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Chapter Text

Atsushi's eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, he wasn't sure where he was. The sharp scent of antiseptic hung in the air, mingling with a faint metallic smell of blood. His body felt heavy, a dull throb pulsing through every inch of him. Bandages wrapped around his arms, legs, and torso, the fabric stiff and soaked in places with the remnants of dried blood. The steady hum of the infirmary's lanterns and the occasional murmur of voices outside were the only sounds that filled the quiet space.

He tried to move but froze as a wave of pain surged through him, sharp and unrelenting. Atsushi's head was pounding, and even the slightest shift in position sent a flurry of discomfort racing down his spine. He focused on steadying his breath, the only thing he could control right now. The memories of the battle were still fragmented, flashes of steel clashing, the cries of pain, and his own desperate struggle to stay on his feet. He remembered feeling the sharp sting of the blade that had nearly taken him down—his vision narrowing, the weight of his own body collapsing in the chaos.

But here, in the quiet of the infirmary, he was alive. He had been pulled from the brink, treated, and patched up, but the remnants of that night—the raw, gnawing pain—lingered. He lay there, staring at the low ceiling, his mind racing. He wasn't sure how long he'd been unconscious, but it was long enough for the battle to feel like something distant, a nightmare fading with the light of day. 

Blinking against the sharp brightness of a nearby lamp, his gaze drifted to the side—and there, slumped in a chair next to the bed, was Kyoka.

Her head was tilted to one side, cheek resting against their folded arms on the bed's edge. Dark circles lingered beneath her closed eyes, and her breathing was deep, steady, lost in exhausted slumber. A half-empty cup of coffee sat forgotten on the small table beside them, long since gone cold.

Atsushi swallowed, their throat dry and raw. His fingers twitched slightly against the sheets as he tried to move, the small motion making Kyoka stir. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she shifted but didn't wake.

How long had he been unconscious for?

He didn't have time to process his thoughts as the door opened and into the room stepped three people. Two men and a woman. The woman had dark purple hair, holding a clipper board in her hand, a white coat falling from her shoulders to her knees. It was Yosano, of course, and the two men next to her were Dazai and Kunikida. They stopped talking the moment they saw Atsushi awake and about, looking at them.

Yosano was the first to step forward, rushing to his side and leaving the clipper board at the end of his bed. "Atsushi, you're awake. How are you feeling?" she asked concerned. Over the years that Atsushi has been with the ADA, he kept getting injured on missions, which led him to Yosano's office every time. And now, he couldn't help but look at her and see the mother he never had, and vice versa.

At the commotion, Kyoka groaned again and raised her head, groggily mumbling. "What's going on...?".

"I'm feeling fine, my body hurts all over but fine... For how long have I been out for?" Atsushi asked, his voice somewhat raspy and his throat dry. To be expected, not gonna lie. At the sound of his voice, Kyoka snapped up and was suddenly very much awake. Her eyes widened as she saw Atsushi awake and responsive, quickly pouncing on him and hugging him tight, the thought of losing him very much present in her mind. But she felt slightly better when she felt Atsushi's arms hug her as well.

"Three days. I must say, that's a record, even for you Sushi." Dazai chimed in as he stepped next to the concerned Yosano, putting a hand on her shoulder and squeezing it reassuringly. "Three days? Wow... I can't remember a thing."

"That's to be expected... Let me fill you in. You went on a mission that was supposedly 'easy', fought against a non-ability user that injured you gravely and you've been asleep ever since." Kunikida also spoke from the door, closing it behind himself to ensure privacy, but he didn't step forward, as he saw Atsushi was already crowded.

"I was? How badly...?". Yosano sighed and gently nudged Kyoka back in the chair before lifting Atsushi's shirt a little, and Atsushi went silent. A fresh, jagged scar stretches across his left hip, the skin around it still red and slightly swollen. The wound has mostly closed, but thin scabs cling to the edges, and the tissue beneath feels tight and sore. Faint bruising lingers nearby, a reminder of the injury's severity. He felt like crying to see that yet another scar has slipped into his life, just like the one from years ago in the orphanage...

"I'm so sorry Atsushi, my ability can only do so much, and your ability wasn't much help either...". Yosano seemed genuinely apologetic as she let the shirt fall back onto Atsushi's skin, hiding the scar.

"There's no time for apologies, we have bigger things on our minds. The ability user Atsushi fought was a former serial killer who escaped prison a week ago. He was nicknamed Naked Heart" started Kunikida as he looked into his notebook. "What a stupid nickname..." muttered Dazai and giggled as Kunikida kept going. "-because he used to open up his victims' chests and leave their hearts on display." "Oh..."

"From the way he fought with that knife, he's probably more skilled in close range fights, so if we want to take him down, we need someone who could immobilize him from a distance." Yosano had watched the fight from a camera footage from that day, and noticed that detail. No wonder she was a doctor.

"Exactly, but where will we find someone like that?" Kunikida has thought the same thing as Yosano, realizing the truth in her words as he asked the question. 

"I think I know, but I'm not sure he'd be willing to help unless Sushi specifically asks him..." Dazai said as he looked at Atsushi, his eyes saying it all... "Dazai, I don't know... What if he doesn't feel like that anymore? That'd be manipulation." Atsushi adds. He couldn't deny the feeling that developed deep down in his stomach at the thought of him.

"Not if he gets something from helping us..."

Chapter Text

The hallway stretched forward, long and unbroken, lined with identical doors. The air was cold, the overhead lights buzzing with a faint, steady hum. Each room was the same—four walls, a bed, a toilet, a sink. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Atsushi walked at a steady pace, passing the first room. A patient sat on the bed, motionless, eyes fixed on the far wall. Their face was slack, expressionless, as if they had forgotten how to move. Something about their stillness made him feel uneasy, and he found himself looking away too quickly.

Further down, another door. A patient sat cross-legged on the floor, rocking slightly, their hands clutched over their ears. They were whispering something over and over, their voice rising and falling in a shaky rhythm. Atsushi's stomach twisted. The repetition, the desperation—it was too raw, too human. He swallowed hard and kept moving.

A sudden, heavy thud from one of the rooms. His shoulders tensed at the sound. A fist slamming against metal. Another hit, then another. A voice, low and rough, spoke from the other side.

