Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Being a detective has its perks, the heartwarming praises from families who long for justice and the accomplishments that shiver through your whole body from being the sole person capable of bringing it to the team, Chuuya has never felt powerful.

“The best there is”, many colleagues would say—some in envy, others in awe.

“How does he do it?” Patience and determination with a combination of sleepless nights and coffee will be his answer, yet he won't share. 

“How can anyone trust someone like him to get the job done?”

“Why would the chief let him be on the streets with no one to his side?”

Why wouldn't they? He already proved time and time again what he's capable of doing, regardless of his dynamic.

An independent omega in a sea of arrogant alphas and a few kind betas. Not many expected it, laughed at his choice of career back when he proudly announced it before presenting at 15, but Chuuya remained firm in his path.

His closest friends believed in him, and so did his stepbrother. His parents supported him as long as he was happy.

It's a good life, one that pays well and gives immense pride in but sometimes…

“How interesting~ Never expected the police force to send omegas to the field without a chaperone.” The thief mumbles in his ear, “You must be special…”

“You have five seconds to let me go before I drop you on your ass and handcuff you in a miserable cell for the rest of your days!” Chuuya snarls over his shoulder. 

“Fiery.” The thief shamelessly nuzzles in his hair as Chuuya tries to kick him away. They twirl where they stand before Chuuya is pressed on his front to the museum wall. Emotionless statues, their only crowd. “A cute, annoying ball of insufferable energy. Tell me, darling, has anybody been able to tame you yet?”

…..

“NONE OF YOUR FUCKING BUSINESS!!”

He sometimes gets a bit overly confident in his job, rarely at times forced into situations with no proper escape.

OK, that “rare” part is a lie, but he does in the end manage to escape with the right tactics. 

No arguments.

But before we get to this part, let's go to the beginning, where it all started:

Wednesday morning, 10:30 am:

Freshly out of his week-long heat, coming into the station had never rubbed Chuuya in a way where he second-guesses his arrival, almost backed to his motorcycle, and gave his chief an abrupt phone call about possibly needing more days of rest.

He has enough for at least a month or so.

Albatross (possibly the worst influence to follow) had said back when they were rookies: “Hey, IceMan said there's no crime in using your sick hours, work will still be here when you get back. And you, my friend, should not deprive yourself of self-care or whatever your omega needs.”

This coming from an alpha who has the barest idea of their own self-care routine but comes to work with a radiance and who got stuck on desk work more times than Chuuya can count by their instructor for the constant white lies.

He may be their best friend, but Iceman doesn't get paid enough to deal with his antics.

Chuuya can't say where the hesitancy came, nor can he dwell on it much longer, with how his escape time ran out, and everyone seems to be awaiting his entrance.

He sighs, "Let's just get this over with."

Passing through the double doors, a grimace definitely comes to his face when he sees Akutagawa stomping to their shared office. The alpha isn't always moody, but when he deals with a difficult or time-wasting case, nobody wants to even try to be within his vicinity.

“Yikes, not the best welcome back sight for you, huh?” Tachihara says with a jittery laugh.

“Do I really want to know why he's seconds away from breaking the building down?” Chuuya says exasperated.

“His sister mentioned a few days back about how most of his leads always end up being a dead end. He's getting nippy but refuses anyone's help.” Tachihara blows out a puff of air. “Those thieves are really driving him to madness. I wouldn't be surprised if the chief takes him off the case.”

Ah, so that's the problem.

Fucking hell.

In Chuuya's all honesty, he's surprised he was never assigned to help, considering most of his cases are in the same category: criminal investigations, intellectual property theft, insurance fraud, etc.

He's been curious, just like everyone in the building, about the Notorious Phantom Thieves (stupid name, but that's the only one that won in the poll), and was close to asking to be placed on it, but he took a step back from it. No, it had nothing to do with the feedback (middle fingers at full display for whoever says otherwise) or how big of a responsibility it is (They're thieves. How hard can it be to capture one?). 

Chuuya paid it no mind because the black haired alpha was determined to show his worth, and Chuuya, who deeply understood the feeling, decided to cheer him on the side, offering his services whenever the alpha needed it.

It never came, but Chuuya left the door open.

“Welp, good luck in there. Hopefully, he's calm enough to talk and not chew you out like he did Higuchi.” The other redhead shudders. “Poor girl was braver than the rest of us. She deserves a raise.”

A hum in agreement from Chuuya has them both sending mental bouquets to the female beta. It's no secret to her crush on the alpha, but neither one of their friends has the heart to convince her to move on from the unrequited love he pretty much radiates to her.

(They had, but she's still clinging to her hope.)

A pat to the taller alpha’s shoulder, Chuuya heads to his office, answering a few hellos and nodding along the way. 

He's not surprised when he sees a few stacks of folders on his desk, but he is surprised to see the giant diagram on his partner's side of the room covering nearly the whole wall, with said partner crumbling up and rearranging the papers that hang.

Geez, Tachihara wasn't kidding about Akutagawa slowly going mad.

“Hey man, you…alright…there?” He asks carefully, nearing the now growling alpha. He sounds so agitated, his omega couldn't help but perk and begin to purr in hopes of the other calming down.

It's not long before the younger male calms down. Not much, but enough for his scent to lighten from its burnt smell. Since the start, many believed Chuuya wouldn't be able to handle having a partner like Akutagawa due to the other being more livid and brash, but Chuuya had yet again proved them wrong when they not only worked well together but also how easily Akutagawa became protective of him and vice versa.

Even Gin was surprised but happy her brother was in good hands. Rumors spread about them possibly spending a night or having been in some sort of relationship in the past, but they couldn't be further from the truth.

It's laughable and infuriating to Chuuya how they easily gobbled it up like candy when in reality their bond came in the form of understanding each other's struggle to make a name for themselves, and the lack of belief as well. Just like many didn't believe in Chuuya due to his omega status, many didn't believe Akutagawa had the strategy and patience to become a fine detective.

Years later, and look at them now; top at their game and being what many people seek for help.

Berries and candy with an after-smell of vanilla fill the room. Akutagawa folds in on himself for his behavior. It's endearing how the alpha can be scary one minute, then turn into a soft pup the next. Clearing his throat, the black haired man goes, “Unfortunately, it seems I've hit a blank. The idiot I meet up with for any information regarding those nuisances is always false.” He growls low at the board, “I'm running out of ideas on what to do next, and with the auction next week at the museum, I want to gamble they will show up, but don't have enough evidence to prove it.”

Oh, right, another thing he wished to avoid.

The auction that Yokohama Arts Museum sponsors every year is not one Chuuya loves to mingle at.

Or ever attend.

The first few years he was assigned to go were when he was a rookie under Ozaki Kouyou. An elegant and graceful lady who taught him everything he needed to know for when he would one day be in the field, and his main supporter who vouched for him to his boss, Ougai Mori. 

It wasn't all bad, but there's so much he can take when not only the whispers reach his ears, but the luring eyes of many alphas and betas eying him like prey ready to be dominated.

They should all give their thanks to Kouyou for pulling him out when he nearly kissed his career goodbye for almost stabbing hands that got near his ass or suffocated him with their obnoxious scents and non stop talking.

Years may have passed, and while he had outgrown that temper (big fat lie), he prefers to work in the field rather than be in a stuffy suit for an unknown period of the night.

Glad he wasn't told to be there–

“Oh, and the boss had said you were to attend with no exceptions.”

Well fuck him.

“Why do I have to go?” The redhead groans. He waves a hand to their coworkers outside their office, “Wouldn't they be better candidates? Oh! Better yet, I'll do you a favor!!”

“A favor?” Akutagawa skeptically asks the hopeful omega.

“I will help you complete this case if you attend in my stead. Most credit will go to you with nothing trailing back. The boss won't recognize the details.”

Kinda evil when he knows the other is more antisocial than him, but this is a great way to overcome it.

“Have I not mentioned I was to attend as well?”

Wow, they really aren't going to give him a choice.

He deflates like a balloon, “Fucking shit!”. The omega rubs his hands across his face, sliding them over his curly hair before dropping them in defeat. “Alright, at what time do I have to be there, and what exactly do they want us to do?”

“7:30 pm.. Thursday night. The boss didn't specify the reason but said we were requested by Mr. Akamine.” He says as he picks up the fallen papers. “I'm going to assume we’ll be acting as security as last time.”

Great, not only were they requested by the biggest thick-headed pervert Chuuya has the unfortunate pleasure of meeting, but they won't be doing much for the rest of the night.

Akutagawa won't be doing much; he, on the other hand, would be busy hiding in the crowd away from the man who can't take no for an answer.

Chuuya sighs, “If the boss ordered it, then I guess we can't be insubordinate.” Blue eyes look up to gray. “I'm serious, though, let me help you. The credit will still be yours.”

The alpha looks troubled, body tensing in need to object, but Chuuya releases his scent a little to soothe again. It doesn't take long for Akutagawa to give in with a grimace, “If it's not much of a bother, I would appreciate…another helping…hand.”

He's trying, and Chuuya couldn't be any prouder. Giving a small clap and cocky smirk, he walks with confidence to the diagram “Great now tell me everything you've gathered and whatever description about these bastards.”

Time flies in the office. Chuuya may have paperwork to check and sign, but helping a friend in need will always be his main priority.

Crime goes on for the next week, Chuuya should've been prepared for the unexpected.

Thursday, 7:15 pm, 30 minutes before the auction

Checking himself one last time in the mirror, Chuuya dreads the night to come but damn won't he look good–signature black choker, dark gray suit hugging his body so good, he finishes the outfit with a blue tie. A blue ribbon for his hair is placed inside his suit pocket for later. 

‘It mirrors my work uniform,’ he joked lightly to himself.

Akutagawa said he would be waiting for him at the entrance, which he's grateful for, because if the first person he bumps into is that nauseating man, Chuuya would request his paid vacation earlier than expected.

One last time to the clock and his apartment, he exits the building to his car. Along the walk, Chuuya couldn't help but feel eyes on him, almost as if they were observing his every move. Discreetly checking his surroundings, he can't detect any life on the streets apart from his own. 

Weird…

Unlocking his door, he bites back a gasp when a cat emerges from under his car. A small black loaf with brown lines approaches Chuuya with a curious meow. Calming his racing heart, he crouches to pet, smiling when he hears its pleased purrs and turns.

So cute!

“You gave me a small fright, buddy, and as much as I want to continue petting you, I have to go. My friend will be even grumpier for my tardiness than being stuck at a stupid auction neither of us wanted to go to.” He says with a chuckle.

The cat looks back at him, displeased with the discontinued pets, but Chuuya is behind on time. 7:20 pm, he has to hurry and hope there's no traffic on the way, or he'll be facing a different scolding. Ignoring the burning of his neck, he gives the cat a quick goodbye before hopping in his car and driving to his destination.

As the cat sits by the sidewalk, a person emerging from the shadows joins it, both staring out at the car getting smaller. “Hmm, the boss is in for a surprise,” the person says, walking away with the cat at his side. Eyes glancing up to the starry sky, “Let's hope he has self-control, but eh, doubt it.”

“I know, I know but parking was a bitch to find.” Chuuya pants at an impatient Akutagawa. 

