission, Dazai had always requested he be alone. Saying it was better if there wasn't any noise in the room and no possible distractions. Both the Mafia and the ADA had respected his wishes enough to grant him that isolation for as long as the mission would be taking place. Chuuya had always known that to be the case, so when Dazai told him to ‘Get over here ', he couldn’t help but be a bit startled.

Moving as soundlessly as he could, he took the chair next to Dazai’s and wore the headpiece that had been given to him.

He could hear Atsushi and Dazai talking over the comm.
Atsushi was trying to reason with him, shedding light on some new information he had received from the owner of the Moby Dick. Chuuya knew Dazai wasn’t willing to give up on their plan that easily, yet he asked Atsushi if he was sure he could do it. Giving him a way out if he didn’t feel up to the task.
Chuuya wasn't surprised. Maybe a few years ago he would have been, listening to Dazai as he asked someone if they were okay whilst in the middle of a plan. It was still new, but considering everything, it wasn’t that unbelievable anymore.

Chuuya could hear everything yet his headpiece lacked a microphone. So when Mori had intruded on their communication, he had been thankful their old Boss hadn’t heard the way his breath had caught.
‘’ Faring well, Dazai? ‘’ Dazai turned to Chuuya. They both shared a look of confusion and disgust. Chuuya saw Dazai’s finger hovering over the button that would cut their connection.
‘’Wait, don’t hang up.’’ Something was off with their Boss’s tone, Chuuya could tell.
‘’ What is it, Mori, sir? ‘’ Dazai asked with caution, ‘’ I thought we had an agreement that the Mafia wouldn’t meddle in our plans? ‘’ He reminded, his voice skeptical.
‘’ Yeah, about that…My subordinate has just informed me…’’ The Boss sounded actually nervous. Remembering what Dazai had told him about the plan, Chuuya had a pretty good guess as to why.
‘’ I don’t think we can keep the truce.’’