"Let me out!"

Atsushi didn't stop, didn't look.

He passed another room, barely glancing inside, but caught a glimpse of a shape curled under a thin blanket. Just the top of a head, unmoving. Asleep, maybe. Or just trying to disappear.

He exhaled slowly and kept walking.

The hallway stretched on. The doors stayed closed. The patients remained inside.

And the footsteps continued.

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The security door unlocked with a heavy thunk, and Atsushi stepped inside. The room was silent except for the faint buzz of the overhead lights and the quiet hum of security cameras tracking every movement. Guards stood along the walls, still but watchful.

And in the center of it all was the glass cell.

Atsushi stopped just a few feet from it, eyes locking onto the man inside.

Akutagawa.

Five years had passed, but he looked almost the same. His posture was relaxed, his hands resting loosely in his lap. There was no tension in his shoulders, no restless energy in his fingers. He wasn't like the others in this place—no erratic pacing, no murmured nonsense, no desperation to be anywhere but here.

He simply sat there, as if this sterile, locked-away existence was just another part of him now.

Atsushi swallowed, steadying himself. Akutagawa didn't know he was there. Not yet. The one-way glass only reflected his own image back at him. He sat, staring ahead, unaware of the way Atsushi's hands curled into fists at his sides, of the way his chest tightened with something he didn't want to name.

He had spent years trying to push him out of his mind. Years trying to forget what he had felt—what he still felt, buried beneath duty and time and the weight of knowing what Akutagawa had done.

But seeing him now, in this quiet, reinforced box, the past clawed its way back up.

Atsushi exchanged a brief look with the guard and the armed man nodded. He watched as the guard stepped closer to the heavy metal door, using fingerprint recognition and a code to open it. The guard pushed the door open and Atsushi stepped inside, swallowing hard and bracing himself.

The door to the glass cell shut behind Atsushi with a heavy finality, sealing him inside. The room was silent except for the distant hum of the security systems outside, a reminder that no matter what happened in here, they were being watched.

Akutagawa hadn't moved at first. He sat exactly as he had before, hands resting loosely in his lap, his body eerily still. But then, slowly, his head lifted.

And he saw him.

For a long moment, nothing happened. No words. No sharp intake of breath. Just the two of them, staring at each other across the sterile space, five years of silence stretching between them.

Then—Akutagawa inhaled, slow and deep, like he had been holding his breath all this time and only now remembered how to breathe.

His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to speak but didn't know how to form the words. His eyes—intense, dark, endless—moved over Atsushi's face with a hunger that made the air feel too thick, too charged. He blinked once, then twice, as if trying to convince himself Atsushi was real.

And then, a whisper—hoarse, fragile, reverent.

"...You're here."

It wasn't a question. It was a fact. A truth that had finally, finally come to him.

Akutagawa moved before Atsushi could respond. He stood, slow and deliberate, his fingers twitching at his sides. There was no hesitation, no uncertainty in the way he stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Atsushi's.

"You're real." His voice was quiet, but there was something behind it—something dangerous, something desperate. His fingers flexed like he wanted to reach out, to touch, to hold, to never let go. 

Akutagawa exhaled a shaky breath, and then—he smiled.

Not a grin. Not something wide and manic. Just the slightest curve of his lips, too calm for what Atsushi knew was boiling beneath the surface.

"I waited," Akutagawa murmured, almost to himself. "They wouldn't let me see you, but I knew you'd come back." He tilted his head, studying Atsushi with something like awe. "I told them. I told them you'd come back to me."

Atsushi's chest tightened. He wasn't here for this. He was here for a reason, a job, a purpose. But none of that mattered in this moment, in the weight of Akutagawa's undeniable desperation.

Akutagawa's fingers twitched again. His eyes were shining now, a quiet madness lingering beneath the love.

"You came back." A breath, barely a whisper. "You're actually here."

Atsushi swallowed hard. He had spent years convincing himself he was free of him.

But standing here now, with Akutagawa looking at him like he was the only thing in the world—

He wasn't so sure anymore of what he felt.

"What took you so long? I've missed you so much... I dreamed of you every night, what I'd do if you were laying next to me, I-" Akutagawa took a step further towards Atsushi with the intention to grab his hands, his own reaching out towards him. But when Atsushi took a step backwards as quickly as he saw the minor movement, he knew something wasn't right.

He looked at Atsushi hopelessly, trying to find the same love he always saw in his eyes when he looked at him. He did find it, but it was faint, and it could very well be mistaken for pity. He hated pity.

"We need your help... I need your help."

Chapter Text

"We need your help... I need your help."

That sentence stung more than it should have. He should be happy. Happy that Atsushi was here, happy that he needed him, well, sort of. But he wasn't. For five years, he had been waiting and the moment comes, and it's not because of pure want or that feeling that he was missed, it's because of need. Need of help.

"What kind of help?" he couldn't help but ask. Maybe there was something good that was coming his way. Maybe not all hope was lost. But he thought too soon.

"New serial killer in Yokohama. He's a close range fighter and none of us can get him. We thought that Rashomon could help immobilize him so we can arrest him and put him back behind bars." Atsushi stood tall, trying to keep himself from breaking down and just holding Akutagawa again like he used to.

"Right... and they sent you because you're the only one who could convince me?" Of course they sent him because of that, and they were right to assume that Akutagawa would do anything Atsushi asks.

"They did, but I refused..." Say what now? If he refused, then why is he here? "I... found it unfair to use your feelings in our advantage... So there's a deal, a catch as you used to call it..." All the memories were coming back to him like water flowing down a river during a thunderstorm, fast and one after another. But for some reason, Atsushi didn't mind...

"And what's that?" It brought a sense of comfort to know that Atsushi was still the same naive, kind and foolish person, with his pretty eyes and beautiful face. But he had to act nonchalant ya'll... He couldn't risk coming off as needy, or desperate after such a long time.

"Well, if you cooperate and everything turns out fine... You get upgraded. From being in a basement, you can be placed in a normal room, with a proper bed, and windows, and your own bathroom, and... less strict visiting restrictions." The double meaning was there, undoubtedly evident, if you knew enough. And Akutagawa knew plenty... He knew exactly how Atsushi would react to different situations. A slight twitch of the brow for annoyance. A subtle side eye and half scowl when he's being judgemental. Or an exhale when he's relieved. He remembered it all.

