Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"If you were to ask me to describe myself, I would have to pause. What is the correct answer? Or perhaps- who are you referring to?  There are a few of us, yes, quite a few. But for me to introduce us all, we would have to look back in time a bit."

When Osamu Dazai was born, his parents weren't the ideal people to raise a child. The mother was a drug addict, the father was a lawyer under the clutches of the darkest parts of the underworld- the Port Mafia. The mother bought from their dealers while the father worked aimlessly to pay off his wife's expensive habits. Osamu's life wasn't terrible, however. Some days the three felt like a normal family. They would go to the park to play, or Osamu's parents would surprise Osamu with ice cream when they would pick him up from school. There were other days, however, where they would not function as a normal family.

"We are going to play a game, Osamu." his father would tell him. "Stay in your room and do not come out until I come to get you." Then, Osamu's father would lock the bedroom door, and walk away. Sometimes the game would last for a few hours, but there were times it'd last for days. Osamu would sit on his bed, rereading the same books over and over as his stomach growled, listening to the clock tick and tick until his door would finally be unlocked again. No, Osamu's life wasn't all terrible. He understood that his parents were just trying to protect him. He wasn't stupid. He knew about the drug deals, and the mafia. He knew his father was putting his life at risk for the wife who was probably too young to be a mother. Needless to say, when the father couldn't make ends meet on the 31st of March, well, whatever existed of Osamu Dazai died. 

It was roughly 12 pm on that Saturday, and the family was seated in their small apartment living room. Osamu's mother was "asleep" on the couch, the father was arguing with someone on the phone. As for 7 year old Osamu? He was seated on the floor, reading a book like the world didn't exist. He had read the book a million times, he probably had it memorized word for word, page for page. It was calm, and it was what Osamu was used to. That is, until, their door was broken down by a large man with a gun. Two other men followed behind him, similar guns in their grasp and ready to fire. They yelled at the father, but Osamu couldn't understand a word of it. Is that true? Could he really not understand a word, or had he chosen to block out the harsh words they yelled?

He looked to his mother, who hadn't moved an inch. He crawled to her as the yelling around him got louder, searching for some form of comfort. That's when the first shot went off. Osamu's eyes went wide as his head slowly turned to the red that spilled onto the floor beneath his father's corpse, and he felt a large hand on the back of his neck. A second shot fired, and now the couch was soaked red beneath his mother's head. He felt cold metal touch his temple, but then the third man in the room said something, and the gun was lowered. Instead, his wrists were tied, and his vision was obscured by a cloth. He felt the cold air of the outdoors, then the plush cushion of a seat. He heard some doors slam, and then some motion. He was being kidnapped, wasn't he? Hadn't anyone heard the shots or the yelling? Weren't the police supposed to show up and save the day?

I don't think anyone is coming for us. He heard someone say. It wasn't the normal kind of hearing, however. It felt like the words were inside his ear, just below the skin. He shifted a bit, and suddenly he was in a small white room. There was a table, and a boy roughly 16 years of age with crisp blue hair sat across from him. At least until Osamu squinted, and he could see the boys hair was more white than blue, and that the tips faded into a periwinkle that seemed to glow slightly. He wore a gray turtleneck and black jeans, and he had sharp red eyes that pierced the soul. The stranger smiled, and Osamu could see a small gap between the boy's front teeth. Osamu felt as if he could move freely in here, like the pressure from the outside world had been lifted. He looked up on the wall, where a black screen was displayed. That's the outside world, the boy spoke, the world that hurt you. Osamu took note of how the stranger's teeth seemed to whistle when he spoke. Osamu blinked in confusion. When he looked down at his body, he was no longer tied up. In fact, he looked exactly as he had that morning, freshly dressed and hair damp from his morning bath. How peculiar. If you want, you can stay here. The boy urged, tilting his head with a smile. I can protect you.

"What's your name?" Osamu asked. It's Akira. And you are Osamu. Akira spoke, standing. Now, why don't you let me handle things from here.

