Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Age 13, Chuuya Nakahara stood there as he heard the case presented with such theatrics, it felt unreal.

7 billion yen…

Chuuya couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He stuck to his spot on the railing as he heard the council of the Sheep freaking out over this one bounty.

A pound to the chest by Shirase.

“One tiger- Like come on. Imagine what we can do with that much money.” Shirase rubbed his fingers like he could feel the stack under them. A snicker got the other members to start to vocalize their hype.

“Guns, drugs, booze!” Shirase started to chant.

The others joined.

Shelter… Food… Water. Yet 7 billion yen would allow them to have an actual start. Though, none of the Sheep had ever thought that far. Chuuya felt guilty for thinking such a thing, but the group doesn’t have to do a lot of the heavy lifting: regardless of how bad they insist they do.

It got loud, Shirase clapped in his celebration. “Chuuya.” The boy looked up at him with an eager and outgoing smile, “I got a plan for you.”

Capture… A tiger?

The fact this is a topic sounds ridiculous. What makes it worse is that the beast only comes out at night.

The mission, track and pin the tiger down with gravity then tranquilize it. Simple - they do it all the time with people, right?

One thing that felt off… Why so much for an escaped wild tiger? What about it was so eager to get it for such a high price… Is 7 billion too generous?

Though when it was time to hunt, Chuuya just did as he was told. A group of kids follow him with guns and a bamboo pipe to their hip.

This redhead didn’t need anything on him or for him. He is the weapon. Chuuya dug his hands into his jacket as he scanned the area where the tiger had been spotted the past few times.

“M-man eating?” The girl sounded nervous.

“Yeah- turns out the tiger leaves a trail of blood wherever it goes.” The boy held the flashlight under his jaw, “Some said it’s not even real but a spirit punishing people for forgetting about it.”

“Stop it!” She barked.

Chuuya only watched from over his cheek. Though under his feet, he felt a tremble. He scaled up the building to see a dust cloud billowing from a slim alleyway, barely wide enough to be noticed. Chuuya hopped down, his goal so close to him, he made his way over in long leaps.

Like hopscotch, he bounced between buildings and landed on top of a ledge that was a support to the narrow passage. He looked down to see the tiger digging through trash and near it was nothing but destroyed… well everything.

Chuuya should be impossible to detect, however the tiger looked back at him with a heavenly glow. The beast was fast as it turned, mystically with how easily it launched up the wall. It seems to attached to it like… Like it was supernatural.

In defense, Chuuya rebounded it's advances. It was like a game of very violent cat and mouse. The tiger slammed down everywhere it had landed in attempts to do anything to pounce on him. Chuuya was destroying the area too, though only because he wasn’t thinking clearly with how fast it moved.

As feet hit the concrete, the amount of gravity seemed to push it back as if it were sand. Chuuya slid to a stop, the tiger parallel to him. The gravity manipulator withdrawn his hands from his pockets.

“C'mere pretty kitty.” Chuuya flicks his middle and pointer fingers towards it. A curled grin plastered over his mouth, like some Cheshire Cat.

The tiger seemed to have a string of light that followed as it lurched at him. Chuuya jumped in time to throw his body over the animal. Fingertips touched the head, instantly sinking the two down into the concrete. The ground similar to water from the force.

The tiger growled and snapped.

“Go to sleep, go to sleep, holy shit go to sleep.” Chuuya prayed.

What scared him — The tiger almost pushed up from the ground.

This isn't normal — Chuuya put more force down, though the tiger had rolled to its side as claws seemed to disobey the laws of gravity.

Chuuya managed to dodge, but a graze over his eyebrow and it gushed blood. A heavy flow got into his eye.

Shit…  So specifically the claws are a problem. Perhaps if he were to cut them off it may help. The boy dodged, rolling to the side of the area. He was quick to think, quick to observe. Then he found his answer - a wire coiled up next to some boxes that were neglected by the powerline’s maintenance. With a defensive maneuver he made it weightless, nearly whip-like and waited for an opportunity. It snapped as Chuuya used it to make a noise, like a lure to a fish.

The tiger crept close, gnarling and chuffing as it had grown fed up with Chuuya’s resilience.

Chuuya felt the wire cut his hand as he contorted his body to swing it under the tiger. The speed made it like a hotwire and cut the animal at its shins. The post movement embedded the rest into the neighboring wall.

The beast collapses.

“Jesus Christ…” Chuuya nearly passed out from relief. He drops the wire to investigate his wounds, though it seemed just tolerable gashes, “Thought I was gonna fail…”

Chuuya had walked over and saw the dismembered legs. The tiger seemed to wail as it squirmed in place. A brief moment of guilt till — WHAAM!

The tiger launched Chuuya into the wall. Last minute, Chuuya could soften the blow. With debris and dust, a line on the shins glowed a blue light that stitched the two sides together. The reveal shows the beast reattaching its legs — this actually scared the shit outta him. How is this possible? Once the tiger healed, the line closed up and white fur returned to its normal state. It krept close, low to the ground as it approached to the hole.

But to his luck… Sunrise peaked into the darkness of the alleyway.

The tiger saw it and ran from it.

Oh holy shit — relief. Chuuya is actually in pain. Rarely is he this off guard, but he barely hunts supernatural tigers that can slice through his ability and grow limbs back.

Actually — Wait what?

“CHUUYA! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!?” Shirase yelled a few streets down.

Chuuya climbed out, like a vampire from its coffin, he emerged. Dusty and a tad bit angry, the other sheep members were freaked.

“Yo… Did you… lose?”

“No, but it wasn't a win.” Chuuya pushed by them, “The tiger is afraid of the sun. We just need to find its hiding place.”

Chuuya crammed his hands into his jacket.

“C'mon.” Chuuya walked passed.

It's embarrassing — He lost to a tiger, well a supernatural one, but it still stings.

Though, just like before, the tiger seemed to go missing. As if, poofing from existence.

Chuuya stood in the sunlight as three of the members surrounded an arcade game. He's so tired, unable to sleep with the idea of him missing out on this. 

“NEW HIGHSCORE!” Shirase yelled as the other two blabbered their praise.

Useless, respectfully… In their defense Chuuya can just do it all by himself.

“Bet you can beat that Chuuya?” Shirase belts at him.

“I think we got distracted.” Chuuya walked in, blinking rapidly to adjust to the exposure change. “We scaled all over this area…”

“You said it comes at night? We'll just wait till then-”

“Yeah, but—”

“Look man, don't be a buzzkill.”

Chuuya pouted as he turned on his heel and left to face the exit. The Sheep just wasted time sitting here, the damn animal could be long gone. If they lost the 7 billion… They'll never want Chuuya around and trust him again.

He needs to get this under control.

The street becomes shadowed from neighboring buildings and the shadow only highlighted their exhaustion from them goofing around.

“Hey, you should go ahead, y'know just to survey. Report back.” Shirase wrapped his arm around his neck, “we trust you.”

Trust. Yeah. 

Chuuya nodded coldly. The older teen just grinning as he plops a hit to the center of his chest.

“DO IT FOR US!” Shirase whoops.

The other teens met up as they separated ways from the redhead. His head sank low as he walked around to pick up anything.

He's… Really tired. Awake for 28 hours… A nap would be nice. Perhaps he was a bit bitchy to passer-byers or seemed unsettling to see down an alleyway in the dark.

“This is bullshit.” Chuuya complained with a foot stomp.

He's alone right now. Under stimulated and exhausted.

But, he heard it.

Bgrhrhr . A chuff crept up behind him.

“ Heh , lemme guess, you’d got my scent and tracked me?” Chuuya said it with such a cocky tone.

As if the response was a glistened in the beast’s eyes, the animal hunkers down. Though the tiger didn't pounce like before. It seemed like it was in pain, fighting with-in itself. Breathing would stutter as did the tiger would shake with each exhale.

“All tuckered out?” Chuuya mocked it. “How about you just go to sleep?”

The tiger backed off, scaling down the street. It ran and turned around awkward corners. Chuuya chased it, too close he could hear the pebbles hit his clothes that it kicked back.

“Hey!” Chuuya lurched faster, pieces of where he was standing left back rubble and a rough circle of where his foot was. He landed in front of it. 

Like some cat caught on the carpet it slid to a stop but ran into Chuuya in the process.

Chuuya… did not think that through.

As the two stopped it lasted for just a brief moment. A lurch forward as a paw swipes in. Chuuya was overshadowed for a brief moment but a gunshot interrupted the assault.

The bullet just bounced off. The tiger turned to the new guest.

A couple more shots followed. They had no effect.

“Why are you here Yuan?!” Chuuya barked, anxiety pitting into his gut like his own life was threatened.

Just as fast as the timid but complex behavior it left as shifted it’s attention to run at the girl. She shot several times, but it remained fruitless.

Chuuya grabbed it by the tail, throwing it back like a hammer in track and field. The tiger is swallowed into the wall behind. A cloud of dust bellows till simmering to the ground.

“Are you ok?” Chuuya does a full body scan till he hears a verbal confirmation, “You gotta get outta here. Something is off with this tiger. Get rope, chains, anything I can use to strap the animal down.”

“O-ok!” Yuan ran, a bit too eagerly.

Chuuya returned to the spot, though the tiger was not there. Only a neighboring building that had a broken window: ball shaped.

Fuck- it escaped.

Chuuya was forced to trial. The sun already started to peak, the golden line made the sky orange and pink. 

God he really needs at least a nap.

“You lost it again?” Shirase was walking with anger at him. In his hand was 20 lbs worth of chains. “Dammit Chuuya! You had one job, what could one big ass cat do that makes you this useless!?”

A metaphorical gunshot ripped through Chuuya's throat.

“I…” Chuuya didn’t say anymore as he was being lectured.

A rustle got both of them to stop. Shirase pulled a gun and Chuuya instantly checked nearby. There was a trail of trash that led to a small garage to a business. Boxes and containers made it hard to properly survey the area. Chuuya just followed his ears, listening for anything.

But instead it was hyperventilating. It was… human?

Chuuya lifted up a crate, seeing a kid around his age scampering away. He was skinny, almost starving to death and seemed to wear a basic adolescent uniform.

“Have you seen a tiger?” Chuuya asked softly.

The sun peaked passed Chuuya’s shoulder to down upon the scene, the warmth of it shimmered in his eyes. Though, ametrine eyes held tears as the display in front of him scared him.  Like one of those words was so evil.. Hell, a little guy lifting a 500 lb crate is a sight to see. This is scary.

Chuuya put it down somewhere, lowering himself.

“Hey…” Chuuya knelt as he talked to him, “Have you seen a tiger?”

“It's chasing me…” A weak voice, “I've been running and running… But it's always there.”

Dust coated shaky shoulders. As if it were lightly snowed from above. Chuuya's eyes squinted and grew skeptical.

“Where are you from?”

“No where now…”  The kid looked frazzled, “I was… I ran… I made a mistake.”

Chuuya exhaled as he checked if there was any other injury.

“What's your name?”

“Atsushi. I'm Atsushi Nakajima.”

“Chuuya. Uh , Nakahara?” Chuuya didn’t mean to sound confused. It was just a weird way to say names.

Shirase with Yuan ran over, “Hey what did you find?” The two behind him see the site, “ah! It's just a kid!”

Chuuya was quiet as he looked at Atsushi. He muttered, “I can protect you from the tiger. If it's after you, then we'll keep an eye on you to make sure it doesn't touch you.”

“You'd… you'd do that for me?”

“Yeah.” Chuuya held his hand out. “Let’s get you outta here.”

Chapter Text

“So you should stay here while we get you situated…” Chuuya hands Atsushi a stack of clothes. “Showers are in a couple days. Uh, they are public though.”

“I… Can I just take a shower alone?” Atsushi lowers his head,  “I appreciate everything… Just…”

“It's fine.” Chuuya saw how those sunset eyes looked at him. So fast did he look away. “Dinner is soon, so I'll meet you there.”

Chuuya went to leave, making his distance quite a way before Atsushi stopped him with a, “Wait.” In a slow turn, he faced the newbie with an attentive silence.

“Are… You are not worried about the tiger hurting anyone?” Atsushi asked.

“It only shows up at night, right? As long as I watch over you, you'll be ok.”

Atsushi didn't like that answer, bringing the pile to his chest, “I…”

Chuuya lifted a brow.

“Nevermind, I forgot.” Atsushi turned away.

Chuuya was quiet as the other teen placed the stuff down on the table.

“Let me know if you need anything.” Chuuya turned to the door.

He had to get one last look in. Atsushi faced the table, hands flat on the edge as it seems that the boy was lost in thought. The midday lighting shined through his hair and gave such a golden undertone to his white locks… almost like…

Atsushi turned his eyes to look back at him and Chuuya fled in embarrassment. He let him be, meeting up with the other Sheep.

“Another kid?” Shirase seemed pissy. “I'm not training another one!”

“I know… Just…” Chuuya's jacket shifted to hide more of himself under it, “he looked freaked out and if it’s true… that this tiger is… after … him. Using him as bait is the best bet.”

“Does he even actually know it’s true?” Shirase asked with sarcasm.

“I don't trust him as much as you do. I got this. I'll get that tiger.” Chuuya's eyes were pensive with his declaration.

The other members mull over it before accepting it as well.

After a bit, the Sheep were eating whatever the kids could manage to cook. They were loud and a bit too immature (though to be honest — acted their age).

The one that didn’t was Chuuya. He pushed the rice to each side as he thought. That tiger, the boy. The fact it slips into night, but the tiger had some resistance to attacking him. The hair, the fear in its eyes.

“Where is he?” Yuan interrupted his thoughts.

Chuuya perked his head, “uh… I'll look.”

Chuuya put down his bowl to go hunt for Atsushi. The collection of the Sheep's property consists of a collection of low income housing and a variety of huts made from spare wood and tarps in Shirabase City. Exploring the streets would be confusing for outsiders but to it residence was like second nature.

“Oh just stick it over there.” An elderly woman around 60 or so seemed to pile pan after pan on a poor kid. Who he was, entirely covered by the several cooking utilities. “Thank you so much.”

The figures legs seem to truck along and carry 50 lbs worth of equipment up the hill to a different residence. The adults unpile, thanking him with much verbal praise.

That's when white hair fluffed up from the static. It covers the top part of his face as he dusts himself off.

“Thank you ….?” The elder drew out a vowel as they waited for a response.

“Atsushi.” Atsushi answered with a smile and a slight bow.

“Here, the chocolate bar you wanted.”

Eyes lit up like holiday lights. He took the treat so happily. When the boy turned he saw Chuuya.

SHIT!

Chuuya felt like a cat caught in the limelight. He turned to an opening and hid anyway. Why does this guy make him nervous? Perhaps it's because… of… no. Well, maybe it is because he’s an ability user (scary enough one that doesn't know yet].

Chuuya took a heavy and deep breath as he turned to check if he left but Atsushi was right there. Near inches did his face almost collide into his stomach.

“What the hell!” Chuuya barked at him.

Atsushi seemed to surrender, “I didn't mean to scare you — I… I wanted to get you something to thank you for helping me. Uh…” Atsushi hands him the chocolate bar, “This is a big deal where I am from… so, I wanted to thank you in the only way I know how.”

Chuuya was hesitant but he did end up taking it, looking at the wrapper with a fond expression. He was silent with this task.

“Uh… I lost track of time- I asked this lady if I could work for it… Few hours later…” Atsushi rubbed his neck.

“Thanks.” Chuuya said so coldly.

He knows he should say more but he just sulked in this growing blush.

“Uh…” Atsushi looked around, “I don't know where I am…”

“You're in the southern slums. I'll take you back to our territory.” Chuuya led with his head.

Humans have this amazing ability to feel when someone is watching them. A tingle, a whisper of some kind. So when Chuuya looked back at Atsushi staring at him calculatedly, it slammed the brakes.

Atsushi instantly realized that he's being creepy and averted his eyes. Chuuya, however, studied.

“You seem nervous.” Chuuya's muscles ached from tension, it burned between his shoulder blades, but he forced himself to appear relaxed. “You can meet everyone tomorrow y'know. We can just talk elsewhere.”

“You'd… do that?” Atsushi looked confused but looked down, “I mean… uh, thank you.”

Chuuya turns a bit slowly. There is no doubt now. With the convenience and calculating eyes, he knows it's him. Chuuya led them somewhere in a low population, if not none. Atsushi seemed to relax within himself as he found a spot to lean against.

“Psst.” Chuuya referenced a shed that was the highest point of the under city. With a hand pull, the two sat on the metal roof. “Wanna share?”

Atsushi looked startled, “It's for you though.”

“I don't mind. Things are better together anyway.” Chuuya unwrapped, giving half. “So, how long were you in the city?”

“...” Atsushi looked scared, but he brought his legs to his chest, “about a month.”

“Were are you always here?” Chuuya took a square to eat it.

“No.” Atsushi's breathing changed.

He knows, he has to .

“You know, this is one of my favorite spots to get away from things. One of those things is seeing the moon cycle.” Chuuya reclined back, legs crossed over one another.

Atsushi was quiet. He avoided any chance for Chuuya to stare at him.

“Last month. The tiger was only there for 2 days. Several months it was in the wild parts of Southern Tokyo. A white tiger, can you believe that?”

Atsushi looked over at the redhead with a petrified gaze. He sees the smirk and loses all the color in his face.

“In some months… Full moons can last for 3 days. Did you know that?”

Atsushi’s eyes filled with tears as he looked down. 

“I didn't mean to… I…” Atsushi stuttered.

Chuuya stopped his interrogation, his body retreating so Atsushi felt less suffocated. Though, the kid just wept.

“I… I don't know how I do it… But the tiger… It follows me and destroys… Everything. It…” Atsushi had hugged his legs and buried his face. “I'm scared.”

Chuuya watched for a moment before nudging the boy.

“I don't think that's the case.” Chuuya scaled Atsushi’s starving body, how thin and frail, “I don't think the tiger is chasing you either.”

Atsushi looked more confused.

“Calm. Eat some chocolate. I'll explain.”

A silence. Atsushi's tears still streamed as he nibbled on the melted treat.

Chuuya stood as looked down.

“Do you know what abilities are?”

Atsushi nodded.

“Do you know that I have one?”

Another nod.

“Do you know you have one?” Chuuya was a bit more stern.

The confused expression snitched; he didn't exactly know what that meant, but gave a shrug.

“In 20 minutes, the sun will fully set and you'll become a white tiger.”

That got a wonderful reaction. Atsushi’s eyes widened, just as his breathing stopped.