“At least you have a reason and are not trying to actually go against the boss’s orders.”

“Don't remind me, but I made it in the end. Did his royal highness come speak with you, or did he go the opposite way?” 

The alpha scoffs, “He wouldn't approach. Seeing how you weren't here, he went back inside.”

Chuuya snorts, adjusting his scent blockers. “Good the less we have to speak with him, the better the night will be.”

“What a pleasure to have you here, gentlemen!” 

Speak of the devil and he should annoyingly appear.

Both men mentally count in their heads before they turn to the voice. Mr. Akamine, an alpha in his mid-30s and proud owner of Yokohama Arts Museum, approaches the duo with a faux polite smile. Nodding at Akutagawa in greeting and lingering his hand on Chuuya’s handshake, he leads them inside.

“Rintarou was very kind in sending his most prominent employees to help care for our auction night. Hope it's not much of a problem in keeping you both away from your busy schedules.”

It is, but they keep that to themselves, then blurt it out to the biggest snitch they've ever met. This man is a huge reg flag yet stupid to not accept it.

“It's no problem with us, we adjusted our work to accommodate this night. We're honored by your invitation to come back,” the omega says with a forced smile. The alpha remains quiet at his side, refusing to make talk.

Chuuya wished he had that type of attitude, but one of them has to be the good cop.

“Of course, I was looking forward to seeing you both again and to work alongside.” Mr. Akamine says with a hooded smile aimed at Chuuya. The redhead fights back a disgusted shudder, thanking his blockers for not leaking his grossed-out scent in the air.

Sigh, this man has not changed.

It's moments like these where Chuuya wouldn't mind having a mate to show him being taken, but that's a huge responsibility he has yet to think about. He's not against it—far from it—he's dreamed about having a small family one day, but finding the right mate is important to him. He's seen how omegas get treated as baby-making machines, disgusted with the lack of respect they are faced with from insufferable and arrogant alphas. It brings out his strong refusal to fall into that same category.

The Flags understood his problem, expressed sympathy and support, and even joked that any of them could be his suitor if he didn't find anyone by the age of 30. That would've been funny if not for the fact that he's already in his mid-20s, still single, and a virgin.

But dating is hard, part of it being because of work. The other well…

They're all a bunch of idiots. He has yet to meet a decent alpha or beta who would not treat him any less than what he deserves. They all seem either intimidated by him or don't bother taking him seriously.

Sigh, he hates men. Not all, but some. Especially the type who is leering at him right now.

When will one appear to save him from this cringeworthy position?

“Do you mind telling us where we should be keeping an eye on so we can start?” Akutagawa says with a snap, moving closer to Chuuya in an attempt for the man to back off.

Praise the heavens, it worked with how the man jerks in his walk as if bitten by a vicious hellhound.

Mr.Akamine clears his throat. “R–right, well, we need someone to keep an eye on the near exit of the auction room and one to keep an eye on said items.” His fidgeting doesn't escape both detectives’ eyes. “Rumor has it that those thieves will show up tonight and probably take one of our dear diamonds.”

Both men stopped in astonishment at that. Looking at each other, they both start to brainstorm for their luck. How perfect! If what this moron said was true, then being here wouldn't be a waste of their time.

“I can take care of the room,” Chuuya says with cocky confidence. He turns to Akutagawa, ignoring the stuttering man, “You should take the exit and call for backup. That way, we have a higher chance it will prevent them from escaping.”

Akutagawa nods, pulling out his phone, he dials Tachihara and his group to come. Chuuya's about to head over to the room without asking for directions when he's pulled back by his shoulder. He mentally groans, knowing what will come next.

Dammit he should've sped up to Akutagawa.

“I'm very pleased to see you here, Mr. Nakahara. It has been a while since we've crossed paths,” the man says as he caresses his shoulder. 

Biting back a disgusted shudder and fighting the urge to gag from the disgusting scent of fish invading his nose, he looks at the man with a fake smile “Work has been hectic and as much as I would like to continue this conversation” ha as if “I really must leave to where im stationed” He shakes off the hand with a “Excuse me.”

The man clearly doesn't take the hint when he steps in Chuuya's path, leaving the omega to fume in his stance, “What's the rush? I can lead you there. It'll be rude of me to leave such a lovely visitor on his own and not risk him getting lost.”

Is this man insulting his sense of direction?

“Kind of you, but with the big display and crowd on that side of the room, it's clear I won't.” He tries to move but is blocked yet again. “Sir, I'd hate to report this to my chief, but if you don't let me continue to do my job, you'll be facing unspeakable charges.” 

Mr. Akamine isn't fazed by the threat. He boldly invades his space by wrapping his hands on his waist to pull him close.

Oh, god NO!

“Sir, this is–”

“What can I do to convince you for a date?”

Eww no.

“I have no interest, sir. Please let go, or I will call my partner to come back.” He glared up at the man now, uncaring how this would get him in trouble. The omega tenses when the alphas’ scent gets thicker and hands slide lower.

Is anyone not seeing this?!

“Come now, surely you must have some interest.” He gets bolder by sniffing near his neck where his glands are covered. “Omegas like you need an alpha like me to keep at their side. I can provide a good life for you to retire and take care of the children.” He sighs in content, uncaring how the omega tenses in his hold. “Imagine that life…”

Children? Retired? This man doesn't care what Chuuya wants, or he's ok with it. That's not a good life, that's a nightmare!

The omega growls, and before he can knee the man to prevent any sort of child from coming out of him, the lights go off. Screams and panic surround them, Chuuya catches a blur sweeping out of the auction room.

Cursing and shoving the man away, not giving a single fuck where he landed, he runs after the culprit. Calling through his earpiece to Akutagawa, he shouts, “Take care of the exits! I've got this bastard!” 

Not waiting for a reply, he shouts at the black clad figure. “Stop right there!!”

Running throughout the dim hallway, he fails to realize how the man leads him through another part of the museum where the covered sculptures surround the room.

Great, just what he needed.

Slowing his steps, he walks carefully with his gun pulled out. The omegas’ senses are on high alert with how eerily quiet it's gotten. But with how his nose catches another scent in the room, he knows the other person is still in the room with him, but hiding. “Whoever you are, step out with your hands up.”

Nothing, not even a rustle from sheets or a footstep but his own. He's not worried, the smell is still in the room, but he is growing irritated from the lack of response.

“I said, step out with your hands up or else it'll be worse for you.”

A chuckle is heard….behind him?

He'll scold himself for the slowness at a later time because right now he fell into a stupid predicament. His arms are forced behind him, gun falling from his fingers, a metal clicking is heard along his gasp. His vision goes black from a gloved hand covering over as an arm holds him to a broad chest.

He struggles in his captor's hold, fighting to break free from the arms while also juggling out of the cuffs when the scent, now clear, has his omega perking in curiosity; despite the lingering tobacco, it carries fresh green apples and cinnamon with a hint of sandalwood cedar. And from how dominating it is, Chuuya can tell the man is an alpha.

An alpha has caught him, and for the first time in his life, his omega reacts without his consent.

Not good.

Chuuya's mortified at how his body heats when a purr fights out of his chest. The body behind him freezes before a low rumble vibrates through, with another sound jolting him before the arm tightens.

Laughter. 

The bastard is finding humor in this situation.

“My~ isn't this a surprise? I wasn't told another cop was going to join in tonight.” 

Chuuya stops the shiver running up his spine when the man leans toward his ear. “Let alone them being an omega,” pointed nose trails over his ear, “a short, temporal yet annoyingly interesting omega.”

Oh fuck him!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how Detective Nakahara Chuuya met one of the infamous Phantom Thieves.

Chapter Text

Kick, struggle, twirl, repeat.

If any of his colleagues were to see him now, Chuuya wouldn't be quick enough to explain how it got to this or why it's taking him longer than usual to slap the cuffs.

“Normally I would prefer to dance back at the ballroom, but my! Aren't you a romantic one, preferring this in private? I'm definitely swooning!” The bastard says after another twirl, igniting a mad scream from the shorter man.

It's a crime to sound so chirpy while stupidly holding him like a plushie.

The nerve of this jackass!

He's too humiliated to stop the words from slipping “Unless you have a death wish, let me the fuck go!” The gloved hand has yet to be removed from his eyes, but it doesn't deter him from baring his fangs. “I'm giving you 5 seconds before I shove you straight to the ground, beat you to a pulp until you beg for mercy.”

“Wow, a sweet talker as well. Don't threaten me with a good time, detective.” The voice nears his ear, breath fanning–it raises goosebumps. “But if I'm gonna be honest, appealing as it sounds, the one who would be begging won't be me.” 

Brain momentarily disconnects, it takes an embarrassingly long time to reboot. The nip to his earlobe has Chuuya's cheeks flaring hot, he struggles harder than he has, cursing the other for the inappropriate words and action. The alpha isn't faced, he laughs at his reaction, continuing their silent dance before randomly stopping. Sensing him distracted and with so much strength in his leg, Chuuya donkey kicks the thief. 

It should've worked, it should've been his ticket to freedom, but as if anticipating it, the alpha bends him over sideways, causing his leg to shoot at his side. Chuuya yelps at the sudden drop. If he could see, he'll know how close his face is to kissing the ground.

But that's a minor problem. What takes away that fear is the new position he's dealing with. He doesn't dare acknowledge the show of strength from the man holding him but his neck burns hotter than a stove with how his ass is pressed to the man's crotch.

One leg hooked on trembling thighs, the other fighting for its life, his omega isn't helping him with how it's pointing out the size the man isn't trying to hide.

He wants the ground to open up and swallow him away.

“You idiot!”

“I should be saying that!” the man huffs. “Who would've thought such a small person would weigh this much!”

“I'm not heavy, you jerk! It's muscle!” Chuuya croaks, “Put me down, RIGHT NOW!”

“Sure! If you say so, Chibi!”

“Don't call me that, you–”

He's cut off when he's pressed fully to the ground, the man has the audacity to fall on top of him, trapping him with no actual way to escape.

He wheezes, trying to make sense of it all. He's alone, stuck, and handcuffed by a man he has yet to recognize.

How much time has passed?!

“You're heavy, fucker! Get off me!!”

“Geez, are cops supposed to be this foul-mouthed? Oh! What's this?” 

Chuuya feels hot air on his exposed neck, heart thumping in his ears. This man wouldn't…

“Interesting..so no one has claimed you. Nice to know!”

Why would he…?

“What are you on about now–”

“This was fun, detective, but my time is coming to a close.” The arm underneath Chuuya slips out, but the hand covering his eyes remains. The thief holds Chuuya down with the press of his hips and hand at his lower back. The redhead, with so much restraint, stops every noise from slipping out from how that pressure sends shocks of pleasure through him.

There is no way he's getting aroused.

“I got what I wanted. But let me steal another thing.”

Chuuya wobbles to buck him off. “You will do no such thing. You are under arrest! Going straight to a rotting cell for inappropriate behavior to an officer, petty theft, and –”

He's suddenly flipped to his back, hands stuck underneath his body, Chuuya has his speech stopped by something soft and wet.

