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- Seven -
It’s midmorning now and the young boy standing outside of the bakery has never seen or smelled anything so delicious. At least, he thinks he hasn’t. He doesn’t remember much before this morning when he was walking through the dark streets of the city. He knows the place he’s in is called Yokohama. He knows the name of the bakery is Good Morning Bakery and they have the softest, most golden croissants. He slips inside when the door opens and waits patiently behind an older woman buying discounted day old bread. She finally leaves and Chuuya (he knows that’s his name because it’s written on his hand) cranes his neck up at the clerk and points to a croissant, asking for one. She stares down at him and asks how he’s going to pay for it. Before he can answer, she cuts him off, asking where his parents are and why such a young kid is alone.
He points to the croissant again. She huffs and tells him to leave. He can come back when he has money or has an adult. There’s a man in a crisp, black suit behind him who seems to be in a hurry. The clerk ignores Chuuya now, asking the business man how she can help him. Chuuya finds that he doesn’t like being brushed aside. All he wants is something to eat, why can’t she understand that? He stands there for another minute before the clerk seems to realize he hasn’t left. She yells at him to leave and Chuuya wonders why she’s so mean. The glass case of pastries rumbles for a few seconds before the glass shatters, covering everything inside the case and floor in broken glass. Chuuya grins and steps forward, taking a croissant after inspecting it for pieces of glass.
The clerk is in shock, already calling for her manager to come out. Anyone who was in line has already left. Chuuya sticks his tongue out, taking a bite of his prize. They don’t even seem to notice him as he leaves.
The day is passing quickly. Chuuya is in awe of how crowded this city seems to be. Everything seems so strange and foreign to him, but he doesn’t feel overwhelmed. He feels like he’s right where he belongs. It’s an odd feeling, considering he doesn’t know what it feels like to belong.
He walks leisurely among the throngs of people. Everyone is so different and interesting. He notices that all the other children he passes are not alone like he is. He wonders briefly if he is supposed to have someone too.
After awhile he sees a large group of people gathering down by the water. The street here is lined on either side with sakura trees in full bloom. Chuuya thinks it’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. The trees are like giants, dwarfing the people standing around them. It seems as if they are all one massive tree. It’s hard to tell where one ends and another begins. He walks twice as fast now and finds an empty spot next to one of the trees. He’s not tall enough to reach the branches to get a closer look at the blossoms, but that’s not a problem because the ground is littered with them. He bends and gently scoops one into his small palm, eyes wide. It feels like silk against his skin as he runs a finger over the petals. He sees a group of girls near him and they are sniffing the blossoms so he does the same. It’s fragrant and sweet. He realizes that the trees are why the air smells so wonderful here.
He looks again at the circle of teenagers near him and sees a few placing the pink blooms in each others hair. He thinks they look pretty that way and he decides to do the same for himself. He takes the blossom and places it near his ear like they have, but it falls down to the ground. He’s perplexed now and wonders how they get theirs to stay so perfectly. He tries again, this time using a little bit of his Ability to hold it in place. It works and he smiles.
Not wanting to leave, he sits down and leans against the trunk of the tree. It’s calm and relaxing here. Something he feels he hasn’t felt in a long time. Or ever. The salty sea breeze blows around him, ghosting across his skin. He thinks he could fall asleep here and not mind. He doesn’t close his eyes though. Instead, he watches and listens to the people around him. Many are posing for pictures with the sakura blossoms. A family walks by and Chuuya happens to hear one of them say that today is the 29th of April. For whatever reason, the date sticks in his mind. It sounds special to him, in a way that he can’t exactly describe.
The day will become his first and most precious memory. It’s effortlessly easy for him to choose this date as his birthday.
- Twelve -
The sky is cloudy and the day is grey. Chuuya is standing at the end of the sakura street. There are many streets like this in Yokohama, but this one is his. It’s been a rainy spring and the trees are already bare. Saturated and wilted pink petals cover the ground rather than branches. It’s a sad sight, but Chuuya got to see them in their full glory a few weeks ago. He only wishes he could have seen them like that today, the 29th of April. It doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, but he’s a little bummed out anyways.