“You're like me.” Chuuya just smiled.

Atsushi was as still as a statue. He looked down.

“You're going to give me up for that money… Aren't you ?”

That sentence, that fear that came out as a tremble. Chuuya empathized well or secretly understood beyond what should be healthy.

“No.” Chuuya only cut his sentence.

Atsushi instantly snapped a look up. 

“I… I don't like the idea of ability users being exchanged like items.” Chuuya’s eyes shifted with certain sections of the sentence, “and they'd be damned if the Mafia thinks they can get a healing tiger.” A scuff.

“Excuse me?” Atsushi’s confusion just seemed to keep stacking.

“Yeah…” Chuuya chirped through his teeth, “this is awkward… uh… I tried to contain the tiger by… cutting off its legs.”

Atsushi took a deep breath before he went to talk. Chuuya cut him off.

“My defense, you were trying to kill me. So, I panicked.”

Atsushi just stayed quiet.

“I can't control it…” Atsushi looked down, “I… I don't want to die… But I'm too dangerous to be near people.”

“Yet, I lived.” Chuuya just chuckled, “c'mon~ I can watch over you just fine.”

“Your eyebrow.” Atsushi referenced it.

Chuuya had forgotten it, entirely used to scrapes or stabs. He touched near it. 

“First time someone hurt me in a while.” Chuuya’s laugh was suppressed, “it was a good swipe. I'll give you that.”

Atsushi didn't find it amusing, “I'm… sorry. I'm just sorry…”

That guilt. Chuuya sat next to him.

“I'll let you know, this month the full moon is only two days. You can rest for a bit.”

Atsushi sighed, “that was so mean.”

Chuuya snickered, “as mean as avoiding to tell me that a supernatural tiger is attached to you?”

“...” Atsushi looked away, “I mentioned it was after me.”

“Hmm.” Chuuya nudged, “You're ok. I'll keep your secret… I know that it can be scary to have something you know if people knew…” A brief silence, “they'll leave you.”

Chuuya looked over at Atsushi with a soft expression.

“What about full moons?” Atsushi lowers his legs.

“We'll go outside the city and I'll distract it enough till sunrise. Be…our thing.”

“While on the road, I had time to look back at where I came from. I always found it so confusing I was chained up, yet I heard the tiger each time.”

Chuuya looked mortified, “They what?”

Atsushi instantly snapped his eyes over, “nothing, its nothing.”

Damn it. Chuuya rubbed his eyes, “I haven't slept in two days… I wanna go to bed.” Chuuya stood and dug his hands into his pocket. “c'mon.”

Atsushi smiled up at him and joined him shortly after.

Chapter Text

“Cooking!”

Atsushi burnt it.

“Sewing!”

Atsushi was attached to the sewing machine for like 2 hours.

“... Therapy?”

The poor kid would cry because Atsushi shared his childhood.

“... … missions?”

Atsushi can’t kill.

“... … …”

Atsushi has nothing to bring.

Shirase barked this at Chuuya as he paces.

“He can barely cook, he’s under socialized, he doesn’t listen.” Shirase names as he paces. “Who the hell did you find?”

“He was in a cage before he was on the street.” Chuuya tried to defend.

Though, Shirase took that as a metaphor when Chuuya meant it literally. There was more insults towards Atsushi, but Chuuya started getting it too.

“This is why you shouldn’t be making decisions. He needs a place, and you’re gonna find it.” Shirase stomped and pointed at him.

“Why me?”

“Uh-duh. You recruited him and you’re expecting me to pick up your slack! Don’t be selfish.”

Chuuya went quiet. “You’re right. I’ll find something.”

“Good. I am gonna go drink. I really do deserve it.”

Shirase made his distance before turning on his heel, “Maybe we should put him on the front lines.” A sadistic laugh, “get rid of the dead weight sooner.”

Chuuya only glared. Of course he didn’t find it funny.

“Geez, I was kidding. Lighten up, will you?”

He left. Chuuya went to check on Atsushi who was getting a mouthful from one of the other kids.

“You can’t just say that!” She yells.

“I… I don’t understand?” Atsushi shook his head, “I didn’t mean to offend you- What did I say?”

“Are you stupid? That’s just not nice!” She continued to bark, “It’s common sense!”

Atsushi looked like he was about to cry. Chuuya came over to intercept.

“CHUUYA! You won’t believe what he said!” She wailed.

“What did he say?” Chuuya had a monotone.

“He said I had weight on me! That I had fat on me!”

Atsushi looked genuinely confused, “That just means you eat??”

“SEE! He’s calling me fat!” She pointed.

Atsushi went to speak.

“Hey.” Chuuya stopped the boy from digging himself into a deeper grave, “You get to eat. He was fending for himself before this. He’s not calling you fat, it's only an observation.”

The girl went quiet as she scaled Atsushi’s famished body. She turned red in embarrassment. “ Oh. ”

Chuuya turned to Atsushi, “You have to avoid talking weight with girls. They are often bullied because they have to meet some bullshit expectation. It makes them feel insecure.”

Atsushi’s eyes widened before looking mortified. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings like that! I just! I'm just trying to say you look healthy.” He bows, “Please forgive me… I didn’t talk to a lot of people growing up.”

The girl was also embarrassed, “I’m sorry too!” She bows and they bonked heads hard. The two stumbled as the action hurt. “Sorry!”

“No I am.”

Chuuya only smiled. “Shake on it, instead.”

The two exchanged a look before shaking hands. She apologized once more then left.

“You saved my ass there…” Atsushi rubbed his neck, “I’m… I’m sorry. You are doing way too much work for me.”

Chuuya turned a light pink but just pushed it off, “Yeah. Sure whatever.”

“Did Shirase talk to you?” Atsushi seemed less eager to ask.

“Talk… Is the wrong word. But yes.”

“Did he say I was useless to you too?” Atsushi muttered.

“...”

“I know…” Atsushi then held his neck with a squeeze, “I am trying. Really. I just don’t… have anything…”

“Maybe… You can work with me?” Chuuya thought, “I don’t think the other members have the patience. You might be able to do some heavy lifting?”

“I’m skinny though?” Atsushi muttered, insecure.

“That will be fixed. I'll tell you about it as we walk.” Chuuya led the way. “The Sheep may be a bunch of kids, but we have ways of getting under even the strongest organizations' skin. We are really good at breaking shit.”

“Meaning?”

“Want to help me steal?”

“Steal?” Atsushi perked his head.

“Yes. We need ammo, guns, food - Y’know, the whole shabaam.”

“I never stole before… well I did food…”

“Seriously - what orphanage did you come from, Cinderella?”

Atsushi turned red as he huffed, “Don’t call me that!”

“Tigerella?” Chuuya snickered.

“Is that any better!?” Atsushi huffed.

“ OK OK! ” Chuuya sighed with a whine, “I’ll behave for now.”

“Do you have a task in mind?”

“Our common enemy, the GSS has control over the outskirts of Yokohama. They have full access to government level weapons; bombs, grenades, artillery, equipment, and other shit like that. There is a whole warehouse with our name written all over it.”

“Why me?” Atsushi mumbled.

“You aren’t doing anything super dangerous. Only the look-out till we can find better a position for you. Simple. In - out and then we leave.”

“O-ok.” Atsushi nodded, “I’ll try anything for you guys!”

A smirk, “that’s the spirit.”

Shirase glared at Atsushi from a distance, turning to Chuuya.

“I was kidding.”

“I know. I’m not.” Chuuya attached it to the wall as he scaled it to the window 3 stories up. He used his ability to unlatch and enter. “Use the earpiece if you see anything.”

“Ey-Ey.” Shirase salutes.

The other 7 kids were surrounding the area. Atsushi found himself hiding the closest to the street. He was fast with his scaling, the moonlight surprisingly strong tonight.

Chuuya was hard at work inside as he took control. Though little to his knowledge did he trip a silent alarm. No one suspected a thing. Though, Atsushi saw it first. Men emerging from the neighboring forests that outlined the outskirts.

“I see something.” Atsushi used the earpiece.

Shirase ran over, though growled irritated, “There is no way you see anything. It’s too dark.” He barked, into the ear piece he said, “he’s lying.”

But.

SWOOSH! DING!

A bullet hit the building near inches from Shirase’s head. Atsushi had grabbed him and dragged him behind a neighboring dumpster.

“NEVERMIND! BASTARDS ARE COMING!” Shirase yelled.

Chuuya only groaned as he finished stacking crates. He sees the kids in the warehouse freak out a bit.

“I’m on it. Get this shit outta here.” Chuuya growled.

“Me and the kid are stuck. Chuuya! Save us!” Shirase barked.

Atsushi was less than eager to admit that defeat. Under the dumpster he sees a metal latch that locked the wheels. In a hard kick, he unlocks the pedal to start pushing the box.

“Help me!” Atsushi yelled at him.

“Huh? OH!” The fellow white hair kid used the handles to allow them to cross the street from the line of fire.

Though, a heavy buck shot had pierced through the metal, luckily missing. Atsushi took over the situation by switching Shirase to the one closer to the dumpster. He used his body as the made support and tented over the kid as they finally made it to a better shelter inside the warehouse.

Chuuya was there. He had suddenly stopped the metal rain so the two could slip inside. More and more collected and he smirks. The men stopped, staring at the kid that seemed untouchable and ran as he started kicking bullets at them.

When a shotgun is shot, the ammo releases several pieces of shrapnel that tears victims apart with speed alone. Now if that was the size of modern .30 bullets the splatter is unmatched.

Just as described. Men were picked off like a salt shooter to flies.

Chuuya only laughed as the men realized who he was. Each man was getting antsy and if not more creative. A flash bang was thrown, Chuuya did look away, but it burned bright. In a retreat, the redhead got out of the open.

Atsushi managed to get everyone out and into the cars.

“Chuuya?” Atsushi asked with an aggressive search.

“He can handle his own!”

“Yeah! He’s Chuuya!”

Atsushi was slightly baffled, “No, if it were us. He’d come get us.”

“NO!” One did try to catch Atsushi. “Well, he’s gonna die.”

Atsushi covered the line of sight to look for Chuuya.

The redhead is only waiting for the light to die down but could still see how the weretiger knelt in front of him.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Chuuya chirped.

“We’re ready! Let's go!”

“I don’t need your help. You gotta go.” Chuuya nudged, but gunshots started again. Like orange strings, they shoot passed.

“I didn’t want to leave you behind.”

“You’re an idiot.” Chuuya then stood up, grabbing him by the sleeve. He was fast with getting into more of a reserved spot. “In the Sheep, I do things alone buddy.”

“Why?” Atsushi whined, “Who’s looking out for you?”

“ME?” Chuuya sounded confused.

In the distance, an heftier gun went off.

“Fuck…” Chuuya muttered in annoyance.

“How did they know we were here?”

Chuuya scanned the area then he saw it, barely a red-light hidden under some steps.

“They have tripwires… but electronic… We couldn't have heard.”

“What now?”

“You’ll help evacuate and get outta here. I got this.”

Chuuya just stood up straight and walked to the center of the action. Atsushi tried to grab him but the redhead was confident in his actions. From afar, the scene was straight out of a movie. The walk, the debris, and the lights.

Chuuya approached a neighboring shipment truck. His hand dug into the metal as gravity then became weightless. With a swift movement, the shade hid the kid under it. A confident smirk curled as the men started to retreat from the gravity manipulator's line of sight.

Atsushi should listen, but watching Chuuya destroy the street was gorgeous like a tsunami. The force of his flow pushed back the aggression enough for the Sheep to try to get away.

Their enemies scaled around, similar to mice in the wall, Atsushi could just feel their intentions. He broke his focus, running over to warn. Just as queued, a gun lifted towards one of the kids trying to figure out the stick shift of the truck.

“EY!” One of them pointed.

There was no time to duck, only act. Just like he always did, he got in the way. Atsushi held the man's arm, the gun suddenly shifted out of the line of sight. In a tussle, the man shot as an attempt to get him out of the way.

It didn't hurt at first. Adrenaline and how fast the situation had played out had numbed any knowledge to him that he was hurt. Though the bullet exited violently through the back and made a distinctive noise as the bullet struck the ground. Just as it happened, another gunshot saved Atsushi from another attack. One of the kids grabbed him by the collar to force him into the cabin.

“GO GO GO! ” One kid yelled.

Just as they hoped, the vehicle starts moving.

“We did it…” Atsushi was in shock.

“Uh…”

They kept looking down at Atsushi's wound. Now it hurts — though not as bad as he thought it would. ‘Sure is a lot of blood’ was his last thoughts as he passed out.

Chuuya had retreated once he knew they escaped. The victory was bittersweet as he heard of the sacrifice made. He was eager to at least see, but when he saw him Atsushi looked freaked out.

In a slow turn, the weretiger was eager and pulled him into their infirmary (a janitorial closet with some medical supplies and a bed) to rip his shirt off. Chuuya looked away instinctively.

“I can't— It… I… I was shot‐ But it's gone.”

Chuuya lifted a brow as he turned to see him. The scars of burns and elevated tissue showed more stories of that orphanage but there was no bullet wound. Chuuya just had to touch, to see if there was make-up in its stead.

Chuuya hasn't touched another person's skin in a while. He pushed and felt, but it in fact was healthy flesh.

“I saw it, the blood. I felt it, but I went to sleep and woke up…” Atsushi looked excited before his face went petrified. “They're gonna know…”

Chuuya looked freaked out before he calms himself, “no, you'll fake it. You need to be bandaged and I'll just say I'm doing it.”

Atsushi became shy of himself, shirtless with undamaged (well recent) skin. In a slow movement, he slips on his shirt.

“... You're a perfect body guard.” Chuuya looked down, “I…”

Someone who can never die. Imagine that? Atsushi took a high powered weapon to the gut and according to the other Sheep was missing a visible chunk. But here, Atsushi was walking around, safe and content as he heard Chuuya out.

Someone Chuuya would trust to make it out alive…

No. Stop, he knows better than to raise hope for himself.

“I…” Atsushi looked down, “What are you saying?”

“You're better at protecting people than you are at anything else. Sure you can develop other skills but you acted and none of the other Sheep were injured.”

Atsushi turned pink as he looked to the side, “I jumped in the way…”

“You acted. Lucky you can heal yourself… Though what the hell does that have to do with the tiger?”

“I just found out about it recently, I didn't know I could heal till you cut the tiger's legs off.”

“Hm…” Chuuya rubbed his chin, “What if… We lie on what your ability is. They're gonna notice you are not truly being in pain.”

“Meaning?”

“You have an ability to self heal.” Chuuya smirked.

“...” Atsushi looked nervous, “but lie to them? Chuuya, secrets are different from straight up lies. They start to not trust you if you keep that up.”

“It's settling the waters and controlling the panic. They'll witch hunt you if they find out… Just, trust me.”

Atsushi stares before accepting.

“Ok, I trust you.”

Chapter Text

Atsushi had to learn fast and painfully how to become one with the under-city. From violent outbursts of kids throwing a tantrum to the repetitive shots to his body made by local gangs, the weretiger had to get used to the life of the Sheep. It's survival or death and unfortunately for him,  he wishes to live. 

How the hell was he supposed to do this? From the earliest memory the poor boy could recall, he was cursed with the dampening defeat of this yearning desire to belong. How is he supposed to keep up?

Blue lighting from stained glass windows tainted the room far above him. Subtle yellow and red never made it to the ground but its godray shimmered dust like glittery lights past his peripheral vision. Atsushi knelt in a place he knew well. The orphanage's cathedral was a place of pain — not worship.

“In this world, you owe it your life. You mean nothing if you can't provide.” A familiar and taunting voice echoed in his subconscious. “Never forget what I taught you.”

Atsushi could remember the fear so vividly. As the adult came over, he struck at him. For a punishment to an action he can't even remember.

Atsushi instantly woke up, his body forcing itself from the torn up futon and nearly landing on a neighboring kid. Fingertips, cat-like, tent himself upright. He sat back, then with a tremble he started to stand up.

In this state, it's hard to tell if he's actually awake or if he's dreaming. He just knew he needed air and left so quietly, he actually impressed himself. Though, turning the corner he sees Shirase talking to Chuuya. The eldest had this expression. Chuuya responded to the attitude with a low head and a submissive tone.

“I mean, he's okay?” Shirase rolled his eyes, “He's getting you distracted though. Like, c'mon! You know what happens when people try to keep up with you. He's just gonna, y’know.”

“Atsushi is strong and I'm not getting close to him. I'm just helping him out. He's doing his own thing and I don't want to over step.”

Chuuya tucks his hands into his pockets as he makes his way to lean against a small cargo truck. Shirase groaned.

“You don't want yourself to be the reason he dies— Like seriously, man! I know you're smart enough to see he doesn't have it in him to be a criminal. He’s not truly one of us!”

“He is violent.” Chuuya snapped a look, “Just because he doesn't have the drive to be a self centered, sadistic prick doesn't mean he's not capable.”

“Ah so you do notice him.” Shirase then let out a groan, “Wait, are you like crushing or something?”

A break, “The hell? Kid was starving and traumatized. I'm keeping an eye out.”

“Dunno. I saw this so many times with the others.”

“Drop it.” Chuuya’s voice was stern.

“Fine.” Shirase did not take him seriously. That was obvious. “So why exactly are you helping him? You never get involved with anyone else.”

“I don’t know… Just he looks like he needs someone who relates to him.”

“Yeah, but you can actually do stuff.”

“He’s trying his best.”

“Still oddly defensive.” Shirase mocked. “Look, I know a couple of guys at the ports that are looking for extra hands with shipment help. He’d be outta our hair and you’ll be back to being focused.”

“He hasn’t got a chance to prove himself.”

“And what?”

“I’ll help him.”

“Uh-huh.”

“He took hits for us. He protected you. He was sheltered and I know you are aware of how some of these orphanages are. Just…” Chuuya’s eyes shifted a bit, darting a little towards Atsushi’s direction. Atsushi dipped behind the wall.

“What?”

“Nothing, I thought I heard someone. Turns out it was a bird.” Chuuya spoke quieter. “I take responsibility for him.”

“Fine.” Shirase shrugged half-heartedly, “I expect something by the end of this month.”

“Hm…” Chuuya made himself look smaller. “What did the council say?”

“They think you’re distracted. Our ‘king’ should be as focused as possible. Though… having a meat shield for you does sound better than nothing.”

“Stop.”

“I’m joking.” Shirase rolled his eyes. “Ok, I’ll let them know of our conversation. Just so you know, if he starts getting a bit too… in the way, we’ll remove him.”