Lips are pressed to his, and not a simple kiss or peck, but one where he's getting devoured in a possessive claim. Tongue shoved deep, gracing his fangs, making itself home.

He's dizzy, heart galloping fast, and he'll scold himself for it too, but he responds with equal fever. Sue him, he couldn't help it, it felt so good. 

The alpha growls in satisfaction, causing the omega to whine for him. Those lips part, trailing away from his mouth to his jaw and neck. Gloved hand still covering his eyes, the other holding his hips. Chuuya moans from it all, it's so wrong, he could get in trouble if he were to be caught this way, but–

“Detective~ you're so good for me. Such a pretty omega.”

What was he babbling about?

Chuuya's so conflicted, mind can't differentiate between good and bad right now. His cunt is beginning to drench in his boxers when a salivating bulge lightly humps him. The alpha growls louder when the smell of their arousal floats in the air.

Lord, take him away.

But before the heat grows, the alpha stops, letting Chuuya finally cool down. He can't see him, but the small breeze passing through their bodies has Chuuya knowing the man lifted himself to see the aftermath. He must be a flushing mess if the satisfied and proud growl radiating from the other is to go by.

“So divine, but alas, I now must leave. Till next time, detective...”

Chuuya feels some sort of rag pressed to his face. His eyes widen when he recognizes the smell ‘No fucking way!!’

The asshole is using chloroform on him.

RED FUCKING FLAG!!

He begins to fight again, but it's too late to stop his body from relaxing rapidly. The last thing the omega hears is the bastard's soft drawl.

“I'm sure we'll meet again.”

The darkness embraces him fully.

He's being shaken back and forth; he grumbles at the act, swatting away blindly at the person interrupting his sleep.

“Go away, it's not time to get up.”

“Uh, forgive me, sir, but now is not really the best time for jokes.”

That sounds like his partner. Why is Akutagawa in his room? Wait, why is his bed so fucking hard? 

Eyes flashing open, he takes in his surroundings. He's not at home but at the museum, where he was supposed to help as security until–

His head darts around; it's him and Akutagawa in a random hallway. No other citizens or officers are around.

“How…?”

Akutagawa shakes his head in dismay. “I found you lying here handcuffed. Akamine was correct. The thieves showed, but it wasn't singular. They came as a trio, the ring leader made his presence known while the other two stole some of the artifacts.”

“Were they of value?!”

“Only the diamond: the Lamb's Heart. The rest were of stupid, useless paintings.”

Chuuya curses. He doesn't really care about the paintings (most were useless and lacked certain things), but the diamond?

That could send him to an early retirement if sold at the right price.

He gets up from his spot on the ground, flushing when he feels the slight wetness between his legs. Akutagawa, bless his heart, doesn't call him out on it.

Kinda.

“Did you, uh, run into some issues?”

The omega avoids making any sort of eye contact by dusting his pants and fixing his suit jacket. He'll only allow his partner to see him disheveled. “None that I couldn't handle.” Blue eyes flashing up before averting again. “Why you ask?” he blurts.

It's idiotic to tiptoe toe but how else can he explain what happened without sounding like a blushing maiden? It's not like he can blurt to the other, ‘I chased one of the phantoms, turned out he was an alpha, who caused my omega to grow wild. He felt so good on my body that we ended up making out back at the statue's room. And oh! I don't know which one it was because he covered my eyes through it all.’

Akutagawa won't snitch on him, but he can scold him for how dangerous it was to submit to an unknown alpha in the middle of a public room.

“It's not my place to ask, but your scent is….uh… different.” He coughs

That has Chuuya finally glancing at him. The alpha looks constipated, but it's not in pain. It borders more on trying to figure out why his partner, after separating for a short bit, is smelling more ... sweeter in a sense, but also sour.

Chuuya's eyes widened, trying to locate the scent while passing a hand to his neck. He sighs in relief when his scent blockers are still in place, but unless his partner is suggesting his fading arousal, he’ll swallow his embarrassment–that's the only smell that reaches him. He can trust that Akutagawa would bluntly say it, not stall in the way he's doing.

“What do I smell like?” He asks while walking closer to him, but stops in stunned surprise when the alpha backs away.

Chuuya’s more confused than hurt because he can't detect anything, but Akutagawa is insisting he smells different. 

“Ryu, your silence and hesitation are making me grow weary.” He says in forced calmness. He can't panic for something that may have an answer, “What do I smell like?”

Akutagawa inhales one last time before cupping his nose as if it were a mistake. Chuuya can barely feel the insult, but his whole body grows cold when he responds,

“You smell….. as if you were already mated. Did you meet your potential mate here?”

Chapter Text

Potential Mates were some sort of fairy tales–myths, some would correct.

“It's a feeling you won't get tired of.” Fuku would say, a gentle smile on her face as she combs through her son’s short curls. Blue big eyes look in wonderment as she tells him the story, “You may not meet them right away, but once you do, they'll be the most beautiful people your heart will love and see.”

Since then, Chuuya kept that close to his heart while growing up. Meeting and parting from many, he wasn't lying when he said it was hard and they were a bunch of idiots. Yet he never lost hope.

Should he tell you about the first displeasure?

Yeah, sure, why not!

The first time he bumped into the biggest douche bag was when he recently presented before the beginning of his high school year. An omega, rare in their class, with the sweetest smell known to man.

He never had any issues with it, enjoyed the praises and compliments he would gain from how soothing his scent would be, or the shocked faces he would gain from demonstrating how different he would be from the other omegas. 

But this douche?

He never went a day without harassing Chuuya about being one of the girls.

“You will just be a regular breeding machine like them other omegas. Apart from being the size of one, your scent is too girly to be taken seriously.” his disgusting pheromones insult Chuuya’s freckled nose “Why not be a good little bitch and roll over for us? Bet that cunt would love to be stuffed to the brim.”

Teeth had never been easier to knock out from disrespecting mouths. Shouts and screams have never been the best tracks on his playlist.

Suspension was not the best news to bring to his parents, but it did bring a loud laugh to his stepbrother and friends after hearing his comments.

Paul never saw anything wrong whenever he would answer with his fists, being fully aware of how most omegas get treated with blatant disdain. He was proud of Chuuya for defending what is right. His best friends always cheered for him and weren't afraid to get their hands dirty either when messy alphas or betas would come close with bad intentions.

“You're like a trouble magnet, dude.” Albatross says, cleaning the redhead's bloody knuckles in his small bathroom, “But that's OK, we love you just the way you are.”

Chuuya snorts, “And you're an idiot, but you're alright, I guess.”

“Hey! No insulting your doctor here. He's trying to focus on getting this hand to stop bleeding.”

“Mediocre compared to Doc. He can get this to stop flowing without using a whole roll or two.”

“Shut up!”

That whole interaction and many more after that motivated him to join the police force. Nobody was willing to fight for omegas, so why not do the impossible to make a change?

It was a rough journey, but it was worth getting to the top. He never looked back on his choices, always knew what he wanted and how to achieve it, but admittedly, he was lonely.

Nothing could replace the feeling, moments in his room had him thinking why not set a dating account or go bar hopping in hopes to lose his virginity, but it all goes away when the consequences click in making him second guess.

The last thing he'll want is either be killed, stalked, or pregnant by idiocy.

Fuck all that.

Back in his apartment, everything that transpired has him pacing his floors, uncaring if his steps wake his downstairs neighbors this late at night.

There's no way that's true, right? 

There's no way he found his mate without actually knowing what he looked like, and is considered a criminal at that.

Fucking shit, things like this would happen to him and only him.

Akutagawa could be wrong, yeah, that could be the case. Or at least he tried to convince himself of it if Akamine wasn't acting the same way his partner had when the redhead approached to give him the details of the night.

“Heh” it slips out of him with no regret. Despite the circumstances, it makes him giddy that the man has finally backed off and only left them with a stuttering “I-it's fine. I'll explain everything to Rintarou how it was my fault the night ended the way it did. You men have a good night!”

He walked away so fast as if someone opened fire on his ass.

Good riddance.

“Nope, no. I'm tired; that has to be it. There's no way this is true.”

Yet Chuuya can feel only himself trying to convince because his omega is trying to divert him to his right.

His eyes shift to the piece of clothing haphazardly thrown earlier at his couch, narrowing at the stupid thing for alluring his omega like a beacon. He's not one to give in to temptation, but…

“This is so fucking stupid” he mumbles under his breath yet moves towards it.

Picking off his jacket from where he threw it on the back of his sofa, he brings it to his nose in a deep inhale. His scent is there, but he can catch another fainter one: fresh apples and cinnamon with a hint of sandalwood cedar. Fainter than usual, the tobacco is a welcoming addition.

His omega purrs at the scent alone, causing his body to heat with arousal again, remembering back how those lips felt all over available skin.

Chuuya throws the jacket away with newfound strength, watching it fly to the other side of the couch near his bookshelf. He flops into the armchair, cradling his head.

“It's wrong, Chuuya. You can't actually be thinking this will not end the way you think it will.” He murmurs to himself, rocking slightly to stop the emotions from clouding his thoughts.

There are pros and then there are cons. Big red flagged cons.

The pros

• He has someone
• They carry a scent so strong it backs any alphas away from approaching 
• He is tall.

Cons: 

• He's a criminal 
• Labeled as most wanted by his partner
• Annoying 
• A dumbass
• His omega is completely smitten

That last thought has his stomach churning. He wouldn't call it nerves, but this is new territory that he is unaware of how to approach.

Biting his lip, his eyes dart at the clock he has on his coffee table. It's atrocious, decorated with many bunnies and ducks in bright yellow. Albatross gifted it to him a while back when he went thrift shopping with Lippmann during Easter break.

Not an unusual place to find things, but when they're both thrifting together, they find the impossible. 

“Consider it an early birthday gift! You need color in your life and in that gloomy apartment.” The sunglasses wearing alpha had said after stuffing his face with the cupcakes he'd brought.

He does have color, he just doesn't bring it to work, jackass.

It reads 11:58 pm. Sigh, there's no need to stress his whole night away. He'll think rationally in the morning. With that, he gets up and forces his legs to move to his bedroom, ignoring the scent he left behind.

He doesn't need it following him in his dreams.

The knocking is what awakens him back up. At first, he thought it was his neighbors themselves doing it in revenge, but it's not coming underneath him.

Groggily, Chuuya reaches his nightstand to see the time on his phone–2:45 am

Ok, whoever is behind the door is about to die because they did not just wake him up near witching hour after barely managing to sleep.

Ignoring the knock crosses his mind, but the longer the persistence is occurring at his door, the more grouchy he feels himself getting. The omega growls and, with a swift swirl of the covers, he stomps his way out in his tank top and shorts, ripping the door open to arrest the idiot.

Only to stare blankly when no one is behind. His eye twitches in frustration, but before he slams it back close, something else catches his eye. At his doorstep, there's an envelope, and from the looks of it, after turning it over, anonymous.

…..

FUCK this bastard or bitch on this life and to the next.

Chuuya, despite fuming, doesn't slam the door, nor does he stomp back to his bed, but he does rip the poor envelope nearly in half to reveal a very neat yet short letter.

“The fuck is this?” He grumbles in confusion before suspiciously opening it. “Better be worth the lack of sleep, or I'm installing a better security system.”