“Oi, shorty, let’s go!” Chuuya turns and scowls at the voice. It’s a fellow Sheep member, one who knows better than to taunt Chuuya about his height. And on today of all days. Chuuya has never done anything to celebrate his birthday, once he learned what birthdays were. Still, inwardly it feels like a special day and he likes that.
“Yeah, yeah.” He grumbles, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He doesn’t know how long he’s been with the Sheep, but he likes it with them. Likes it enough to stay, anyways. They give him a purpose. He keeps them safe with the help of his Ability. He knows already that it’s only right for him to help them. He was born gifted and knows it’s his responsibility to use that gift to protect those who can’t protect themselves. He feels a sense of pride when he defends them from their enemies. The head pats and back slaps afterwards make him feel like he belongs.
They arrive back at the rundown warehouse they’ve been living in for a few months now. Chuuya doesn’t have any other plans for the day, now that he couldn’t enjoy the sakura blossoms. He still isn’t exactly sure what people do on their birthdays. He thinks you can get gifts from your family, but he doesn’t have one of those. He’s seen people eat sweets before, but he never has. Maybe he’ll go to a bakery later and get a cookie for himself. He doesn’t have much money and he doesn’t really want any of the others to follow him. They’ll all want a piece and normally he doesn’t mind sharing, but today is his day. He wants the whole cookie.
It’s not long before Chuuya is dozing off on an almost comfortable, ragged and smelly couch in the warehouse. He’s half asleep when the others all gather around him and shake him awake. Immediately he’s on alert, though he quickly finds there’s no reason for alarm. He looks around and sees that there’s a small but pretty cake sitting on a small table. There’s even two candles sticking out of the frosting. His chest swells and his throat tightens at the gesture. This is for him.
“Happy Birthday, Chuu-kun!” One of the older boys says. “This is for always savin’ our asses.”
Chuuya gives him a big smile, doing his best to keep his emotions in check. No one has ever done something so nice for him before. Another boy pulls out a lighter to light the candles. He hears someone mumble that they better not be singing to him, and Chuuya hopes that they will. But just as the first candle is lit, the door to the warehouse crashes open and two Sheep members come running in, out of breath.
“It’s that fuckin’ Coyote gang.” One of the boys says quickly, bending to catch his breath. Chuuya jumps up instantly. The Sheep and the Coyote have had several run-ins over the past month or so. They’re an older gang with more members than the Sheep. Chuuya doesn’t know the specifics on what caused the initial quarrel, but it’s annoying and a threat all the same.
“Where?” Chuuya asks, cracking his knuckles.
“Red Brick Warehouse.” The second boy answers. “They’ve got Ryuuji.”
Chuuya narrows his eyes and heads out immediately. The Red Brick warehouse isn’t exactly close, but he runs anyways. Ryuuji is only a few years older than Chuuya and far younger than the members of the Coyote. Chuuya looks behind him, hoping to see some of the older Sheep accompanying him. He’s alone. He knows he can take the other gang by himself, but it will still be a bit of a challenge and having others to serve as distractions would be nice.
He makes it to the Red Brick warehouse faster than he thought he would. It’s not exactly small and he realizes the others didn’t give him anything else to go off of. Or maybe he left too quickly. It doesn’t matter now, he’s here and he needs to find them. Luckily, it doesn’t take him too long. They aren’t exactly trying to hide. But they do have a knife to Ryuuji’s neck. Chuuya’s eyes scan over the gang quickly. There’s eight of them. He knows they have more members than that, so he’ll have to be extra alert, in case more show up.
“We were hoping the King of the Sheep would come.” One of them says, grinning. Chuuya scrunches his nose, not liking the way this guy’s gums show when he smiles too wide. He also doesn’t like being called a king of anything. He knows that’s his nickname though. He doesn’t know where it came from or if the Sheep actually see him as their king. He’s not their leader, just their protector.