Just moments later, Akutagawa’s voice was heard through the sound system. Chuuya turned to Dazai, expecting to find him grinning since everything was going as planned. When he turned, however, he found no such expression on his face.
‘’ There is no time to deal with him, Atsushi. Keep going.’’ this should be another part of the plan. Maybe he wants Atsushi to seem disinterested so that Akutagawa goes after him, and they end up in Fitzerald’s room together.
‘’ But-’’ Atsushi sounded confused.
‘’ Don’t worry,’’ Dazai reassured him, ‘’ Do as I say and you’ll escape unharmed.’’
It was subtle but Chuuya could have sworn Dazai had turned his head just slightly to the right. Making it impossible for him to see his face clearly.
‘’Akutagawa,’’ The boy called, albeit a bit louder than he should have. ‘’ Right now I’m linked to mister Dazai through this. He wants to talk to you.’’
Chuuya could see the plan now.
Dazai would use the respect Akutagawa had always harbored for him in order to get him to cooperate with Atsushi and leave his little grudge against him aside.
It was a sound plan.
‘’ DAZAI SIR ‘’ He could hear Akutagawa scream with desperation from the other side of the line as the device was being thrown off from a high place? He wasn’t sure, but he knew he had heard clutter and the sound of air as the device traveled through it.
Dazai pressed the button then and silence befell the room.
Oh.
That was his play…
‘’ Hey Kyoka, can you hear me? ‘’ Dazai changed stations immediately, his face still turned to the right. ‘’ It’s Dazai.’’
He must have been doing that on purpose, but why?
At first, Dazai had tried to tell Kyoka how to fly and land the drone she was in. To Chuuya’s surprise, the girl had refused to listen to him. Dazai had remained calm, explaining to her the situation and why the ADA was willing to save her even though she wasn’t even an official agent yet. Kyoka had still tried to persuade him into letting her go, sounding tired as she told him that even if she were to take that exam she would fail.
Chuuya knew that feeling all too well. No child should ever have to feel that way. No child should ever have to question whether they deserve to see the light after having grown up in the darkness.
‘’ I don’t like that mindset one bit,’’ Dazai said.
Chuuya was under the impression Dazai would have thought of himself as well.
‘’ An ex-hitman has no right to turn good? ‘’ hitman.‘’ Do you really believe that? ‘’
Dazai wasn’t thinking about himself when he said that. If he had, he wouldn’t have used that word.
He was thinking of Oda.
Chuuya felt the sudden urge to reach for him and just say something, but he couldn’t. They were in the middle of a very important mission, every second counted.
He reminded himself there was a reason Dazai was saying all those things to Kyoka. There was something he was trying to accomplish.
‘’ Kyoka, everyone has their weak and strong points, ‘’ He began again, fumbling over his pocket. ‘’ You, for example, clearly have a talent for killing.’’ he said, taking out a small matchbox. ‘’ And you think it means you can’t be a part of us.’’ Just for a second, as he gazed at that matchbox, Dazai’s face became visible to Chuuya once more.
He looked serious. He also looked like he was miles away from that room.
‘’ That’s utterly absurd,’’ he threw his back on the chair, taking another carefree smiley expression.’’ Look, I can prove it a flimsy argument in just a second.’’ he said, ‘’ tell me, how many people have you killed? ’’
Kyoka sounded tired as she replied. ‘’Thirty-five.’’ She said her voice on the verge of tears.
‘’ A mere thirty-five? ‘’ he turned to Chuuya, locking eyes with him, ‘’ See, Koyka, you don’t know everything about our Agency yet. ‘’ He turned back to the screen, ‘ not about yourself either. Nobody can truly know it all, that’s where one’s ‘potential’ comes in. Even Atsushi, the one who gave you another chance, was a registered threat himself. But right now, he is up in the air, fighting, risking his life so he can save this city.’’ He paused. ‘’ Kyoka, if you want I can arrange for you to continue living a life of killing, but your suffering is more than just your own. So the question is, what is one supposed to do when they want something different than what they excel at? ‘’
Chuuya listened to him as carefully as he wished Kyoka was.
‘’ Everyone fights to figure out how to best live their lives. What should they seek? How should they live? What is their reason? Nobody can provide them with those answers. All we can do is agonize over them.’’
We.
Dazai was no longer talking about other people only.
‘’ We wonder this city with no aim, like a bunch of stray dogs that have hit rock bottom.’’
Dazai pressed the button again, before changing the line from the computer.
He made it so that Kyoka’s drone could be connected to the pilot room inside the Moby Dick. The place Atsushi and Akutagawa were, based on Atsushi’s tracker.

‘’ You get out of there too, Kyoka ‘’
‘’ I cannot.’’

As he heard their voices, Chuuya turned over to Dazai.
So that was his plan.
‘’ Will she have enough time? ‘’ He asked, unable to keep his worries to himself.
‘’ Just barely. ‘’ Dazai replied.

‘’ Up until now, I lived without a single ray of light. But today I realized that I too have a choice.’’ Chuuya felt his heart speeding up. According to Dazai, she would be fine, but still, she didn’t know that.
‘’ If I sacrifice my life to save everyone, I’m sure I can pass the entrance exam. I can become an Agent too. And because of that, I regret nothing.’’
‘’ NO, STOP-’’

‘’ Are you a hundred percent sure she's gonna have time? ‘’ Atsushi’s screams, the way she was holding back tears. It was too real.
‘’ Are you doubting me, Chuuya? ‘’ He tried to make it come off as a tease, but there was actual worry in his voice.
‘’ No, it’s just-
‘’ Just what? ‘’ Dazai looked at him. with those wandering eyes of his.
But as Chuuya heard Akutagawa of all people dragging Atsushi to safety, and Atsushi screaming Kyoka’s name, while the girl thanked him for everything he could only think of one word.
Cruel.
Your plan is cruel.
‘’ Whatever we don't have time for that.’’ Dazai brushed him off, a slight catch in his voice.‘’ We need to go and get the others to the port.’’

When Chuuya saw Kyoka emerging from the water, and Atsushi running to embrace her, all he could think was how bad he felt about ever having thought Dazai’s plan was cruel.
He still believed it was, but he could see now that there truly was no other way they could have saved everyone.
Both the entirety of Yokohama and Kyoka.
He could see now that there was no other way to beat Fitzerald other than having Atsushi partner up with Akutagawa.