Bringing it close, his eyes widen when his nose catches a scent—one that has him groaning and his omega perking in delight. 

He's not going to go to sleep tonight.

No wait, HOW THE FUCK did this bastard get his address?!?

He opens the letter with shaky (why is he shaky?) fingers and skims it quickly. Blinking once, twice, he rereads it carefully.

Chuuya's brain has to still be sleeping because this isn't what he thinks it is.

‘To the shortest detective I had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting,

Never have I ever thought I'd ever see myself writing to the law, let alone a small yapping dog, but if I can be frank, you captivated my attention. 

I despise it with a burning passion, but try as I might, I can't seem to ignore the chase. I'm curious about you, sweetheart. And I have a small hunch, like yourself, that you are feeling the same. Can't get the taste of your lips off of mine or the noises I got out of you back at the museum out of my head.

And should I mention your scent?

What it does to me?

It's not logical, even ludicrous, to think I wouldn't be caught one way or another, but driving you crazy wins the risks. Let's play, darling.

After all, you caused this, chibi. Time to make do with your actions. I'll be looking forward to our next rendezvous.

Yours Truly,

                     –D.O’

He lies back onto the pillows, body growing warmer and uncomfortably wet from the declaration. 

This man, this thief, he can't be serious?!

Right?

He feels himself purr, but that's the least of his problems because his detective brain has activated over a small detail.

He got a name. 

The thief gave Chuuya what Akutagawa had been struggling to find since the beginning of the investigation. Initials, actually, but it's a start.

D.O

Chuuya removes his hands from his flushed face, contemplating now on what he should do next.

If anyone who is so dedicated to the law received this type of letter, they would have turned it in as evidence and used themselves as bait to lure the other out with no way to escape.

Yes, that's what Chuuya should do. It's his obligation to do the right thing.

But why does a part of himself–he's not talking about his omega here– is so deeply against it?

Despite being a criminal, here is a man interested in him. Not as the detective or as an omega, but as him, Chuuya. 

And like how it's written (jerk), Chuuya's also curious. He wants to see the face behind the scent.

“It's wrong…” he mumbles into his pillow. “Why couldn't they be a regular alpha? With a normal life?”

‘Because they're boring jerks and none have caught you the way he did.’

He can't argue with that.

Looking at the time again, 3:20 am, he releases another body-exhausting groan. He's not gonna think about it anymore, not during the devil's hour.

It'll have him making stupid decisions, and no one would be there to stop him.

Ignoring the elephant in his bed, he gets comfortable again, bringing the covers all the way to his nose and curling on one of the pillows. It's not long to know he's out like a light after that, light snores filling the room.

(Chuuya refuses to admit it was the lingering smell of apples/sandalwood, and tobacco at his side that soothed him to the best sleep he's ever had.)

Chapter Text

Weeks have passed since the last letter but came in the odd pattern of envelopes at the most random night times for Chuuya.

With very explicit letters in them.

Chuuya lost count how many times he had done laundry for not only his boxers but for his sheets also when the heat became too consuming to ignore.

Goddamn, he's going to have a sudden addiction if this man doesn't quit it. With the way he soaks, it's almost as if he's going through his usual heat with no pause button.

Although, he sleeps way quicker than he usually would and his omega feels satisfied to where it's not snapping for the lack of attention.

“There's not much to pin where the next crime would be but our next bet would be the exhibition for the annual celebration of their opening.” Akutagawa says, adding a sticky note to the board of papers.

Chuuya blinks back to the present, pen in between his lips as his hands finally shuffle his paperwork. “Anniversary already?” He slumps in his chair “Let me guess, we're invited again?” 

“It would seem not this time.” The black haired alpha says, surprising the omega. “It went to Tachihara and Gin this time, but I'll be there to keep an eye in case.”

The lack of words from Chuuya has Akutagawa rolling his eyes. “I'm aware it's not something I would do but with the amount of crimes these parasites are doing we may have a lead or a name at least.”

Ah yes, another small detail Chuuya forgot to mention…he never gave the initials. He never gave them the letters.

How could he? Those aren't for the faint hearted and Chuuya would rather go to events and other public outings himself than have the detectives read what that bastard wrote for and about him.

Waking up he did his own research, not much to go by but should have anticipated the amount of D.O's that had popped up on his laptop screen detailing how most were already dead and a few probably living all over Japan–instant migraine.

It's not like he can scout and do his own private investigation without anyone getting suspicious, but the bastard isn't making things easy. 

If only he can find a way to lure him out–

“Guys! It's time for fan mail!!” Higuchi comes in with a bright smile, carrying in her arms what looks to be a huge pile of paperwork and cards. Chuuya can bet they're mostly for his gloomy partner who is deliberately ignoring the room but the omega does have his share of admirers.

At least they're not balloons and plushies with lingering pheromones again–a waste.

“Time for that too?” Chuuya steps around to help her with his share. Yup, just cards and envelopes for him. “Boss really is generous with the people to let this keep going how long it has.”

“Great public image he would say but at least he made sure it didn't go overboard like last time.”

Ah, how to forget the best laugh he got out of it. If he thought his gifts and mail were bad at least he wasn't Albatross and Tachihara who received gags and other bdsm materials with detailed scenarios each.

Both alphas got so paranoid and conducted their own investigation on who was the person behind it but concluded the case cold after no luck. The Flags and the Black Lizards never let mail day pass without a “Let's see if you got new toys to play with.”

What a memorable day in the station.

Chuuya snickers, “Sad, we need more moments like those if I'm gonna be honest.” He skims through the pile “Although with how long they were going at it and nearly driving everyone to the wall, maybe it was for the b–”

He halts his sentence when a familiar looking envelope invades his vision. Heart beating fast, he hopes his scent doesn't–

“Is everything alright, Chuuya?” the Alpha asks in a hidden concern tone getting near the frozen omega. “Your scent is…off.”

Shit.

“You got tense all of a sudden, sir.” Higuchi says next, stepping on his left “Is there another harassment card in the pile? Maybe I'll start sending them to the boss first before scattering them around.”

Oh fuck.

“N–no, I just..uh..remembered how I may have left something unattended at home.” He stumbles out before swiftly placing the envelope in his inner coat pocket. He turns face to face with confused and unbelieving eyes. Lightening his scent to ease the worry away, he smiles “Really, it slipped my mind but if you'll excuse me, I need to make a brief phone call.”

He doesn't wait for an answer, swiftly stepping out of the room to head to one of the staff bathrooms. Making sure no one is in the stalls, he shoves himself into one and rips the envelope open. His omega swoons at the scent while his heart thunders in his chest, irritation and nerves bubble in his stomach as his eyes read through;

'To the shorty in the obnoxious uniform,

Figured you'd like the change of scenery if I were to send you during the day but if I'm going to be completely honest, it sucks.

However, despite the joy I find myself in coming up with so many things to torment you in such a public place, I would be generous just for today and withhold it.

Can't have other alphas chasing a sluggish pup. It'll only shorten them to stupidity.

So why not let you in on a small secret!

Would you save me another dance at tonight's exhibition?

We can even pick up where we left off, if you know what I mean?’

There's no signature this time but it doesn't stop his brain from working overtime and body warming at the same time.

Why is it that when he was thinking he was going to finally get some rest something always interferes with it?

Stupid fucking shitty bastard.

After making sure his scent isn't stronger than usual, Chuuya steps out of the stall to splash some water to cool down. Casually walking out, he makes it back to his office with the alpha being its sole intruder. Higuchi must've gone to deliver the rest of the mail.

He looks up in time for Chuuya to declare “All is good and since I have no plans tonight why don't I accompany you to the exhibition too?” He offers a cocky grin “I have to give those stupid phantoms my thanks for what they've done back at the museum.”

Akutagawa stares hard to detect any lies or reason but Chuuya is a master of persuasion and controlled faces. His partner won't find anything on him no matter how much he looks. The alpha sighs and returns back to his desk.

“Friday 8:00 pm. Do try to be there on time?”

Chuya nods, patting his chest where the letter is hidden “You can count on me. Just watch, they wont know what hit them having us back in the scene.”

It doesn't alert any noise nor does Akutagawa question the minor scent change. The alpha shrugs it off to go back to his reports, no time nor business to snoop on other people's daily life when he has criminals to lock behind bars. Chuuya focuses back on finishing his signature, alpha bastard shoved all the way to the back.

“You know, I thought I would have to find ways to entertain Gin and myself for the rest of the night but the added numbers are welcoming.”

Chuuya snorts, “You probably were thinking of some excuse to leave early and have boss send Kaiji or Higuchi to fill your place.”

“He couldn't come up with a good one before we got here.” Gin says, taking a sip of her drink “Not even his secret admirer can get him out.”

“Gin! Don't say that shit out loud. It'll ruin anyone coming my way!”

“No, your future partner has already done that. I'm merely stating facts.”

Chuuya laughs at his colleague’s pale face and whines as Akutagawa snorts quietly by his sister's side. Like promised, Chuuya made it and decided to meet with their other colleagues before parting ways to do their part of the plan. Mori didn't have an issue with it since it'll bring a good reputation to the force by having more of his officers in the field.

Tachihara and Gin were already expecting Akutagawa there but seeing Chuuya tagging along was a head scratch of confusion. Yet neither pressed on it, just welcomed.

Nevertheless, like how Tachihara stated; it's boring as hell. They really aren't doing much, just lingering on the sides, occasionally walking around chatting among themselves or guests. Boring in all capitals.

Though some portraits are nice to look at.

Chuuya faces his quiet partner “Anything we should look out for before we disperse?”

The alpha contemplates the words “Sources say they'll try to aim for one of the paintings the exhibition had recently displayed but it could be some of the artifacts that's drawn most of the public's attention.” he frowns in thought “We should keep an eye on both things to avoid casualties.”

“Well if that's the case, I'll head over to the paintings. We can switch after an hour at most.”

The alpha nods, Chuuya then turns to his other colleagues “Well I'll be seeing you, keep alert. If anything comes up, radio us to come back.”

They nod and wish each other luck. Chuuya makes his way through the crowd to where he sets himself for the rest of the hour. One way or another he’ll capture that thief for the harassment he's done.

Nothing. In the seconds that have passed, nothing has happened.

Chuuya can feel a throb on his temple for the sheer irritation and anger bubbling in him for what could have been a prank done. How the fuck did he fall for such a shitty act?!

If he had ignored it, by now he would've been at home in his pajamas finishing his last remains of red wine while enjoying his self care routine.

But noooo, justice called and had him skipping all that for an agonizing boring night with people who can't take a hint and let him be while chasing an idiot who is skyrocketing on his list of temper rises.

Not much to go by but the stupid jerk placed himself comfortably on top.

He's about to call Akutagawa when a sudden noise teaches his ears. The omega turns to the location, at first didn't spot anything abnormal but can make out a random shadow skipping away.

Yes people skipping, he's not exhausted enough to hallucinate on stupid shit.

Adrenaline rushing, he makes through the crowd again, eyes never leaving his target. He runs after the other when mobility becomes free.

“STOP RIGHT THERE!!” He shouts, command completely going to deaf ears by the thief still running. Screams are heard behind him but he's too far away to distinguish the problem happening in the other room.