When the car stopped, and the body was moved inside, Akira was the first to see their new home. He was tied to a chair, a knife held to his throat. He stared up at the man who held the blade, blinking slowly. "Do you know why you're here, brat?" Akira shook his head. "It's because your precious Daddy couldn't keep up with our generosity. We delayed his payments, and yet he still couldn't pay us. So, you're our compensation." Akira swallowed. He could do this, he had to. It was his job after all. Akira bit his lip. "I understand." he spoke with a monotone voice, watching the strangers motions. He was going to be obedient, he was going to be useful, anything to survive.

That's how Osamu Dazai joined the mafia. Or rather, that's how Akira kept the body alive. He went through harsh training, so much so that he wasn't sure how much he could take. He was kicked, beaten, and berated daily. He had permanent bruises on his ribs and stomach from the harsh gruelling of his "mentor". That is, until the mafia discovered that he had an ability, one that could cancel out other abilities. That's when his training went from harsh to hell. Every day, he was forced to cancel out abilities that almost killed him. Ranging from bombs to rabid animals, the danger seemed to increase more and more by the hour. His training didn't go without reward, however. His ranking in the mafia slowly began to rise, until by the time the body turned 10, Akira had made it so the body was close to becoming a mafia executive. Over the years, Akira had managed to master the nullifying ability of No Longer Human, as well as combat strategies. He was known to be a menace on the battlefield, and many people had their eyes on the boy. Such people included the head executive, Ogai Mori.

Akira never liked how Mori watched him. He felt violated every time the man passed him, let alone smiled at him. "Come train under me." Mori offered. "I can see you have much potential. I can show you how to use that to your benefit." Akira hated to admit it, but it was an offer he couldn't refuse. If he trained underneath this executive, then he would be closer to being in a more comfortable environment, right? "Alright." Akira agreed, his jaw clenched. This wasn't a smart idea, was it?

Despite his cold reputation, Mori seemed to enjoy sweet things like sugar and candy.  He gave Akira lots of treats,  even if Akira wasn't a huge fan of the taste. Mori seemed to do anything to get on Akira's good side. He gave Akira his own room, one far away from the previous training bunks he had stayed in. The room had a luxurious bed twice Akira's size, the walls lined with shelves of books he had never read before. The drawers were full of clothes that fit just right, and there were various toys and plushes all around the room. It seemed like a child's dream there, so there had to be a catch of some kind. The first week in the room, Akira didn't sleep a wink. He deadbolted the door and held a knife by his bedside, ready to attack at any moment. But a threat never came. Eventually, the room became a safe place for Akira. He could finally relax, and no one would bother him when he was there. One day, he decided to show Osamu the room.

Osamu? I want to show you something. He said upon entering the white room again. Osamu perked up. Is it safe? He asked, and Akira's heart melted. It was so sad to see a poor child ask that. Of course, would I ever lie to you? Osamu opened his eyes. He saw the unfamiliar room, littered with new books and clothes, various toys neatly piled on a plush bed. Osamu's small hand trailed along the brand new titles on the shelves, his mouth agape in awe. The room became a safe space for Osamu as well. At night, when the door would shut and lock, Akira would switch with Osamu, and Osamu was given free range in the room. Some nights he would read through the books, learning all sorts of new information and plotlines. Other nights he'd curl up with the plush toys, and recreate scenes from the books he read. But most nights... Most nights Osamu would lay in the unfamiliar bed underneath the foreign sheets. He'd reflect on the events that led him here, and the family he lost all those years ago. He'd stare at the body that grew over time without him being there, and he'd wonder if this was normal. Osamu would watch the lights of the city through his window and say to himself: "This isn't normal. I'm not normal." And he'd cry. Tears would spill for the young mother who never woke up, for the father that played games with him, for the run-down apartment he was forcefully taken from. 

When morning would come, Akira would dress the body with no memory of what occured before the body fell asleep. He'd meet Mori in his office at 6 AM sharp for their morning lessons. It was amazing how much information one man could hold in his mind. The two would go on walks together as Mori taught him interesting things about the various plants they walked past, as well as useful information about various drugs and herbs. Akira found little interest in the older man's ramblings, but Osamu found them fascinating. Do I really have to sit here and listen to this? Akira would whine, and Osamu would shake his head. This is useful information, Akira! Pay attention!