That plan of Dazai’s…
It was like he could glimpse at a much deeper side of him. As if that plan could tell him everything he had ever needed to know about the way he thought and the way he acted if only he could decipher it.
If only he could see between the lines, between what was obvious to most.

‘’ DAZAI SIR ‘’ Akutagawa’s voice dragged him away from his thoughts. ‘’ There is nothing left to get in the way.’’ he said, standing up, ‘’ Today I will reveal to you my power-
‘’ Will you now? ‘’ Chuuya saw as Dazai approached the boy. ‘’ Aren’t you at your limit? You did just defeat the leader of the Guild after all.’’
The ghost of a smile appeared on his lips only for a fleeting half of a second. ‘’ You’ve grown stronger huh? ‘’ He said, a soft smile on his face as he placed his hand on Akutagawa’s shoulder.
Was it the shock of being acknowledged by his past mentor? Was it the fatigue catching up to him? Chuuya didn’t know what it was, but the boy fainted instantly after Dazai’s words.

Following that, the rest of the Agency arrived at the scene, eager to congratulate Kyoka on becoming an official member of theirs, and Atsushi for saving the city.
Once they were done doing that, they all headed back to the Agency to hear something Fukuzawa wanted to tell them.
Dazai asked for his permission to be late, telling him he had something urgent to take care of with Chuuya.
Fukuzawa had assured him that it was fine by him, seeing as his plan had just saved the city.

‘’ What’s so urgent? ‘’ Chuuya asked him the instant everyone had left.
‘’ Don’t we ought to do something about him? ‘’ Dazai asked, gesturing to the boy on the ground.
‘’ About Akutagawa? ‘’ Chuuya looked at him confused. He couldn’t figure out what Dazai meant.
‘’ Can you help me get him at least somewhere near Headquarters? ’’ He proposed, already grabbing the boy by his arms.
Chuuya grabbed his legs, albeit a bit hesitant. ‘’ Sure.’’ he said, trying his best to not act surprised.

…

There were reasons Dazai had treated Akutagawa the way he had back in the Mafia.
And there were reasons why he kept treating him that way.
Still, ever since he had joined the ADA, there had been a few times where he had encountered him and had thought, ‘Am I doing the right thing? ’
He had never been the type of person to regret things or feel guilt over his actions, but lately, he had observed that those kinds of thoughts alongside some others were progressively increasing.
He honestly couldn’t figure out why that was happening.

‘’ Okay, we’re close enough,’’ Dazai said, scanning the view to be certain there were no Port Mafia members lurking around. ‘’ Now, we can let go of him.’’

‘’ Aren’t you coming to the party? ‘’ Chuuya asked, watching Dazai towards the left turn and not the right.
‘’ I’ll join you later. I have something else to take care of as well, so go ahead without me.’’ He smiled.
‘’ And what’s that? ‘’
Dazai could ignore the question and simply walk away. He didn’t owe Chuuya to tell him where he was going or who he was meeting up with. He didn’t have to tell him anything, but for some reason, telling Chuuya didn’t seem so bad.
‘’ I’m going to thank someone for leaking a piece of information, and making my plan possible in that way.’’
Chuuya seemed to think about it. ‘’ Hirotsu? ‘’
‘’ Yes.’’
‘’ Aw, you got your father to help you.’’ He teased, ‘’ That’s so nice.’’
Yeah…Maybe ignoring him would have been better.
‘’ How many times do I have to tell you-
‘’ Yeah, yeah, whatever.’’ Chuuya brushed him off, not even letting him defend himself.
‘’ Just send the old man my regards, will you? ’’
His partner rolled his eyes before he turned away.

Dazai looked at the painting in front of him. ‘’ Even I could draw this.’’ He scoffed, turning his head to meet Hirotsu.
‘’Well, you can do most anything.’’ The man remarked, a slight smile on his lips. ‘’ Remember that self-portrait you drew on the wall of the Executive office? ’’
‘’ Yeah, ‘’ Dazai snickered at the memory, ‘’ Miss Elise had been terrified. She had thought it to be some kind of enemy curse.’’
Hirotsu laughed with him, probably remembering Elise’s face when she saw the portrait, or the both of them cleaning it up after the Boss had instructed them to do so.
It was a fond memory for both parties.
‘’ Hirotsu, sir, thanks for helping me out.’’ Dazai said, smiling at the man.