‘Leaving it to you, Ryu.’

Zigs zaps till he somehow reaches the roof's greenhouse, no escape now. Yet somehow there's no sign of him. Chuuya does a light sniff, fresh flowers and dirt reach but in the mist another does as well.

He's prepared this time, like hell he'll repeat the same mistake.

“Nowhere to run. Come out with your hands up, right now.” He hisses, eyes darting attentively “We don't need to escalate the whole thing because of your shitty antics, you shitty bas–”

“Oh boo! And here I was trying to recreate our last meeting.” a voice says cheerfully.

Chuuya turns around quickly but his vision is yet again obscured by a gloved hand pushing him to the glass wall. He kicks and punches the alpha away, gleefully sneering when a few grunts are heard but the man is quick to slide between his legs and pin an arm. His other arm continues till it's trapped between them.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!”

“What a mouth! Do you treat everyone this way or am I just getting special treatment?”

“Get off me! You're fucking heavy, you idiot.”

“In a bit slug, but first~”

Chuuya feels a pair of cool lips landing on his, body freezing with how they smoothly slide his. A tongue prods and with little hesitation, he allows it. An approved rumble resonates on him causing a purr to be loose.

Shit! He's supposed to apprehended the man, not make out with him AGAIN!?

With all his might, he twists his head and tries to free one limb to push him away. A mistake he'll soon realize when his palm meets firm muscle over the shirt and lips and canines move down his neck. Hands roam hungrily, no shame where they land.

His omega is floored with the attention, body can't help but make his scent sweeter than it has been. The alphas scent mingles with his in response, both intoxicating and arousing Chuuya fears he won't be able to stop what happens next.

He clenches his eyes but pops them right open when he notices the breeze hitting. Turning so fast that it nearly gave him whiplash, blue eyes widened on what greets him.

Eyes, dark as the night with a slight red tint look back: one exposed, another masked. Hair wavy and soft looking–dark, brunette–covered by a black hideous hat with a purple feather in it, oddly matching the whole black and purple suit and coat. Lips pulled back in a rouge smirk showing off glistening canines.

The omega gawks as the alpha stands to full height. He stared, no thoughts in his head, only repairs being done to reboot. The alpha croons at the stunned redhead, enjoying the first impression.

“Hello, darling. Nice to finally meet you~”

Akutagawa didn't say the Phantom Thief's ring leader was going to be this attractive?!

Chapter Text

Life was meaningless.

At least to Dazai, it was. There's not a single day that has passed where it could ‘wow’ him back to his existence. Very boring, very repetitive.

He can't say where it started exactly or blame it on trauma to cause the view–childhood was decent and normal as one can say, not counting the bullying that is– but he felt like he was missing something. 

What may that be? He doesn't know.

‘Maybe when I present, a change would come,’ he would say to himself. The brunette didn't care about the dynamic; many never saw him as someone worth acknowledging to help navigate.

He could give a rat's ass about it. Never had before, he won't now.

Being a beta would be nice, walking around without a care in the world with no standard ruts or heats to worry about. He can try giving life another chance if that is the result.

He presented as an alpha instead.

….fuck life.

If many expected it, they made no motion to act surprised or joyed—Dazai wasn't. He resented the dynamic, resented it even more before having a hunch that's what his body was leading to after many bullies and adults found him unnerving when he would brush himself off the ground and glare with no minimal effort while unknowingly releasing pheromones–unwelcoming putrid pheromones many would whisper.

The dominance he felt right after was like a drug for him, but it came with a heavy price–isolation being one of them.

And bad crowds too.

Trying many things during his teenage years was a social experiment, but not an unwelcome one. Smoking, sleeping around, even a few robberies, to see if it can spark something in him, to be proud of his alpha status.

It just gave him bad habits.

Ones that triggered his depression even further, resulting in his suicidal habits to come clinging to his arms–no pun for that. Didn't even know he had it to begin with till his friend pointed it out when he was 16.

“Going down this road is just going to be a never-ending hell for you.” Oda would say after taking a sip of his whiskey. “Why not try exploring out of that cycle and focus on another goal?”

“And that would be... what, exactly?” Dazai would say distractedly, finger numbly pushing down his ice ball in the half-empty tumbler. It's kinda relaxing for him to do, mind going blank as he slumps cheek-faced in the bar.

“Maybe try searching for your partner? No harm in turning that into a goal.” The other alpha would suggest with a pat on his shoulder.

If only it were that easy.

During his childhood, many of the other kids stirred away from him like a contaminated plague wherever he went. Some girls were brave enough to approach, but it wouldn't last long before they would run and not turn back. Whispers about his eyes and demeanor were the reason for it. 

No one wanted to be around someone who was considered a soulless pup or a broken alpha.

His parents tried to get him involved in the family elite parties in hopes of a connection, but it was the same result. His mother, bless her heart, supported and cheered for him until her sudden passing from an unknown disease, leaving him with his father who spent most of his childhood busy with work.

Unforgiving.

Neglected from late childhood to the beginning of his teenage years all the way to adulthood, he gave up. On perfection and the concept of companionship because like the whispers of his past, it followed him to the present, uncaring if his appearance changed–An attractive, tall, and enigmatic alpha who many men and women still swooned for yet scrambled away due to his haunting scent.

Bad trouble will only follow if you were to be in his perimeter, new whispers would say, wherever he would pass.

Dazai carried that belief for over 26 years until suddenly, the unexpected happened. A whiff of sweetness and seductiveness, his alpha, curiously enough, stopped the brunette in his tracks to hunt the source. A mess in the making because when they both found it, it was too good to be true.

Let Dazai explain his side of things that dreadful (wrong!) night.

The job was supposed to be easy: sneak in, grab the diamond, then bail before the lights came back on. They’ve done it multiple times, none unsuccessful. His group of thieves was notorious for rebellious streaks–a group of misunderstood individuals wanting to find a place in the world, yet left to fend for themselves. A proud group to be part of.

It did not go that way.

That night, he was paired with the youngest of their group, Nakajima Atsushi: 24, omega, sweet but a real menace when on his bad side. Dazai grew a soft spot for him, but nowhere near intimate. Borderlines more on the little brother than an actual partner in life.

“You take care of the lights, then meet with Yosano to grab as many things as you guys can. We'll meet in the back alley where Ranpo is waiting for us with the car.” He had said, fixing his gloves, “If you feel eyes on you, blend with the crowd till you lose them.” 

Atsushi nodded. He's nervous, but again, not the first time for either of them. “See you later and be careful. That cop is here roaming the area.”

Dazai smirks, “Come now, do you think I’ll be stupid enough to linger with him around?”

Both men don't waste time, each going their separate ways. They roam, but once the lights come and people begin panicking, Dazai manages to sneak into the auction room–so many rarities are displayed, but one is what he's here for.

A beautiful blood-red diamond with minor hints of white if shined correctly, one he'd seen during many online interviews: Lamb's Heart.

Eye-catching and extremely gorgeous, many demand to possess this fine gem. 

He snatches it like candy, carefully tucking it into his coat before running out of the room. Ranpo had outside help with the cameras, making everything go perfectly. 

At least it should've been when that scent came after him with a shout. “Stop right there!!”

‘Shit!’ is what rings in his head as he continues running and dodging. He makes it inside a random statue-covered room, squatting behind one. Waits till the other comes, but is completely entranced to sneak back out.

Fuck him and his alpha, no amount of bleach can remove the sight to forget.

Short, well-kept strawberry/blonde hair curling all over. A very peculiar hairstyle but oddly fitting. The person's suit hugs his frame so well, that the thoughts that come floating in Dazai's head are not for the innocent. 

And his scent?

His alpha is demanding to get near, and for once, Dazai doesn't ignore the instinct. Creeping behind, he bites back a chuckle from the man's continued irritation. He's gonna be fun to mess with.

A shame what he does next, but he can't let himself be seen just yet, can't ruin the moment with his appearance. Quick as a flash, he restrained the yelping cop—fighting back a twitch from how cute it sounded—covering his eyes and pulling the redhead towards him to avoid the surprising struggle.

The man is rowdy, and with a quick sniff, it's enough for Dazai to be thrown into another surprising loop. That spark he's been searching for? Flares in him with an overwhelming speed. 

What is this?

“My~ isn't this a surprise? I wasn't told another cop was going to join in tonight.” 

Because the cop he has in his arms...

“Let alone them being an omega,” Dazai says in a low rumble, pointed nose trails over the shorter male's ear. The shiver it brings out causes the alpha to roar in triumph, “a short, temporal yet annoyingly interesting omega.”

Is a male omega who is annoyingly causing his alpha to claim on the spot. That should only happen when…he finally found his fated mate.

Gross.

That night ended with more achievements than he'd ever sought. Yosano and Atsushi got many paintings to resell, he got the diamond to add to his collection, plus the lingering fresh taste of the detective's lips and sweet noises.

That spark has yet to fade from his whole body, vibrating like a satisfying orgasm from the many late nights he's ventured.

He's disturbed and at a loss. On one hand, he wants to go back and find him again to arouse the feeling, but on the other hand? The alpha wants to bash his head into concrete because there is no way this is happening.

No way did he find his mate at the drop of a hat and a law hound no less.

He's pacing, not knowing another presence has entered the room with him. The beta watches in amusement but grows bored after a few seconds. He sighs, “Why not write to him? What’s the worst that can happen?”

“He's a cop, Ranpo. Worst case would be him using it as evidence to track any of us down. He may have already told our friendly cop about the encounter.” Dazai says before slumping on the sofa with a whine, “Why is this happening to me?! My life was better with no annoying omegas flanking around.”

“We both know that ain't true, but eh, not my place to argue.” He says nonchalantly, “And second, I don't think he's going to say anything. Imagine how that would look for him. Fancy Pants is a respectable guy from what I heard, he won't let this tarnish what he made for himself.”

Dazai removes his arm to look at Ranpo, the green-eyed man staring back, plopping a chocolate kiss in his mouth. It's silent before, “Are you really motivating me to do this?

The black-haired man shrugs, “Will it stop this 1 am pacing? Some of us want to sleep and not hear you bitch and groan.”

He pouts and throws a pillow at his offender, who sees it coming and throws one back. They go back and forth till Yosano comes down and snaps at them for the constant noise. Never let it be known men aren't afraid of women, especially if they aren't getting their beauty sleep.

A new mission is in motion.

The alpha, after dragging the beta with him, goes to the omega's apartment, directions courtesy of the beta himself. He forces Ranpo to wait for him while he goes to the door, tempted to knock until the omega comes out in person, but shoves the urge down.

Dropping the envelope down, he knocks for a good minute before shifting them in demanding knocks, where Ranpo had to come and drag the other away.

It may have been his idea, but the beta would have preferred to be at home rather than be caught with his idiotic friend by the same cop who is chasing them.

After that night and with no police activity looking for them (excluding their usual heists), night after night at most random times, Dazai would come, leave an envelope, and then vanish. Every letter detailing his thoughts, desires, and many more things, he has no shame in admitting what he would love to do to the omega. His curiosity is sparked, and there's no way it can go away now.