One day, Akira finally asked. "Mori-san, how do you know so much information?" The man looked up from his coffee, and hummed. "I was a doctor before this, you see." he spoke, before stopping to stare intently at Akira. "What? Is something on my face?" he asked, nerves bubbling in his gut. Why did he feel weird all of a sudden? "Oh, I couldn't help but notice that you look quite frail. Would you mind if I provided you with a check up?" Akira swallowed, but thought for a moment. Has he really not been getting the right nutrition? He has been feeling faint recently, so maybe it couldn't hurt. Mori has treated him well over the past few months, so nothing bad should happen... Right? Akira regretted stepping closer to that man's desk.

Hands touched along the body's bare skin, touching in places that felt so wrong. Fingers bent and curled, all with the promise of "making sure you're in good health." Clothes fell to the floor as curtains shut. Skin was pressed against the desk as a hand slithered up the indent of the body's spine, playing with wavy brunette locks. It hurt, it burned, until it went numb, and Akira was brought back to the room. Would you like me to take over? a woman of 22 asked. She was dressed rather provocatively, like one of those pin-ups you see in magazines. Her lips were painted red with a cigarette hanging between them, her tight dress cut low against her chest. She had a mole on her right cheekbone and short crisp black hair that was cut in the style of a bob. As for my name? Call me Eva.

The body had weekly check-ups, sometimes as frequently as 4 times a week. For every check-up, Eva would have Akira sit in the room with Osamu. The big screen would shut off for hours at a time, and eventually Eva would give the okay for Akira to come back out. Whenever Akira saw the outside again, he always felt a sharp pain in his lower back.

Years passed, and Mori rose in the ranks. He became the new boss, and Akira became his right hand. Eventually a ginger came into the mafia. His name was Nakahara Chuuya, and oh, how Akira adored the boy. It made the days light up so much more, time in this boring job seemed to go by twice as fast when he was around. Chuuya didn't seem to share the same feelings towards him, however. The two were paired together and called Soukoku, for Double Black. Why? Well, despite their teasing and bickering, the two were unstoppable together. They provided a 99% success rate on their missions, the highest for any partnership in the mafia.

There was one mission however, that was not so successful. During a critical moment, Akira's legs gave out from the pain in his lower back and he collapsed to the ground, nearly falling right into enemy fire. He felt a sharp pain in his right eye, and his vision went. The world went black around him, and he was in the room again. Sat at the table was a new person, who didn't speak. When Akira tried to look at the being, it felt like his vision was obscured by a thin sheet that distorted the silhouette, hiding its true form. Instead of talking, it wrote on paper in messy handwriting. The being was left handed. On the page, it said: Allow me to take over for a bit. For now, call me Shadow.

When the body came to, they were in a hospital room. Shadow sat up in the hospital bed, looking around for a pen. When a nurse came in, he signaled in the air that he wanted a pen and a notepad, which was quickly supplied. "Where am I?" he wrote just as Chuuya rushed in. "Fuck- I thought you died! Mori would've ripped me a new one.." he spoke, shooing the nurse out of the room. Shadow blinked for a moment, then calmly listened as Chuuya explained everything that happened. "-Long story short, I really needed you back there, yet you collapsed out of nowhere! What the fuck happened?" Shadow looked off to the side, before writing on the pad.  Chuuya slapped a hand over his mouth as he read the words off the paper. "Mori raped me, and my body gave out."

Chuuya was the first person to know any of the pain the body had gone through. Shadow silently wrote everything that had happened to them out on the paper, calmly handing the sheet to Chuuya. Chuuya silently read everything, before sighing. "Well.. I guess you'd expect that of the mafia boss." he spoke quietly, before locking eyes with Shadow. He looked like he wanted to say something, but that was quickly cut off when Shadow showed him one more sheet of writing.

"Do I know you?"

Chapter Text

Shadow waited for Chuuya to speak, to do anything as a matter of fact. The young ginger sat baffled by the words he had just read. "Do I... know you?" Chuuya read aloud, earning a nod from Shadow. He reached across the bed, taking the pen and paper again. "My name is Shadow. You're Akira's partner, correct?" he wrote, handing the page back to Chuuya.