“I know.”

“Okay, just letting you know.” Shirase shrugged then waved as he left the scene.

Chuuya stood there in silence before turning to Atsushi’s direction.

“I think you’re good.” Chuuya stated it like a summoning. Atsushi came out of hiding, head low. “Why are you up so late?”

“I uh… I couldn’t sleep.” Atsushi kept to himself, arms wrapped tightly to his stomach, “If you helping me is too much stress, I can go somewhere else…”

“Ah, ignore that. Shirase likes hyping shit up then instantly regretting it. He just doesn’t know how to feel about you yet… And uh, the things he said.”

“It’s fine. I heard far worse.” Atsushi deflected.

“Ah?” Chuuya went quiet. They stood there for a good moment before he let out a sigh, “I think I have an idea. You’re an ability user with no control right?”

“Yeah?”

“What if I help you control it?”

“That’s a what if.”

Chuuya snickered and crossed his arms, “You have physical differences because of your ability. You’re stronger, more sensitive to light and noise, and you can heal. I think your ability may just have limits. Do you know when you could have possibly got it?”

“Uh.” Atsushi’s eyes widened and looked down. He looked anxious with the way his hands encased one another, “maybe a few, but I only heard it. I just assumed it was me going crazy from how tired and hungry I was.”

“Well, that’s a place to start.” Chuuya inhaled sharply, “Let’s go to our spot and talk about this some more.”

“Right.”

With that, the two walked together. Atsushi was quiet and Chuuya hummed a bit to himself.

“Chuuya?” Atsushi said faintly.

Chuuya stopped humming to glance over.

“Why are you helping me?”

Chuuya blinked a couple of times before looking in front of him, “dunno, really. I just… I saw myself a little in you and…” He went quiet, “Just cause I wanted to.”

Atsushi held his jaw down tightly. He observed how Chuuya glanced back and instantly looked away. It felt like a warm breeze passed by and the night air quickly returned.

Arriving at the shed on the hill, the two sat.

“When you use your ability, what does it feel like?” Atsushi asked first.

“Like second nature. Same as breathing or thinking. I just think and then I do it. My body will sometimes feel heavier but I'm used to it, I barely notice it at all.”

“Guess our abilities are a tad bit too different.” Atsushi grumbled.

“Heh, just a little bit?” Chuuya teased.

“Let me try.” Atsushi moved a bit away. “Do I like… clench my ass or flex.”

Atsushi twitched and twisted. He tried to get into the mentality.

“It should just be second nature.” Chuuya walked over, “It seems you may act as a response… You healed because you were shot.”

Atsushi looked at his hands and frowns.

“So what? I shoot myself?” A obvious sarcastic tone but it ended once he was covered in a shadow. “Ah…”

Chuuya stood over him with a large piece of concrete over his head. This kid had a grin that could go for miles.

“I mean, I learned to use my ability through trial and error. Maybe you need just a little motivator.” Chuuya said with a song to voice.

“C-crushing me with a rock will kill me! I still don't even know if the tiger is truly me‐” Atsushi barked. “Put it away!”

Chuuya blinked a couple times, “you aren't against my actual plan. Just the rock?”

“You're kinda…” Atsushi stopped himself, “Yes. Anything bigger than you is just going to kill me.”

Chuuya listened. Dropping it to the side but it didn't make a noise till let his ability go. A small gust through the debris.

“Smaller than me?” Chuuya asked.

Atsushi held himself over his heart like it were pearls. “Yes. Holy…”

Chuuya grinned, “what if I attacked you? You know I won't kill you. Combat, ability, and endurance training. You'll catch up to the Sheep in no time.”

“Fighting?” Atsushi looked up at the fading silver moon. He sighed, “yeah. I don't know anything about that stuff though.”

“I know plenty. Do you trust me?” Chuuya sank his hands inside his pockets.

Atsushi was quiet before saying, “yeah.”

“Then let's go.” Chuuya grinned.

Atsushi didn't expect to survive this well. Chuuya used his area effectively and still didn't remove his hands. Only in brief glimpses did Atsushi see Chuuya. The speed was unmatched to anything he'd ever seen.

Atsushi learned the basics of combat. Little to his knowledge he picked up on it really fast. His mind subconsciously knew it would keep him alive. To be this aware has not always been part of Atsushi’s mind but overtime he needed it so he could survive some nights.

Chuuya lands on a tree, but vertical. He folds into his haunches, eyes locked above onto Atsushi. He was about to end this segment. They been training well into sunrise, and people were going to see them if they get reckless. One last attack.

Chuuya’s sure Atsushi is getting frustrated. Repetitively was he reminded of his lack of experience. Even with Chuuya's advice he couldn't complete the task and all he had to do was somehow touch Chuuya.

Atsushi scaled back and forth but his ears tuned behind him. As if all other sounds stopped, Atsushi could feel his hair stand up from the back of his neck. Chuuya launched forward, aiming to pin him down.

With in a moment, Atsushi could feel his feet move for him. Jumping aside, then catching themself to jump into Chuuya with full force. Chuuya's eyes widened as the duo rolled. Atsushi was quick to pin, some kind of strength forced his wrist to the ground. He was panting hard and his eyes seemed to sliver.

“Ha!” Atsushi took a deep breath, “I got you.”

Chuuya was in silence. From Atsushi above to his failure to see… He may have jumped the gun here. Atsushi laughed and pulled back to lift Chuuya up off the ground.

Chuuya wiped his coat off, freezing when he felt Atsushi fix his hair.

“Leaves.” Atsushi giggled. “There, all fixed.”

Chuuya's bangs did cover his eyes, but faintly he saw Atsushi’s face through them. His smile, so full of pride, let it silently praise for this achievement. As if used to never hearing it out loud.

“You did really well.” Chuuya said quickly.

Atsushi blinked and went to say something but Chuuya went on.

“You’re in tuned with your environment more than your ability. It's like you were programmed to look over your shoulder. It's amazing.”

Atsushi unlocks his jaw and smiles. Though, a bit of it felt fake.

Chuuya picked up on it and took a deep breath.

“Let's head back and rest.” Chuuya led the way. “You have a lot more to learn.”

“Should I call you Sensei Chuuya?” Atsushi teased.

Chuuya grew red, “Now was that necessary? Tch , come on.”

Atsushi laughed and with the slightest bit of lag, he started to follow Chuuya.

What is Atsushi’s ability?

Chuuya pondered that as he bounced a ball off the wall vertically to where he sat. His brain lost in his thoughts, the real world nearly non-existent. He’s not sure why exactly he feels so tasked to answer some of these questions. Something about the fear in Atsushi’s eyes reminds him of someone. The ball bounces off the wall, a bit louder than the last few throws. Chuuya catches it, his face sours.

What? Do you like him or something?

That’s not it. At least, not how Shirase said it.

It’s the way Atsushi looked at him. He remembers that fear, so a bit of his motivation has to be root from his empathy. Chuuya looked at the ball as he recalled the first time he got it years ago. The Sheep was confused why Chuuya put it in his mouth (after all, most things they handed him was food). Atsushi is far beyond that level of ignorance.

Caged.

Chuuya could feel his brows tighten due to anger. He threw the ball again, this time with his ability. On a loud impact, the item lodged into the wall. Then, there was silence.

From what it sounds like, the orphanage knew of his ability but refused to tell him for whatever reason. Meaning, the ability could be directed if that place was able to hide it for that long. Though, a cage might have not been for him, but the tiger itself. It’s not like Atsushi was a poor learner either, in fact quite the opposite. So why?

Chuuya went over to used his ability to sink into the wall and pull out the ball. He looked at it and it’s only slightly scuffed. With his finger he turned it.

Supposed it doesn’t matter now. Atsushi is free from it, but his motivations and goals are still transparent to Chuuya. Why is he staying in the Sheep? Why did he take hits for them so easily? What would he do if presented a chance to sell them out - would he take it? Atsushi isn’t entirely opposed to taking handouts, it’s only when it’s in the expense of others he refuses… So is that it? Is Atsushi motivated to help others, like some good manga hero?

Hero… Chuuya could just laugh at it, though Atsushi would fit that title a bit too well. From his tiger form from his healing powers, Atsushi would be unstoppable if fully realized.

Though that returns to the question, what is his ability?

Chuuya looked at the ball and tightens his fist around it. He might have figured it out.

Atsushi paid close attention to the kids explaining the power of card games. Like cats to a moth, they watched two competitors duo it out.

“Silly idiot!” The kid to the left exclaimed like placing down a shiny, metal looking card.

“WHAT!? When did you get that!” The one on the right yelled. “AHHH!”

It got loud, Atsushi wasn’t sure what was going on but his head pans back and forth.

Chuuya approached the group to see what was happening. The kids kept sharing so much information, it was quite overwhelming. Atsushi let out a nervous laugh as he rubbed his neck.

“Hey Atsushi?” Chuuya called out. “A word?”

“Hm? Yeah.” Atsushi walked over.

“I want to ask if you’d be interested in me testing your ability in every way I think it does.”

“....” Atsushi looked anxious. “Like… All of it?”

“Well, yeah. If we understand exactly what triggers it or its tied to, you’re more likely to be in control.”

Atsushi swallowed hard, “Chuuya, I mean this in a nice way… I don’t want you to hurt me.”

“What?” Oh his healing, “wait no. I meant the tiger portion. I’m not gonna disembowel you.”

“Oh thank god.” Atsushi relaxed his shoulders, “had me worried there for a second.”

Chuuya snickered a bit, “I think I understand how it works. Our spot tonight?”

“I’ll be there.” Atsushi nodded.

Chuuya salutes. His heart instantly sunk, WHY THE HELL DID HE JUST DO THAT? Atsushi only seemed briefly confused but does it back. Crisis averted.

Chapter Text

Atsushi sat on the shed as he watched Chuuya paced back and forth. The redhead explains his thoughts of his ability, how he could use it.

“What if it's too dangerous?” Atsushi's voice sounded winded, almost like the anxiety robbed his freedom to even speak.

“That's the thing. I don't think your ability is cruel.” Chuuya clicked his tongue once he saw disbelief on the other's face. “Think of it like this: Name the times your ability has come into play.”

“Uh… Every time I get hurt or at night with the moon.”

“What were you feeling?” A rough grovel came from his tone.

“Huh?”

“Did you feel good?” Chuuya had this grin.

“No???” Atsushi was a bit taken back, “I was hungry, scared and alone.”

“You never wondered why you didn't die?” Chuuya stood up tall with hands on his hips. “My theory, your ability acted in response to your survival. Just as it did when you got shot.”

“It’s all just healing?” Atsushi furrowed his brow.

“No. It's something entirely different. The tiger when I faced it seem to have remorse or at least understood that it didn't want to harm. You were just so hungry, the tiger overstayed it's welcome and made you eat. Notice how you are more in control now that your body doesn't need help to survive?”

“How did you get all that?” Atsushi looked at his hands, “I don't know… It seems like it's something else entirely… I can't control it, nor do I feel it.”

“That's another theory I have.” Chuuya squatted down so he perched on his haunches, “I don't think your ability is yours, or at least you didn't receive it like how most do. But it is you. Some go through traumatic events and it bursts out and others are gifted it: the whole thing acting in disobedience or being self destructive.”

“You think I'm the second one?”

“Who knows. Being gifted your ability seems more likely and it would also explain why you were under a lot of strict rules by the orphanage. Something about you knowing of your abilities whereabouts may have poisoned their idea for you… Now if that's okay is another topic…”

“Given…” Atsushi looked ill, “I think… I think I may know when it could have triggered… Maybe it's the first incident… I remembered bits and pieces.”

“What happened?”

Atsushi was quiet. His face sours and his shoulders slouched. He recoiled at his mouth opening, words unable to leave. Chuuya was patient, the two sat in silence till the boy got his words.

“There was this guy… He uh… He had ruby eyes.” Atsushi began.

Chuuya listened to the story of a man in seek of an ability. A tip from an unknown individual had led the man to the orphanage's doorstep. Atsushi remembered it all to a point, the electric currents surging through his body, his nerves screaming for mercy, and finally blacking out. He woke up hours later, he saw the man thrown back, face up, slaughtered. The floor was warm and sticky and all he can remember of that is passing out again. Moments later, his memory was hazy as he remembered his arms dangling and a trail of blood dripped behind. He rested over someone's shoulder. Those shoes he remembered well.

“It just got worse after that.” Atsushi looked down, “Like me being tortured gave them a reason to be worse. If I was just a few years younger, perhaps they could have made it work, but I was way too old. I knew somehow I killed him.”

“Is that why you left?

Atsushi nods slowly. “I'm sure they're looking for me…”

“I won't let anyone even think about it. I will protect you. And, this just solidified my theory. I'm sorry I don't have any more answers.”

“You're okay… You are handling this really well…”

“I hate to admit it, but I think I'm in the same boat.” Chuuya sucked in his teeth, forcing a laugh, “Yeah uh, sucks because I have no memory outside of the Sheep.”

Atsushi scales his face before reaching over to rub his arm.

“Thank you for telling me.” Atsushi smiled ever so sincerely.

Chuuya felt his face burn hot. His eyes looked softly at the weretiger. In a slow turn, he sat down and faced Atsushi.

“Your ability relies on protecting others or yourself. It seems to be attracted to it, to add to your need to be a hero and the stupidity with jumping into danger… We could make this work.”

“What… What are you saying?”

“Atsushi, I know we are criminals but maybe if I help you find a way to help the Sheep without making you into a human shield. You are like me, so if I help you learn to use your ability as a defense, you can protect the members. You'll be the one that stays so I can do the heavy lifting.”

“I've already killed… I…”

“Don't.” Chuuya was fast with his retort, “That bastard had it coming and everyone in that orphanage does too.” Atsushi frowns, “Don't defend them like that. It takes a real kinda evil to lock a kid away.”

“They…” Atsushi looked up and down before settling his hands, “I don't understand why… Was I that wrong? Why must they hurt me if they were still going to lock me up?”

“Because it's control.” Chuuya said so softly, it almost hurt. “Atsushi, listen to me closely. You were just a kid. They feared something they could not understand and in an attempt to mold you, they treated you like you were a circus animal.”

“I felt like one…” Atsushi's hands trembled. “Chuuya… Can we be done with this conversation? I don't think I can take it anymore.”

Chuuya kept the soft tone. His hands lifted, almost touching Atsushi’s wrist. He stopped and drew it back. Subtly he got up to make it look like he used the weight of his arms to get up instead. Atsushi looked up at him, ever so vulnerable.

“Lemme cheer you up. I feel bad for throwing this on you.”

“Right now?” Atsushi blinked.

“Yeah. I promise you'll enjoy it.”

Atsushi looked around, but he landed back on Chuuya. He nodded and stood up.

Chuuya had Atsushi to look out as he crawled into a window. The two in a thin alleyway in the outskirt slums of Shirabase City. Atsushi was patient, hearing clicks and muffles of things moving. The door screeched open .

“Come on.” Chuuya nudged his head.

Atsushi slipped inside before settling his weight to one leg. He looked around to a hallway, charred and full of debris. The wall's paint had curled and bubbled from past heat damage. A slight draft uplifted piles of dust.

Chuuya directed him through a door before Atsushi saw it. An abandoned club full of timeless pieces of furniture of the early 2000s. Half of the room was blown into smithereens, the other half almost entirely preserved.

Atsushi almost giggled with how Chuuya climbed onto the stage. He messed with a few wires before neon lights turned on and music started to play. Atsushi had to spin and watch what still existed. Songs from that the time started.

“3 years ago this was a hot spot for this gang. Me and the Sheep busted in, put a stop to their sorry asses.” Chuuya grinned, “now it's part of the Sheep’s territory and my main get away spot.”

“W-why are you showing me it?”

“Because I wanted to get away… with you.” Chuuya said with a cough, “well whatever… Music is good and I'd think you'd like it.”

Chuuya jumped down to the empty space of the dance floor. The tile floor was chipped and surprisingly strong for what Atsushi could imagine was a full brawl.

The song was catchy and got Atsushi to be excited. He beamed his smile, his laugh erupted once he saw Chuuya suddenly get shy over dancing. That only made the teasing and playing worsen.

Atsushi is a horrible dancer and somehow, Chuuya was worse. It had to be the way Atsushi shook his shoulders or started dancing around like no one watched. The little redhead could only laugh and mimic him in attempts to tease him.

Atsushi had just taken a stone from Chuuya’s high wall. That realization hit when Atsushi took him by the hand, his bare hand s. The two were quiet but Atsushi changed how he held them. Fingers locked together as he dragged him around. Chuuya was no longer laughing, he was staring at Atsushi. His focus was undivided.

A heavy heartbeat struck into his throat. His eyes grew heavy as they tire from their task. His hands filled with lead, for they were unable to pull away. His legs like machines as they were being navigated by the tiger.

Atsushi attempts to ballroom dance, but it was the two tripping on their feet. Chuuya finally lost his footing and took both of them down. Limbs sprawled everywhere.

“Oh shit, sorry.” Chuuya was embarrassed.

Atsushi started laughing so fully. Chuuya's eyes locked on to the facial’s muscles.

“So much alike, you also can't dance.” Atsushi took a long breath and looked over. “lay next to me.”

Chuuya didn't respond but did as asked. The two exchanged a look before panning up at the ceiling. A large chunk of it damaged from a man-shaped hole. Which, Atsushi was pretty sure was Chuuya, or someone Chuuya had thrown. The partial moon, barely illuminated, hung from above.

“I read about moments like these.” Atsushi broke the peaceful silence, “that… People find people and it just clicks. You were so nice to me, and I didn't even deserve it. You make me feel like… Like I'm worth something. You don't force me to owe you anything and you could, but you don't.”

“I feel that's the least bit I could do.” Chuuya rolled his eyes, “It's often more than I ever got.”

Atsushi's eyes had heat to them. Wherever he looked, Chuuya felt it burn. In a soft move over, he nudged Chuuya’s arm with his elbow.

“Can I ask something? Just what I noticed?” Atsushi frowned, “I just don't want you to be mad.”

“I promise I won't.”

“Why do you let the Sheep treat you like that?”

“Like what?”

“Chuuya.” Atsushi sighed, “you put so much love into everyone, yet you isolate yourself for reasons I don't know.”

Chuuya was quiet as he looked back up, “Dunno, feel like I deserve it.”

“You don’t.” Atsushi said without hesitation.

Chuuya looked back so quickly, he lost his ability to breathe. Atsushi turns to his side to face him.