And maybe Chuuya was right. Maybe he did have a more familial relationship with him. He was, after all, the only person in the Mafia he knew he could count on no matter what.
The only person there he knew, would never want to hurt him.

‘’ Was that all you truly needed? ‘’ Hirotsu asked him, ‘’ All I did was tell Higuchi you were infiltrating the Moby Dick. And since she knew, he told Akutagawa, and he went there alone, as you had planned.’’ he recounted the events. ‘’ Why were you so eager to pit Akutagawa against that Tiger lad? ’’
‘’ Because I wanted to be sure.’’ Dazai’s expression grew serious.
‘’ How long have you been aiming for this scenario? ‘’
Hirotsu had always known the right questions to ask. Dazai liked that about him.
‘’ From the time I first met Atsushi.’’
Hirotsu nodded.’’ But why do you aim for that, my boy? ‘’
‘’ This era needs a new duo.’’ Dazai said, his voice factual. ‘’ We need to prepare for the ‘real menace’ coming soon.’’
‘’ But why do we need a new duo? ‘’ Hirotsu asked again. ‘’ I was under the impression that you and Nakahara were both faring well. Still being partners, but in a different job.’’
Dazai’s eyes fell to the ground for a moment.
‘’ Corruption is becoming harder to predict.’’ he said, ‘’ It’s taking a bigger toll on him than it should have.’’
Hirotsu’s eyes fell as well.
‘’ I see.’’
‘’ He was unconscious for a whole day, Hirotsu, sir.’’ he voiced, his concern clearly audible.
‘’ And the marks have yet to fade completely from his skin.’’
‘’ So it’s not that Double Black aren’t as strong anymore,’’ Hirotsu observed. ‘’ It’s that you would rather protect Nakahara than push him to his limits.’’
Dazai felt embarrassed as he saw the old man’s expression shift to a soft one.
‘’ That’s one reason, yes.’’ He agreed with him, wanting to quickly change the subject.
‘’ But the enemy that’s on the move is also one. Not even I can tell how it’s going to turn out.’’ he admitted.
‘’ Thus, we need to prepare for every possible outcome. We need to have alternatives.’’
‘’ If things are to get as bad as you say…‘’ The man started, ‘’ I need to know, have you thought of any possible solutions yet? ‘’
Dazai stiffened. ‘’ Even if I have, you know I won’t speak of them.’’
The man let out a sigh. ‘’ Indeed I know. ‘’ he said, ‘’ I just wish you could talk about it with someone,’’ he continued. ‘’ I’m sure it would help take some of the weight off your shoulders.’’

…

‘’ Now, who the Hell are you? ‘’ Chuuya asked, his eyes falling on a peculiar man lurking at the entrance of the Agency.
The way his black hair covered his face, and the way he was dressed was rather eccentric, so if Chuuya had seen him before, he knew he would remember him.
‘ I’m-I’m Edgar Allan Poe,’’ the man said, averting his eyes from him.
‘’ Okay…’’ Chuuya dragged the word, giving himself a bit of time to see if the name would ring any bell. ‘’ And what are you doing here? ‘’
Upon being asked of his purpose there, the man, Poe, instinctively showed him the book he had been holding. As if that was an answer.
‘’ I’m here to see Ranpo.’’ he said, his voice low.
‘’ Ranpo, huh? ‘’ Chuuya couldn’t remember the last time Ranpo had ever had friends over in the Agency. He had thought that he had none, besides them. ‘’ Are you a friend of his? ’’
‘’ I’m his greatest rival.’’
Chuuya considered him. ‘’ Rival? ‘’
‘’ Yes? ‘’
From what he could see the man did look a bit uncomfortable talking to him. But he didn’t think that was because he was from an enemy organization, no.
It was most likely his personality.
‘’ Tell me, mister Poe,’’ Chuuya thought he could tease him a bit, ‘’ Are you a detective as well? ‘’
‘’ I wouldn’t call myself a detective.’’ Poe answered, his voice even lower than before.’’ I was an architect for the Guild but that’s not my-
‘’ Wait,’’ Chuuya cut him off. ‘’ You’re the man with the book ability, aren’t you? ‘’
Poe seemed to grow even more uncomfortable at the sudden recognition.
‘’ I think? ’’ he said, fidgeting with his fingers, looking everywhere but at him.
‘’ Well, why didn’t you say so? ’’ Chuuya exclaimed happily, going ahead and opening the door of the building, ‘’ please, do come in.’’ he gestured.