Chuuya blinked. Akira? He had never known an Akira. Dazai Osamu was his partner, he was the boy sitting in front of him... right? "Wait.. Back up. Who are you exactly?" Chuuya was on his feet now, knees slightly bent as if ready to pounce. This must be an ability, it had to be. Or was it one of his pranks? That must be it, he must be getting duped. Shadow handed him another paper. 

"Has he not told you?"

Chuuya shook his head.

"Our brain couldn't handle all of the things that happened to us, so we split. We didn't understand any other way to process what had happened, so we formed multiple personalities to function." Shadow explained, watching Chuuya with a curious stare.

Chuuya was no idiot. He had heard of the mental illness before, but to see it in person? It was a whole different ball park. Chuuya sat down. "So.. you're an alter of Dazai's?" he asked, his voice growing softer. Shadow nodded. "So the one who I work with is..." Shadow pointed to a word on the paper. "Akira." Chuuya read aloud.

Shadow nodded again. It was probably the first time the ginger ever saw something like this. It must be odd, creepy even. Shadow couldn't help but feel a small sting in his chest from the thought. Could this boy hate him for just existing? "Hey." his voice cut in, sharp like a knife. Shadow couldn't hide his flinch. He must really hate him, to be speaking like that. He was just doing his job, so why-

Chuuya held out a hand, a soft smile growing on his face. "My name is Nakahara Chuuya. I'm 15, and I work with Akira. You are?" he spoke calmly, as if he were genuinely meeting a whole new person. Shadow smiled a bit, dipping his head to communicate back.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Shadow, I was formed because of this injury." Chuuya read. He looked up from the paper, smiling. "I look forward to working with you Shadow. How's Akira, is he okay?" Shadow nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling. It meant so much to him that Chuuya was treating him so kindly. Maybe he didn't hate him after all.

Akira sat at the table in the white room, staring at the screen in awe. So the little chibi could play nice? It was honestly cute, in a way. 'I didn't know he could smile like that..' - It's written all over your face. Eva sighed, pulling up a chair. Wha- I didn't think that! Akira spoke, averting his eyes as his cheeks grew red. Osamu had sat next to Akira silently, before loudly gasping. Akira-nii, you have a crush on Chuu! he realized, earning a chuckle from Eva. Nuh-uh! You're making it up!  Akira spat back, standing up and walking towards the front. Shadow, I'm okay now, lemme take over. He spoke, earning a nod as Shadow moved out of the way.

Chuuya watched as Shadow closed his eyes. He shut them so tight, Chuuya thought he was in pain, he must be with that injury. Just as he stood to alert the nurse, Shadow's eyes snapped back open. "Hey chibi~" Akira's familiar tone echoed. Chuuya rolled his eyes, sitting back down. "Akira, right?" He nodded, earning a stressed sigh from the ginger. "Why didn't you say something? I've been calling you the wrong name for months now." he spoke, jaw tense. If he'd have known earlier, he could've helped him stay safe from Mori. He could've done something...

Akira blinked. "Well.. this isn't something you can really explain without sounding absolutely batshit." he laughed, playing with a loose curl. "I already knew you were batshit. Now that I know about this, you actually seem a bit more human to me." Akira paused. Did Chuuya just say he sounded... human?  He forced a loose smile. "What do you mean, slug?"

"Well.. I guess- you couldn't handle what you experienced, so you split right?" Chuuya asked aloud, earning a cautious nod. "Well, that in itself shows you're human. You aren't a demon, or indestructable.. You're a human, with fears and needs.." Chuuya trailed off, just as Akira's breath hitched.

"Wait- are you crying?"