“You give everyone the world, Chuuya. From your time to your safety and body… You are so alone and yet you protect them without even thinking. Just as you did me.”

Chuuya couldn't respond.

“Would you ever leave the Sheep?” Atsushi asked.

Chuuya felt his heart drop into his stomach, “no, never.”

Atsushi reacted with an eye shift. He nodded and looked back up, “Then I'll stay. I'll be a person the Sheep can rely on and make sure that the people you care about live. That will be my promise to you for helping me.”

“Atsushi… That's a bit over dramatic.” Chuuya chuckled.

“It's the truth. I was told, I don't deserve to live unless I protect others… I think I understand now. Also hurts that they knew, yet they were always so cruel to me.”

Chuuya turned to his side and rested his face on his hands. He sees sunsets looking into his deep set.

“Why did you wait to leave… or why weren’t you adopted?” Chuuya asked with a bit of hesitation, not wanting to sound like he was blaming Atsushi for staying.

“I was…” Atsushi took a deep breath, “by the headmaster, himself. I was his son.”

Chuuya's face flushed, “no shit?”

“Yeah… Shit?” Atsushi chuckled, “I uh… I couldn't leave. He did this thing where I had to take whatever he threw at me and all I was told was for me to hate him.”

Chuuya waited for more. He nudged his arm like Atsushi did moments prior.

“Were the Sheep ever cruel to you?” Atsushi asked.

Chuuya's eyes darted away, “Not without reason. Uh, they're just kids though. I let them and they'd cool off shortly after.”

Atsushi unlocks his jaw and sighed.

“I don't like that…” Atsushi looked away. “You don’t deserve that.”

“You didn't either.” Chuuya mumbled.

“Why don't we look after each other? I won't let anyone walk on top of you and you help me the same way.”

“Oh?” Chuuya got gitty, his body made him sit up.

“Yeah.” Atsushi followed shortly after. “We don't have anyone else who could understand. We don't know where we come from, why we have abilities? Just some superhumans too scared of disappointing the ones that cared for us.”

Chuuya only smiled, “I guess that's true.”

“Thank you, Chuuya.” Atsushi said so earnestly. “You were right. I do feel better.”

Chuuya watched how Atsushi smiled. His bottom lip poked out with how it curved. His focus was up and he settled there. Atsushi didn't seem to notice, relaxing to enjoy the music.

You like him or something?

Chuuya didn't know what that could even mean… Till…

Uh-oh.

Chapter Text

Atsushi has to prove himself. That goal becomes an obsession every moment he hears another complaint. He bends over backwards for others, only for the Sheep to always have alternative plans. Chuuya warned him of their little habits, so Atsushi can't be mad at things he signed up for.

One important thing to note that can be blissfully added: Atsushi is progressing fast. His physical mannerism mimicked Chuuya’s, from dodging to physical attacks — they're almost identical. Chuuya is far superior in terms of battle, his speed and incredible flexibility are the highlight but the most noticeable, he doesn't use his hands.

Atsushi loves to watch Chuuya move. The redhead is ever so bouncy as he scales the area around, contorting limps if he needs to. Chuuya's acrobatics are a performance that can never be matched anywhere else in this world. His gravity manipulation was ever so subtle and graceful every time he'd launched forward or landed.

Chuuya aims to get him up to physical prowess. Making Atsushi run or forcing limbs to contort and endure above all humanly possible. The most noticeable one is Atsushi's leg training and one of the stretches is to get the weretiger to be able to do the splits. Each time Chuuya gets this sadistic urge to grab an ankle to pull them fully apart with such force and every time Atsushi makes the same noise and quietly wails.

Chuuya can see the difference in Atsushi’s body within a month. He's still incredibly skinny, unfortunately the Sheep can't do everything but it's enough to keep him alive.

Atsushi is a lot smarter than he realizes by just watching Chuuya. He can focus on his strength to his legs and that blissfully had worked in his favor. Chuuya can deem himself proud when he saw Atsushi win his first fight with some stray goon. A simple kick to the jaw right after the man said “what are you kids eating?” Comedic timing honestly.

The month of a trial had started to count away. Atsushi had started to grow anxious as he watched the clock. It only being 4pm, Chuuya noted why.

It's a full moon tonight. Chuuya was gentle with his touch, as he used his fingertips to embrace him by a hold to his shoulder as much as he could. Atsushi smiled at him.

Though the moment was sweet, the others started to pick up what was playing out. Shirase walking over.

“Chuuya, we need you tonight.” A demanding tone.

“I can't. I already have important plans.” Chuuya's emotions shifted.

Shirase picked up on it too, his growl dropping “you're doing the thing I warned you about!”

“It's ok. Whatever it is can be done in a couple of days.” Chuuya tried to play mediator.

“You've been slacking off and doing jack shit! You're either sitting here or running off with him. You are not doing your load!”

Chuuya stopped talking. He lowered his head.

“Didn't think you'd be this useless-” Shirase barked.

Atsushi looked pissed as he started to march over.

“PISS OFF SHIRASE!!” Atsushi yelled. His fist balled tight as he barked at a kid older and taller than him like some suicidal maniac. “He's done more for the Sheep than you ever have!”

Shirase's face grew cold as his glare tightened.

Chuuya looked ill as he instantly grabbed Atsushi by around the neck. In some contorted, playful manner, Atsushi lurched forward at the mercy of Chuuya's hold.

“LAST TIME I EVER LET YOU DRINK!” Chuuya yowled like a cat.

Shirase lifted a brow and retreated once he assumed Atsushi was drunk. The two fought for control for a bit, Atsushi trying to stand up. The redhead used gravity though, Atsushi's knees buckling under him. Finally the tiger submitted.

“Wrong dude to challenge. He will kill you.” Chuuya warned in a whisper. “Promise me you'll leave him alone.”

“He can piss off is what he can do.” Atsushi had his teeth clinched, “why did you stop me? He was being disrespectful—”

“—Atsushi I have a job.” Chuuya relaxed his arm. “He's right though, I have been trying to get you up to par. I should focus.”

“B-but tonight.”

“I'm not ditching you.”

Atsushi's shoulders dropped their tension as his breathing also slowed. Chuuya's head lowered in shame. In a sigh, he helped Atsushi stand up right.

“I promised I’d help you and I intend to keep it.” Chuuya’s face was nearly cold, mostly since it seemed too tired to really do anything else.

“Okay.” Atsushi nodded. “Then, lets go.”

The sun went down as Atsushi and Chuuya waited for the moon.

“What if it kills you…” Atsushi’s hand gripped his neck, as if choking himself out. “If I wake up like I did… If I see you…”

“Atsushi.” Chuuya tugged his jacket, “You won’t.”

Sunset eyes look over with concern, but a rounded version of the scene before him reflected how Chuuya looked to him. It felt safe and trusted. In a deep breath, Atsushi nodded.

“Okay.” Atsushi sat and waited.

Chuuya stood nearby but backs off once moonlight started to glow it’s silvery color. Just on queue, blue light competed with the darkness. It was only brief, but the tiger emerged from the flash, taking its confusion by scaling the area around. Orange eyes finally landed it’s view onto Chuuya.

“Hey there, kitty kitty.” Chuuya said with no emotions.

Large paws walked to face him. The head lowered under the elevation of it’s shoulders and the tail was wispy like a spirit. Chuuya lowered to get ready for anything but instead the tiger just circled him. The redhead didn’t remove it from the line of sight, walking backwards to always face the beast. Large fangs slightly separated as the smell was being processed.

Though, something else made pupils sliver and turn into an expression of a territorial predator. It launched at Chuuya with speed, the boy responded with a dodge. He slid to a stop as the tiger made a fast recoil and it lurched forward again, it's claws opened wide.

It seemed the beast knew who he was and hated the mockery he did to it a month prior. That being demonstrated with how bad the beast wanted to crush him, dominate this foe. Orange had a blue haze over its eyes, but all Chuuya could see was hunger.

The game of cat and mouse continued and was deliberate to only distract the beast from getting bored. Chuuya taunting and scaling the area, if he had a red curtain - it’d suit the event. The beast growled before lowering. In a pounce it seemed to have disappeared mid air. Though thanks to his ability could feel where the mass of the animal ran too. He dodged with a flip and the claws nearly missed.

A roar erupted as snarls came in waves of each attack. Chuuya had a single sweat trail down his forehead as he felt the air of this one. He didn’t want to hurt the tiger and unfortunately made this 100% harder.

Chuuya panted a bit, getting away and the beast mimicked him. It felt like hours and both had grown exhausted. In a long sigh, the boy rolled his hips to settle his weight to one side.

“Are you done yet?” Chuuya sassed.

The tiger’s mouth craned open as it growled. The eyes view partially obstructed by the wrinkles the beast’s face created. It crawls low, prowling Chuuya against a tree. The redhead was startled by it, touching it gently as he locked eyes of the beast coming over. It was brief but the claws swiped, Chuuya dodged by landing on the ground hard. The beast boxed his head and remained on top. It roared it’s anger at the redhead under.

“Sorry Atsushi…” Chuuya balled his fists and launched the beast back by its chest. With Tainted Sorrow, the force was stronger and scaled back a few meters. The beast rolled to a stop, hitting a tree. “Shit…”

Chuuya looked back to the tree he was just pinned to, the structure of it cut so deeply, the trunk started to cave in on itself. Anyone other than Chuuya would have been filleted, that is for sure.

The beast stood up, low to the ground as it approached Chuuya. Though it seemed less hostile, already against the ground. The redhead remained still and stared down at the tiger. Just as the silence continued, the tiger laid down and waited. As if finding the right moment to finally get Chuuya. Is it seriously trying to fake him out?

Chuuya mimicked the gesture. He sat there with his legs crossed.

How long did this go on? Chuuya wasn’t sure. He just could see that the tiger knew he could not touch him. Was it acceptance or patience, the anxiety of not knowing did haunt his mind. By then, they rested and the breathing seemed to settle in calm and relaxing tempos.

“Not all scary now, huh?” Chuuya chuckled a bit. “Did I knock some sense into you?”

The tiger only stares.

“Nothing?” Chuuya sighed, “Well alright.”

Chuuya sees the beast took a deep breath and laid it’s head against it’s feet. The sun peaked through the trees and with in the moment Atsushi had returned, but entirely passed out. Chuuya finally stood, those his legs ached from staying in the same place for so long. He limped over watching him rest for a moment. He looked so at peace here that felt like a crime to wake him. Chuuya knelt down and nudged him awake carefully.

“Atsushi, the night is over…” Chuuya said softly.

The boy stirs, flexing his face before settling to a relaxed one. Eyes opened up and the sunset duo land on Chuuya’s face. A smile erupted from them both.

“Good, you’re alive.” Atsushi laughed.

“I told you I would.” Chuuya only took a long sigh, “I think I hit your tiger form too hard and gave it a conscience… So uh, yay for me.”

“What do you mean?” Atsushi sat up.

“It almost got me but I hit it so hard it flew back, hit a tree. Than we sat and stared at each other.”

Atsushi blinked dryly, “That’s it?”

“Yeah.” Chuuya nodded.

“I guess… That's good then?” Atsushi had an elevation in his voice.

“I think so.” Chuuya nodded. “I guess it realized it can’t touch me.”

Atsushi laughed, his face hidden under his palm, “You are unbelievable.”

The two giggled for a bit. After a moment, Chuuya helped Atsushi up. Hand in hand.

“To think I was worried.” Atsushi chirped.

“I told you I got this.” Chuuya played it cool but dead ass would’ve died. Atsushi doesn’t need to know that, the idea that Atsushi saw him as untouchable made him feel better. That, he had a chance to make at least someone safe. “We gotta head back before the council notices we’re gone.”

“Hmhm!” Atsushi nodded.

To say much happened would be a lie. It was the same old, same old. Steal here and violence there. Atsushi was Chuuya’s shadow that controls the scenes. Though the redhead could easily do it by himself, it was nice to be able to breathe once in awhile. Atsushi protected the younger kids in the area, some as young as four from the crime of this god-neglected city.

Once a month the two would disappear for a couple of days and return like nothing happened. Not like the council could say anything since both were filling up their respective duties. Atsushi was becoming more and more involved and his addictive nature even got some of the most stubborn members to ask him for help. Atsushi liked the feeling, even when some would make him bitchy by their irrational demands.

Chuuya and his training has progressed to the point Atsushi can at least get away from Chuuya. His ability’s stamina increased and his tolerance for exhaustion capped to a much higher level. With every round was there a lengthy analyzing stare. It was as if the redhead was some sort of computer with how close he was on Atsushi, each passing moment another observation or creating another theory.

Something new gained his interest. 3rd full moon together, the tiger stared at him like it had been. This time exhaling aggressively and relaxing. When Atsushi changed back… One limb did not. Chuuya’s eyes locked onto the fur like it were on fire. He could… Control partial parts of his body?

Chuuya swallowed hard as he woke him up, though the arm faded back to flesh and it was too late now to tell. He needs it to come back to him. Atsushi was happy to see him and like they always did, talked for a bit before heading back.

Chuuya played with the ball in his pocket. That same ball as before. It was warm from how long he held it, the sphere rolling in his fingers.

“Atsushi.” Chuuya stopped him.

The weretiger was gentle with his halt and turned with a slight head tilt.

Chuuya had to come up with something so Atsushi would take it seriously.

“I want you to fight me.” Chuuya said with the most dull tone he could ever muster.

Atsushi was confused for a bit and laughed, “Yeah? Come on, Chuuya.”

“Now.”

Atsushi rolled his eyes but he felt the ground sink under his feet and he tripped. Chuuya had used gravity manipulation to make a slight indent circle around them. This forced Atsushi to pay attention.

“I have an ultimatum the council has put me through… Either they fight you and prove you’re not worthy for the Sheep or I will. However, they wanted to kill you at the end.”

“W-what?” Atsushi stood up, “That’s stupid. Why would they do that?”

Chuuya was digging himself into a hole but this is the story that he put himself in. He had to make it believable and he had to make it so Atsushi would doubt himself.

“They’re picking up that your ability is more than just healing. It’s making them nervous.” Chuuya relaxed his head to the side, “I told ‘em I’d fight you, see how much you wanted to stay in the Sheep. With that, they’d give a fighting chance.”

Atsushi looked sick to his stomach. This was a really bad choice of actions, but Chuuya needed him to believe it was life or death.

“You’d kill me?” Atsushi said quietly.

Chuuya went quiet. No, but if he says anything more Atsushi will pick up he's lying. The weretiger turned slowly, his body on defense.

“I just… Have to beat you?”

Chuuya arched a brow then lifted a grin. Though Atsushi’s face was more leaning to he knows he’s fucked against someone as strong as Chuuya. With a harsh swallow, the tiger boy lowers.

Chuuya rolled his shoulders back and pulled out his hands. That gesture made his opponent look like he shit himself. Though he held his ground, Chuuya’s weight dropped down as he flipped back and pulled out the rocks lodged into the ground under his feet. With several kicks and fancy footwork, things started to fly at him.

Atsushi missed barely, finding shelter but aimed to get out of Chuuya’s line of sight. The event felt more like a chase now. Little to the weretiger’s knowledge was he was in no danger. Chuuya would nudge rocks a little to the side or lighten the gravity of it if it when it were to hit him. It still hurt like a bitch though, Atsushi seemed to take all of it pretty well.

The boy has much to learn of himself and the connection to his ability. Watching it now, it’s obvious of one fact - Atsushi’s scared of it. He kept using physical attacks with his fist or legs, all of which Chuuya dodged. A perfect opening, Chuuya seemed to flinch at the idea but he took it and struck him in the gut. The boy fell to his knees but got up with shaky legs. In a deep breath, he attempted to kick, Chuuya moving his head slightly and his hand touched the ankle, thus making the limb land harshly with Tainted Sorrows.

Atsushi was getting angry. Chuuya could tell by the way the teeth gnarled to the slight vein on his neck that strained. Sunset eyes looked up, but the purple was much smaller than it normally is, orange scared him slightly as a fist finally struck him. Atsushi was still normal, but his muscles twitched like they were fighting within itself. The force did toss Chuuya back, mostly out of surprise than anything else.

Atsushi yelled in his attack. Chuuya could see pain in his face and knew it was getting too far from him to continue. Though he saw it, feline fangs and the same sliver pupils. In a jump back, Chuuya lands on his hand and then on his feet. He perched there as Atsushi stood there.

The boy was emotional, his eyes watered and hands trembled. Chuuya hated it, he almost slipped his act though he wanted to test. One last attack, then he’ll drop it and reveal his actual intent. Atsushi went to launch and Chuuya stepped back to throw the ball in his pocket. The moment the thing left the last finger it was launched forward. The force didn’t even made a noise and sucked in the dust that was floating thanks to the twos fighting.

Atsushi’s fingers were contorted as talon like claws emerged from finger tips. The knuckles and bones in his hands became much more detailed as the arms caught the ball with precision. The force of it though made Atsushi slide back, the look of determination painted on his face and the realization he caught it softened the tension in his brows. He relaxed his hold, looking at the ball but eyes saw the claws.

“WAAAA?!?” Atsushi dropped the ball. His arms flailed around, waving about to put out an imaginary fire. The tiger boy was so distressed and screamed.

Chuuya just had to stand in awe. Atsushi looked so strong like that. Though it wasn’t the same as the tiger’s limb after transforming, it was this weird in between of human and beast. The panic made Atsushi strain for control of it, he then gripped his head.

“Hey…” Chuuya approached carefully.

“Back off.” Atsushi barked. “I need a moment…”

Chuuya listened, “I have something to confess.”

Atsushi didn’t respond since he was kneeling down to calm himself. Though a slight head tilt told Chuuya he was listening.

“I lied.” Chuuya ripped it off. “There was no test. The Sheep has no idea about your ability.”

Atsushi lifted his head fast, it snapped as the boy looked pissed.

“Before you yell, I needed your body to believe you were in danger… If I were to tell you this… it might not have worked. Which is why… I lied and fought you.”

“You did this… to test my ability?” Atsushi asked, mostly cause he needed the confirmation.

“Yeah, basically.”

“Oh thank god.” Atsushi fell back and took deep breaths, “You scared the shit outta me. I was so sure you were gonna kill me.”

Chuuya watched before smiling, “I have no desire to do that. After all I did say I keep an eye on you.”

“Heh. Yeah, not because you care about me or anything.” Atsushi said with such a tease.

Chuuya only rolled his eyes, his hands sank into his pocket, “Now that I know you can. That’s your next goal is figuring out how to do that without the fear of dying.”