‘’ Chuuya~’’ Yosano rushed to him the moment he opened the door of the office. ‘’ You’re just in time,’’ she said, ‘’ I was just opening another bottle.’’ She waved the sealed bottle in front of him, ‘’ Kunikida isn’t as good of a drinking buddy as you are~’’ she tried to whisper, but her drunken state made it so that her words could be heard perfectly.
‘’ Is that a 1964 Romanee? ‘’ Chuuya looked at the label closely, ‘’ It should have been crazy expensive, how-
‘’ Oh, this? ‘’ Yosano laughed, ‘’ It’s a present from a patient of mine I once helped.’’ She explained, ‘’ I couldn’t afford that even if I worked for the rest of my life.’’
Chuuya nodded, knowing damn well what the price of it was. ‘’ Well, do you need any help finishing it? ‘’ he offered, suddenly in a mood for a drink.
‘’ Of course, ‘’ Yosano said, grabbing him by his arm, ‘’ that’s what I’m trying to say~’’
Before Yosano dragged him away to where Kunikida was also sitting, Chuuya managed to catch one last glimpse of the guy that had come with him.
He looked terrified, overwhelmed by the commotion.
Chuuya was thinking about going up to him and helping him find Ranpo when he heard the detective’s familiar voice calling for the man.

He had missed the surprise welcome the Agency had held for Kyoka, but Yosano had assured him that it was fine. From what she told him, everything had gone smoothly, and the party had started off pretty upbeat.
There had been a moment when Kunikida had tried to ruin everyone’s good moods by lecturing Kyoka and Atsushi for having acted recklessly, but Yosano had prevented that from happening by dragging him away to drink with her.
Chuuya could see the result of that decision laying on the couch with his glasses turned on at a very bad angle, he was sure it would cause damage to them.

It was a great party with lots of drinking and lots of talking. Exactly the kind of partying Chuuya had always liked.

‘’ Kyoka-
Chuuya bumped into the girl while trying to get to the buffet.
‘’ Nakahara, sir.’’
His memory was beginning to turn hazy but he was pretty sure he hadn’t given her an official welcome yet.
He couldn’t have that. He didn’t want to seem cold to her. It wouldn’t be proper or nice.
He looked at her and smiled.
‘’ Welcome to the Agency,’’ he said,’’ I’m sorry I wasn’t here to welcome you officially… Something came up and-’’
‘’ I didn’t mind,’’ Kyoka was quick to reassure him.’’ I’m just glad I’m here.’’
Chuuya smiled at the girl, thinking of how proud Kouyou would be if she could see her now.
‘’ And we’re glad you’re here too, kid.’’ he said.
The girl returned the smile only for a second before scolding her expression back to a more serious one.‘’ Mister Nakahara,’’ she addressed him, ‘’ could I ask you something? ‘’
‘’ Sure,’’ Chuuya kept smiling. ‘’ Go for it.’’
‘’ Alright,’’ She took a big breath before speaking. ‘’ Mister Dazai alluded to him and you having been in the mafia…and so I was wondering.’’ She paused, considering him for a moment before continuing with her sentence. ‘’ Are you and mister Dazai the two traitor executives? ‘’ She asked, her wide eyes searching his face for the answer before he could even give it to her. ‘’ It’s a personal question but-
‘’ I don’t know what good things you have heard about us, but yes,’’ Chuuya cut her off, ‘’ we are the Executives turned deserters.’’
‘’ Really? ‘’ Her eyes glistened with something that could resemble hope.
‘’ Well, last time I checked, we were both executives once .’’ He scoffed, ‘’ And we did flee the Mafia, so yeah.‘’
‘’ Yet you’re still alive.’’ Koyka observed more to herself than aloud, ‘’ so it really can be done.’’ it was a whisper fainter than a breath.
To Chuuya, she seemed like she hadn’t realized what had happened, just yet. Like she hadn’t fully grasped this new reality of being free and away from it all.
He couldn’t blame her. He hadn’t been able to accept the fact he had run away with Dazai for months. It would take the girl at least a few weeks before she could
‘’ Would you say you’re living in the light now? ‘’ Kyoka’s questions had this child-like pureness, yet they were very carefully aimed. ‘’ That things are sunnier for you, brighter than they were in the Mafia? ‘’