"Less strict visiting restrictions, huh..." he repeated, slightly intrigued. Akutagawa knew what that meant, but he dreaded to know the answer to his next question, fearing that maybe he didn't know Atsushi anymore. "...does that mean you'll come visit?"

Atsushi froze, suddenly out of words. Did it mean that...? Well... "I'm not sure... You still did what you did Ryuu, I can't just put that aside and act like nothing happened-"

"Yet you still call me by my nickname and look at me the same..."

Now Atsushi was really out of words, or thoughts, theories, ideas, clues... He could go on and on about the many ways Akutagawa silenced him.

"How do you know I'll cooperate?" Now that, Atsushi could answer. He reached down and lifted his shirt on his left side while pulling the waistband of his pants slightly down. There, on his left, lay a scar Akutagawa has never seen on Atsushi before, and he had a perfect image of the tiger's naked body...

"This could've gotten me killed... It doesn't look that bad now, but-" "I'll do it"

Silence. Atsushi covered his skin back up again and looked at Akutagawa, a slight puzzled look in his eyes.

"What...?" "I said I'll do it. No one lays hands on you like that and gets away with it..."

"Okay then..." Atsushi was relived, exhaling a breath he wasn't aware he was holding in. If the scar didn't work, then he had no other way of convincing Akutagawa to do this. Thank God he agreed...

"Alright then... A car will come and pick you up tomorrow at nine, along with some reinforcements..." Guards, Akutagawa figured. "-and they'll drive you back to your apartment, where you'll be staying for the time you are out." 

"Right... will you be a part of said 'reinforcements'? Or will I be meeting you at my place...?"

"None.Tomorrow is solely reserved for accommodation, which isn't requiring of my assistance... We will be seeing each other when going over the plan, maybe after."

"Okay, sounds... good." Good? It was torture... "I'll see you then..."

"Yeah..." he responded, as if on instinct, too focused on those dark eyes he used to gaze in lovingly, that looked the same right back at him.

"Shouldn't you go?" And that snapped our little detective out of his trance, making him super aware of where he was.

"Right, yes... Uh, see you, then..." "Bye..."

And just like that, the metal door opened again and Atsushi stepped out, Akutagawa meeting with his own reflection yet again, choosing to instead go lay down.

Atsushi walked down the long corridor again, but this time, with something else on his mind to distract him from all the people he passed. He got outside and climbed in the car. "The ADA, please..." he said to the driver before leaning against the door and sighing, closing his eyes. Unconsciously, he smiled a little as the car pulled out of the asylum's parking lot.

Chapter Text

Akutagawa stepped into the penthouse and stood motionless just past the threshold, as if the air itself had weight. The doors eased shut behind him with a soft hiss, muffling the world outside. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped the space in light, casting reflections across polished marble floors and sleek, minimal furniture. It was quiet. Not the sterile, artificial quiet of the asylum, but the soft, intentional silence of money—of control.

Nothing had changed. The place had been maintained in his absence, exactly as he left it. The glass bar cart gleamed in the corner. The velvet couch, dark and angular, sat untouched. The books on the shelves were still in perfect alphabetical order. The walls were bare, save for a few large, abstract pieces—cold, expensive, impersonal. Everything smelled faintly of wood polish and something clean, refined.

He walked forward slowly, running his fingers along the smooth back of a leather chair, pausing at the long dining table that had never hosted a meal. It felt surreal—familiar but distant, like walking through a memory instead of a home. The space was too large for one person, but he had never minded that. He had built this place for himself, to be above the world, above noise, above them.

His eyes drifted toward the hallway—the bedroom was down there, untouched, waiting. But he didn't move yet. He just stood there in the center of it all, the man the world had locked away, back in the very heart of everything he used to be.

Akutagawa moved down the hallway slowly, each step muffled by the thick carpet beneath his feet. The bedroom door was already ajar, as if the room had been holding its breath for his return. He pushed it open and stepped inside. The space was wide, dimly lit by the soft afternoon light filtering through sheer curtains. The bed was neatly made, the sheets crisp and untouched. His eyes wandered across the familiar details—the dark wood dresser, the silent clock on the wall, the framed mirror near the closet. Everything was still here. Waiting.

The guards from the asylum drove him here, cuffed and blindfolded, as if Akutagawa didn't already know the way back, but it didn't matter. They left as soon as he arrived, said someone was coming to check up on him. He didn't get any keys for the penthouse, even though it was his. They just locked the door behind him and said they'll be back tomorrow to drive him to the mafia headquarters, where plans will be made.

He stood in the bedroom, still as stone, eyes tracing the outline of the bed, the familiar folds of the curtains, the way the light pooled across the floor. Everything was the same, but it felt distant—like he was looking into a life that had belonged to someone else. He didn't hear the footsteps. He wasn't expecting them. A had told him they wouldn't be coming. Said it was better that way.

So when a soft voice called from behind him—

"Ryuunosuke."

—his heart stopped.

He turned slowly, disbelieving, and there they were.

"...Atsushi" he said, voice low and shaken. "Hi..." said Atsushi, quietly and soft.

"You said you weren't coming." Akutagawa couldn't believe it. He remembered vividly how Atsushi said he wasn't going to see him today, yet here he was.

"Bummer, I lied to you." Atsushi stood in the doorway of the bedroom, arms crossed over his chest and head tilted, his body leaning against the frame of the door.

"Bummer? This is amazing. I thought-" he took a step forward but stopped as he saw Atsushi take one back. His brain stopped working and he didn't know... why Atsushi stepped back. Looking up into his eyes, searching for an answer, Akutagawa looked confused.

Atsushi took in a sharp breath. "You, uh... you're not exactly allowed to be really close to me. You're still deemed to be dangerous. It's why I offered to come, I wanted to tell you this personally." Akutagawa's whole body slumped, his shoulders, arms and face. All fell, making look either like a pouty little child or a disappointed man. A really disappointed man.