Dazai knows his friends are aware of his distraction and know he's far too gone to stop the chase, but it's not like this new problem is going to stop him from causing mischief with them.

He's the ring leader of the Phantom Thieves after all, it'd be odd if he didn't partake in any robberies.

How else will he find the perfect gift for the prideful detective?

But this last one, he's bold enough to send it during daylight to the actual station itself. A new job is in the works with the exhibition’s anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than with the redhead disgustingly invading his mind?

A little near the celebration’s end, he separates from Yosano, who switched with Atsushi after the white-haired man had his heat come during the week. Ranpo is taking care of him in the meantime with Poe at his side. Both foresaw the chaos through the cameras.

A painting in Yosano's hands and gorgeous artifacts in a few bags, it's a miracle they are able to sneak it out in time before anyone can notice what they've done. Lights shutting off is just for dramatic effect.

Well, almost in time.

Skip in his step, his body tense when the sound of running is heard behind. He and his alpha both know who it is. Running now, he laughs giddily at the irritated “STOP RIGHT THERE!!”

One thing led to another, and Dazai found themselves on the building’s roof greenhouse, pinning yet again his beloved torture. Shrieks and snarls are silenced with lips, his alpha croons at the returned gesture, scent spiking and reaching out to mingle with a sweeter one. What he does next can either be the best mistake he's made or the worst.

He relaxes his palm on the detective's eyes, giving the omega enough movement to shrug it off and see him. The brunette waits patiently, but when his eyes connect to a lovely dark shade of blue, it's safe to say that during these past 26 years, this might be the first time he might be in love.

Agonizing 

Because blue eyes don't stare back in disgust, fear, or belittling his existence, blue eyes stare in pure shock, innocence, and curiosity. Even detect a small dose of lust in them.

His chest swells, and with a low tone, he says, “Hello, darling. Nice to finally meet you~”

The scent surrounding them has never caused Dazai to be so high and fascinated in his miserable life.

Chapter Text

Minutes or hours may have passed but the omega can't seem to glance away. The alpha is no better, eyes roaming all over Chuuya, he has to bite back a shiver and whine from how those eyes darken.

Attraction aside, Chuuya has a job to do and that's to arrest the man in front of him. With a profound strength, the omega breaks out of the brunette's hold, stunning the man in place. With a swift pull of his cuffs, he takes hold of a bandaged wrist and twists the man around. The brunette blinking at the sudden move, lets it happen.

The omega huffs and for a moment falters at the submission but shakes it off. He can't afford to question it.

“You are hereby under arrest for robbery and treason. Anything you say will be held against you in the court–”

He's cut off when he hears snickers above him. His eyes twitch when he meets eyes over a black-clad shoulder. He sneers at the alpha, kicking the back of his leg to drop him to his knees. The alpha makes a sound but he's still laughing.

“The fuck is so funny, asshole?”

The thief cheekily smiles at him, it's clear he's enjoying the omega's frustration. “You still haven't answered my question, darling.” He shuffles on his knees to face the perplexed omega. He doesn't get far with how the detective has a firm grip on his coat “Do you treat all your arrests this way or am I just special?”

Chuuya blinks stupidly at the cheeky man before his eyes narrow “Don't consider yourself special, you lunatic. You deserve it after all the trouble you and your band of mischief have been causing to my partner and the rest of the force.”

“Oh my, sorry not sorry for it.” Dazai shrugs “Maybe he should try to do better than running headless in places he has no reason to be at.” He rolls his eyes before a bored face takes over “If he can't do his job right, he should just quit. Don't think the police need incompetent alphas running around.”

It comes so fast, Dazai is amazed at the lack of pain blooming. The punch Chuuya threw at him should cause irritation to erupt but it gives the opposite. His blood rises, yes but it comes in a form of a twisted sense of mixed challenge and arousal from the omega's overprotective response. His head is still turned, licking the blood that waters at his lips. It'll be a mistake to let it drip here where evidence is easy to gather.

A rookie mistake.

“If you know what's good for you, shut the fuck up.” Chuuya hisses out, scent now taking an unpleasant burn “You have no idea the struggle he went through to get where he is at.”

“Ah, but contrary to what you believe, I actually do know,” Dazai says with a wide-hinged smile. Eyes cold and dark, Chuuya doesn't dare look away from the danger “You see, police and thieves are quite the same. Both trying to make a name for themselves in a doomed forsaken world where standards are ridiculously high. Some achieve the status while others die trying, stupid." He inches closer to the omega, nuzzling his face in fabric-covered thighs. Dazai can feel the muscle jump underneath. He smiles, glancing up to startled blue “After all, isn't that the struggle you had to go through as well? How did that climb treat you?”

“S-shut up! You and I are nothing alike. What does someone breaking the law continuously know about struggle?” He stutters out, face flushing from the close proximity. He should've ignored the man and called Akutagawa right away to come take him away, not engulfed in his stupid comments or lose his temper. “You don't care about right or wrong, just love causing headaches wherever you go.”

“Oh, but we are, sweetheart. And I'll keep reminding you each time we meet. As for the law, you're right about it but I have personal reasons for it.” He says in a low tone, face shifting in danger signs rising in Chuuya “Although there are some rewards to it, mind if I show you?”

Chuuya can barely register the question when he's suddenly thrown on his back. His head lands on a gloved cushion forcing him to look up at amused eyes. His cuffs dangle in the thief's finger. 

No NOT again!!

He twists but the weight comes back down on him before he can escape. Legs parted on either side of a narrow waist, Chuuya can feel his face flush to the max when the alpha settles at ease. 

The moon is their only source of light shining down upon them, giving Dazai a clear image of the redhead's cherry-flushed face. Such an ethereal sight belonging to a loud sailor mouth chibi. 

The alpha wants to do so many bad things to him.

“Oh goodness, dear officer~ This look suits you so well.” He playfully closes in on the omega, scent coming back sweeter and shy. It's so salivating. “It almost makes me act so improper.”

“As if you haven't been doing it already, you..you mackerel!” Chuuya shrieks at him, twisting harder to escape. He pauses when two things happen: 1. His movements are brushing against a very noticeable lump and 2. Laughter is coming out from the alpha.

“Mackerel?! My, you're a creative one aren't you, chibi?” Dazai laughs brightly. If Chuuya had met the man in different circumstances, he would have swooned and marveled at how boyish and carefree that laughter sounded. 

But this isn't a perfect world and the alpha isn't a normal citizen but a criminal.

His omega needs to understand that but it's almost as if he's arguing with a void with how it ignores Chuuya and sighs dreamily at the alpha.

Not one to lose a fight he tries harder to escape but the alpha has other plans. He shamelessly meets his thrusts with his own hips causing a gasp to come out of the omega.

“What are you—”

“Like I said in my past letters that I'm sure you've read and deeply enjoyed–

“No, I haven't!!”

“You cause my interest darling. In ways I deeply dislike but oddly intriguing. My alpha won't stop being annoying if it doesn't have a taste.”

……

“The fuck are you on about again?!” the redhead screeches “Get the fuck off me or you'll be facing worst charges that will follow you to the next life.”

“I'll take the risk if it's a yapper like you doing the arresting.”

Chuuya's again silenced from screaming profanities at the man by soft lips descending on him. He tries one last time to push the man away but is taken by surprise when the alpha pauses and surprises him by releasing comforting pheromones. Chuuya knows it's a trick most alphas with bad intentions do to trick their prey into submission but this alpha on him has shown, behind bizarre actions, that he's genuinely interested in him.

It causes a flutter to stir in his heart at the realization.

Many things run and fly in his mind. The oath he took in bringing justice and safety to the city is digging its stakes in his brain to come back to rationally. To push, hit, and drag the man to the station to end the wild goose chase he and his group have caused them.

That's what he should be doing, it's his job. 

But fuck, he wants to let go and give himself a chance to be embraced by another human being, consumed in a way he became envious in hearing others brag from their significant others. Just once he wants to experience that feeling.

He'll pretend for now they're normal civilians. 

Melting fully, arms are pulled out from their captivity and wrapped over broad shoulders. The omega eagerly responds in the same hunger the alpha gives him, soft purrs meet softer croons.

Gasps and whimpers are added to the mix when hips rub deliciously against him again. Eyes rolling back, he's growing wetter by the second from the groans the brunette struggles to keep in. Chuuya lets his hands wander all around the growling body before settling them on the phantom's hips, encouraging the brunette more.

“Darling~” Dazai croaks on his neck, nibbles, and sucks getting sloppier as his hips move faster and harder on his covered center. Chuuya whines, stars flashing behind closed lids. “God, I think I'm gonna lose my mind here.”

If anyone were to stumble on them doing sinful acts in public like horny teenagers, in a well-cared-for greenhouse, they would both be charged with public indecency. But both men aren't thinking about the consequences at the moment nor care to try.

Chuuya's mind is so far away that he barely acknowledges the breeze on his now-exposed lower half. When he does, the omega freezes under the alpha’s stare–full of sinful hunger that has yet to be satisfied. His slick drips more down his thighs he trembles at how those eyes follow.

He should put a stop to this now—

“As much as I want to admire this glistening pussy before me, time is running out.” The alpha says adjusting the omega's legs over his shoulders “I need a good snack before I head out.”

“Wha–wait!”

But all protests die right after.

Chuuya throws his head back when the first lick comes, mewling louder when more come after. It should be a crime for someone to be this good with their tongue. It licks and prods, circling on his clit in repeats, the omega's hands can't help but dig into soft locks as his cunt produces more slick from the overwhelming pleasure running through his body.

So hot, so messy, it makes his head spin with every swipe. His outer lips have never been this stretched and massaged so tenderly, omega is screaming in ecstasy from the building pressure he feels in his lower abdomen.

“W–wait, I..if you…oh god..keep this up..ah..I'm gonna–”

“Go for it darling, I'm hungry remember?”

He shuts his eyes tight but they spring open when he feels something slipping that feels too solid in his hole. A finger, long and curling at the right spot, has his legs trembling and crying out. The pressure rushing higher with each squelch and thrust he's gaining. It's too much.

“I…I'm gonna–”

His words are cut from a loud pitched moan he's never heard himself let out. Body arching painfully, the omega clenches at the finger tight as he squirts on the man's face. The alpha slurps every drop, groaning at the sweet invasion his mouth refuses to stop consuming.

He aches, legs might gain a cramp but oh lord wasn't that so good?!

Not even during his heats can he let out such an out-of-body orgasm. Fighting to get his breathing under control, he purrs and sighs at the feeling of being licked clean. Small bites on his thighs almost cause him to shove the head away but he's so boneless and satiated, Chuuya allows it just this once.

The alpha does one last lick, happy pheromones invade the air from the lack of mess. He lowers Chuuya's legs down and fixes him back up before crawling on top of him. He smiles proudly, nuzzling his nose in an eskimo kiss. “Now that I've made my point, I'm off. Till next time detective.”

Chuuya scoffs, not yet ready to face reality; he drags the man down for one last kiss, groaning with responsive eagerness. Chuuya can't find any disgust in tasting himself on those moist lips. They part with their spit connecting them. Chuuya confidently moves his hand down to the thief's hard erection, squeezing him perfectly before threatening “If I catch you doing more crimes, don't think I'll let you get away.”

