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Dazai strolled through the streets of Yokohama with a barely noticeable smile on his face, the wind ruffled his hair gently making some stray strands tickle his nose.
He had some sort of attachment to this city for some unknown reason. Was it familiarity? Was it the atmosphere? Was it the people ? He didn't know.
He was thinking about nothing and everything at the same time when Chuuya suddenly crossed his mind, he remembered his last encounter with the redhead 5 days ago. He had left him sleeping out in the open after promising to take him back to base. He had thought about actually carrying his hatrack back but how could he miss a chance to get on Chuuya's nerves?
So , he just cleaned him off, folded his clothes and actually watched over him until he was sure the redhead would wake up soon. See? He wasn't all that bad.
What kind of partner would he be if he exposed his partner to danger when there was still an enemy threat around?
He was sure Chuuya hates him more than he already did by now. It was okay though. It was okay if Chuuya hated him. He didn't deserve the redhead's affection and concern.
Not after everything he had put him through during his mafia days.
Odasaku's words.. The years he spent on the side that helps people.. All this has helped him be more honest with himself and distinguish between wrong and right, And now he was human enough to admit that he had been terrible to Chuuya in the past . He used him and neglected him and then left him without an explanation, while all the other did was care for him and be considerate of him. He admits that he was weak during his mafia days. Now, he was strong enough to allow himself to feel regret , guilt and all kinds of emotions decent human beings feel when they do something bad.
Though, Dazai still wouldn't say he was a good person, but he was better than his past self.
It's just that fighting alongside Chuuya after all this time had overwhelmed him, It kinda took him back to when he was still with the Port Mafia ,so he couldn't help but run away.
Lost in his thoughts, he passed by a decent looking bar and decided that he needed a drink. He made his way towards the building and pushed the glass door open. What he didn't expect to see on his way to the bar is Chuuya, sitting in one of the tables with a wine glass in his hand. Of course. Opposite from him, a guy he recognized as Tachihara Michizou.
He could remember the mafia brat. Always at Chuuya's heel like a lost puppy. He never took a liking to the kid. Chuuya was laughing and talking animatedly to the other. He was already looking a little tipsy.
Dazai could see from this distance the fond look Tachihara was directing towards Chuuya.
A tornado of emotions he couldn't quite put a name to surged through Dazai at the moment. But he know one thing, he didn't like this. He didn't like seeing Chuuya sitting with the Mafia brat, smiling and talking like he never does with the brunette.
Even back then, He never liked how the annoying brat was always lusting after his hatrack, the looks he gave his perfect body. Oh, how he would enjoy gouging those stupid eyes out for even daring to look at his petite mafia.
Wearing his best fake smile, he made his way to pair's table.
"Yo, Chuuya!! Long time no see! " He greeted, standing directly behind the redhead. The latter turned his head so violently he almost snapped his own neck.
" I see you're having fun with-" His eyes shifted to Tachihara, a dangerous gleam flashing over hazel orbs " Tachihara-kun , Was it? " The man in question swallowed at the way Dazai said his name. He was looking at him in some kind of shock , like he never expected to run into him here.
"D-dazai-san ?" Tachihara stuttered out.
"Shitty Bastard, what the fuck are you doing here? " Chuuya said through greeted teeth.
" How mean, Chuuya! I just came in to get a drink when I saw my dearest old partner , So I decided to come say hello~ " Dazai explained in fake hurt.
"Hah! As if. You're just here to harass me like you always do, aren't you, Dazai? "
" I would never! "
"Just say whatever the fuck you want and leave, I'm trying to have a good time and your presence would definitely ruin it " Chuuya said, returning his attention to the expensive red liquid in his hand.
"Tachihara-kun, why are you even wasting your time with such a mean person? You should've gone out with a sweet beautiful woman. At least you were going to get something nice by the end. " Dazai ended his sentence with a wink.
"I- …d-dazai-s-san.. I d-don-.. " Sputtered Tachihara, blushing furiously.
" Not everyone is like you, shithea- ugh, forget it. I'm going to the fucking bathroom or else I'll end up committing murder." Chuuya announced, then stood up, making his way towards the bathroom.
Dazai and Tachihara watched him go and once he was out of sight, the former focused his attention on the latter.
"So, Tachihara-kun. I see you've gotten pretty close to Chuuya in my absence for him to go out drinking with you " Dazai spoke as if poison was dripping with every word he voiced out . Mouth curling into a menacing smile , And Tachihara was met with a stare so cold and empty it rivaled Mori's. He was honestly terrified to say in the least , and he wanted nothing more than to run and never be in this man's presence ever again.
" I-it's n-not-"
" Could it be that you've forgotten what I said about aiming too high? " Said Dazai, twirling a knife in one hand.