"But... I also wanted to come knowing you'd be left alone, so... If you won't tell, I won't tell..." And that's all that Akutagawa needed. The moment Atsushi said that, his control over himself melted. With as much speed as he could gather, he lunged forward, trapping Atsushi in a bone crushing embrace. Three years he spent wishing the pillow he slept with was Atsushi, that he was next to him, that the food he ate was one Atsushi prepared. Three years he spent desperate to see his other half again, and all that desperation he now put into one tight hug.

Akutagawa stepped into Atsushi like gravity had pulled him forward, like there was no other choice. His arms wrapped tightly around him, one curling low around his waist, the other pressing firm between his shoulder blades, holding him with a force that bordered on possessive. He didn't shake, but there was something desperate in the way his fingers gripped the fabric of Atsushi's shirt—like he needed the feeling of him, needed proof. His face buried itself in the crook of Atsushi's neck, breath warm and uneven against his skin. He held Atsushi like someone afraid to wake from a dream, like letting go might tear the world apart. "I missed you," he murmured, voice cracked and raw. "Every day. Every damn day."

Atsushi almost lost his footing if it wasn't for the arms around his waist and shoulder, holding him right against Akutagawa. He stood still for a few moments before he let out a breath and his arms slowly came up to rap around Akutagawa in return, burying his face in the crook of Akutagawa's neck as the other did the same. "I know... I missed you too..."

Akutagawa took in a deep breath, inhaling Atsushi's scent. God he smelled so good and sweet, like honey... and Akutagawa couldn't get enough of it. "For how long can you stay?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Not long... I'll have to leave soon, Kyoka is over at Kenji's today and I need to pick her up." Atsushi's voice matched Akutagawa's, but maybe a little softer. Not a shocking thing.

"Give me five more minutes."

Chapter Text

Akutagawa walked through the familiar yet strange hallways, cold cuffs around his wrists as he was escorted by two subordinates he didn't remember. He never really paid attention to them. He mainly kept his head tilted down, but his eyes flew everywhere, noting all the changes that happened in his absence. The walls weren't that boring, dark grey color that made you think of concrete, they were a dark, wine red, elegant and simple. He supposed he liked it. And the floor wasn't carpeted anymore, it was actually hardwood now, a dark shade as well. The place changed, and it wasn't that big of an eyesore anymore.

Soon enough, they stopped in front of two big doors, plain, simple, wood doors. He remembered how all rooms used to have these glass doors that always stood out at every corner. Mori's office was the exception, of course. The subordinates looked at each other and nodded, one of them moving to open the doors while the other held Akutagawa's arm firmly. But even with that tight grip, Akutagawa could tell... He was scared. Who wouldn't be? Mafia's violent, rabid, mentally unstable dog out of the mental asylum and suddenly you have to make sure he doesn't run? The guy was probably trying not to run himself.

The doors opened and Akutagawa was pushed inside. The two subordinates stepped back as he sat down, still cuffed, and guarded the door. He could recognize a few faces... Tachihara, Hirotsu, Higuchi, and Chuuya. He even saw a few ADA members. The glasses dude, Dazai, farm boy, Kyoka and the most definitely diabetic dude. He didn't bother learning those names either. But worst of all, he saw his sister... Gin looked so much more mature now. She's finally not wearin that mask to cover her face anymore, and she seems to radiate some sort of authoritarian energy, like she owned the room instead of just blending in with the others. She's grown. And Akutagawa couldn't be prouder.

Everyone raised their heads as Akutagawa walked in and sat down, the attention no longer on the papers in front and rather on him. He looked each and every one of them in eyes directly, a majority just avoiding his gaze with disdain. Chuuya was the only one who held his gaze with the most serious expression. Out of all, he looked the bossiest. He wore a tailored suit with red details, which oddly matched the color of the walls. He was, of course, wearing his jacket on his shoulders, like he used to, one that matched the suit. And who would Chuuya be without his signature hat? A dramatic one, at that. Red lace, feathers and silver, all in one calculated combination. 

"You boys can go." said Chuuya to the two subordinates, both nodding and exiting the meeting room in a slight hurry.

"Since when do you give out orders and hold meetings as crucial as this one?" asked Akutagawa after a few moments of heavy silence, sounding a little bit mocking.

"Since Mori retired and I took over. Now I suggest you put down the attitude and focus. Lives are at stake." the ginger gave Akutagawa a bitter smile and signaled to Gin. The girl nodded and reached across the table, taking one of the papers and walking to where Akutagawa was sitting, spreading the paper for him to see the content.

"This is a blueprint of the warehouse we plan to take on Naked Heart, the serial killer. It's abandoned and located in the port, our territory." she said, trying to stay as professional as possible. 

"Are you kidding? This is the worst place to take on a close range fighting serial killer." he scoffed and looked up at her, then at Chuuya. "Whoever had this idea is an incapable moron."

Kunikida suddenly stood up, his chair scratching the floor harshly. "I did. And it's a good idea. It's in our territory, we know the space and it's got good hiding spot."

"It's filled with containers stacked on each other. It's basically a labyrinth. One with many corners where one could get ambushed with a knife. It's a bad, dangerous idea. Anyone with bad hearing won't be able to hear someone sneaking up on them and they suddenly have a knife in their back. An open space, like a field or a big street, would be better. We can see him and don't have to worry about taking a corner and walking straight into a knife."

The room went silent as Akutagawa finished talking. Every pair of eyes was on him again. Kunikida looked puzzled, Gin looked a little surprised and Chuuya was no different, just a bit impressed as well. Everyone looked uncomfortable.

"Okay... Who votes for Akutagawa's plan?" asked Dazai as he stood up from his seat next to Chuuya as well, raising his hand. Slowly, more hands came up in the air. First it was Tachihara, then Hirotsu, then Chuuya. Higuchi and Gin shared a glance before both raising their hands. So did Kenji and Kyoka, but they seemed a little more hesitant. At last, Kunikida sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, but raised his hand too.

"Alright then... An open space it is." Chuuya said and all hands fell down. "Since the plan changed, we will have this meeting be rescheduled until we find a place like that. Everyone is dismissed."

And just like Chuuya said, people started leaving. Hirotsu and Tachihara, Kenji with Kyoka left with Kunikida, and Gin told Higuchi to wait for her outside. Dazai, Chuuya and her stayed all three.