Atsushi only scuffed, “but the anxiety is so important to my personality.” He joked but dropped the act, “I should have guessed… I uh… May have jumped the gun there.”

“You were acting on survival” Chuuya said so calmly, “I’m not upset you doubted me. It actually makes me relieved that you aren’t so easily gullible if it were a real emergency.”

“I just didn’t want to die.”

“That’s fine.”

“What now?”

“Control.” Chuuya curled his smirk, “This is the part where I make sure you can at least do the hand thing. Then you can move onto more offense positions. Thus being as essential to missions as prominent leaders, including me.”

“You think I could?” Atsushi seemed skeptical. 

“I know so.”

“Okay. Then I’ll figure it out.”

Chuuya smiled softly. “I’ll hold you to it. First let's get you to calm down.”

Atsushi sat up and revealed his hands. They were so much bigger than his human set. Chuuya hesitant, but traced from the wrist and down the palm.

“Focus, think about anything that makes you calm…”

Atsushi took a deep breath as he tried to turn back. The trembled still remained, though seemed to return to normal after a minute or two. Chuuya was surprised and took a deep breath to speak. Though he looked up to see Atsushi staring at him. A silence before the two returned to his hands and then Chuuya placed his fingertips over them.

“How… What did you think about?”

“You said… Something that made me calm… I uh… I could only think about you.”

Chuuya instantly inhaled sharply, then looked up. A heartbeat took a violent residence in his throat. Atsushi only smiled but grew red as they were still in the same spot and pose for too long.

“R-right. Let's uh… Get focused.” Atsushi motivated them.

“What are you doing to him?” So many members of the Sheep kept asking.

It was getting harder to keep this secret, especially when Atsushi uses strength he should not have. The martial arts can be chalked up to training, but bashing through metal doors or bending guns felt too super human. Atsushi just directs it and telling them his healing stops pain from happening if he focuses on it. The strain or whatever bone cracked could be instantly fixed. Kids are stupid and just dropped it.

“There’s no way”

“Chuuya must have gave him something!”

More rumors dropped from these kids. The council investigating what they could, but Chuuya and Atsushi knew how to direct the energy and play it safe. Shirase would grow irritated and start pushing different positions to get Chuuya to focus.

It was getting so much harder for the gravity manipulator to do so. His mind was always bored and would immediately trail to find this weretiger, Atsushi greeting him the exact same way each time. A smile and comforting words that didn’t feel rehearsed.

To some, the two seemed like best friends. To those who knew Chuuya could see how the gravity manipulator really felt. It was hard to even hide it with how flustered he would get, or on a cold night in March, Atsushi drapes his coat over Chuuya to keep him warm. The redhead’s body tented under the heavy layer, looking up at Atsushi with glimmering mismatched eyes. He wanted anything to be said but they sat in silence.

Shirase was there when Atsushi gave a side hug to Chuuya, the redhead not immediately pulling away. No, in fact sank into it. The eldest boy was less than stoked, calling out on it, but the kids didn’t read into it as much. Since Chuuya’s touch aversion came off as busyness to less observant others. Each time it was called out, Atsushi was growing annoyed.

Shirase tried to bark at him to back off, let Chuuya focus (mostly since Chuuya was not longer constantly obeying him) and do what he needed to do. Atsushi rolled his eyes and moved on.

Aside from that nag, the council would send both Chuuya and Atsushi on harder missions. The two being a force of their own and with each success gained experience on Atsushi’s part. Chuuya helped him find a way to incapacitate targets so he didn’t have to kill them and when they returned, Atsushi felt so good with how people praised him for being a part of the success.

“You’re helping.” Chuuya nudged him with a smile.

The shimmer inside his eyes ever so strong as he gazed over.

Atsushi has seemed to find comfort in things like these. Though some days were hard and stressful, he got to sit down with Chuuya and just talk. Chuuya seemed to have a similar feeling based on how often he held onto Atsushi’s jacket.

So when Atsushi stopped and pulled him aside to talk, it was no different. Chuuya looked up at him with curiosity though it seemed Atsushi was nervous. Chuuya tried to talk but it seemed they talked at the same time. An attempt over and over again. They both laughed and Chuuya covered his own mouth.

“You first.”

“Oh god…” Atsushi seemed shy, “Uh…” He looked down at how Chuuya’s hand rest into the hook of his arms. “I like you. A lot.”

“I like you too. Why are you saying it like that?” Chuuya didn’t get it at first. He shrugged as he went to play but Atsushi moved closer.

“No, like… Like like.” Atsushi grew a bit more serious. “Like, dating like.”

Chuuya’s realization hit like a brick. Why does this boy keep doing it to him? Loving Atsushi is easy, so why exactly is he nervous?

“Wait. Hold on.” Chuuya fixed his stature and tugged his arms, “You want to be my boyfriend?”

Atsushi opened up his mouth and then shut with a force that almost hurt. He was slow with how soft he nodded his head and Chuuya grew flustered beyond a point they didn’t even know was possible. The shorter one was instant with how fast he covered his face. The tiger boy dropped everything.

“I’m sorry. Please don’t cry.” Atsushi barked more syllables, “You can ignore that if I made you upset I…”

“I like you too.” Chuuya muttered, “I’m not crying, I just don’t want you to see my face.” His voice muffled under his hands.

Atsushi went quiet as he let Chuuya calm.

“I want you to be my boyfriend.” Atsushi confessed, “Cause, I want to. I really really like you, Chuuya.”

“Oh my god.” Chuuya’s face sank further under each palm. He calmed himself, but stood there. Atsushi was slow with touching over his hand, he lowered it. “You’re killing me.”

Atsushi’s face crinkled with how hard he smiled. He hugged him tightly, Chuuya almost hesitated but hugged back.

“Shirase is gonna be pissed.” Atsushi sighed.

“Shirase’s gonna be pissed regardless.”

“The other members?

“They seemed to accept we've been dating for a while now.” Chuuya shrugged.

“Ah so you heard it too?”

“Kinda hard not to.”

“What are we gonna do?” Atsushi felt shy about asking.

“A day at a time. I don’t know what I am doing…”

“Me either…”

“Then let's just do it like the movies. Hand holding and date nights.” Chuuya suggested.

Atsushi had a burst of excitement though he calmed himself. “And… Kissing?”

Chuuya slammed his face into his chest and let out a frustrated and exhausted scream. “Stop making me flustered! RAAAAAA”

Atsushi bursted out laughing.

Chapter Text

“Well since that tiger bounty seems impossible, I think we should start looking into other jobs.”

The most blessed words that Atsushi Nakajima could ever hear. The council had sat down the more prominent members, this being the first where they asked Atsushi to join. Chuuya was just as surprised, especially since they struggled to control Atsushi. He’s not malicious or evil, just very protective and quick to attack without questions.

But the tiger’s weakness sits right next to him on a crate as the council discusses their next plan.

“Yeah, I heard there is a flash drive with the complete files to government topics of all kinds.” One kid started, “I thought it was bogus, but I looked into it.”

A group of photos and printed emails and logs display itself on the makeshift table. Each bit of it was grainy, but key details of each file add up to what they know about this section of the government. The Specials Division.

“Do you know how much money this would sell in the market? Higher than any drug, I tell you that.” One of the other kids hyped it up.

“Where is it?”

“In some facility outside of western Yokohama. Apparently, there have been sightings of military personnel, but to avoid attraction, they have the soldiers camp there.” The first kid added context.

Atsushi let out a disapproving grunt, “I don’t know, guys. I really doubt this thing exists.”

Chuuya shifted to nonverbally saying he sort of agrees. Though they hated to fight it, they persisted.

“What’s the worst that can happen? We get nothing?”

“Yeah! Plus we have an idea anyway.”

“No stakes, easy in and out.”

“Yeah! That should go to Chuuya and Atsushi .”

There it is. The very thing both ability users were waiting for. Cause, what else are they good for?

“Sneak into a government building…” Atsushi echoed.

“Chuuya will be the weapon, and you will be the hands. He will just clear the way so you can grab and get out.”

“Why me?” Atsushi was confused.

“Cause you can heal yourself dumbass.” Shirase finally spoke up.

Atsushi gave a nasty look. His grip tightened on the edge of where he sat. Chuuya wormed his arm under and used it to grapple him back towards him.

“It’d be no different from stealing from the GSS or the Port Mafia. We infiltrated through militias.” Another kid added.

They actually mean… Chuuya?

Atsushi seemed to keep his frown. Chuuya and him exchanged glances.

“Isn’t that division like… The good guys?” Atsushi asked almost naively.

“AS IF!” The other kids start yelling and mocking. “They are government dogs with a few shiny new toys. I think it’s time we show them who’s boss!!”

It got out of control fast. They were eager for this mission. Atsushi went quiet and looked at Chuuya who held the same pouty expression he normally does. Atsushi tightened his arm so the hand hook into it was alerted. Chuuya looked up with such a tired expression, as if he’s been in and out of this several times before. This has to be one of the things he was warned about, so of course he had to accept it.

“We got this.” Atsushi tugged playfully.

“I don’t like breaking into the government’s shit. They’re a lot more… showy with their revenge than any criminal organization does… Cause mother fuckers are legally allowed to kill anyone they wanna.” Chuuya seemed to spit fire, his eyes tightened with a disinterested scowl.

Atsushi blinked slowly, then looked down, “Yeah, I guess if you were to see the reality of it, they'd be our enemies. Dunno, was always raised to think that the police and stuff had your back.”

“If you’re normal. The moment you look vaguely like a target, they’ll waste no time to take their aim. The council is right, with us on this mission, we’re going to succeed.” Chuuya shrugged, “Bait or not, there is something there.”

Atsushi nodded, “Ok. I’ll follow your command.”

“S-stop.” Chuuya covered his flustered face.

Atsushi felt good getting to play a role. A childish spirit enjoying the dressing up: the foreign weight of steel toe boots and body armor made him feel all spy-like.

“I don’t need to wear this.” Atsushi did feel the need to comment.

“Just cause you don’t need to, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.” Chuuya walked over to adjust the straps of his jacket. “I'd rather you not get hurt at all… I don’t like it when you do.”

Atsushi stares before taking a deep breath. He cradles Chuuya’s arms as he comforts. Chuuya sinking into the touch.

“I feel off about this.” Chuuya looked down with a dismissive gaze.

Atsushi’s heart dropped, “A-about what?”

“This mission,” Chuuya answered.

Oh, thank god. Atsushi could just feel the wave of relief. He shifted himself so Chuuya had to look at him. Their grips ended up in each other's hands.

“Where’s that confidence from earlier?”

“I have trust in us… Just… An oddly convenient flash drive in an area with little to no surveillance? Shit’s not adding up.” Chuuya mumbled to himself, “Goal aside, this seems like something to look into.”

“You think something else is at play here?” Atsushi lifted his expression in awe.

“I know so. The Sheep may have quite a few members… But they are still kids.” Chuuya sighed, “Their eyes are a little too big for their stomachs.”

“Then, we go. See, then report back what we find.” Atsushi sold it like it was that easy.

“Ok, mooncake, think about it like this. If you were to want to catch a fish… What would you use?”

“Bait… Oh, I see. You think it’s for you?”

“There are two of us… It could be for you too. I’m not worried for me… Just, I skipped over your reputation being around me…”

“I haven’t been caught.”

“But you've been seen.” Chuuya flashed a lookup.

Atsushi gained a shiver with how sharp and cold that look was. He took a deep breath before nodding in agreement.

“Okay. It’s a little too late now; what should we do in the worst case?”

“You book it. Get help. Do not. Come. Back. For. Me.” Chuuya patted his chest, “Cause dammit if something happened to you…”

“I’m gonna be fine, Chuuya.” Atsushi tugged, swaying with the redhead almost limp in his hands, “I was taught by the best, so you should trust me. I have faith in you, so I know I can also do it.”

Chuuya’s smile krept on his face by pure force, mostly since how Atsushi played with him shook off some of the nerves.

“We got this.” Atsushi made sure to drill into his head.

“Okay.” Chuuya tried to play it coy but Atsushi’s playfulness made him laugh, “Atsushi.”

“Say it.” Atsushi hugged and continued his mauling endeavor. Chuuya was submerged under a tight hug, the redhead wiggling about under him. “SAYYY IT.”

“We got this…” Chuuya muffled.

“Yes we do.” Atsushi squeezed extra tight. “As long as we’re together, nothing can separate us.”

Chuuya’s hands sharked around to hold onto the clothes on Atsushi’s back. He returned the affection, face sunk into the dip of his neck. Moments like these have become more often as of late. At first he was hesitant, but now Chuuya almost seemed desperate for an embrace. Like each of his limbs led him to Atsushi’s person. In slow deep breaths, Chuuya seemed to calm down, though he still clung on. Atsushi was more than patient, slowly petting his hair in a soft repetitive motion.

Chuuya rubbed his cheek on his chest before pulling back.

“Ok. Let’s focus.” Chuuya nodded. “In. Out. drive or no drive, we come back here. Together.”

“Ok.” Atsushi nodded and with a large smile seemed just as eager.

In a truck, Atsushi and Chuuya sat in the shade of large cargo. Lazy inspectors didn’t even try to see what lurked in the shadows. To their relief, they started to continue driving.

“Guess they don’t get paid enough to care.” Atsushi jokes very quietly.

Chuuya let up a little chuckle in his agreement. After a moment, the vehicle stopped after it entered a warehouse. They wait for their accomplice to free them after checking if the area around them is clear.  Once it was, Atsushi and Chuuya immediately got to work.

Chuuya took to the sky, attaching onto the wall and scouting from above. Atsushi waited for a signal and after several minutes got one. A subtle bird call, to the untrained ear was obviously human but to a tired fucker who wants a paycheck, a bird. Atsushi was fast as he made it over the main building. His training made him far beyond capable of this. Mimicry of how Chuuya walks shows each time Atsushi takes a step, quiet and ever so gentle.

Chuuya waited for Atsushi to get into position. The redhead locked on his safety and once Atsushi gave his signal. Stood up and launched himself in the air. He lands near the spot the soldiers seem to be located. With in moments, the alarm that the gravity manipulator of their nightmares was at their feet.

The chaos had it’s own symphony. The sound of percussion of bullets and whatever was thrown. The alto noises of metal shredding and the soprano addition of men yelling. Atsushi only briefly seemed interested but focused at the task at hand. He crawls his way inside the building.

A few areas, the men left after an SOS call of Chuuya’s arrival. The alarm following, but this was planned. Atsushi adjusted his fingerless gloves. He was deep in focus as he shifted his fingertips into claws. He would sink the tips around the edge of the doorknobs to simply rip it off. No modern deadbolt could handle that much force.

Upon entering the room, a strayed computer sat with a thumb drive literally sitting vertical on top. Atsushi hummed a bit amused and approached the screen. A subtle move, but Atsushi read something on the corner that made him snap his view.

“The Sheep,” The trigger word said.

Atsushi returned his hands to normal as he used the mouse to scroll. The indepth research of what they could find on the group. Though, it was labeled “street gang”. A small scroll showed a security footage photo of Chuuya from a distance. Years ago, looking no more than 10. He looked rough, if not feral.

Chuuya had managed to avoid their capture, he was right. This was meant for him, but in brief synopsis, read, “Once here, infiltrate the Sheep. Take into custody, suggest a deal.”

Atsushi’s heart sank. “The Sheep are in danger…” In a fast swipe, he pocketed the drive. He ran out, trouble turning the corner.

“HEY!” The man yelled.

Atsushi felt his feet slip over the surface. He managed to change directions and find another solution. The one who yelled at him alerted the others.

“One of the kids is here.”

“That redheaded brat didn’t come alone??” A voice harped, “I don’t care. All the kids are normal.”

Atsushi only heard their exchange briefly as he went to the window and ripped it open. A gunshot interrupted his endeavor though, his face sinking in fear. Another man approached with his weapon drawn, his focus undivided and unshaken. Red hair, darker than Chuuya’s shifted as the man tilted his head.

“Hey kid, I’ll let you go if you hand it over.”

“You don’t fit the description of any of the military…” Atsushi commented under his breath.

“Yeah? Suppose that does put a bit of strain on you, huh? Hand over that drive. My client needs that information.”

Atsushi only scuffed and attempted to leave through the window. Though a gunshot stops him again. The weretiger barks his disapproval. The men from the faculity caught up with both of them.

“THEY’RE BOTH HERE!” The man spoke into his earpiece and the gun shot silenced him. Gravity at full force, the men hit the ground and remained motionless. Though, Atsushi could hear breathing.

Atsushi yelled, looking mortified.

“He’s fine. Coated bullets, though he will wake up with a nasty headache.”

“Y-you didn't kill them?” Atsushi said his observation.

“Don't need to. I don't kill.”

This had to be an assassin with how tired and rusted he looked. The man’s hands shifted to take out another gun from his back holster. But, a man of crime who doesn't kill? So it is possible?

“You have till the count of three to give me that drive. One…”

Atsushi zipped the pocket closed. He lowers to the ground, fingertips propping him comfortably on his haunches.

“Two,” The copper-haired man flicked the safety off of his second gun.

Atsushi's eyes tightened as he took off. The place he was in obstructed some rubble in his wake. Atsushi could tell the man was shocked with how fast he was by the way he switched his position. A slide past him, Atsushi used his claws to slow him down. After his feet gained traction, aimed to attack.

It was odd. Atsushi couldn't even get a swipe in, only gained a rather rough kick to his own back.

“Ability user, ey?” The man laughed a little. “Scared the shit outta me, I'll tell you that.”

Atsushi got back up and with a determined gaze, aimed to get at least one of those guns. Each swipe was dodged, each attempt was deflected. This was getting nowhere fast and it seemed like the man could see everything before he does.

Atsushi had to give up with this. He aimed for another solution.  He looked around briefly but had to stop with a couple of men approaching from behind. Atsushi looked over his shoulder at them and snapped a look at Mr. Copperhead over there. They seemed to mutually agree.

Atsushi switched his direction to go after the military men instead. He used the wall to get behind their shield. After a kick to the head, one fell.  A couple of gunshots but Atsushi ripped the gun from his hand and launched it back. The man panicked as claws lifted him up by the shirt and slammed him into the wall full force. Each man was knocked out.

“Well shit.” Copper man said with a slight impression. “Good thing I didn't let you touch me.”

Atsushi took a deep breath and went back for him. The man was aligned where he wanted him. Atsushi ran and attacked, but instead of him, he attacked something on him. The man was confused as he spun around, Atsushi using the force to launch himself from the jacket through a window.