Chapter Text

Akira set down his prescription bag on the nightstand of his room as Chuuya shut and locked the door. "Can I do anything, get you anything?" Chuuya asked, walking closer as Akira sat down on the plush black bed. "Can you-" Akira cleared his throat. "Can you, uh- just- stay the night here?" he asked, avoiding his gaze. He was worried about being alone, mainly for Osamu's sake. "I want you to stay here for Osamu... he wants to meet you, and this is, well-" Akira cut himself off. Chuuya nodded. "I understand. Osamu is?-" 

"He's the 'original'." Akira spoke, quieter. He heard footsteps in the hall, tapping closer. His heart rate spiked in fear. Could it be? Is it... him? Akira felt a hand on his shoulder, and he was brought to the white room. On the screen, he could see Chuuya calling his name. Eva shook her head. Just in case, allow me. She spoke, strutting her way up to the front.

Chuuya furrowed his brows. He must be switching.. Chuuya assumed, his thoughts confirmed as Akira's eyes squinted shut. When his eyes opened, however, Chuuya noticed how the atmosphere of the room suddenly shifted. Akira, or rather, not Akira smiled gently, a strange tint in his eyes. "A-Akira?" Chuuya stuttered out, leaning away a bit. 

"You must be little Chuu~" the stranger cooed, their voice sultry and smooth. It made Chuuya's flesh feel warm at the very sound. "I'm Eva, another protector of Osamu's." Eva explained, leaning closer. If Chuuya leaned any farther back, he'd fall off the bed. "Y-you really like invading people's space... huh?" Chuuya laughed a bit, averting his gaze. Was his face red? Eva let out a low chuckle of amusement, and Chuuya's stomach flipped. Eva smiled, her eyes heavy-lidded. "I just enjoy teasing you, darling~" 

Chuuya licked his lips. What was this feeling? Eva's gaze was fierce, but it wasn't malicious.. no, it was nothing like that. Eva shifted, leaning close and grabbing Chuuya's arm. "Lean any farther away and you'll fall.." she sighed, pulling Chuuya towards her. "Don't worry, darling.. I don't bite." She smiled. Chuuya swallowed, opening his suddenly dry mouth to speak, but he was interrupted by the loud slam of the bedroom door opening.

"You finally come home after weeks in the hospital and won't even stop by my office?" a harsh voice spoke, before pausing at the sight before him. "Oh~" a low trill of the man's voice echoed throughout the room. "So this is why you didn't say hello? You'd rather seek affection from your partner than your loving mentor?" he asked, shutting and locking the door yet again. "Dear Chuuya, why don't you step aside?"

Chuuya moved Eva behind him, standing. "Lay a hand on them and I'll-" "You'll what?" Mori cut in, tilting his head with a calm malice. "You dare speak against your boss? I order you to move." he growled. 

The ginger paused. He looked back to Eva, who sighed. "Relax, I'll be okay, dear." she eased, making Chuuya shakily step out of the way. "Now, Mori-san, why don't we go to your office? I like how you bend me over your desk like I'm nothing~" she breathed, walking closer and sliding her hand up Mori's chest like she's done a million times. 

Mori smirked. "Such a good little bitch.." he praised, grabbing Eva by the back of her neck and pushing her towards the door, slamming it behind them, leaving Chuuya alone.

~

When Eva limped back into the room, Chuuya was still there. "Eva? Oh my god, are you alright?" he asked, cupping her cheeks and gently guiding her to the bed. "Oh sweetheart..." Eva sighed. "As much as I'd love another round, I'm a little sore.." 

Chuuya furrowed his brows. "That's not funny and you know it." he spoke, brushing her hair out of her face as they sat down. "Here, I have some water for you.." he handed her a fresh glass of ice water, swallowing. "Drink it slowly..."

Eva hummed and drank the cold water obediently. After what felt like an hour of silence, Eva spoke again. "You know, Mori-san isn't that big on aftercare." she spoke quietly, fidgeting with the rim of the glass cup. "Once he's done with me, he just leaves. No water, no 'are you okay?', nothing." Chuuya felt like he should say something, but he stopped himself. "But you- You did all of those things. You're a really nice kid, Chuuya." she smiled weakly, setting the glass down. "I can see why Akira likes you."

Chuuya nodded. "I'm not a monster." he spoke, but the words sounded more like a reminder to himself than anything. Eva smiled. "No, you aren't. You're beautifully human."