"Okay kid, listen. We will keep this short and straightforward." Chuuya approached the cuffed and still seated Akutagawa and sat down in the chair next to his. He looked behind himself at Dazai. The brunette reached into their bag and pulled out a black material... No. A black coat. As well as a key. He handed them to Chuuya, and the man turned back to Akutagawa. "I'm sure you recognize your coat... You will get it once I'm done talking."

"Now listen, I know it can be hard, adapting to everything new and all the things you missed. And you will get to learn everything that happened while you were gone. But starting from tomorrow, you will train for hours to try and awaken that part of your brain. From nine to two, then lunch, then from three to six. Eight hours. After that, you can... go out. See Yokohama and what's new. All with the condition that you tell me, and have someone with you at all times you're in public. Understood?"

Akutagawa stared at the black coat and key in Chuuya's hand for what felt like hours. It had been too long since he's seen that and the thought of getting it back made it seem too good... But the look in Chuuya's eyes told him that he wasn't joking. "Understood..."

Chuuya nodded and put the coat on the table, then turned to uncuff Akutagawa. Once his hands were free, Chuuya handed Akutagawa the coat and stood up. The man didn't even registered Chuuya saying goodnight, staring at his coat, lost. He snapped out of it when Gin put a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, I'll take you back to your room..."

They exited the meeting room, and Higuchi was waiting outside. She smiled at them both, especially at Gin, but hen turned to look at Akutagawa. "It's good to see you back sir". Akutagawa just nodded his head and grumbled some words of acknowledgement.

The three walked back to the elevators, and pressed the button for Akutagawa's floor. The ride was silent, except for Higuchi and Gin whispering in front of Akutagawa. They seemed closer now. Much closer...

When the elevator dinged that they arrived and the door opened, the walked out and headed towards Akutagawa's door. He unlocked the door and went inside, Gin and Higuchi following. Akutagawa watched as his sister said goodnight to the blonde and then Higuchi left, taking a right after exiting, and Gin closed the door. She and Akutagawa sat on the couch together, in silence, before he spoke first. "Why are you here...?"

Gin only looked at him and smiled a little. "I figured if anyone was gonna tell you about what you missed, I'd rather do it..." she seemed to pause and avert her eyes, before continuing. "Plus... I missed my brother."

Chapter Text

Akutagawa didn't respond. He only stared at Gin, as if her words were in another language. But he knew she was sincere. "So... what's new then?" he asked.

"Right... I mean, depends who or what you're asking about." she answered him honestly. There was a lot to tell, a lot that happened, and the undeniable tension between them. Gin didn't like it. It seemed like Akutagawa was a stranger instead of her blood.

"You... What's new with you?" Akutagawa has thought of Gin multiple times while locked up. How she was doing, if she was holding up, or if she was better without him there, constantly nagging her.

"Me? Oh, well... I'm doing fine. I have a higher rank now, and I got my own office... Your old office." Gin said, smiling a little. She seemed really happy with her position and her space. Akutagawa was happy for her.

"So you got my position then?" He already knew the answer. And she deserved it. Gin was always a hard worker, even if she was really quiet and shy. She seems more confident now.

Gin's shoulders sagged and she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, one of relief. "Yes, yes I did... I didn't know how you would react. I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... You deserve it." Akutagawa wasn't mad that she replaced him. He wasn't as scared of being replaced and forgotten as he used to be. Sure, it hurts to know that people moved on, but pride for his sister overtook that feeling. "So... You and Higuchi seemed close."

Gin tensed up a little, in a good way. Her cheeks got a little red and she averted her eyes, looking everywhere but at Akutagawa. "Yeah, we're... we're good friends" 

Right... Good friends she said. Like Akutagawa was gonna believe that. "I thought you were interested in Tachihara." Last he was outside, she absolutely blushed when speaking with Tachihara. He would've never guessed she'd change directions.

"That... Yeah, I was, but I soon realized I wasn't into guys..." 

"So you switched to Higuchi..." he said, sounding a little teasing. He felt... oddly at ease, being able to talk to Gin like normal siblings. He liked this simplicity. Made him feel normal again...

"Shut up!" she exclaimed and nudged him in the shoulder. "Does she at least make you happy?"

Gin was a little taken aback by the question, her eyes averting again and a blush spreading on her face. "Yeah... She makes me happy." And then she smiled. "Really happy..."

They talked for an hour, the tension disappearing with each new thing Akutagawa learned. At some point, they made some tea and talked in the kitchen about the subordinates Gin had to deal with everyday and how idiot each of them were, one a bigger moron than the other. Then Gin insisted on watching movies, since two sequels to the show they used to watched together got released and she didn't have the energy to watch them alone. After they finished, they started talking again. Apparently, there as more Akutagawa didn't know.

"Wait, Chuuya-san and Dazai-san are married? And that Kuni-whatever dude took over the ADA??? And the ADA and Port Mafia are at peace because of it???" This all sounded so confusing to Akutagawa. Seems like everything has really changed.

"Yeah, I know. It's really confusing. But working with the ADA isn't actually that bad. There's really good people there"

"What happened to Mori and Fukuzawa?"

"... Fukuzawa retired and left the agency to Kunikida." That seemed logical enough... Glasses was a responsible man. Kind of a helicopter parent, but in a way Akutagawa respected.

"And Mori?" He almost didn't want to know the answer to that question. He was gone, that was what mattered. But Mori didn't just disappear out of nowhere.

"Prison... He's paying for his actions... And I guess we all silently decided to let him, voted Chuuya-san as the boss and moved on." Right... His actions...

"Good... He deserves it." Okay, maybe Akutagawa said that because he was still mad that Mori sent him away and completely isolated him form society. But Akutagawa still believed his actions were wrong. At least he was now paying for it.

"So, what do you plan to do tomorrow after your training? Anything in mind?" she asked, raising her eyebrows a few times with a knowing smile on her face. He scoffed and rolled his eyes, but his cheeks turned a little pink.

"Ah, you know... Maybe go explore Yokohama for a bit, see if that teashop I liked is still-" but the look on her face told him that she knew. Gin always knew. 

"Alright, fine! I think I'm gonna ask Atsushi if he wants to come with... But only because I have to have someone guard me at all times!" That was the biggest lie he's ever told. Both him and Gin knew he wanted to go on a date with Atsushi, like they used to.