Glass cuts him up, Atsushi falls and rolls to a stop. The man in the window looked a bit frazzled.

“I don't have time for this.” Atsushi groans as he took out glass from his forearm. “The kids I care for are in danger, please.”

The copperman processed before backing up. He disappeared from the line of sight as he left the hallway.

Chapter Text

Atsushi bolted to the nearest noise he could hear. Groaning was his beacon. Finding Chuuya standing with a man in his hand. The clothes were highly dressed, and awards and badges were plastered all over his body.

“You won't win this…” The man growled. “You don't even know what's going on.”

“Ah yeah?” Chuuya arched his brow.

“Chuuya!” Atsushi ran over.

“Tch?! What did I say?”

“This isn't bait for you, it's a distraction for you! The Sheep are in danger; we gotta go!”

Chuuya’s color to his face flushed so fast. He looked back at the man that basically become a ghost or like a deer in some headlights. So that was it, all these men knew they'd die tonight? Chuuya dropped him, turning to Atsushi.

The highly dressed man scampered to a neighboring body, getting a gun to point and shoot at Chuuya but instead, a clawed hand caught it. Atsushi’s frown was long, eyes squinted in anger. Chuuya had stopped to look back.

“W-what the hell?” The man said.

“You don't attack someone while they're looking away.” Atsushi hissed through his teeth.

Atsushi had walked over. He shot a couple of times, but after the gun clicked from being empty. The man looked scared as the weretiger stood over him. Atsushi kicked the gun, then turned his body and lifted a foot to kick the man out of consciousness.

“Or don't shoot kids. Psycho…” Atsushi stepped back.

“You looked so cool, holy shit.” Chuuya commented.

Atsushi was obviously irritated but the comment made him smile. He jogged back over to his partner. In the run, Atsushi explained what he could. Chuuya figured out all the missing pieces fast, and instantly understood the situation. They found their driver and thus taking off. Any bit of resistance was reflected off the vehicle with Chuuya’s gravity manipulation. Atsushi aimed to protect the driver as much as he could and once they got past the gate, felt relieved.

“We gotta get back! The Sheep are in danger,” Atsushi told the driver.

In the fastest way possible, they made it there in 30 minutes. 

From a distance, gunfire erupted. The Sheep's main meet-up spot was an abandoned warehouse. Chunks of it were missing and windows lacked glass. Atsushi and Chuuya jumped out of the door's window and ran. Chuuya was much faster, breaking in by landing full force into the door. It launched him in, smashing one man against the wall.

“CHUUYA!” The kids cheered.

“Damn motherfuckers got the best of me. Now I'm pissed.” Chuuya stepped off the wall and glares at the men. The Sheep had their guns pointed, a stand off between two sides sat in silence.

“Shit… He's back… He wasn't supposed to notice for another hour!”

“We're fucked either way. Put everything into it.”

Men aimed, and children squealed. Chuuya sharpened his glare. Bullets set off, but a barrier was set up as the redhead took each crunched piece into his custody. His head tilts as his counted everyone in this room.

One man had a bomb and went to toss it to the kids, but something grabbed it before the pin was pulled. In a fast movement, the person was on the ground with his breathing desperately gasping. Atsushi gets in the line of sight by dragging him by the leg and throwing him into the crowd.

“Atsushi.” Chuuya said his name differently, “I need you to take the Sheep and get outta here.”

“But…”

“I'm killing them. I don't want anyone to see how I'll do it.”

Chuuya's eyes were shadowed by his hair. His face's muscles ever so relaxed and in quite small details, looked entirely sculpted by how still he was.

Atsushi would fight, but this energy Chuuya gave off had no room for negotiations. Atsushi made it behind the redhead, directing the Sheep to the back door. Though the tiger tried to get Chuuya to look at him, he didn't. The Sheep left the scene.

Chuuya inhales sharply as he turns his foot to get into position. Men aimed and fired anything they could.  Without resistance, each man got to swallow a bullet. The teen bounced around, knocking bodies into puddles with just a tap of his foot. He didn't play or toy, finishing within seconds.

“W-what are you?” The last survivor asked.

Chuuya didn't respond, finishing out the last man. His eyes felt dry and cold.

“The wolf in sheep's clothing… Don't touch those kids.” Chuuya tisked through his teeth.

“Is everyone ok?” Atsushi checked through the crowd.

“The hell? Why were they there?”

“They were gonna arrest you and get Chuuya to comply… Obviously, it didn't turn out that way.” Atsushi answered.

“Thank god you did return. They had stronger weapons than us.”

“Yeah, they were for sure gonna kill us!”

“Yeah…” Atsushi stopped to look back at the building.

“You're worried about him?” Yuan asked softly.

“He's… Forced to play that role… huh?”

“What? What do you mean?” Yuan asked.

Atsushi looked at her, then quickly dropped it. 

“Nothing.” Atsushi focused.

He smelt something off, pulling the furthest member back.

“This isn't right…” Atsushi grew paranoid, looking around each building. “Do you guys smell gas?”

“Yeah…” A member commented, “Back up. This feels like an arsonist at play.”

“Go to the safe house to the east instead.”

“Ok!” They listened.

Atsushi took a deep breath as he listened.

“A Sheep member is in there…” Atsushi instantly took off.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” A member behind yelled.

Atsushi pushed for it, breaking inside with a kick to the front door. The neighboring building exploded and shook the area around. Atsushi shielded his head. The window caved in, throwing shrapnel into the room next to him. A scream came from upstairs, and the weretiger’s feet ran for him. It had grown unbearably hot; the fire from next door had started to burn the building they were in. Atsushi found the girl upstairs. Debris crushed her leg and she wailed.

“It hurts!” She cried.

“Shh…” Atsushi went over, “I need you to stay still, okay? I'm going to help you.”

She nodded, preparing herself for pain. Atsushi stood up to pull the wall up. She screamed.

“It's okay! You're doing good! Just a bit more!” Atsushi's voice strained as he lifted.

The thing that pierced her leg was broken wood from the other house. These buildings are held together by ductape, rusted nails, and a dream. So it coming undone like that with a bomb as expected. The speed had pin-cushioned it through her calf. Atsushi saw it, panicking.

“I can't…. pull back. It's too long.” She wailed.

Atsushi reacted, his claws out as he used it to pull it all the way up. He groaned from the effort, finally able to pull her free. Atsushi tossed the debris back then focused on picking her up. He went to the stairway to see flames.

“Our exit…” She sobbed.

“There's still a way!” Atsushi grabbed her under her knees to hold her better and ran to the opposite side, away from the fire. He opened the window to see the alleyway full of trash. “I know you're in pain, but you're gonna have to jump.”

“I can't walk…” She frets.

“I'm be shortly behind you. You just gotta get outta the way.”

A roar started to blare. Atsushi heard the building shriek again like it were a ghost in mourning. The girl listened. Once she heard it, she jumped out. She landed on the trash so hard and screamed in pain. With heavy arms, she dragged herself up from the stack and rolled to the street once she could. Atsushi waited till the area was clear, jumping and landing on the stuff, a lot more sturdy with his endeavor. He immediately climbed over, grabbing her from the ground.

She hooked her arms around his neck as he totes her to freedom. One step to the the road, the hut they were just in combusted due to the pressure of the flames down stairs. Atsushi felt his feet leave the ground and in the split second he could, protected her head.

They hit the ground, the flames burning hot and singed anything near. Atsushi hissed through his teeth as he could feel the heat roast his clothes to his skin. He held her tightly and formed a barrier around her with his own body.

Atsushi felt a nudge to his shirt and wailed in pain, but the force still dragged him out. The girl under him was alive, sobbing with him.

“hhnhnmh” Something said. 

His hearing was obstructed by the explosion. A sharp ring echoes in his head instead.

“MmHm!”

Something was trying to pull them apart. Atsushi wasn't thinking, holding her close.

The thing stopped and touched his face. He lifted Atsushi’s view.

“Athmhgn hm go-” Chuuya was vaguely visible and words started to process once he could see the lip sync. “She's safe, let go.”

Atsushi actually heard that one. He did, pulling back away and she cried.

“Are you—” Chuuya went to dote.

“Focus on her.” Atsushi sat there, “She's, she's hurt.”

Chuuya blinked and turned to assess the situation. Just as fast as he looked, he picked up where the damage was. He picked her up. Atsushi went to follow but blacked out as soon as he stood.

“Atsushi!” Chuuya cried out.

Atsushi sat in a blue lit cathedral as he looks at the elders that surrounded him. They mocked him and called him obsurities, but he could not process.

“I'm sorry…” Atsushi lowers his head, “I'm sorry, please.”

“GOOD FOR NOTHING”

“Better if you died in a ditch somewhere!”

“Freeloader!”

Atsushi just cried as he sank to the floor.

“What good are you if you don't give your life to others?”

The voice was isolated to one man who reached for him—grabbing him by the face. With a rough force, he slams him through the floor. The tile covered his face like tar, suffocating him.

Atsushi awoke violently as he nearly fell outta bed. He panted and cried.

“Woah… Woah, hey… You're still healing.” Chuuya caught him.

Atsushi looks around the infirmary, that was actually a closet, and landed on Chuuya. The redhead was calm as he tried to sooth him, but his skin still burned.

“I…” Atsushi looked at his hands, which were still bright red from burns. He starts freaking out.

“Hey…” Chuuya guided his attention. “It's okay. You're safe.”

Atsushi swallowed harshly, “I… I am… But wait!”

“Amami is fine. Freaked out a little, but thanks to you, only has the damage to her leg.”

Atsushi felt relief flush through his system. He crashed into Chuuya's grasp.

“I couldn't let her die… I'm so happy she's ok.”

Chuuya carefully squeezed, “One second later, you would have died.”

“So would she…” Atsushi wiped tears from his face, “I told you I'd protect the Sheep.”

Chuuya pulled away to look at him. They exchanged looks before the redhead got mad. He grew this crimson on his face, and his browns furrowed to a point.

“What were you thinking!? What if you died!?” Chuuya yelled.

That didn't go as lovey-dovey as Atsushi thought it would have. Chuuya was mad, arms flapping and stomps were ever so aggressive.

“You just run into danger for no reason other than you feel like you have to!” Chuuya spewled, “DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON YOU USING YOUR BODY AS A SHIELD! Yeah! I saw you catch the bullet, and now this-”

“I-” Atsushi tried to intercept.

“You do not get to throw your safety out like that! I'm the only one allowed to do that.  Your ability is still growing; what if it didn't? Huh? And you killed yourself along with it? What then, hm?”

Oh wow, he's really mad. Atsushi didn't even get to answer. Chuuya would rant for another 15 minutes and he paced back and forth.

“Erg!” Chuuya scratched his head, “You drive me crazy!”

“Me?” Atsushi finally got to hitch a pitch, “I'm doing what you asked???”

“You should've ran with the other Sheep! What if something got them?”

“They were safe! I didn't feel any intruders, only the smell of fuel and a heartbeat… I—” Atsushi tried to continue.

“If you died, I'd be so fucking mad at you.” Chuuya said it was a threat.

Atsushi stopped.

That's why he's upset.

Chuuya realized what he said and covered his face, “I… You're something I want to be safe… I… When I put you as the guard, I assumed you'd stick to the greater few than the stranding one, but your stupid, hero-saving ass almost got you killed.”

Atsushi watched him before looking down.

“When… When I was in the orphanage, I had a number instead of a name. I was alone most of the time, and no one came to save me as I wailed.” Atsushi lifted his head, “She cried like I did, Chuuya. I couldn't let her be alone in that moment and damn it will I try to save her. Everyone deserves at least that.”

Chuuya went quiet as he watched him. He took a deep breath and walked over to sit on the edge.

“I know she did.” Chuuya's voice soft from him looking away, “I think… I'm so in love with you that it's making me selfish… I can't handle it if you were gone. It's making me anxious and sick. When I saw you in that street, I immediately thought you were dead…”

“Chuuya…” Atsushi made a fist in frustration before calming, “I believe everyone deserves a fighting chance. And, if I have anything to say… I'll do it.”

Chuuya laughed, “You're just as insane as I am, huh?”

Atsushi jerked upright and looked at Chuuya. They locked eyes, each so vulnerable and weak.

“Are you okay?” Atsushi felt the need to ask, “You… Killed all those agents.”

“They weren't the government…” Chuuya revealed.

“W-what?” Atsushi looked surprised.

“It was the Port Mafia.” Chuuya was so serious.

“B-but the drive?”

“Legit. They had a mole that released information.”

“I-”

“I looked into it and decided to keep it from the Sheep.”

“But—”

“If they had access to that information, the city would collapse. Tragically we're the motherfuckers that live in it.”

Atsushi looked down and then dropped a deep breath. “Sheep are gonna hate this.”

“Only be butt hurt, but if I say it was destroyed while you were protecting Amami, they'll drop it.”

“What are we gonna do?”

“Take down these Port Mafia bastards and make them regret ever living.” Chuuya almost hissed out.

Atsushi hates to admit it, but he agrees. This was too far and was a declaration of war.

“Then… I'll support you. Chuuya, I'll be by your side as we avenge this day. I promise!”

Chuuya only smiled as he held his hand. He leaned over and kissed him. Atsushi was mostly surprised because it felt out of nowhere and other key details: this was the first. From lack of experience, they mostly just kept their lips together. Atsushi had kissed back; his hands held Chuuya’s jaw. Once he pulled away, Atsushi looked up at Chuuya with stars in his eyes.

“Gets some rest.” Chuuya tucked a hair behind his ear. “We got an organization to take down.”

“Stay here? I… I don't wanna be alone.”

“You want me there while you sleep?”

“You can nap with me,” Atsushi suggested bashfully. He pouted a little, “I mean, aren't you tired too?”

Chuuya was quiet, but then he crawled fully into the bed. With a nudge to his arm, he lay under Atsushi’s limb. Chuuya petted his shirt, seemingly to soothe him.

“Atsushi…” Chuuya said quietly.

“Yeah?” Atsushi relaxed.

“I love you.” Chuuya dropped in a whisper.

Atsushi's eyes flick downwards, his expression surprised. He quickly replied, “I love you too.”

Chuuya just nustled into him gently to avoid wounds. Atsushi couldn't look away from the sight, how curly red locs covered his chest. He could see Chuuya’s hand pet his torso. This was peace. Atsushi's arm hooks so he pulled Chuuya closer and relaxed.

Does it make him selfish? Atsushi thought about those words. He couldn't agree more because he was in the same damn boat.

Chapter Text

Atsushi hasn't slept right in years, like an uncontrollable fear he'll wake up back in the orphanage walls. His body is ever so light, as if waiting for something to touch him. His dreams didn't help, for he was stuck in blue light. He could feel the warmth of a fever and a stale taste in his mouth.

Several shadows loom over him, painfully quiet but saying enough to get him to kneel. He's too exhausted to fight. He stares at his hands, eyes leaking tears.

BAAM !

Atsushi was startled awake and caught himself from landing on a neighboring kid. From a distance, the wind blew against the building. The window rattled, and the smell of fresh rain added to the atmosphere, and it performed a song for everyone in the country.

Atsushi hates the storms that sweep through. Thunder borrowing its decibels into his chest, filling it with fear. He couldn't predict when it would go off.

Shaking, he stood up and tried to find a place he could hide under to avoid the noise as much as possible. He found a coat closet, though stuffed with random shit. He pulled some of it out as he crawled into the floor. The squish made him feel safe, his knees brought to his chest.

As much as Atsushi tries to be open, he'll never admit his fear of lightning. Being 14 and shaking over a dream and a storm is embarrassing.

He covered his ears, the sound of his heartbeat instead. It didn't help, and it was dark. Under the crack, he would see the light, but the noise to follow was too far delayed. Other times, it was instant.

Atsushi was forced to think now. Why does he keep having these dreams? Why is he afraid of conflict, noise, or thunder? He was ashamed of himself, like the storm carried the orphan director’s voice.

“Look at you being a coward.” He swore he could hear the walking pattern outside the door.

It felt so real to him. Atsushi could just be quiet with his cries.

In a moment, the door opens suddenly. Atsushi, mortified with himself, looks up to see Chuuya with an expression he has never seen before.

“There you are…” Chuuya looked around the area before crawling in and lying on top of him.

The minimum space would be impossible for more than one person to lie side by side here, but Chuuya's solution worked best.

Atsushi was blushing from both the scene and getting caught. Chuuya didn't say anything and only pressed his ear against his chest and his arms tightly around his torso.

Atsushi closed his eyes as he pondered. Very faintly, the voice lingered there. It seemed to be carried by the wind.

“ Orphans don't get to sulk!”

Atsushi felt arms tighten around him. He was brought back to earth by this embrace. He didn't know what he was doing. Reality was unleashed. Atsushi could feel the tears streak down his face, and there was a dull ache from shaky limbs.

Chuuya didn't know how to help him, but that didn't stop him from clinging on. Softly, Atsushi used so much energy to hug Chuuya back. The redhead was surprised at first, but sank into the touch.

“Thank you.” Atsushi's voice shook.

“Why didn't you come to me?” Chuuya's hands shifted so that they held the back of his shoulders. His hug tightened. “What's wrong?”

Atsushi was tense, his throat constricted. He wished he had responded, but instead he said softly, “Sorry.”

“Don't be.” Chuuya rubbed his cheek, “I want to help. I don't know how to do that, though.”

“This helps.” Atsushi petted his hair.

“Does it?” Chuuya almost sounded accusatory, “Why are you crying then?”

Atsushi took a deep breath, loud enough to echo off the thin walls of a closet.

“I think I'm crazy,” Atsushi admitted. “I… The feeling of the storm reminds me a lot of the anticipation from the orphanage.”

“Meaning?” Chuuya seemed like he knew.

“The memories are the loudest when they try to compete with the storm.” Atsushi exhaled, “I… I can hear his voice. The things he said to me, each lightning burning bright, make me see faint images against my will, the thunder's noise reminding me of all the loudest moments that made my heart skip a beat, and the wind forcing conversations to play over and over again.”

Atsushi was crying again at this point. Chuuya sat up enough to climb further and tuck his face into his neck.

Atsushi could feel the thoughts in Chuuya's head, and all that he said was, “I'm happy you're here now. I hope these bastards get the karma they deserve.”

Chuuya isn't in touch with his emotions in ways Atsushi is. His immaturity started to shine there, but he tried regardless. What the tiger could feel, the gravity manipulator suppressed. Atsushi just smiled and squeezed him again.