~

Before long, the two were out cold. In the hall, stood Mori, who had cracked the door slightly to listen in on the two. "Eva..." he hummed, tapping his chin. "Why did Chuuya call Dazai by Eva?"

Chapter Text

The next morning when Akira awoke, Chuuya was asleep beside him. He glanced at the clock. 05:30. He slowly stood, wincing in pain. Chuuya shifted, and slowly opened his eyes.

"Eva?" He asked, his voice raspy with sleep.

"No- it's Akira." He replied, glancing off to the side. He couldn't face Chuuya, not after last night.

"Hey-" Chuuya spoke, sitting up and grabbing his arm. "You're acting weird, talk to me."

Akira froze. How could he describe it? He was ashamed he couldn't handle Mori, he was embarrassed Eva talking to Chuuya that way, and she got so close to him-

Are you embarrassed, or are you jealous?  Shadow shoved a paper his way.  Akira shook his head at Shadow, his face pink. There's no way he was jealous... right?

Back in the outer world, Akira gave Chuuya a smile. He was about to lie, and say he was fine, but after last night he just couldn't bring himself to. It was time to be vulnerable. 

"I'm scared Chibi.." he smiled. Such painful words wrapped with a sweet smile, the closest to genuine Akira could ever be. That's all he knew.

Chuuya sat up, and slowly pulled Akira into a hug. "I can't imagine how you feel, or what you're all going through. I can't share your pain, or experiences. At the same time, I damn well can stay by your side, and be your rock. I can't save you Akira, but I can help you save yourself. I can help you save everyone."

Akira teared up, melting into Chuuya's touch. "That sounds nice..."

Time passed as the two held each other. They drank in each other's warmth, just comfortable enough to feel safe, but not enough to fall asleep.  They embraced, holding each other tight beneath the black covers, Chuuys'a hand gently rubbing Akira's back as he quietly sobbed.

Then a knock came. Akira bolted up, quickly throwing on a suit. He checked himself in the mirror, before opening the door. There stood a young woman, her black hair cut in a short bob. "Dazai-san?" She asked, nervously meeting Akira's gaze. "M-Mori-san is expecting you. He asked for you not to delay any further." She stuttered out, afraid that the teen in front of her would snap her neck at the inclination of a miss-step.

Akira blinked. "I understand. Tell him I will be there shortly."

The woman dismissed herself, and Akira shut the door with a quick sigh. "You should probably go." He spoke, looking at Chuuya and acting like he hadn't just sobbed in the boy's arms. Chuuya furrowed his brows, getting off the bed. 

"Akira.. look at me." 

Akira slowly looked down at him.

"It's not your fault. I'll give you space, just know that I'll be here for all of you. Forever."

Akira smiled, nodding. "I know you will Chibi."

--

In Mori's office, Akira stood with his arms neatly placed behind his back, staring tight-lipped at the man sitting as his desk, glaring down at a stack of papers. Akira dare not move nor speak until addressed. He knew better than that. Just in case, Eva and Shadow stood behind him, ready to front if something went wrong.

"Dazai-kun, you've been quite close with Nakahara Chuuya recently, don't you think?" Mori set his pen down, resting his chin on interlocked fingers. "Why is that?"

Akira paused for a moment, making sure he had permission to speak. 

"You ordered us to be partners, Mori-san. It's only expected that we get to know each other."

"Does that entail spending the night with each other?"

Akira froze. "It- It's not like that sir, it's-" Eva stepped closer to the front.

Mori rose from his desk, towering over Dazai. "Are my treatments not enough you?" he asked lowly, Eva forcing Akira out of the front right before Mori laid a hard slap across their face. "I've tried so hard to make you into what you are, to care for you. And yet this is what I get."

Eva raised her head, looking him in his eyes. "Sir, please, trust me, your care is everything to me." she said, resting her palm on his chest. "If my words won't get to you, then maybe..." She began unbuttoning her shirt, exposing pale, bruised skin. "Maybe my body can?"

Mori smirked as Eva guided him to his chair, slipping off her clothes and kneeling on his lap.

--

Chuuya paced the halls, biting his nail. Akira had been gone for two hours with no trace, he was worried sick. Finally, Akira made his way up to him, looking more tired than ever.