"Right, uh huh, sure. I believe that." "You should!" "Okay, okay. No need to yell."

Akutagawa grumbled and crossed his arms over his chest, turning away. Gin didn't like that. She knew that, despite everything, he loved Atsushi. I mean, he did what he did for him, and went to a mental asylum because of it...

She reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. "Ryuu, I'm sure he'd love to go with you..."

"Yeah, I know, I just... What if he does it out of pity? He's moved on and I didn't... I just want back my Jinko but maybe he's someone else's Jinko now and... It infuriates me to think of someone else enjoying him." His warmth, his smell, that stupid shirt he wears to bed he washes once a week and then wears it again. Akutagawa wanted all of that for himself.

"You know Atsushi would never do that... If he was with someone he wouldn't have came to ask for help, or when he surprised you in your apartment when he wasn't allowed to. He wouldn't lead you on like that unless he still loves you. Plus..." she wanders off. "I've had weekly lunches with him every Wednesday ever since you got taken away and I don't think he loves you less than he did..."

Gin was right... Akutagawa couldn't start making assumptions based off made up scenarios he's had ever since he can remember. He should try, at least then he'd get the confirmation that Atsushi didn't want him anymore and could move on in peace. "You're right... He wouldn't lead me on."

Gin smiled and looked down at her watch, her face changing to one of shock. "Oh my God, it's 1:30 in the morning, I should go..." She stood up and Akutagawa walked her to the door, waving goodbye and saying goodnight. Apparently, she and Higuchi lived right to his right. How convenient. He soon got ready for bed and went to sleep. He had a long day tomorrow and a speech to prepare.

Chapter Text

Hi there, I'm the author of this story and I have a few small facts about the timeline to share. Nobody asked for this but I'm trying to stay active.

So, starting off with their ages. Akutagawa will be 25. I KNOW, I know. He's old, but think about it, he dated Atsushi for two years (If i remember correctly) and was in the mental hospital for three, so five years. The same for Atsushi, dated Akutagawa for two years, then three years (mostly) single. So 18 plus is 23. From then on we can calculate everyone's ages, but I don't wanna so if you're curious, use your brain.

Now, I am in the middle of writing the sixth chapter (this one doesn't count), which if you all guessed, is their date. I needed some introduction and accidentally wrote 800 words up until the point Akutagawa asks Atsushi to go with him. So now I'm conflicted. Should I write the longest chapter of my life or split the date and introduction into two separate chapters?

I know I have been moving really slowly with the chapters, but to be honest, I barely touched my laptop this summer. And I'm sorry. Now that school is starting again, I might just upload even slower, but I will upload nonetheless. So if you didn't yet drop this fic, I am grateful and please have a little faith in me that I will finish it.

Since this isn't an actual chapter in the story, I will be starting to write what happens after their date, and we will be moving to an Atsushi POV for one or two chapters since I have some exciting events for him. Now, if in maybe two or three days I don't decide whether to write chapter six one full chapter or split it into two, I will write it all in one and you people will just have to wait some more until I finish it all.

With that said, I thank you everyone who is still here, reading and supporting me. Feel free (I BEG YOU) to share this story with your sskk lover friends (unless you know me personally, then do NOT share my Wattpad acc, or I will come after you) and please have patience with me. Have a lovely day, night, or afternoon. Author.

Chapter Text

Thump. Swish. Thud.

Akutagawa kept sending Rashomon over and over again, hitting the punching bag occasionally. He knew he wasn't in his best shape. Not since he took a 'break'... But he wasn't that bad either. The training was welcome and he was grateful for the trust put in him, especially allowing him to keep his coat at all times. He could run. But he didn't want to. He could escape. But for what? It wouldn't do him any good, being away again, far from everyone. Far away from Atsushi.

Today, he was working on precision. Hitting his target exactly where he wanted. Like archery. He needed to send the arrow in the middle. Except it wasn't an arrow, it was Rashomon. Easy, right? Wrong. Because three years locked away in a high security insane hospital cell without any light and the bare minimum of human for necessities took a toll on his aiming skills. Anyhow, he kept missing the target. Somehow, he got a photo of the bitch who kept bothering him back at the asylum and glued it to the punching back, setting her right eye as the target, but he always missed. Which was infuriating, but he's learned how to manage his anger... most of the time.

Taking a small break, he brought his hand up to his mouth and coughed. Of course. Ironically, he spends three years in a medical institute but his biggest issue isn't resolved. Frankly, his only one. He's never seen the problem with what he's done, people are just judgemental. Whatever, he can fight through it.

"Am I interrupting?" 

Akutagawa turned towards the voice, but he knew who it was. He'd always recognize Atsushi. He was standing at the door, leaning against the wall with crossed arms.

"Not at all, I was almost done." he said and retracted Rashomon back in his coat before she acted on his behalf, but he could hear her swearing at him in his head.

((Taking a short break to clarify something, sentences in bold writing will now be Rashomon talking in Akutagawa's head, if there is text after that it means Akutagawa is responding in his head. She might be a little mean, but it's for the plot.))

Atsushi just hummed and looked Akutagawa up and down, before meeting his eyes again. "Gin told me you wanted to see me."

You just had to tell Gin your idea, didn't you, dumbass? "Did she?"

"She did" Atsushi answered right away, as if he knew Akutagawa was going to say that. "What's up?"

"I... Oh you know, just... Nothing." Gosh what an idiot, stumbling on your words. Is your tongue tied or something?

"Really? Nothing?" Atsushi raised a unconvinced brow.

"Yeah... Nothing." Akutagawa suddenly could not talk anymore. He either had a brain problem or it was that damn outfit Atsushi was wearing. Nothing fancy, wide legged jeans, a white sweater and off brand boots.

"So should I just leave?" Asked the tiger as he checked his nails.

"That's... up to you." Why would you say that you degenerate fuck? You really want him to leave?

"Uh huh... Well, I think I'll stay, and wait, I have nothing to do, so... Yeah." He said and looked up at Akutagawa, smiling. And, of course, Akutagawa gave a small, kind of awkward, smile back.

"Okay... Sure." Sure? What a loser... His jaw clenched a little and he pulled on the edge of his sleeve. Ow! I'll stop! Don't do that!