Wait, isn't That Chuuya-san's knife? Thought Tachihara. When and how the fuck did he manage to take it?
"What does it have to do with you ,anyway ? You betrayed him and the Mafia ,didn't you?" Tachihara decided to toughen up, it's not like the former executive could do anything to him… right? He wasn't even with the Mafia anymore.
Wrong move.
In a swift movement ,Dazai slammed the knife into the table. Sharp metal piercing fine wood.
Tachihara yelped in surprise, eyes wide with fright looking up at icy ones.
"Tachihara-kun, I see you had really forgotten what I'm truly capable of, hmm? I suggest you try to remember before it's too late. " Dazai, grinned menacingly.
" Y-yes, Dazai-san" Uttered Tachihara, regretting his actions.
" And now. Before Chuuya gets back, you will feel sick and leave, do we have a deal? "
"but Chuuya-san-" the young man tried to argue.
"I will take care of Chuuya. Good night , Tachihara-kun." Dazai said coldly , plucking out the knife then turning his back and heading to the bathroom ,where Chuuya currently was.
__
Chuuya splashed water on his face in an attempt to clear his mind and vision, he really shouldn't have drunk this much early in the evening. He stared at himself in the mirror, taking deep breathes, trying to calm the anger caused by his former partner who was probably still outside. his hands tightened around the sink sides, teeth clenching in irritation.
That bastard. He was still mad at him for leaving him sleeping outside after the fight with Lovecraft even though he promised to carry him back to base. Chuuya tsked. Why does he even bother anymore ? Breaking promises for that waste of bandages is as easy as drinking water. He knew that. He knew it... And yet , he always ends up trusting his words with unspoken hope for change.
He sighed. He hated this part of himself, the part that would trust Osamu Dazai no matter the terrible consequences that always come out of it.
He dried his face and turned around walking towards the door, he hoped Dazai had already left but he highly doubted it. That shithead would never pass up a chance to make his life miserable.
As he was about to grab the handle, the door swung open, making him stumble backwards to avoid being hit. His drunken state made it hard for him to quickly regain stability, and if it wasn't for the long bandaged arms wrapping around his waste, Not even his ability could've saved him from falling butt first to the ground.
"Chuuya! This is why you shouldn't wear your ugly hat, you can't even see what's in front of you! " Scolded Dazai teasingly , removing his hands once Chuuya was on his feet again.
" It's your fault! You almost hit me with the fucking door, you bandaged freak ! " Chuuya snarled " Why the fuck are you here anyway? Were you not done ruining my night? " Added Chuuya furiously, glaring at his former partner.
" I just came to tell you that Tachihara-kun suddenly felt sick and had to leave. Poor kid " Dazai spoke, in feigned empathy " You're such a terrible person Chuuya, making a young man drink himself sick " He continued.
Chuuya squinted suspiciously at Dazai, doubting the latter's statement.
" you did something. " He accused.
Dazai gasped dramatically.
" Are you going to blame me for everything? "
"Yes" Chuuya said casually, walking to the door.
"Chuuya!" Dazai called out, following the redhead.
"Why the fuck are you following me? Leave. "
" I am taking you home, obviously " Dazai said , Shrugging.
The other's words made Chuuya halt in his steps, and he looked at Dazai incredulously.
" And why the hell would I let you do that? "
" Because I am your good old partner, and I wouldn't let my little partner drive himself home when he's shitfaced drunk " Spoke the brunette, smiling.
" 'm not that drunk, Dazai. You can fuck off " Chuuya replied, already exiting the bar.
" Still not suited for driving, hand me your keys Chuuya"
" There's no way I am lettin' you bastard 'nywhere near my car, your drivin' is shit. " Chuuya's words were already beginning to slur.
Good. Dazai smirked. Chuuya was easier to deal with when he was intoxicated.
"Oops, looks like I already have them" Dazai said, displaying Chuuya's keychain, Containing 3 keys, the first was obviously the car's, the other two probably for his apartment and office.
"YOU-" Chuuya started.
"Come on, Chuuya. I promise I will drive safely , I'm not that bad~" Dazai whined,Secretly glad that the streets would practically be empty at this hour of the night.
Chuuya looked thoughtful for a second then gave up, he sighed.
"Ugh fine, you're so fuckin' annoying " He said, walking to the passenger's side and opened the door ,stumbling a little in the process.
Dazai happily got in the driver's seat and started the engine.
The ride was quite for the first ten minutes , until-
" You know, Dazai, you are sooooo annoying! Sooooooo fucking annoying. You're always pissin' me off and shit" Chuuya slurred.
Dazai stayed silent.