"Oh thank God, Are you alright? You look paler than ever." He sighed, guiding Akira to sit. "Did- did he.."

Akira nodded slowly, resting his head on Chuuya's shoulder. Chuuya sighed, clenching his teeth. "That bastard.." he grumbled, running his fingers through his hair.

"It's fine.. Eva came onto him, he didn't-" Akiraa's breath hitched. 

Chuuya shook his head. "No- no no no.." He cupped Akira's cheeks. "She was doing it to protect you all. Who knows what would have happened if she didn't? Your face is all bruised, he hit you didn't he?"

Akira shrugged. "I suppose he did."

Chuuya sighed. This was all a mess.

Akira smiled weakly. "It's cute that you worry so much." he muttered.

Chuuya averted his gaze. "How could I not worry? I.." he stopped himself.

Akira perked up. "You... what?"

Chuuya shook his head. "We should get going soon. We have a meeting in 15."

Akira laughed. "Yeah.. You're right."

Chuuya smiled. What was he going to say? It must've not been important.

Right?

Chapter Text

Time passed in the real world like a blur, Akira handling the front with the well practiced nature of the current host. Osamu sat at the main table, his lips curled into a pout as he fidgeted with the playing cards in front of him. Eva sat across from him, tapping idly as her protective gaze flickered between the main screen that displayed the body's vision, and the young boy in front of her. The brown haired boy huffed in frustration as the deck slipped from his hands again. You're holding them too loose, Eva remarked to the youngest, who was currently picking up the cards that had scattered all over the table.

Osamu paused as he lifted the jack of clubs. What do you mean? He tilted his head, collecting the remainder of cards. Akira stretched near the front console, turning to smile at the system at the table. He watched them for a moment, before nodding at the static covered figure temporarily known as Shadow. The distorted cloud practically glitched towards the console, their lack of appearance making their movements chopped and laggy. With a nod of thanks, Akira made his way towards the center table. He lifted the ace of diamonds off a nearby chair, taking its place.

He held out an outstretched palm, twitching his fingers towards himself in expectancy. Here, hand em over.

Eva rolled her eyes, collecting a few that had scattered over to her side of the table. Her eyes raked over the queen of hearts for a moment before she handed her stack of cards over to Akira. Osamu handed his over, plopping in the chair next to Akira, his wide auburn eyes, watching Akira's fingers adjust the deck.

First off, when shuffling cards, you want to divide the deck in half, - He demonstrated, cutting the deck so that they were roughly an even amount in his two slender hands, - make sure they are facing the same way. It's a pain to reface them after the deed is done. He nudged Osamu playfully, earning a soft giggle from the younger boy.

Then, while holding them, put them parallel to each other. Take the two rectangles and make a longer rectangle. He narrated, touching the shorter tops of the cards together, which looked like an extremely long rectangle from overhead. Osamu tilted his chin up, as if he were trying to see the "tutorial" from all possibles angles. Eva watched the two with a soft smile.

Then, curl your pointer fingers inward like this, - he adjusted his claw-like grip on the separate piles, bending his index fingers over the center of the two thin stacks, - and pull the tops of the cards up with your thumbs. He lifted his thumbs, arching cards up with his thumbs. His index fingers shifted slightly, preparing to let the cards go. But first, he met Osamu's watchful eyes.

Remember when I showed you that flip book that one time? Akira asked. Osamu thought back for a moment, recalled the small booklet Akira had made for him during a "dreadfully boring"* meeting. 

*Akira's words, not his.

Osamu nodded, smiling. He still flipped through it sometimes, admiring the care and practice it must've taken Akira to line up the doodles exactly, not to mention hand drawing each frame to create the short animation on the paper. The doodles weren't anything special by itself, just a poorly drawn bunny hopping across the page. Still, knowing Akira had made it for him in mind made it special to Osamu.