The alpha moans, chasing the hand lingering one last squeeze. He smirks down at him, canines causing a tremble to shoot out of the omega “I'll be looking forward to it, sweetheart.”

Chuuya doesn't stop the man from pushing away, doesn't look away with how he adjusts his trousers for his raging bulge and he doesn't stop the heart skips nor the rising scent he emotes when the alpha winks back at him before disappearing down a pipeline.

He searches for an ounce of regret in what transpired but surprisingly there's none. The voices don't haunt or belittle him for the crime he’s done giving him room to breathe.

But he does regret not asking for the man's name instead of continuing to guess his initials.

Chapter Text

Weeks passed for Chuuya to begin feeling the guilt kicking in. Took it's time to get there, or was it there already?

He doesn't fucking know anymore.

“You know, bashing your head on the desk will cause more dents than solutions,” Albatross says on his right, munching on a rice ball he stole from the redhead's bento. Chuuya can't muster the energy to scold or fight for it back from him.

He can only groan, hitting his forehead a few more times before the alpha sighs, having reached his patience limit with his best friend.

“Alright, spit it out. What's got you so sour these past few weeks?” He says putting the ball back on the dish. No response, but Albatross is known to push till someone snaps. “Seriously, Chuu, no one wants to say it, but you're acting differently. Your scent is different too, stinking the room rather than aromatic.” He frowns. “Is your omega being difficult again?”

Rude, but he makes no motion to snap back; instead, Chuuya squeezes his eyes shut because yes and no. His omega has been silent since he snapped at it for the constant whining it was making to search for the brunette. The way its ears fell back and hunched in on itself made Chuuya feel ashamed, but he couldn't find the strength to apologize. He already gave in more than what he should have, crossed a line he was never supposed to, and now he is stuck with the dilemma and fear for his job and judgment from his colleagues for keeping quiet for this long.

The weight is so heavy on him, like cinder blocks; he can't seem to break out of them. 

As for his scent? He does not stink! Turns out (after a small dive to the internet during late nights under bedsheets) that's the result of what happens when he lets an alpha bathe him in such intimacy. He's sweeter, yes, and most avoid him (a relief), but now it's a major incoming collision when the questions began to rise. They all believe he's fully claimed.

Some startled, others flabbergasted–he fights down the urge to feel offended–but they couldn't be farther from the truth.

Akutagawa keeps his distance, Chuuya almost guesses he got caught, but the alpha just stated, “It's nothing personal, your scent is causing my alpha to submit away from you.” he wrinkles his nose, mumbling "How odd, can't pinpoint why it smells...familiar..."

Chuuya spend his whole break spraying himself with his emergency cologne after that in hopes of a scent cover –it just earned him weird looks. His friends don't know whether to corner and ask or pull their own investigation with every dodge he gives.

'Anything but that!' He moaned out when he overheard.

Yes, it's odd for him to do but he's not gonna crack. Should've been more prepared for it considering how the brunette isn't like a regular alpha. And Chuuya’s not gonna dive into an alpha philosophy to understand better. Or on fated mates.

Sigh, such a troublesome and mystery dynamic.

“It's nothing, work has been all over the place, and no, it's not my heat.” He says, looking over his friend, “It's not time yet." He slumps on the desk "As for my omega…it's been behaving. Not on its usual demands.”

‘After I shut it up, it's worried about making another mistake,’ he would say mentally.

Albatross doesn't seem to believe him, and before Chuuya tries to convince him more, Lippmann and Doc approach them with happy grins. Both men stare in suspense. Did something get announced?

“You guys won't believe who came to the building?!” Lippmann says with a shine, taking a seat at one of the desk corners. 

“Is it another fashion representative?” Albatross says with a groan, “Why do we even need to upgrade the uniform when we're just gonna get dirty or shot with it?” He slumps in his chair, munching his rice again, “I don't wanna sparkle when I go down.”

The omega snickers but agrees with the statement. It caused a whole debate in the force, but hey, they're dealing with crime here. Some of us can't afford to get distracted in the field.

“No, the boss refuses to have more drama or reports being done because people can't cooperate.” The blonde rolls his eyes. “This guy, however, is top tier.”

Chuuya and Tross look at one another in confusion before Doc steps in, “He's a surgeon in one of the most prestigious hospitals we have here in Yokohama.” He turns to Chuuya next, “Rumor has it, he wants to hire a private detective. Don't know if it'll be you or Akutagawa though.”

Chuuya blinks, frowning next when his brain runs through the possibilities. What type of problem would a surgeon have to want to hire a detective? It's not really common, but he can think of a few things.

He's deep in thought when Tachihara stumbles into the room, startling everyone. “Hey, uh, Chuuya? The boss is asking for you.”

All 4 men blink before 3 look down at the quiet redhead. The omega clears his throat as he stands, “I'll be there soon…thanks.” 

Tachihara nods, speeds away, causing the men to look at him weirdly. Man is walking as if he has non-stop diarrhea. 

That's definitely not helping the suspense crawl over Chuuya. 

Lippmann jumps to his feet, fixing the redhead's coat. “I'm sure it's nothing bad. We’ll be here when you get back, sweetie. PianoMan and Iceman are doing their last paperwork, so we planned to meet right after to head out to Old World.”

Right, it's their usual night out. Shit, he's definitely letting his issues get the better of him.

“Don't worry, I'm sure it won't take me long.”

A few more pats and look-overs, Chuuya makes his way to the office. Guilt and other worries left behind.

“Boss, you asked to see me?”

“Ah yes, please come in, Chuuya.”

Opening and entering the room with practiced grace, he gives a slight bow to Mori before offering a hand to his possible new client, who returns the gesture in a firmer grip. An alpha, Chuuya can see, with a very peculiar yet nose-catching scent.

Both Chuuya and his omega can't decipher why it's strangely familiar.

“Gen'erom, this is Detective Nakahara Chuuya–our most prestigious detective in the PM Force.” Mori says before turning to the redhead, “Chuuya, this is Dr. Tsushima Gen’erom, one of Yokohama's elite surgeons.”

“An honor to meet you, sir,” Chuuya says politely. Not time to dwell on it, but it's hard when Chuuya catches the mild tension on the man's shoulders before relaxing again.

Weird….

“Likewise, Mr. Nakahara.” Gen’erom smiles politely. “I've heard so much about you from my old colleague that I knew I wasn't making a mistake in asking for help.”

“Oh?” Chuuya says, side glancing at Mori. Saving that fact for later, he asks, “May I ask what the problem would be?”

Mori then returns the conversation back to him, “Gen'emon here is asking us for assistance in search of his missing son. Considering you specialize more in missing person cases than Akutagawa, you are perfect for the job.”

Finally! A distraction!

“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, sir, but rest assured, I will do everything I can to find and bring him safe and sound back to you,” Chuuya says in a confident demeanor. 'Missing Person' cases are where his talents shine. Never had he had one where he declared cold, and he refused to let this one be.

“You really are a miracle worker, Mr.Nakahara,” Gen’erom says as he produces a file from his briefcase. Not a smudge of dirt or wrinkle in its place as Chuuya holds it carefully, “All my son's information and last whereabouts are right there. I've already mentioned to Rintarou here in wanting to be constantly updated for whatever news or possible whereabouts you will have.”

Chuuya blinks as he glances at Mori in confirmation, with the older man nodding in return. Blue eyes glance up to dark brown, they may seem tired, but Chuuya can catch a hint of something else in them. He wouldn't say it's malice but it's almost as if daring him to say no.

‘What's up with this man?’ His body fights back a challenging snarl, but puts on his best smile, “It is no problem with me. I will have something for you both at our next meeting.”

“Looking forward to it.” He begins to gather his things: “Rintarou, Mr. Nakahara, if you both would excuse me, I must step out.” With one last weird glance at Chuuya, he rises from his seat. “Work must resume, unfortunately.”

“Of course, let me walk you out,” Mori says as he gets up from his chair to escort the man out the brown oak door. “Trust our best detective to have splendid results.”

Chuuya gives a few minutes before he, too, walks out of the office. Not bumping into a single coworker or friend, he sighs when his office is deserted. The group texted him the details on what time to meet.

Within the next hour, he busied himself with his new task.

This might be more challenging than he thought.

Mr.Tsushima may have gathered the information, but what he failed to say was that everything is so outdated, Chuuya would need more than internet searches for this kid. 

Because this literally dates back to nearly 12 years ago.

“Tsushima Shuuji, age 14, disappeared without a trace one night after his father went to work overnight and had been reported missing ever since.” is what leaves the redhead's mouth.

He slumps on his seat, head tilted to the beige ceiling holding back a scream and the strong urge to rip his hair out from the lack of details.

“Now where the fuck am I supposed to start from here?!” He groans in the open office.

Car honks and curses from pedestrians are his only answers.

He rubs his hands hard across his face before checking the time again–4:25 pm. 5 more minutes before Albatross comes to find him. The blonde decided to stay behind and wait for the redhead instead of meeting with the others at the bar. A good friend in the eyes of many who have been slowly heading out, but Chuuya knows he stayed behind to pester him more.

How annoying! Can't even have a moment of peace with his dilemmas.

He begins to pile up the papers when a worn-out photograph slips out, floating sadly to the floor. Chuuya waits for it to land, cursing his unusual clumsiness.

He's gonna order a lot of strong drinks when he gets to Old World, a desperate need right now.

Bending to carefully pick it up, the image that reflects back at him has Chuuya pausing for a minute. Sensing his omega peeking, he mentally lets it take a look, both staring at a young boy covered in bandages. 

Why does that sullen face bring familiarity?

Picture in black and white, the boy is on the scrawny side and dressed in formal wear as if he's going to a funeral rather than what Chuuya assumes is a high-class party. There's no joy reflected in him, not in his visible eye or his body language. It brings Chuuya tiny shudders when he realizes how similar that look resembles those of many he had encountered during strong cases of people who yearn for an end.

No child should have that look. This boy is way too young to wish for death.

“What happened to you?” He mumbles, thumb stroking the fragile image. What many would find unnerving, Chuuya finds adoration and a wave of protectiveness flourish in him. 

His instincts are wishing to reach into the photo and comfort the little pup and demand who plastered that look on him.

He's too young....

A growl echoes out in the quiet office but turning the picture over? He curses at the description on the back, omega's sad whining buzzing in the back of his head.

“Tsushima Shuuji, age 10.”

He's still staring when Albatross's bubbly whistle and exclamation comes to his ears “Yo, Chuuya! Ready to go? The others want to start ordering shots to have them ready by the time we get there but that's no fun.” footsteps bounce on his left “Ice is buying us time before Piano decides for all of us….ugh!”

He clutches the photo to his chest before quickly tucking it onto his vest pocket. Turning his head to the side, the blonde is busy grabbing his messenger bag and coat from the hanger to notice Chuuya jumping at his arrival.

Had he, Chuuya knows the blonde would tease him for being easily caught off guard but also pester the group against him in finding out what is getting him so edgy again.

Traitors.

“You could've just called to meet, you know?” He says coming to grab his things from the alpha.