"Awesome..." Atsushi simply said and stood there, holding eye contact with Akutagawa. He raised his brow again when he saw him tense, but let it go.

Just ask him you moron! As if it's that simple. It is! Just say "Hey, so since you said you're free, wanna go for a walk?"  A walk? I don't wanna wall. Then ask him to go see that fricking tea shop you squirrel shit! Fine! I'll ask! Stop screaming in my ears... Head. Whatever.

"Ryuunosuke? Are you ok...?" That snapped Akutagawa out of... whatever he was doing, Atsushi wasn't sure.

"Hm? Oh, yeah, I'm fine... So, uh..." Akutagawa cleared his throat and shifted his weight from a foot to the other.

"Yes?" Atsushi perked up.

"Do you... Uhm... like tea?" Really? That's how you're gonna start this conversation? 

"Tea? I suppose, yes..."

"Awesome..." Come on dude! Just ask! Shut up!

Atsushi nodded, feeling awkward all of a sudden. "I... think I'm just gonna go. Good luck at training." He smiled and pushed himself off the wall, turning to leave.

Akutagawa's hand itched to reach out, send Rashomon to grab him and pull him back, but he restrained himself, clenching his fist.

Come on, don't be a coward. You know he'll say yes, just do it.

"Will you get tea with me after I'm finished?" He blurted out before Atsushi could leave.

The tiger stopped, and slowly turned back to look at Akutagawa. Then he smiled.

"I would love to get tea with you. Meet me in the lobby in twenty minutes."

And with that, Atsushi turned back around and actually left, leaving behind a stunned Akutagawa.

"S-sure! I'll see you... then."

See? Wasn't that hard, was it? Oh shut your trap.

Akutagawa sent one last tendril to hit the target and smirked. Bullseye.Then, he headed over to the locker room to see if he had any warmer clothes with him since winter was approaching soon. He couldn't wear Rashomon on a date.

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Well, this will have to do... 

Akutagawa sighed as he looked down at what he could find. At least he didn't have his coat on, but a black sweater instead. Of course, there were no spare pants, so he had to keep the ones he had on. But at least he looked more decent. 

Heading down to the lobby, Akutagawa felt restless. Finally, after years of dreaming, hoping, yearning to have one more moment with Atsushi where they could pretend that everything was normal, he finally got it. He wasn't going to fuck it up.

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Atsushi was just waiting downstairs for Akutagawa, holding his phone in one hand a scarf in the other. He raised his head as he saw feet stop in front of him and just handed Akutagawa the scarf.

"You'll need it, trust me..."

"Oh..." Akutagawa said and took the scarf. The material was soft, and the scarf white. Atsushi had one on too, a black one. He couldn't help but notice how they were kinda matching. "Thanks..."

Atsushi put his phone away and smiled, his smile melting Akutagawa's heart to a great extent.

"Let's go..." He said and started walking outside of the building, Akutagawa quick to follow. 

It was... kind of awkward, to be honest. Atsushi didn't seem tense around Akutagawa, but Aku wasn't sure if he was really as relaxed as he seemed or if he was just good at pretending he was fine. He was right tho, it was pretty chilly outside. 

The city was pretty much the same. The same street names, the same uneven sidewalk, and the same damaged roads. The buildings, shops and usual stuff (like trashcans or benches) were still in the same place. Some shops were new to him, but other than that, it was pretty much the same. 

And before he even knew it, Atsushi grabbed his hand to cross the road and reach the tea shop. God, his hand was warm, and his skin soft... How much Akutagawa missed holding his hand, holding him.

Atsushi smiled as the waitress brought them menus, picked his up to start browsing. He looked up at Akutagawa, and went still.

"... what is it?"

"Hm?"

"You're staring... Is everything okay? Do I have something on my face?"

"No! No, no... You look fine- pretty, pretty... beautiful. Good! You look good! Yeah..."

And there he went again, stumbling over his words like a dyslexic crow. Just ignore it, act nonchalant... He told himself as he picked up the menu and started looking through it.

They gave their orders to the waitress and she took away their menus. How long could two cups of tea take to brew?

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Very long apparently. They have been waiting for like ten minutes, and Akutagawa was getting restless. What should he do? Should he say something? Did he look weird? Was he making faces? Was he sitt-

"Here are those teas, I am so sorry for the wait, our barista just went into labor."

The waitress interrupted his train of thoughts as she placed two cups of tea on the table, one in front of him, the other in front Atsushi. He nodded, so did Atsushi, and picked up his cup of tea. It probably sat out for a while because it wasn't hot, but luckily it wasn't cold either. 

They talked and chatted for maybe twenty minutes until they finished their drinks and left. By the time they got to Akutagawa's door, it was already night out. Atsushi was required to 'escort' him to his door, to make sure he didn't run. 

"So, how was the tea? Anything different from what you remember?"

"I mean, it was good, but I do think the quality has gone down since I've been there."

"Well, you can't expect things to stay the same."

"I know, I know, I just..." he paused, looking into Atsushi's eyes, letting himself relax, and without even realizing it, took a step closer. "I wish some things would stay the same."

It wasn't like Atsushi minded, of course... But if they got caught, who knows what the consequences might be.

Akutagawa's hand came up, brushing his knuckles across Atsushi's cheek, and tucking some hair behind his ear. He had to admit, Atsushi's hair has grown a little, he could probably put it up in a small ponytail. And honestly, he liked it. He liked anything and everything about Atsushi.

"Ryuu, I have to go..." Atsushi said, but still leaned into his hand.

He was so close... So close to Atsushi, so close to getting a taste, even one small peck would be enough, and he was determined to try and get it. "Five more minutes..."

'Five more minutes? Dou you even realize that five more minutes could get us in trouble if we're seen?' But, what if they weren't seen...?

Atsushi looked left and right, checking the hallway for anybody. And lucky for them, they were alone... He couldn't even hear anybody coming close to seeing them. With that sorted out, he looked back at Akutagawa and surged forward. He's missed this, and he couldn't lie about it... As much as he's tried to convince himself that it was wrong, as much as he tried dating new people, he couldn't lie and say he didn't miss kissing Akutagawa.