Akira grinned. Good, because now, once the cards are put together like so.. He touched his thumbs together, the tops of the cards nearly touching. You get to.. FLIP EM! Akira exclaimed proudly, removing his index fingers and moving his thumbs upwards with the outward tilt of his wrists. The cards slipped together, a satisfying ripple of cards slapping against each other on the table. Osamu smiled brightly at the sight, glancing at Eva to see if she was watching. The woman tilted her head in a soft nod, her painted red lips curled in a soft grin. Akira pulled his hands away briefly, adjusting the deck so that all the cards were in line. Now, that is how you shuffle a deck.

Osamu was practically bouncing in his seat with excitement, the easy language and visual demonstration helping him understand. Thanks, Aka-nii! He grinned, taking the deck from Akira's offering hand. Together, the two sat side by side, Akira helping Osamu figure out the parts he struggled with. The silver haired teen smiled over the younger boy's shoulder, pointing or adjusting Osamu's grip with calm and patient comments.

It took a few tries, but once Osamu got it, he got it. Eva and Akira grinned proudly at the boy as the first ripple sounded out through the white room. Then another. And another.

By the tenth shuffle, Eva was already groaning. Akira laughed wildly at her annoyance, before taking the overly shuffled deck from Osamu. 

Alright, alright. Well, now that the cards are shuffled, I say it's time for a game. He chimed with a bright grin. Osamu smiled in excitement. What kind of game, Aka-nii? War? Rummy? Poker? He asked expectantly.

Eva raised a brow. Do you even know what Poker is?

Mm-mm. Read it in some book about gangsters. Lots of betting and gunshots. Osamu grinned at her, earning another tired sigh from the older woman.

Akira chuckled. Trust me, Samu. It's way better than all those other games. Ready? He grinned, holding up the deck in one hand. Eva raised her head, meeting Akira's red pupils with a knowing glint.

Then, with a dramatic display, Akira tossed the deck in the air, the cards raising down from the air like fluttering petals. 52 Pick Up! He laughed brightly.

Osamu tilted his head in confusion, earning a chuckle from Eva. Pick all 52 of them up, kid. That's how you win. She chuckled.

The younger boy huffed, before scrambling around the white room to pick up all the cards. After a few minutes of Osamu's tapping footsteps, Eva's chuckles, and Akira's teasing, the younger boy sat down at the table.

Well, count them. Eva urged.

Akira nodded. You won't win unless you have all 52.

The brown haired boy huffed, shuffling through the deck as he muttered out numbers. Then, he paused. I only have 51. He hummed with a furrowed brow. Eva and Akira glanced at each other, then around the spotless room. Eva rolled her eyes, turning back to the two younger boys across from her.

Seriously Akira? Hiding a card to mess with the kid? Real mature. She accused, earning a scoff from the silver haired teen.

You know me! I rarely mess with him like that. If I wanted to bother someone, I'd just bother the slug. Akira crossed his arms.

I feel a little bad for that boy. Must be like whiplash with how bad you are at being honest.

Oh, like you're one to talk-

Compared to you, I am.

Osamu watched between the two as the bickered, attempting to recount the cards. He was still short by one, so where-

Such a stupid game. A voice called, the three head mates immediately freezing, slowly turning their heads towards the console.

Instead of the usual glitchy form they had seen as Akira switched out with them, at the console stood a tall man. He was dressed in a sharp suit, tailored to his strong build. The black fabrics of his clothing almost seemed a little too tight, wrapped firmly around his broad shoulders and thick biceps. The jacket remained unbuttoned, fully revealing the plum-like color of the button down dress shirt the unfamiliar person wore, his collar slightly unbuttoned. His tanned skin was rich against the darker colors of his outfit, long locks of nearly black purple hair tied into a slick ponytail that ended just above the small of his lower back. Two strands of hair fell free from the updo, framing the mature structure of his face. His sharp jawline had a neat stubble, barely hiding his cleft chin. His down turned hazel easy lingered on the card between the thick fingers on his left hand. He threw the card onto the table from his spot in front of the console. The king of spades.

Call me Marquis. The man - Shadow, no, Marquis - spoke, his voice rich and thick like the forest trees.

The three headmates stared dumbfounded at the man's broad back, Osamu fidgeting with the card he had tossed them. He tugged on Akira's sleeve.

Aka-nii.. I didn't pick this one up.. so did I lose ?