Chuuya doesn’t have time for small talk. They’ve ruined his birthday celebration and they’re threatening one of the Sheep. Chuuya doesn’t even know why, but that doesn't matter. He’s already kicking one of the goons in the stomach and sending another flying across the street using his Ability. Another comes for him, knife drawn. Chuuya dodges just in time to avoid being slashed. He increases the gravity of the knife and the oaf holding it stumbles and falls under the weight of it. Chuuya can’t tell if he landed on the knife or not. He hardly cares.
Smirking, Chuuya moves onto the next three who charge him at the same time. He makes himself float up so the three Coyote's crash into each other. Then he increases his own weight and delivers a heavy kick down on them. There’s two left. The one holding Ryuuji and the other holding the knife to his throat. Chuuya goes for the Knife Goon first, running then sliding into his legs, causing him to come crashing down into the pavement. Chuuya’s back on his feet in no time, already slamming his entire body into the one holding Ryuuji with an iron grip. He’s the biggest one of them by far. He falls but he’s still holding onto Ryuuji, who falls with him.
Chuuya is the first up again, body slamming the man once more. He hears him gasp as the wind is knocked out of him and sees Ryuuji scramble away. He takes off running and Chuuya can only hope he’s heading back to the Sheep. He kicks the big man one more time for good measure and picks up the knife the other Coyote had dropped. He likes it and decides to keep it. He walks away, pleased to hear the groaning and moaning of the eight Coyote members as they try to regain some of their composure and dignity. He’s sure it isn’t everyday that they get their asses kicked by a kid.
Chuuya walks back to the warehouse as the sun begins to set. He’s slowly coming down from the adrenaline rush the fight gave him. He got a knife out of the whole thing and he has a cake to look forward to when he gets back. Plus, Ryuuji seems unharmed and he put eight older boys to shame all by himself. He’s riding that high when he gets back to the Sheep building, opening the big metal door with a smile on his face.
It quickly fades when he sees everyone lounging around, the table decidedly bare beyond an empty cake box. Chuuya swallows down his disappointment, hoping there’s at least one piece left inside the box that he simply can’t see from where he stands now. He walks toward it and peers inside, a lump forming in his throat.
Two burnt candles and some crumbs are all that’s inside the box.
- Sixteen -
Chuuya’s perched on the ledge of a rooftop in the dead of night. There’s no breeze and no moon. If he focuses hard enough he can see stars, so he spends a few minutes staring up at the inky black abyss.
“Contemplating the purpose of the universe, Chuuya?” A familiar, grating voice asks from behind him.
“More like trying to pretend I’m alone and not stuck with a talking roll of bandages.” Chuuya quips. He wishes this were a solo mission he could do on his own. Having Dazai around is nothing short of irritating. It’s going to be a long, boring night with him. They’ve been tasked with staking out a Tokyo official’s hotel. He’s due to leave in the morning, but he might be making an escape tonight. Something about being indicted for being corrupt. Chuuya doesn’t know all the details and he frankly doesn’t care. In the end, Chuuya doesn’t think he will actually flee, so they’re wasting time and he’s losing patience just sitting here.
“Something’s bothering Chuuya tonight.” Dazai says matter of factly, coming to stand alongside Chuuya. He leans against the ledge of the roof and looks down. “Think this is high enough to kill someone if they jump?”
“Yes.”
“Would Chuuya stop me if I tried?” He asks, there’s no intention behind his words.
“Not a chance.” Chuuya replies easily. They both know that’s not true.
The spring air is chilly and Chuuya wishes he wore a thicker jacket. There’s another reason he’s annoyed with Dazai tonight. More than just the typical reasons. Chuuya heard a rumor that Dazai is slated to make Executive within the next few weeks. If he’s heard it, he knows Dazai has heard it. Ever since he met Dazai, Dazai brags about being on the fast track to an executive position. Chuuya never doubts him, but there’s never been solid evidence of it happening anytime soon.
Now it’s all Chuuya hears people talking about. The youngest Executive in the Port Mafia’s history. Dazai has been quiet about the topic for a week or two. Chuuya tries not to be offended, but he can’t help it. They’re supposed to be partners. A promotion like this for Dazai affects them both and Dazai hasn’t said a word about it.