“I think… I'm starting to pile up on my issues… It's a full moon tomorrow.” Atsushi whispered.

“I got that, you know.”

“I know…” Atsushi's inhale failed, “I just… I just want to be normal.”

Chuuya gripped his shirt and swallowed harshly. “Why?”

“Why?” Atsushi echoed.

“You like this… Brought you to me.” Chuuya said, painfully naive.

Atsushi didn't see it like that. He inhaled sharply as he rubbed Chuuya’s arms, “You're right. If all that meant I get to be by your side, then dammit, I'll do it again.”

“I-I wouldn't go that far.” Chuuya laughed a bit nervously. “What I'm saying is that things happen for a reason, and I'm glad… It led us here.”

“The closet.” Atsushi teased and laughed.

Chuuya giggled and held his arms, “Yes! The closet.”

Atsushi took a deep breath. “I'm sorry for making you have to do this.”

“You didn't make me do anything…” Chuuya shuffled his position so they lay close on their side. Faint lighting allowed facial expressions to be seen, but not enough to give a good look at details. “I saw you were missing from your futon when I was doing rounds… I may have panicked… A little.”

“You looked for me that fast?” Atsushi giggled, “Aw Chuuya~”

“It's not like I care or anything,” such a blatant lie that it made them laugh.

Periodically, Atsushi would flinch from the storm. His eyes didn't hold the same emotions as before. They locked on Chuuya’s face, cheek, and eyes. A gentle hand held his jaw.

“I'll come to you if I ever have a problem… I promise.” Atsushi rakes his fingers through Chuuya's hair, “I trust you and… I want you to know these things… I'm just scared you'll think less of me.”

“I would never.” Chuuya sinks into his touch. “I'd do anything in my power to make sure you'll be okay.”

Atsushi smiled so full that the tears in his eyes were forced to leave by the squint. Once the flow started, it continued. The hands in Chuuya's hair brought them into a tight embrace. Chuuya tugged back, a soft touch to his back.

“I could fall asleep like this,” Atsushi mumbled.

“I almost dozed off…” Chuuya laughed weakly, “You're hella warm, so it's hard not to.”

Atsushi giggled, “I mean, I wouldn't mind if we were the ones to be together at night.”

“I don't know… I don't sleep long, Atsushi.” Chuuya rubbed his cheek on his chest, “I'd wake you.”

“I get woken up anyway, at least I'll get to see your face.” Atsushi sighed.

“D-dammit, Atsu!” Chuuya squeezed, and flustered.

Atsushi giggled, “We can nap here, then we'll handle tomorrow. I'm not ready to leave just yet.”

“Okay.” Chuuya took a deep breath. “Sleep, I'll keep you safe.”

—

 The full moon was at its most enormous size this time of year. Chuuya and Atsushi watched the color shift colder as the day went to rest. The weretiger stepped back to prepare for the night. Fingertips refused to unlatch from one another, and the smile of seeing each other’s faces remained warm.

Atsushi sat and waited, eyes landing on the moon. Just like before, a light appeared, glowing blue, before the beast landed.

Chuuya stood there, hands tucked in his jacket.

“Hello again,” Chuuya said ever so softly.

The tiger circles him, chuffing and inhaling sharply. Chuuya walked backwards to keep the beast in his front line of sight. Though, like before, the tiger lay down to stare. It placed its jaw over calmly crossed paws. The fluffy tail flicked back and forth.

Chuuya mimicked the gesture, sitting on the ground, and played with twigs.

The night remained uneventful till Chuuya yawned. The tiger instantly perked up. The redhead stretched and yawned once more. After the fit, he rubbed his eyes.

“You're staring now?” Chuuya mumbled with one eye under his palm.

The tiger stood up, low to the ground.

“Are you seriously in the mood to fight?” Chuuya groaned, “I mean, I'm happy to, but you're like a part of my love's self.”

The tiger crept over slowly. It lay down near the yards from Chuuya. The redhead was confused, staying still. How long that was, he wasn't sure. Though each minute, the beast crept closer.

Chuuya could feel the warm breath of the beast. He could see every detail of its eyes, how each ridge would change the shape of the pupil.

The tiger leaned in to get a good sniff of Chuuya’s hand before nudging the palm over his head. The beast leans into the touch, stretching and squirming for pets.

To say Chuuya was relieved would be an understatement of his emotions. The tiger rubbed and nudged around Chuuya in circles. With its full weight, the beast leans and lands on the boy. It was a squish, but not entirely painful. The tiger rolled its face against the redhead, kicking its legs to get a good rub.

“Ugh— Atsushi.” Chuuya groaned as he was mauled.

The tiger chuffed as it rubbed its face on most of Chuuya. Aggressive head baps smacked into Chuuya’s forehead or stomach.

“What are you doing?!” Chuuya squirmed.

The tiger rolled so Chuuya was under its arms. The boy pouts up at the feline. The two locked eyes, though Chuuya did not see Atsushi, but something else entirely. The tiger then licked its coarse tongue, red hair forced to follow each lick.

Chuuya could leave, but that'd involve escaping with force or hurting the beast’s (assumed) feelings.

Once the tiger was done grooming, it fixed itself so it lay properly over Chuuya. Tail tucked around him.

“So you like me too?” Chuuya pets its fur.

The tiger, of course, couldn't respond. It simply lay its head to rest, waiting for the sunrise.

The moonlight reflected off the warm white fur. Chuuya could only watch the beast rest, fingers tracing the black markings.

It was therapeutic, with how calming it was. The tiger breathed faster than Atsushi. The warmth was similar, though, and the fur was the most significant difference.

Chuuya drifted to sleep once he finished his task of observation. That was the fastest knockout of his life.

Chapter Text

The first thing Akutagawa could recall about the event of that cold night…

The gunshot went through his friend’s head, and the air smelled like iron and gunpowder. The feeling of warmth that suddenly splattered on his cheek. The chill feeling follows as adrenaline pumps through his veins and forced any other thoughts other than hatred into his mind.

Lines of bullets desomating everything in its near passage. Paper, wood, and flesh all alike fell victim to the violent rain of metal. In some way, the repetitive sounds hit like rainfall to a thin tin roof.

“Let me go!” Ryuunosuke Akutagawa, age 14, clawed his twin sibling who had just withdrawn him from the violence.

Gin refused. Her hug around his chest was the tightest anyone had ever given him. Not since the time before the death of their parents. Gin’s trauma forced her to forget, but Ryuunosuke remembered it all.

“No… I won't lose you too! You're all I have left! Don't do it… Please.” Gin pleads. She clawed and pulled. Her eyes snitched she was scared, though it didn’t deter her brother from the hatred that brewed deep inside.

For starving homeless children, they were surprisingly strong. Ryuu got one look at his sister before hearing a crisp metal ting bounce closer to them. It was oval like an egg but had the color of shrubbery. 

A bomb. It was as if time had slowed and his heartbeat was the fastest thing in this area. Ryuu acted fast as he used Rashomon to coat what he could of his sister. Tendrils like a jaw grabbed Gin under its hold as it pulled her to his chest. The explosion still threw them back - yards from the initial spot. He lost his grip, the feeling of her felt like ice as he was forced to let go.

The last thing he remembered is seeing Gin hit the pole next to him then everything went black.

How long it's been since then? Who knows. He was in nothing but pain. His mind, body, and soul just screamed at him what to do now. He supposed he should try to pick up on the area around him. He could only pick up on the sicking scent of carbon and odd repetitive tickles to his nose.

“Oh. Good Morning, Snow White!” A very unfamiliar voice startled him awake though the attempt to stand was near impossible. He jolts up, pain shooting up his leg and spine: he collapses almost instantly.

“RASHOMON!” Akutagawa yelled as he sat up by his fingertips. Though he moved in humanly possible, contorting his torso to use his mass as another attempt to stand up.

However, a normal mortal hand rubber-banded his dark tendrils to his coat. Nothing abstract about it; She was there now, back where she belongs. That has never happened before.

“Attacking the first person you meet is rude y'know.” A childish, yet utterly exhausted tone. He's whimsical and defeated all at once. “Even after I helped your brother. He was bleeding out.”

The brunette sat up tall. The light of the moon above lit up the area around then. It brought attention to striking a dulle reddish brown eye. A grin as the teen started to bite his nail. It was odd how it seemed like the lighting of the environment shadowed over him.

“Yeah, I heard about you. Uh, the hellhound of the slums.”

“Where is my sister?” Ryuu didn’t give room for this unfamiliar kindness .

“Sister?” The intruder echoed, “Oh! My bad! Your sister is with my babysitter, also known as Hirotsu. Between you and me, I don't need one.”

Akutagawa had grown short with this. He just lifted a rock. “What happened? Why am I here? Why am…”

Akutagawa finally processed they were outside. His heart dropped as the heart throbbed harder. His sense of direction immediately turned in the way that was once his home. He turned to see an orange glow over the trees in the night sky. It contrasted the dark cool hues of the darkened atmosphere.

“Rumor has it that a group of kids found some diamonds. Some men got eager to retrieve it, after all they're homeless. Wouldn’t it be doing them a favor?”

“You shut your mouth!” Akutagawa threw the rock as hard as he could, but with a damaged ankle he fumbled it. 

He's in pain, he's exhausted, he's hungry.

He's angry.

“Relax. I wasn't involved or anything … Though…”  The brunette mumbled, “Ah yes… With how much carnage you did… Plus your reputation…” A sadistic smile, “Ah yes, I have a plan.”

Akutagawa reacted as anyone would: a hesitant disgust with a slight hint of confusion.

“My name is Dazai Osamu.” A flat hand to the chest as if he was so cordial, “I will help you track and kill those who killed your friends in exchange for an understanding of death. You're kissed by the Grim Reaper and feel like you could definitely help me. I'm so close to figuring it out.”

“You're bat shit.” Akutagawa spit his words through his teeth. In a tight huddle to himself, he calmed his shaking body with deep breaths.

“Let's say, I know a powerful man? What then?”

“I say you're still batshit.” Akutagawa muttered.

“Well.” Dazai grins, “are you any different? I saw what you did to some of those men. So? Why did you stop?”

“My sister… Then…” Akutagawa looked down at his purple and swollen ankle, “a bomb.”

“A bit overkill on the kids. They must have heard of you, somehow. That means their informant has to be local.” Dazai thought out loud, “yet?”

After a brief silence, “yet?”

“Everyone from everywhere is out for some sort of bounty.” In a song-filled voice, Dazai continued to list, “The mafia boss’s head, some government officials here and there, this tiger… for some reason? I would not put it behind me if there is a bounty for your head.”

“I laid low. I did what I had to.”

“Yet you still went hungry.” Dazai stood up and then sat on a stump, “How old are you?”

Akutagawa went quiet, “14.”

Dazai perked his head, “Why are you so much taller than me?!” An offended tone as he whined, “ugh whatever. I need to die, soon.”

It's true. Dazai is particularly small for his age. It didn't help how he slouched or perched on his hunches. He looked like a normal kid and in others looked like some sort of demonic creature. There is more proof, just by how he talked, leans more towards the second option.

“Why is that?” Akutagawa’s tone had grown colder, and he crossed his arms.

“Because, is there truly anything worth living for? I have a goal, a mission — A painless suicide. It’ll be so romantic and freeing as I leave this mortal plane.” A subtle giggle followed Dazai's words.

“No such thing unless you're old, but by then, you're so much pain you’ll die in your sleep.” Akutagawa was blunt with his tone. His heart rate rested in his throat as he felt this conversation could go either way.

“So you understand my predictament!!” Dazai seemed to yelp, “You're perfect. Great! You'll lead me to death and for that I'll help you repay your friends lives.”

“I don't trust you.” Akutagawa remained still.

“Why? Does a lunatic not trust a dying man's wish? Do you not care about your friends that much?” His words cut so deep, the gash was almost lethal.

Akutagawa went quiet once more.

“I can do you one better… I can introduce you to the Port Mafia’s boss. Have his help to search.”

Port… Mafia?

Akutagawa froze in any movements. This teen has connections to the Port Mafia and has the damn balls to be so casual with it. That group is the dirtiest, most violent part of the underbelly. Nothing is too dark for the likes of them.

Yet, with how deep and vile the roots are, Port Mafia connections are still connections.

“Fine.” Akutagawa sighed, “Only for one thing.”

“That is?”

“If anything happens to my sister, I'll make sure you live every day of your life: starving and barely alive.” Ryuu's grey eyes bounced the same insanity as the brown looking at him.

Now that the hellhound had fully woken up. He sees a scrawny kid with one eye bandaged. He wore baggy formal clothes, but his skin remained tightly bound. He wasn't sure why he didn't note this earlier but his silhouette is the strongest thing about him.

Dazai had crossed his legs as he thought.

“Okay.” Dazai glares at him with the drive of a rampant bull just waiting to strike. “I think I can do that.”

“I need to see something before I go,” Akutagawa said with such force that it almost seemed the air around them froze.

Dazai’s eyes darkened. He looked away briefly as his decibel lowered, “You do not want to do that.”

“I need to see. I need to know if there are surv—” Akutagawa’s fists balled.

“—None. I checked with your sister to see if anyone.” Dazai looked over, “They’re all dead.”

Akutagawa stares in disbelief before looking at his ankle. Rashomon emerges from his pant leg to wrap around his joint and pop it into place. Dazai recoiled, seeing the boy crawl and hop to the hide out. The warm hue that emitted over the horizon beckoned him.

“You can’t be serious?” Dazai hiccups behind him. He spoke fast as he trailed. “Why do you want to see that?”

“I do not trust a man who knows members of the Mafia… and my duty, my purpose was to protect them. I need to see it myself. How I failed them.”

Dazai stopped walking. He sees the kid turn and walk a distance before falling and getting up. That explosion saved his life, knocking him back a few steps before running in and doing something stupid. Though if he does get stupid, that means he will die, which by association.

Dazai skips to his side and lifted him up by the shirt, “How are you gonna get all that way without help? I mean- Come on!”

Akutagawa glares.

“In total, I think it’s eight casualties.” Dazai rubbed his chin as he looked around the area. “If only I were here sooner.”

Akutagawa sat in the middle of the 8 bodies barely covered up by the dismantled tents they used to shelter themselves in. The fire had busted a hole on the side of the building, but due to the concrete base just sizzled in it’s ashes. A breeze brushed through, and the hellhound’s eyes were stone-like. Fresh snow started to fall from the sky.

The grey set couldn’t look away from the blue face that was revealed after the wind took their souls away for good.

“I mean, we can still catch up.” Dazai takes out his flip phone and taps several buttons, “Though, they'd get in a car, head east. Probably to hide outside the Port.”

Akutagawa didn’t respond. He stood with his hands to his scarf. He clenched harshly as he looked over his shoulder. The expression was hard to mimic, even if one tried. The will to go on leaving so easily from his soul. Dazai dropped his attitude, observing with eyes of a bird of prey.

“Is there a purpose after this?” Akutagawa said coldly, “That I am supposed to go on? Why am I so special?”

Dazai didn’t have an answer for a moment. He just tucked his hands under his jacket.

“There is no determined reason to live or die. There is a purpose or a sacrifice. If it’s a purpose you need, I know a man who is pretty desperate for hands. But, since you’re human… ” Dazai looked down, “I don’t have family anymore, but one sibling is more than a reason.”

Akutagawa went quiet and looked away.

With a pop to Dazai’s lips, he turned to lead the way, “Now come on, you hellhound. I gotta die soon, and you gotta avenge your friends! Two birds! One stone!”

Chapter Text

Akutagawa walked with Dazai down the Mafia headquarter’s halls. Of course this street mutt looked off compared to everyone wearing suits of monochrome pallets. Just to imagine these men are what Akutagawa used to pick off and now he’s in the company of them.

Gray eyes watch how Dazai jumped between each tile and made as much of a tippy tap noise as he could. As if he were a fox,  playing around on the rocks in a stream.

“Mori is a drag. I keep trying to get him to kill me, but he won't actually let me die. So, you don't have to worry about your sister getting murdered.” Dazai said from a far. It echoed in the empty halls of tile and glass. It sounded so childish and higher pitch. A bit of whistle too if Akutagawa focused.

Akutagawa grumped, “you don't talk to other people much, do you?”

“Why would I do that? Waste of my time.” Dazai turned away from him.

Something about that statement felt like an obvious lie. Akutagawa recognizes the hidden need to search for a reason… In other terms, he can tell this boy is teetering on life or death.

“Why won't he let you die?” Akutagawa asked.

“He said, if it was actually my time, I would die against all odds of living. I think he just likes when I throw fits.” Dazai scuffed.

Akutagawa lifted a brow.

“Well, whatever.” Dazai then opened a door to Mori's office.

Akutagawa got to see the new leader of the Port Mafia. Magenta eyes met up with grey ones and only scared the living shit out of him. It's the look one would imagine was from demons in dreams and the truth of what really lurks in the undercity.

“This is the hellhound of the crater.” Dazai explained the entire event. “So you're gonna help us find them.”

“Now why would I do that?” Mori had lowered his crayon to the desk… Particular choice in a writing device.

“You promised you help me die - you're too busy. Found my own solution. Death follows him.”  The brunette sighs and rolls his eyes, “I'm so close, it's unfair.”

“That so?” Mori only smiled as he looked forward. “You’re the ability user that can filléted my men?”

“They’ve trespassed and bothered all the kids I take care of.” Akutagawa muttered.

“Took.” Dazai side commented.

Akutagawa glared.

It was a long pondering silence. Mori’s eyes remained closed as he took the information given to him. He smiles towards the end of this painful endeavor.

“Alright, I will help you.” Mori rested against his jaw on his hands, “but I want something in return.”

“...” Akutagawa shifted uncomfortably, “What could you need from me?”

“I need to deal with a rival organization that has isolated a section of the city. Basically, they’re holding the mafia members there hostage. Do you mind freeing them?”

“You want me… To rescue?” Akutagawa's eyes burned by how hard he blinked. He didn't expect that.

“Sure.”

“Sir, That’s… uh…” Akutagawa couldn't find a word. He couldn't find any that could properly articulate his feelings. He just stumbled before stopping his attempt.

“No mind to that. You are more than capable. If not Dazai will just… Handle you instead.”

“What?” Dazai hitched a pitch.

“You are to trail him. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it since you might die.” Mori chuckled lowly. He stated it like he was suggesting ice cream.

“So you are using that to make me do things!!!” Dazai stomps, yowling, “I just wanna die!! I wanna!!!”