" Why do you always have to do it? Can't you just act like a decent fucking person to me? Do you hate me that much? " he continued, staring at Dazai intensely through half lidded eyes.
Dazai prayed Chuuya doesn't go deeper than this.
" I don't even remember doing anything to deserve this. When I first met you, I'd tried to be nice but the first thing you did was make fun of my clothes.WHY ARE YOU SUCH AN ASSHOLE? "
The redhead suddenly started yelling and Dazai thanked the heavens that they're already at Chuuya's apartment complex. He parked the car in the driveway and turned to Chuuya.
"We're here and we're alive! " He said cheerfully. Chuuya only glared at him, unimpressed.
The brunette stepped out of the car and headed to Chuuya's side, opening the door.
"What are you-" Before Chuuya could react, he was lifted up, and thrown over Dazai's shoulder.
Dazai chuckled at the squeak the redhead let out as he made his way up the stairs.
Chuuya started struggling and hitting him.
" YOU BASTARD, LET ME DOWN! YOU FUCKING WASTE OF BANDAGE ,STOP! I'M TELLING KOUYOU!!"
Dazai was now laughing out loud.
" I can't believe you still depend on Kouyou like that despite your age ,Chuuya, this is too funny " He said, wiping tear off the corner of his eye. Chuuya blushed furiously, seemingly realizing what he just yelled out.
He fumbled for Chuuya's keys in hist coat as he approached the apartment, he inserted the object into the lock and pulled the door open after hearing a click.
He went in and Put the intoxicated redhead on the couch. The latter immediately jumping to his feet and directing furious sapphires towards Dazai.
"BASTARD, WHAT WAS THAT FOR?" He shouted.
" You're too drunk for me to let you walk up all the way here, You would've fallen on your face. I was just being a good person! " Dazai explained with a smile.
"You? Good person? Don't make me laugh, YOU DID IT TO PISS ME OFF LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO. You really do hate me, don't you? You always did. "
Dazai dropped his smile but said nothing.
"You always treated me like shit, even as partners. You destroyed my stuff even though you knew they were important to me AS A JOKE, you messed up my paperwork and got me in trouble with the boss, you used me on the battlefield like a fucking dog while all you did was laze around…..You.. Used me to satisfy your needs without regard for my feelings... Leaving as soon as you could.." Chuuya lowered his head as he said the last part, clenching his hands at his sides
Something flashed through hazel eyes.
"Chuuya…I-" He said lowly.
" All you fucking did was go on and on about your stupid suicide attempts, never caring about anyone or anything" Chuuya was rambling at this point.
" Chuuya." He hardened his voice which apparently snapped the redhead out of his trance.
Dazai approached the other slowly and stood over him, gaze uncertain, As if hesitating to do something.
Before Chuuya could say anything, he felt himself getting wrapped in a familiar warmth. He felt a bandaged arm settle on his lower back and a hand resting on the back of his head ,urging it forward to rest on Dazai's shoulder .Slender fingers gently running through his fiery locks. He honestly was too shocked to say anything.
"I'm sorry ,for everything. " Chuuya didn't think his eyes could go any wider but the brunette proved him wrong.
This kind of tone sounded too foreign on Dazai's tongue but not in a bad way.
" I will be better to you, I promise " Dazai added.
Chuuya was so overwhelmed he could cry, but he stayed silent. Suddenly, the former mafia's hands were on his shoulder and he was slightly pulled away from him, only for Dazai to cup his face affectionately.
And it seems as if Dazai will keep surprising him tonight because all of sudden, he felt a pair of lips on his own. Wide ocean eyes blinked in shock , this kiss was unlike anything he's ever felt in his life, it was so strange yet so familiar, not too forceful yet not too gentle , so unlike Dazai yet so him.
It's like the latter was pouring all his unspoken feelings into the kiss. He moved his lips slowly against Chuuya's , like a sort of reassurance.
He pulled away , gazing at Chuuya for a couple seconds, analyzing his expression. Then broke into s mischievous grin.
" I won't promise to stop teasing Chuuya though, it's way too fun to let go of! " He said, starting to head towards the bedroom, leaving the redhead standing in the middle of the living room, still in his shocked state.
"Let's go to bed, Chuuya! I'm tired, dealing when your drunken ass is exhausting ! " the brunette complained.
__
For the first time in forever , Chuuya woke up embraced in long bandaged arms, back pressing against a warm chest, and he couldn't help but feel a flutter of happiness as he started remembering last night's events.
For the first in forever, Dazai had slept so peacefully and woke up to admire a Sleeping Beauty with mesmerizing Blue eyes and fiery red hair, he allowed a little genuine smile to creep on his face.