And to say that Akutagawa was happy was an understatement. He was ecstatic, practically buzzing with energy all of a sudden. The shock gave way to longing, and he groaned, closing his eyes letting himself get lost between those soft lips he tried not to forget the taste of. The kiss was soft, missed, sweet and perfect. It was perfect.

But of course, they pulled back after a few seconds. This wasn't going anywhere further. It would all be too fast, for them both. Akutagawa was barely back, they weren't even allowed to kiss, much more have sex. Well, not yet at least...

"Ryuunosuke, I really have to go..."

"Mhm, go..."

And even though he didn't want Atsushi to leave, Akutagawa let him. Well, it wasn't like Atsushi couldn't slam him to the floor and walk away, but he didn't want to test that. He got more than he probably should've, more than he deserved... He was content.

Chapter Text

Atsushi stared across the room, voices blurring in the background as he focused on one person. He could hear Chuuya talk, but he couldn't make out the words. He wasn't listening at all. And he had a feeling Akutagawa wasn't either, as the other was looking straight back at him. Their "date" was two weeks ago, and things have been great, honestly. They didn't talk, unless necessary, didn't stay in each other's proximity for too long, and let everyone believe they were respecting the rules. 

They weren't. 

"Alright, I am glad that we finally got to have this meeting and discuss the recent changes that we've made with everyone. Have the rest of the day off or whatever, I don't care. Just go."

Chuuya said as he waved his hand dismissively, shooing everyone out of the conference room. He was having a bad day, poor guy... From what Atsushi heard, Dazai was sick, caught a cold, and Chuuya was pissed because of it. Kind of unfair to take it out on everybody else, but whatever.

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As everyone started leaving, murmuring and mumbling about nonsense Akutagawa could not give two shits about, following too.

"Akutagawa, you stay behind."

He froze as he heard Chuuya's voice. Looking in front of him, Akutagawa caught Atsushi's eyes and gave him a confused look, Atsushi shrugging his shoulders before exiting the conference room.

"Yes, Chuuya-san?" he asked as he bit his lip and turned back around.

"You can skip training today. I figured if everyone has the day off, you should too..."

"Oh... okay."

"Just go. You're pissing me off more."

"Yeah..." Akutagawa mumbled and turned on his heel, leaving the room. As soon as he turned the corner, he looked around, until he spotted Atsushi leaning against the wall, arms crossed, next to a supply closet. They lock eyes for a moment before Atsushi pushes himself off the wall and walks inside the supply closet. Akutagawa just glances all around before a small smirk forms on his face and he follows after Atsushi, opening the door causally and going inside.

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The door to the closet opened, and Atsushi peeked his head outside to check for anyone around. Luckily, it was clear, so he fully stepped out of the cramped room, running his hands through his hair and twisting it around his fingers, before putting it up with a simple hair claw. 

"Wow..." said Akutagawa as he exited the closet after Atsushi, putting his own hair up in a small ponytail. "That was... something."

"Sure was." Atsushi responded as he rolled his head left and right, groaning softly as he felt the tension leave his body. 

"Since when could you do that? I do not recall you being able to do that." the ex-mafioso creeped behind Atsushi, his hands already finding their way back to his waist. 

"You'd be impressed with how much I've learned." The tiger responded, feeling the grip on him tighten. 

"And where'd you learn all that?" Akutagawa sounded a little hesitant as he asked, but his curiosity getting the best of him. He couldn't help it. Yes, it's been three years, but the thought that someone else got to enjoy Atsushi the way he's been yearning to enjoy him while locked up made something in him burn.

"Not where you think I did, that I know for sure." Atsushi turned around in Akutagawa's arms, his hands crossed over his chest. 

"Then where?" Akutagawa asked, unable to help himself. He had to know. 

"Does it matter?"

"I suppose not..." 

"Great then, because I have to go and finish some reports." Atsushi's hands slid down over Akutagawa's and got them off himself.

"What? I thought Chuuya gave us the day off." As much as he wanted to keep holding Atsushi, Akutagawa wouldn't force him. He stepped back, although reluctantly.

"He did. For the mafia... But I work for the agency." 

Akutagawa nodded, narrowing his eyes. "Well, I guess you should go then..."

Atsushi knew that look. That slightly pouty, pissed off look that gave away Akutagawa's displeasure towards something. He checked around them again before stepping forward, leaning up on his toes, and kissed his pout away. 

"Mn." Akutagawa groaned, his hands finding Atsushi's waist once more, pulling him closer. 

The kiss started going south fast, and Atsushi pulled back when Akutagawa stepped back and pulled him towards the supply closet again.

"Ryuu, no." Atsushi said firmly, as if telling a dog not to chew on someone's shoe. 

Akutagawa sighed, narrowing his eyes and letting go of Atsushi. "Fine."

Atsushi just smiled and leaned up again, pecking Akutagawa's lips once more before pulling back completely and turning on his heels, leaving cautiously. If anyone saw him in the mafia's halls instead of the agency, suspicion could spark. 

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'God, what a tiring day...' Atsushi thought as he sighed, exiting the agency's building, the harsh wind blowing through his hair and irritating his eyes, feeling them water from the cold air. 'At least Dazai wasn't here today to dump all his work on me.'

He zipped up his jacket and put on his earmuffs. At least he could go home now... 

Atsushi started walking down the sidewalk, his hands in his pocket and bag slung over his shoulder. The dorms weren't that far from the agency, just a ten minute walk. Which, sure, wasn't that big of a deal, but when your immunity system is in deep shit, those ten minutes can cost you. Dazai already got sick, Atsushi bedridden too was the last thing Kunikida needed... And Atsushi knew how stressed he was lately. 

Zoning out, Atsushi walked towards the dorms, in the cold. A walk he's done a million times already that he didn't need to be fully aware of his surroundings. Big mistake. 

As he passed an alley, unaware of everything going on around him, until he felt a cloth over his mouth and an arm around his waist, pulling him into the narrow space between a coffee shop and a clothing store. 

He panicked, thrashing and struggling against the body pinning him to the cold concrete wall. He opened his eyes wide, looking up at the tall, dark figure forcing him to inhale whatever he had into the material. 

He couldn't see the man's face right, but he caught an eerie smile just before his vision went dark, and his body limp.