Dazai stomps around. To see this side so soon, Akutagawa just felt embarrassed for him. Mori and him could only watch the fit till Dazai came to a stop. His fist balled and walked to the room to pout.

Why was he like that? Akutagawa could only blink ever so slow for he was scared of missing a detail.

“Is he always this…” Akutagawa muttered.

“Pathetic?” Mori sighed, “This is a bit on character.”

“You have my sister…” Akutagawa glares, “Let me see her.”

A break, “sure.” Mori smiled, “She’s a fighter, I’ll tell you that.”

Akutagawa only stares at the doctor with those dark scary eyes. It seemed he was waiting for that question, which only set the pit in Akutagawa’s throat into a near unbearable high temperature.

Mori lifted up his sleeve, a tightly bandaged section of his arm, “She’s scary with a scalpel.”

Akutagawa smirked and a part of him felt relief. The two managed to see Dazai stand in the window with his wails fogging up the glass. He’s stopped to draw a penis on the window. He looked back with such pride.

“I regret this immediately.” Akutagawa said under his breath.

“He’s actually really smart. A bit…” Mori saw him draw a poor cartoon version of Mori then drew a line over the throat. “Psychopathic.”

“Mm… Soon as I get my revenge, me and my sister will be free.”

Mori bounced a look before Akutagawa made his space. On par with most of the stray kids from this city, this behavior was not far off. With a flip to his phone Mori made a call.

Akutagawa was led to the infirmary located on the HQ of the Port Mafia. It was well funded and looked way better than a majority of hospitals. He scales the halls to the room number his sister would be at. He pushed in and saw her sitting there. They both held the same expression as Akutagawa ran at her like a child, well it’d be his age.

“Are you alright?” Akutagawa scaled her arms. He pulled and examined for any sighs of abuse.

“I’m fine.” Gin fidgeted, “I’m okay. You can stop babying me.”

“The blast…”

“Your ability… It wrapped around me and I mostly got hurt from hitting a pole. I got it put back together.” Gin revealed a gash sewn by what looked like black string.

“Did they hurt you…” Akutagawa growls through his teeth

“No… Actually, they were nothing but super nice.” Gin lowers her head, “I did attack the doctor… I woke up and he scared me.”

Mori is a scary guy to look at. Akutagawa put his hand on her shoulders.

“You did the best you could. You’re alive and that’s all that matters.”

Gin stares before she nodded and smiled.

“Wow, so touching.” Dazai muttered like an asshat. He applauded coldly. “Can we hurry this up. I have a pick up for propane at 6.”

Akutagawa forgot about him.

“What are you going to use propane for?” Akutagawa looked at him. Though Dazai got this smile. Dumb question, “Nevermind.”

“I am going too.” Gin said with an eager tone, she pulled the blankets off and started getting out of bed.

“No, you don’t have an ability. It’s best if I go.” Akutagawa stopped her and made her sit.

“You are injured and been getting sick lately!” Gin huffed, “I can see it in your eyes, you’re slowing down. You maybe like an adult, but I still wanna help.”

With how much Akutagawa took responsibility, no wonder she saw her brother as an adult. She trusted him, even when she shouldn’t. Akutagawa only pouted as he turned his head away.

“No.”

“Ryuunosuke!” Gin barked.

“He doesn’t want you to die Gin-chan.” Dazai intercepted. “You should help in all ways that takes you away from the fight.”

“I’m strong! I can take it!” Gin barked.

“I said no! Gin, I will not repeat myself.” Akutagawa yelled.

Gin went quiet before she turned to pout.

“Sibling of the year.” Dazai said under his breath as he tugged Akutagawa’s shoulder down.

“Shut up.” Akutagawa glares.

“Just get. We can fight over this later.” Gin crossed her arms. “You obviously made up your mind.”

A silence before Akutagawa did as such. That bandage kid trailing like a lost cat. For being the same age, Dazai is more childlike. That was becoming apparent with how much he talked and bragged. Thin eyes twitch involuntarily as more nonsensical riddles and blatant lies slipped from the brunette's mouth so easily. The worst part, Akutagawa doesn’t even understand half of the words coming from his mouth. Pesticides? Euphoria? The grand thesis of existence? Larping?

“And as you fight all scary and violently, I will be next to you. Bullets raining down to me. Freshly made snow crunching beneath our feet. I take not one or two hits. But all! And I lay there to die on such an innocent blanket! My blood turning the wholesome white to a violent crimson!!”

Dazai danced around him as each word was presented. He was theatrical and over dramatic.

“You’re an idiot.” Akutagawa said as he stopped. “All these romantics and you want to die like that. Getting shot hurts a lot.”

“It’s not instant if they hit my heart.”

“If they don’t?”

Dazai went quiet. “Okay, how about you use your ability to cut a concrete wall and force it to crush and kill everyone. Be so instant and no chance of survival!”

Akutagawa just glares again and turns to continue walking.

“Where is your dreams! I am simply chasing after mine and you’re judging me.”

“My friends would have done anything to be able to live or die. And here you are mocking your privilege in front of me. I hate people like you, so if you could shut up…”

Dazai just pouts, “Look. Not everything is so black and white. I mean, honestly. Living?”

“In one ear then out the other…” Akutagawa made a fist. “Stop.” A stomp, “Talking!”

Dazai did stop. Though his cold and pouty self did just glare. The tone shifted entirely. Like a curtain opened, it actually felt less of an act.

“Look, it’s not my fault you feel like shit for your friends dying. I am not weak and because of that I get to choose.” Dazai chirped through his teeth.

Akutagawa lost it. He ran over and pounced on Dazai. Though Ryuu was only a few inches higher, Dazai somehow is stronger. It could have been because he eats way more than Akutagawa or the fact he doesn’t have a broken ankle. A lot of factors to consider but in the end doesn't matter.

Akutagawa was on top, hitting down at him. Dazai defended as much as he could but he took the opportunity to give a chop across Akutagawa’s throat. A gulp followed the action.

In the process of pain, Akutagawa was forced to retreat. Dazai pushed off and proceeded to hit him with the bottom of his fist. Akutagawa took a couple of hits before grabbing his arm and chomping down harshly.

“OW!” Dazai tried to push him off. “LET GO!”

Canines dug into his arm and each attempt to yank him off only tore a path to the original puncture.

“TRUCE!” Dazai poked him in the eyes, though that only made it worse.

Then.

A cock of a gun.

The teens froze.

“Ey,” one of the men referenced Dazai, “Kid’s wearing a suit.”

“Definitely Mafia then.”

“The other?”

“Just some homeless brat. Kill them.”

Akutagawa couldn’t see. His eyes were blurry from Dazai's attack. He shoved the brunette away from him and stumbled to his feet. His first instinct is always to protect by releasing Rashomon from his shirt. It was tall, wide, and overly active. Hungry to put it into lamest terms.

Akutagawa could feel each strand as it nested around him like a web. He coughed a bit from exhaustion.

“An ability user…” The man muttered.

“Shit, they hired someone. Just shoot them dead.”

Dazai seemed to let up a song of joy. Standing up so happily as he tried to get in the way. If he touches Dazai, Rashomon will leave and render them both useless. However, if he manages to do this while prohibiting Dazai from dying… Why help him anyway? He’s annoying, loud, rude and totally deserves a bullet.

However, Akutagawa’s feet acted for him and instantly took it’s position as Rashomon stopped bullets. Though guns are fast, Rashomon is faster.

“WHAT!” Dazai barked behind him. “Why are you–”

“Can it, will you?” Akutagawa was just as aggressive back. With a limp, he made his ability smack a gun from one of the men’s hands. With another tendril, it curled around his body. A bat to ball, the group of men was thrown sideways. “I won’t let you die till I get my revenge.”

“What! That wasn’t part of the deal!” Dazai squawked.

“That was before you pissed me off.” Akutagawa glares back.

Dazai scowled, only a slight shift to his eyes snitched something was coming for them. Akutagawa didn’t even look, a spike pierced through a throat.

A brief silence.

Akutagawa looked back and retreated his coat, the men separated, keeping their distance now.

“Y'know. If I touch your shoulder and have them shoot at us… We'd die.” Dazai chuckled.

“What's stopping you?”

“You said death by gunshot hurts. So, I'll pass.”

Akutagawa looked away with an eye roll. He started to walk forward with his hand out and the other pinning the scarf to his lips. His eyes felt dry as he pushed his way through.

Like a tornado, Akutagawa cuts through men like a force. In the eye of the storm, Dazai observed the aftermath with each passing moment.

After about 30 minutes of this, the two made it in. Akutagawa was short tempered, just killing anything in his way before finding the hostages. He didn't need to ask or guess since each one was beat up and tied down. The hostages were confused, showing this in their colorless expression. Suppose a little homeless kid with another kid wrapped in bandages saves your ass is too good to be true, but carrying on.

“You really do slaughter anything in your way.” Dazai commented as he stepped over a shredded body.

“Nothing matters till I can avenge my friends.” Akutagawa responded coldly.

“You don't say.” Dazai was sarcastic, “fine. I would rather not if you kill me because you can't do that to me and you'll do this instead.” He showed his arm, dripping blood from his fingertips. “Damn dog.”

“I do not like dogs.”

“It's perfect then! You hate yourself for failing! You act like you're starving and have rabies. It makes perfect sense for you to be a dog. Just a hungry, angry, scavenger.”

Akutagawa just tightened his eyes as he turned on his heel to walk the other way. No response.

“WHAT!!” Dazai whined behind him.

Chapter Text

Akutagawa stares at Dazai from across a table. 10 chairs in total, the two sat at each respective end. Gin sat between them with a confused expression on her face as childish as it could be.

Osamu just had to see how far that death stare would go. He leaned and saw grey follow. He made faces back, but nothing was of response. He tapped his fingers out of rhythm and that did get a reaction. Akutagawa's scowl only tightened.

Mori walks in after the silence. In his hand was a very thin file that he handed to Akutagawa. With a turn to his fingers, he pushed it towards him. The hellhound looked ill at it, but took it regardless.

“The group you're after is an independent group that specializes in gem trade and money laundering. They are now enemies of the mafia.”

Dazai scuffed, but Akutagawa ignored him.

Akutagawa opened the case… however, he has a certain trait that he rather not admit. He can't read. He has as much as second grade level then his parents were killed shortly after. With that, he had also been long out of practice. The skill was unnecessary due to being constantly on the run. He pretends to skim through and gets to images paper clipped to the files.

“There's only three images here.” Akutagawa lifted.

“As much as I am generous, I'm also transactional.” Mori's grin only added a deep, violent pit of anger, “I mean, I'm quite impressed with how you handled the mission I gave you.”

Akutagawa glares, growling like a dog.

“If you think I must work for more information, then you must be wrong that I can't figure this out on my own.” Akutagawa barks. His fist balled and hit the table.

“What does that say?” Mori tapped the top of the file.

Akutagawa swallowed hard, his eyes skimming over to find anything that could fill up a statement or topic. He couldn't do it.

“It seems you lack a skill here.” Mori pulled himself back to pace the room, “Strength is the ability to take the situation around you and use it to benefit your ideals and goals. You are injured, you are sick, you are illiterate.”

Akutagawa head lowered.

“But you have potential.” Mori sank his hands in his coat. “Dazai, can you teach Akutagawa how to read?”

“SIR RECONSIDER!” Akutagawa barked.

“I will not teach a damn dog to read!!” Dazai yelled over him.

Mori blinked as he saw the two turn to yell at each other. Gin covered her ears as she looks between them.

“I don't need my ability to choke the life outta your eyes!” Akutagawa pointed at him.

“With those twig arms?!” Dazai points and laugh, “It’d barely be a jab by a toothpick.”

“Why are you picking teeth!” Akutagawa growled. He slams the table to hurl more insults.

Each back-and-forth made the bystanders dizzy. Some were uncreative, while others cut deep. Nothing was too far, but some of them made Gin uncomfortable.

“Woof woof woof!” Dazai mocked.

“Bark at me again…” Akutagawa's scary, stone-cold face dropped.

“Woof. Woof.” Dazai said slowly and deeply. He stuck his tongue out.

Akutagawa scaled the table with his claws and ran over to jump on Dazai. It happened so fast, Mori didn't even see when the thought popped in Akutagawa’s head.

Gin stood up to watch how the two bashed it out. A lot of scratching and slapping. Obviously 14 year olds were fighting but it felt a bit more homicidal than it should’ve.  Mori came up next to her with a very similar grin.

“I'll kill you here! How about that!” Akutagawa tried to choke him.

“It hurts!!! Get off of me!” Dazai wormed.

“This is…” Gin just covered her mouth.

“Suppose it's not good to let them fight. Ugh, Dazai-kun…” Mori sighed.

When did this little blonde girl walk in? Akutagawa and Gin have yet to find out. Though, she pulled Akutagawa back with such force that he went limp like a blanket.

“Suppose a partnership among you two is unlikely.” Mori looked between him. 

“He mocked my dead friends to my face and also dared to say they were weak! They were murdered!”

“You're right- You're too weak to save them.” Dazai instantly replied.

Mori went to open his mouth, but Rashomon dug from clothes, stabbing several pinpoints into the floor and wall. Akutagawa pulls himself away to attack Dazai again. Though the grip returned and slammed him to the floor. The girl floated above him.

“W-what?” Akutagawa winded out. Weak arms pushed himself up right.

A little girl lands feet in front of him. Her eerily glow settles as she stares him down.

“This is Elise. She shall control your two's behavior while in this building until further notice.”

“WHAT! I don't need you to watch over me.” Dazai huffed, “I'll just null her.”

“You do that, I'll be forced to take punishment levels. How does self-help audiobooks sound?” Mori only grinned.

Dazai tisked through his teeth.

Mori approaches Akutagawa, “I understand you're angry, but there is a time and place for violence. A pathetic kid who wants to die is not one of them.”

“Hey!” Dazai harps.

“He… disrespected them. I can't let him talk ill.” Akutagawa attempted to get up, but he was in pain.

“They're dead.” Mori said bluntly, “As much as it hurts to imagine the insults would affect them, it won't. It is you and your sister now. Is jumping into fights and dying for them worth it or will it be in vein?”

“What are you-” Akutagawa seemed to stop, not by his own choice.

“You are the one who survived? Yes? They took you in and helped you and your sister live?”

“Yes, but…”

“You want to throw away their kindness, just like that?” Mori's words felt like salt to a wound.

Akutagawa went quiet as he glared upwards. Though the gaze down at him only made them deflect to the ground.

“We're done here.” Mori directed Elise to Gin. “To make new friendships.”

Dazai glared.

Akutagawa stood up after a moment.

Gin watches her brother sulk as they sit in a hallway of the Mafia, waiting for their supposed supervisor, as Mori talks to Dazai.

“Ryuu… Are you mad at me?” Gin asked quietly.

“No.” Akutagawa was short with his words. “It’s okay.”

“Why are you not talking then? You normally talk so much.” Gin's voice softened.

He looked over. Even though they are the same age, he protected her enough to make sure she could not understand. In this regard, he accidentally made himself lonely.

“I’m sorry. I am just…” Akutagawa looked away and had his hand to his chest.

Gin put her hand on his head, “I trust you. You may be angry all the time but you always keep me safe. I can tell you're scared, so you don’t need to hide it from me.”

“I’m not scared.” Akutagawa said almost out of impulse.

“Then why didn’t you fight that doctor?” Gin made him look at her.

A silence.

She’s perceptive. He didn’t think she quite grasp who that man is yet. Perhaps he sheltered her a bit too well.

He wanted what's best for her and he tries and tries but he almost seems to put her in harm's way. At least, she is being watched… Though it being the Port Mafia didn't entirely sit well.

From a distance, a man with a cigarette walks to them. He was calm with his demeanor. Akutagawa stood up fast to stand in front of his sibling. Though his sister wasn't scared, only tugging on the elder to calm down.

“Who are you?” Akutagawa growled.

“I am who the Boss sent to watch over you. He even offered to let you be free from Dazai for a bit. You want to learn to read and write?”

Akutagawa was skeptical, though Gin intercepted, “teach us both!”

“GIN!”

“The boss did tell me to ask both of you.” The man was calm with his posture, “My name is Hirotsu. You will be staying with me till we find a place for you.”

“I’m not staying in the Mafia. Once I learn where those men are, my sister and myself are leaving.”

“You'll want as much experience as you can.” A puff of smoke left his lips.

Akutagawa used the scarf to cover his nose and mouth.

“I know how you people work. You target those who have nowhere else to go. I am not staying. I am not falling for an obvious trap.”

Hirotsu was quiet before smiling, “Okay. I’ll let the boss know.”

Akutagawa eyes squinted with suspension.

How dare this man state that he was going to lie down and just submit to the Mafia? Who do they take him for? Someone who obsesses over their purpose that they’ll just sell their soul?

“Dazai will be stopping by to deliver you two clothes.” Hirotsu led with his head, “don’t worry. That’s later.”

Akutagawa was stiff, though Gin grabbed his arm and led the way.

“35 Casualties in a span of 30 minutes?” Mori listened to Dazai.

“He’s an animal. Rude and angry - just so violent with everything he does.” Dazai spits his words. “I can’t believe you’re suggesting keeping him in the Mafia.”

“Look, I know you have no interest in working in our organization, but we need manpower. More than ever. You know what this was like beforehand, so you also understand why I need to stay in this position. He brings fear.” Mori said half heartedly, like he says this often.

“He’s a butcher.” Dazai had forced the words out, almost like they scared him. “He acts with out thinking, he’s cold and will be impossible to control.”

“You’re saying you’re any different?” Mori looked over at him, “You seem overly hypocritical. You are aware that you are well known as the unstable problem child right? The stray that has a death wish and violent tendencies.”

Dazai just sits down pathetically with his legs crossed. “I’m just trying to understand. That’s all.”

“And you will. You are too deluded to understand anything currently. Branch out, attempt to sway control over the people around you.”

“I guess that is a bit on par with advice from a criminal boss, huh?” Dazai grinned.

“Yet, you still listen. Almost like, I will give you results.”

Dazai only glared to the side.

“If you manage to get the hellhound under my control, I will create you a painless solution that will just allow you to pass while you sleep.”

“That’s all?” Dazai perked his head as if some meerkat.

“That’s all. If he dies or leaves…”

“I get it. You don’t need to spell it out.”

Dazai just stands, all his balance showed in his legs. His arms stuck to his side. He just needs a plan, a way to root Akutagawa into the Mafia. What things that could describe this kid is short tempered and proactive though what trigger it is…

Protection.

That’s it.