The words Kyoka had used reminded him of the way Kouyou used to speak.
Of the way, her perspective on the world was always being explained by this imagery about it being dark and light.
He remembered Kouyou telling him time and time again that the realm of light was nothing but a hoax. He remembered her stating that whoever was affiliated with the Mafia was doomed to be bound in a world of darkness away from the brightness of the sun.
He remembered her being so angry whenever he dared to speak of hypotheticals concerning his life if he hadn’t joined the Mafia, or if he had fled the organization.
He figured Kyoka must have been raised the same way.

Chuuya opened his mouth to answer her, but before he could speak, the sound of the door opening stole their attention, making both their heads turn in that direction.
The main door opened, revealing a very late to the party Dazai, who looked as if he had run more than a mile to get there.
He had this stupid grin on his face as he was being greeted by Atsushi. This half apologetic smile, as he told him why he had been late. Probably some joke of an excuse, to make the kid laugh.
Looking at him, Chuuya gave Kyoka her answer.
‘’ Definitely brighter.’’ he said, his eyes still on the man that was now pretending to be blown away from some kind of imaginary explosion, ‘’ It took me a while, but,’’ He paused to watch Atsushi as he tried to pull Dazai up and failed, earning a loud laugh from him.
Chuuya smiled at no one in particular.
‘’ I think I have finally found my place in the sun.‘’

…

Dazai had always prided himself in all the different skills he possessed.
He didn’t like to exaggerate about his various talents, but as Hirotsu had said, he really could do most anything.

Dazai was incredibly smart.

Some would say intelligent. Terrifyingly so. He could calculate things inside his head in a matter of seconds. He could find multiple solutions to the most difficult of problems or situations. He possessed knowledge so broad, regarding so many different subjects, professionals would have needed to have studied for years to acquire. From strategy to first aid, to astronomy, to literacy. He was a walking encyclopedia, capable of applying every theory he had ever learned. For example, it wasn’t that he just knew first aid, no. If needed, Dazai could stitch someone up or even perform surgery on them, and his work would be no less than that of a professional’s.

Dazai was extremely perceptive.

He could notice things most people couldn’t. He could view things from so many different angles. He could read people and situations alike as if they were open books. He could figure out what a person was feeling just by a glance. He could tell what someone was about to say before they had even opened their mouth, basing it on behavioral patterns and habits he had observed. He could tell when someone was lying just by the tone or hue of their voice. Sometimes, he could even foretell the future in a sense, by calculating possibilities and ‘playing’ elimination to see what was most likely to happen.

Dazai was unbelievably good at manipulating others.

Combining his high intelligence and his perceptiveness he could use his knowledge of a person to his advantage, always finding the right words to say to them so that the person would do his bidding. He could dig up someone’s darkest secret and blackmail them using it. He could figure out what a person wanted most in their life and use the promise of it so they would obey him. He could cultivate whole relationships for the sole reason of using the other person for his plans and then completely discarding them when they were no longer needed.
He could lie and have everyone believe he was telling the truth. It was so easy for him to alter someone’s perception of him or even of the world or themselves.

Dazai was inconceivably dangerous.

He had a noble occupation now, and he was saving and helping people, but that didn’t mean he had changed to the point where he was no longer dangerous, no. If he wanted, Dazai was perfectly capable of making one’s life a living nightmare. If he wanted, he could make someone regret ever having been born. If he wanted, he could make someone kill themselves or fall into madness with just a few words. But his cruelty didn’t stop at harming individuals. If Dazai so much as wanted. he could cause wars and destroy whole countries.

Dazai was a master of many things but there was one thing he, as Chuuya had many times put it so eloquently, sucked at.