“So what is it?” Dazai asks solemnly, turning to look at Chuuya. “You’re unusually quiet tonight.”
“We’re on a mission.” Chuuya says. “This isn’t the time for idle chit chat, moron.” Now he’s really annoyed. Dazai knows exactly what’s wrong but still expects Chuuya to bring it up. He’s infuriating.
“Are you upset because I didn’t wish you a happy birthday yet?” Dazai tries again, this time a slight smile pulls at the corners of his lips.
Chuuya blinks in response. Birthday? He’d totally forgotten.
“It’s only 2am, Chuuya. You’re lucky I remembered. We’re on a mission, after all.” Dazai continues. “Actually, that’s not completely true. I only remembered about an hour ago. So I didn’t get you a gift.” He tells him cheerfully. Chuuya rolls his eyes. He’s never gotten a gift for his birthday, today won’t be any different and he isn’t expecting it to be.
“You’re doing better than me. I completely forgot.” Chuuya says, sighing.
“Something must be really bugging you if you forgot.” Dazai teases and this time Chuuya can’t keep quiet. If Dazai’s looking for an argument, then he just found himself one.
“Would you shut the fuck up for once?” He lashes out, mindful not to raise his voice, considering the nature of the mission. “Just stop talking for once in your goddamn life.”
Dazai stares at him, any trace of the fake smile he’d sported earlier is gone. “Say it.” He says, voice hard.
“You’re going to be an Executive and you didn’t fucking tell me!” Chuuya cries, fists clenching at his sides. He hates when he lets himself lose his cool around Dazai. Dazai knows all of the right buttons to push and Chuuya loathes that.
Dazai doesn’t respond. Of course he’d shut his mouth when Chuuya doesn’t want him to.
“Did you think I wouldn’t hear about it?” Chuuya presses. That bastard owes him an answer. Chuuya will beat it out of him if he has to. Again, Dazai just stares at him. His face is expressionless, but Chuuya has gotten to know him well enough in the last few months that he can see Dazai’s thinking. That only pisses him off more, so he grabs Dazai by the collar and lifts him up.
“I didn’t know what to say.” Dazai finally answers.
“That’s it? How about just telling me! We’re partners.” Chuuya says through gritted teeth.
“I didn’t want to tell you before I knew what was happening with us.” Dazai says. It’s vague and Chuuya doesn’t quite understand.
“With us?” Chuuya asks, setting Dazai’s feet back on solid ground. He feels something in the pit of his stomach and he’s not sure if it’s dread or excitement.
“Don’t you feel like there’s something between us?” Dazai asks, his voice sounds soft and suddenly Chuuya isn’t sure where this is going. It’s true that sometimes Chuuya feels things for Dazai that he knew aren’t what partners or even friends should feel. As much as Dazai irritates him and makes him want to kill him, there’s just as much about Dazai that makes Chuuya want to erase all the pain Dazai’s gone through in his life. Dazai doesn’t talk about it, but it’s easy now for Chuuya to see the hurt Dazai tries so hard to hide. There’s something about Dazai that makes Chuuya feel butterflies in his stomach when their eyes catch just right and Dazai gives him the smallest hint of a real smile. It’s something that Chuuya can’t quite explain.
“Your silence is truly telling, Chuuya.” Dazai’s voice snaps Chuuya back to the conversation at hand. Dazai is closer now. Chuuya doesn’t remember him moving this close. He looks up to meet Dazai’s gaze and his breath hitches at the look Dazai is giving him right now. He tries to speak but he can’t find the words. The anger he felt earlier has fallen away. “I think we’re thinking the same thing right now.” Dazai breathes.
“Y-yeah.” Chuuya swallows, voice shaky.
“That we’re great partners and work so well together!” Dazai’s expression changes in an instant, his cheerful mask back on. Chuuya steps backwards, dazed. “I don’t want any fancy schmancy promotion to ruin that!”
Dazai’s grinning ear to ear now. Chuuya wants to punch that grin clear off of Dazai’s face.