Tross shrugs “Could've but I would've been bored waiting.”

“Download games on your phone then.”

The alpha blows raspberries at him before laughing away at the omega's pinching fingers, nearly colliding with the doorframe.

Blue eyes are rolled with a quiet snort, idiot. With one last look in the office, he unconsciously pats the photo before locking up for the night. Chuuya is going to need more than a few bottles to get through this case.

And possibly a disguise and shovel to make a grave for the asshole responsible for this.

Chapter Text

“Any luck in your case?”

“Not much since the last time you've asked.”

“Oh no! Is this case driving you down the same road it took Akutagawa?”

“Shut the fuck up, Tachihara.”

Tachihara bursts out laughing at the omega's deadpanned response. Another week and a half has passed, and the omega has yet to make a breakthrough. He searched and searched, and nothing seemed to pop up about Shuuji or those who were close to the Tsushima family for him to have a lead.

Cases like these aren't hard to crack. Chuuya's had worse when information and witnesses had little to use and give, but always managed to find a win. 

This one, however, has him almost demanding more from the client, but the client…

Well, Chuuya should've known the man wasn't gonna do much help after proudly saying he had it all covered. If anything, that might have been his mistake in also agreeing to share updates, because the man would come nearly every day for something and would leave with a scowl aimed at the omega when he gave nothing, as if blaming him for the failure.

Rich, pompous, stuck-up alpha bastard. 

A dark part of him can sympathize why the boy refuses to be found after all this time.

“It's not funny, jerk.” He pouts, crossing his arms in defense. “Compared to Akutagawa, I only have one while he has multiple at the same time. Can't imagine how he's able to endure that with the constant nonstop alerts.”

It's true, the thieves are getting even more rowdy than ever with constant robberies at later nights. Theft and public break-ins from random businesses, yet never leaving a pattern or knowledge of their presence for his partner to catch them on time or when to expect the next robbery.

It almost had Chuuya wondering if he should lend a helping hand than running himself to the ground from his own case, but after the results of his previous help, Chuuya would rather have Mr.Tsushima's uptight attitude than the Ring Leader’s distractions. He pinches his leg to stop the memories from coming.

Speaking of the man, the thief has been too quiet, unusually quiet for Chuuya at least. Akutagawa had hinted about the leader being out and about (no surprise) but….it bothers Chuuya why he has yet to receive a blank envelope or clue from him after every sighting.

Stupid. So, so stupid….

It should have brought him joy for getting rid of the roach and his filth, but he ended up gaining some sort of twisted insecurities within him.

In the first days, he didn't let anything get to him, had opened a bottle in celebration for the peace and normalcy at work and home. Yet it was half a week later when he began to question if he had done something wrong to have the bastard scram.

Is that possible?

Did he lack something? 

Did he….taste bad? 

Was his mate disappointed for not sexually returning his advances at the greenhouse?

But he didn't pressure Chuuya for a return.

Yes everyone, after heavy thinking (and drinking) in the late nights of his home, he begrudgingly accepted the thief as his potential mate. It should've had his omega chirping in joy to finally agreeing yet nothing but sad whines would revert.

He can't win on either fucking side.

His mood dampened, causing nearly the whole force to steer fully away, Mori nearly took him off the case when he misunderstood his actions. But Chuuya, being the self-sacrificing person that he is, swallowed his emotions and convinced him to let him stay.

“It's just one of those days,” He would say.

Those days shouldn't be him second guessing himself for a criminal (potential mate) who stopped all forms of communication after saying he was interested.

That's a fucked up way to mess with someone's head (heart).

“Geez, none of this will help you at all.” Tachihara says, skimming through each paper and report, “You would think an elite like Tsushima would have at least a present report instead of having us rely on years past.”

“That's what I said but the man is a fucking brick.” The omega says, stretching his back until a satisfying pop is heard, “Bastard dares to act displeased when I give him nothing to report. S'not my fault for he left his brain on the surgery table.”

Tachihara chuckles and rounds the desk to give the omega a reassuring hug. Chuuya couldn't help but return it with a tightening grip. “You're pushing yourself to the max, but remember to take care too.” He gives a light pat to his back “Not everyone can be satisfied, so don't let it get to you.”

Chuuya sighs, grateful for the cheer. He purrs, scent warm and thankful with the alpha responding in kind.

“You really know how to calm a person down.” He smiles sweetly before it takes on a teasing turn, “I'm sure your secret admirer would fall harder when you guys finally meet in person.”

The alpha groans, slipping away from the laughing redhead's space. He leaves the office with “Let's not mention them ever again and move on from it all.”

What a great friend.

Coming up to his floor has never relieved Chuuya so much that he almost kissed it in his thanks. He is so ready to flop on his bed and forget about today.

But with fate having a twisted sense of humor with him, Chuuya should've known that this life he was privileged with; a detective never gets breaks, no matter how much he desires them.

The first sign came when his door easily opened when he took hold of the knob to insert his key in. 

He could've sworn it was locked. 

“What the fuck?” He mumbles.

He pushes it slowly, the darkness that greeted him has him on high alert– a second sign. His lamps and hallway light are set to turn on if he were to come home late. He made sure to set it before he left!

Stepping carefully inside, he pulls out his pocket knife from his coat pocket, blindly feeling his wall for the light switch. 

He should've attacked, run back out, or at least called for backup because when the lights turned on, sitting there in his armchair is the same man who has been tormenting his mind for weeks to no end.

The bastard is back and casually reading a random book that Chuuya's sure it's not from his collection.

“Took you long enough, I was getting bored waiting for you here in all my lonesome.” The thief whines. He casually drops his book to stretch, scolding the detective obnoxiously “You really need to have more proper drinks and food for your guests, chibi. What you have in the fridge was barely–”

His eyes widen before jumping away when an angry redhead dives at him with handcuffs. The chase begins in the small living room, omega spitting unfiltered curses behind a laughing and mocking alpha who throws cushions to watch the other stumble in place. It's like watching children run around than grown men arguing from different sides of the law.

They come to a halt however when loud banging comes below them, which makes Chuuya fume more when he realizes the soon-to-be noise complaints.

Son of a bitch!

“Elderly or entitled neighbors?” the thief asks, with a tilt of his head, but stops that train when his nose catches a whiff of something unpleasant coming from the man a few feet away.

It's enough to stupidly distract him. 

Dazye's yelp is ludicrous to hear when he's knocked down by the scowling omega, who hisses at his attempts to escape the handcuffs.

“You've got some nerve to show up here,” he spits out, giving a light smack to the alpha’s abdomen to stay still. No damage, he's still resembling a slippery fish with how much he's moving around. “Stay still, dammit! Stop resisting arrest. I warned you, didn't I?”

“You say that, but you've been too slow like a slimy slug.” The alpha says with a shark grin, “What? Too busy to be out in the field? Who would've thought an honorable detective would abandon his partner for something mediocre?”

Chuuya pauses after successfully cuffing the pouting bastard below him. He should not look this adorable or cause his omega to look at Chuuya in betrayal.

What bullshit.

“The hell are you on about? You constipated or something?”

“Wow, not only ignorant but adorably stupid as hell.”

“The hell you calling stupid, you piece of–”

“You reek so bad, get off me.”

A growl, not a command. 

He just growled at Chuuya, causing the omega to tense above him with widened eyes before glaring darkly at Dazai. What was once semi sweet now smells sour and foul accompanied by a low, wounded hiss that surprises both of them on the spot. 

‘Shit’, the brunette realized his mistake in that second: he said the wrong thing to the redhead. His alpha is pressuring the man to apologize the moment the omega rises to walk away, his nose is beginning to hurt with how wrong the scent is becoming.

He scrambles up, stumbling on his step. “Chibi, wait. That's not what–”

Chuuya refuses to listen, more so with how his omega is downcasted with shame for thinking it wasn't good enough for the man, whom they considered their mate. It stings him too but he's more pissed off for his omega.

Potential mates his ass. This guy is like all those other douches. 

He pulls out his phone, clicking on his partner's name when he's abruptly held hostage by the thief's cuffed arms, gloved fingers cutting off the call. He fights, snarls, digs his nails in whatever availability he can reach to escape, but nothing loosens the man. 

“Let me the fuck go! I'm tired of you harassing me every chance you want to get.” He huffs with another pinch and scratch to covered arms “You just got a first class ticket for a cell waiting for your ass down at the station, you prick!”

Nothing but grunts and shuffling of their feet until a raspy “….I'm sorry.”

Voice so soft and meek, Chuuya would've had trouble hearing it if he weren't within close distance.

The city's light traffic is their only source of sound, along with their heavy breathing. His neighbors stopped their thumping. Chuuya isn't forgiving yet to turn around and face the man, but he forces himself to hear him out. He remains facing his hallway, the lingering smell of unhappiness in the air coating them, giving Dazai a chance to redo what he meant from his bluntness.

“It's not you…never you, but what you have lingering on your persona.” Chuuya can feel a sudden pressure on his head. The brunette had rested on him,“It reeks, I don't like it, makes me hunt the person down while also keeping you locked until you smell better again,” he huffs. “I hate doing extra work. See what I meant back then?”

…..

A confession like that shouldn't have sounded so…calming. Not the first word Chuuya would have ever used, but it did have the effect. He hasn't turned but isn't stopping the alpha from flocking like a mother hen to remove Tachihara's scent–cinnamon and apples reach his nose, his omega relaxes once more.

This man…. is such a complex puzzle, but at the same time, he isn't. It drives Chuuya up a wall from how one minute he's set to put him behind bars, the next almost wants to demand why he hasn't sent anything.

Wrong to pursue but desires the chase.

It goes on until a happy croon is heard behind him, proud of getting rid of the offending disaster. Chuuya turns slowly in his cage to face the man. His scowl meets a blank canvas, but can see in the man's eyes a hint of unease.

That's quite enchanting.

It shouldn't bring a spark of pride to the omega for having such a reaction coming from an alpha like him. The danger signs are ringing again to take action, slip out, call his partner, anything. To refrain from committing another mistake by digging the line deeper than it is, but–

“What's with the stupid names? Trying to aim for a higher sentencing?”

“Would you be there to send me off?” He chirps back, the tension on his shoulder slowly disapparating when he shamelessly nuzzles into soft locks, emitting a squawk from the shorter man, “Are you trying to woo me with plans, darling?”

But the more he denies the inevitable, the more problematic it'll be on the long road. It's wrong and right at the same time, his detective side is pushing him to do the right thing, to not give in to the devil's temptation that'll ruin him and the life he has built for himself.

But he's only human. 

A human who softens when soft yet shy chapped lips meet his, almost as if he's asking permission if it's fine for him to do so.

Idiot….

It's not, it's another crime to add to the list with all the other violations and harassment the man has done.

However, he passes the flags again for how a deep part of him may have missed the attention.

Stupid. So so stupid….

That's all they do, thief still handcuffed with Chuuya in his grasp. Neither feels the need to escalate to more, don't feel the rush of lust coursing through their veins. Merely content in exchanging soft purrs and croons in reconnection.

‘I'm so fucked’ is what bounces in both their minds.

But no one can blame them when they were failed to be told them how this potential mating worked in the first place.