‘’ Look, I know that I can be secretive at times, but I promise you-no, no, that won’t work.’’ Dazai cleared his throat before starting again. ‘’ You know I trust you, Chuuya. The fact I don’t tell you-no, no, that’s horrible.’’ he continued pacing the length of the hallway, trying to put his thoughts into order and find the best words he could, to express to Chuuya what he had failed to, the previous day.
‘’ My plans are cruel and manipulative but you see, that’s not even the worst part.’’ He smiled at the mirror, before throwing his head back in frustration.

Hirotsu’s words had put him into deep thought yet again, as they often did. Dazai didn’t like it when that happened.
Hirotsu was one of the very few people to have ever regarded him as a human. As someone that wasn’t pure evil. Because of that, Dazai always considered his opinion and advice thoroughly.
What made the man so special to Dazai’s eyes was that, unlike all others, Hirotsu didn’t have a reason to do so. Chuuya had been his partner, Ango and Oda had been his friends, Hirotsu had been neither of those things, yet he had always gone out of his way to treat Dazai with kindness. Not only with the respect he commanded.
Dazai often felt like he hadn’t deserved that kindness.

‘’ Okay, okay, ‘’ Dazai whispered to himself, preparing for another imaginary mess of a conversation. He took a deep breath. ‘’ Chuuya-
‘’ Yes? ‘’
His head snapped to the now open door. ‘’ You’re here.’’ It was more of an observation rather than a question.
‘’ Uh, yeah? ‘ Chuuya said, side-eyeing him, walking towards the living room. ‘’ I live here? ‘’
‘’ No, I meant here as, right now.’’ Dazai tried to correct himself. ‘’ I thought you wouldn’t be back until much later.’’’
‘’ Well, the plan was for us to stay there all night, but Yosano was feeling a bit tipsy after her third glass, and we did have a lot of bags to carry back, so we decided to call it a night earlier,’’ he explained, sitting down on the couch.
Dazai followed him, moving to the living room as well. His gaze fell on his partner.
‘’ Jeez, calm down, will you?’’ Chuuya deadpanned, seeing his expression. ‘’ Don’t need to be that excited to see me.’’

He couldn’t deny that he was in a rather awkward situation. He had wanted to talk with Chuuya about a certain topic that seemed to concern him recently, but now he didn’t know whether his partner had overheard him practicing what he had wanted to say, or not.

‘’ Come now, you know I’m always eager to spend more time with you~ ‘’ Dazai remarked, sitting down on the other side of the couch.
‘’ Yeah, yeah, be careful,’’ Chuuya warned, ‘’ we don’t want you getting a heart attack from that excitement.’’ he rolled his eyes, wanting to spite him.
‘’ Aww, Chuuya doesn't want me to die~’’ Dazai beamed at him,‘’ How sweet.’’
Chuuya groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers as he thought of a clever enough reply. ‘’ Yeah, you’re right,’’ he agreed, wanting to test a theory of his. ‘’ I don’t want you to die.’’
Dazai’s eyes widened ever so slightly as he realized he was waiting for a continuation that would never arrive.
Chuuya turned to him, a self-congratulating smirk on his lips.’’ What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue? ‘’
Dazai could feel his stomach twisting into knots.
Chuuya being smug was something he deeply detested.
‘’ How much did you drink? ‘’ He asked him, wanting to blame his words on the alcohol he had consumed.
‘’ No more than a small cup.’’ Chuuya kept smirking, ‘’ I’m fully sober.’’
‘’ Then what’s with the sudden decency? ‘’ Dazai inquired, squinting his eyes wearily at him.
‘’ What? I can’t be nice to my friend, now? ‘’
Oh, something was definitely wrong.
‘’ What do you want? ‘’ Dazai kept squinting, his eyes on his figure.
‘’ I don’t know, ‘’ Chuuya said with innocence, ‘’ What did you want to talk to me about? ‘’
That explained it..
‘’ What are you-
‘’ You know I trust you, Chuuya, ‘’ he mocked, ‘’ The fact I don’t-
‘’ Okay, okay, I can explain that.’’ Chuuya arched his eyebrow, not quite believing him.