- Eighteen -
By eighteen, Chuuya’s been an Executive for a little over a year. He’s used Corruption dozens of times. He’s still partners with Dazai and he’s grown closer to another Executive, Ozaki Kouyou. He’s known her since he joined the Mafia, placed under her tutelage by Mori. She’s been a mentor to him even after he didn’t need to be monitored as closely anymore. Ever since becoming an Executive, Kouyou has treated him as an equal. He’s been grateful and has afforded her the same courtesy. He respects her greatly.
Today is his eighteenth birthday and Kouyou has invited him to her quarters. This isn’t the first time he’s been to her personal room. It’s the second. He wonders if it’s because of his birthday, which they’ve never celebrated together before, or for another reason. It’s 7pm when he knocks on her door, taking off his hat before she answers. She greets him with a smile and opens the door wide, allowing him to come in.
Her apartment is dimly lit and smells like lavender, thanks to the incense she’s burning. He sees a teapot and two teacups already set up at the table. She keeps her home traditional, so Chuuya takes a seat on one of the red silk cushions on the floor next to the low table. She’s close behind and sits on the other cushion next to him. She takes her time pouring the tea, which is rich in color and Chuuya knows it will be flavorful. Kouyou knows her tea like Chuuya has begun to know wine.
After she pours them both full cups, Chuuya brings the china to his lips and tastes the tea once in its pure form, before adding one small spoonful of sugar to it. Kouyou doesn’t add any to hers. A moment in silence passes before she sets down her teacup and pulls out a beautifully wrapped box. She gracefully hands it over the table to him.
“Happy Birthday, Chuuya-kun.” She says, folding her hands in her lap, watching him slowly unwrap it. The paper is red with gold embellishments, tied with a gold string. He carefully unties the string before tearing through the paper. When he opens the lid of the box his eyes go wide. Kouyou smiles, closing her eyes, satisfied.
“Ane-san, this is too much.” He objects half-heartedly. It’s a elegant black kimono with small white lines running through. He pulls it out of the box and holds it up. The fabric itself looks and feels more expensive than most. He doesn’t know when he’ll wear something like this, but appreciates it all the same.
“Hush, boy. Accept gifts given to you with grace. If someone is giving you something, they’re doing it because they want to. It’s an insult to try to reject their efforts, no matter your intentions.” She tells him, eyes open again, bringing her teacup to her lips. Chuuya lowers his eyes and nods.
“It’s beautiful.” He says next, folding it back up delicately. Underneath the kimono is a large bottle of what looks like expensive wine. Chuuya sucks in a breath before pulling it from the box, inspecting the label. “This is…”
“Chateau Lafite Rothschild from France.” Kouyou finishes for him. He can tell she’s pleased with herself. He wants to try some right now, but knows it’s best to wait when it comes to wine like this. This Chateau is already eight years old, according to the label.
“Thank you, ane-san.” He tells her, setting the wine back into the box gently. He’s never gotten anything like this for his birthday before and he feels honored that Kouyou chose to bestow him with such thoughtful gifts.
“I hope one day we can share a glass or two of that wine.” She replies. He knows she means that she hopes they both remain alive and well in the mafia to be able to have that opportunity one day. Chuuya has become well-versed in her hidden meanings.
“I’m sure we will.” He assures her, taking another sip of his tea. He realizes it’s sakura blossom in flavor and he wonders if she knows.
“Birthdays don’t mean much in the Port Mafia, lad. Though I’m sure you’ve figured that much out for yourself in the three years you’ve been with us.” She begins. “Friends and loved ones aren’t encouraged in this lifestyle. It’s a lonely existence.”
He nods. He knows that, has known that since he joined. Still, he feels indebted to the Port Mafia and wouldn’t change a thing. He likes it here. Chuuya knows his experience with the mafia has been vastly different from Kouyou’s experience. He has been fortunate in that he hasn’t felt very lonely. Of course it’s because of that shitty bandaged bastard and because of Kouyou herself. He knows just how lucky he is to have them both (though he’s more reluctant to admit that with Dazai).
Chuuya wonders if Kouyou has noticed over the years that he tends to care more for his subordinates than others do. It’s put him at risk more times than he can count, but it’s almost always been worth it. He finds it hard to forgive himself if he could have prevented his men’s deaths but didn’t. He doesn’t let himself think too deeply about why that is.
“I’ve been fortunate enough not to feel that aching loneliness like you do, ane-san.” Chuuya says to her quietly.
“I hope that lasts.” She replies, a hint of sadness in her voice.
Chuuya hopes it does too.
- Nineteen -
It’s Chuuya’s first birthday without Dazai since he’s known him. It’s only been a few months since he left and Chuuya hates to admit it, but he’s not over that bastard’s defection just yet. He’s angry. He hasn’t felt this betrayed since the Sheep quite literally stabbed him in the back.
What Dazai did was worse. He left. Without a word to him or anyone else. Chuuya can guess why. Chuuya could see the decline in Dazai over the last year or so. He was becoming more and more unhappy. His suicide attempts seemed to become more and more serious, if that were even possible.
To that end, Chuuya is relieved. Always feeling like he had to make sure Dazai wasn’t bleeding out in a bathtub somewhere or hanging lifelessly from a beam in an attic had begun to wear Chuuya out. He wishes he didn’t care so much for that pain in the ass Dazai. It would make this so much easier.
Letting go isn’t something Chuuya is good at. But he’s getting better as the days go on. Dazai isn’t his problem anymore. As much as that hurts, it’s freeing in it’s own way. Oda Sakunosuke’s death was the last straw for Dazai, or at least that’s what Chuuya assumes. He doesn’t know for sure since Dazai didn’t bother to tell him anything. He doesn’t know if that’s because Dazai didn’t care enough about Chuuya or their partnership, or if it was to spare Chuuya from any suspicion that he’d helped Dazai leave.
It’s hard for Chuuya to forget the night of his 16th birthday when Dazai admitted that he liked being Chuuya’s partner. How he didn’t want his new Executive status to ruin their partnership. Where was that sentiment now? Chuuya wishes he knew. Not knowing only gnaws away at his insides. He needs to get used to the fact that he will probably never know.
Chuuya takes a walk down to the waterfront and walks down his sakura street. The blossoms have bloomed and fallen by now. Their full bloom over the last few years has been in the early part of the month. Chuuya often wonders how he got lucky on his first day outside of the facility to see them in full bloom at the end of the month all those years ago.
He looks out over the choppy water and closes his eyes, taking in the sea air, trying to clear his mind.
He hopes Dazai can find the peace he could never find in the Port Mafia.
Chuuya wishes he can find his own peace now that Dazai is gone.
- Twenty One -
This time Chuuya is the one who invites Kouyou to his place. He just got orders that he’ll be heading to western Japan sometime in the next month or so to deal with a few quarreling organizations on behalf of the Port Mafia. He’s not going alone, of course. He’ll have a team with him that he’ll be in charge of. Still, he wants to drink and he doesn’t want to drink alone.
So he invites Kouyou over and has two wine glasses ready when she arrives. The bottle of Chateau that she gave him a few years ago sits on the table. He doesn’t know if she’s heard the news or not, but now is as good a time as any to tell her.
“Is this…” She begins when she sees the bottle.
“Chateau Lafite Rothschild from France.” He finishes, shooting her a crooked grin. Her features soften and she returns his smile. “If I recall, you mentioned wanting to share this particular bottle with me one day.” He says as he uncorks it and pours them each a glass.
“I think I only requested a glass, not the whole bottle.” Kouyou replies, daintily taking her glass in between her slender fingers. Her nails are painted a deep shade of pink today.
“I feel like getting drunk tonight.” Chuuya says, slumping into a chair. He swirls the wine around in his glass before bringing it to his lips. It has a robust flavor. He thinks he tastes a hint of berry. The wine itself is such a deep shade of red that almost looks black.
“Oh? And what’s the occasion? Surely it’s not because it’s your birthday.” She hides her grin behind the sleeve of her kimono.
“I wish that were it.” Chuuya tells her, leaning his head back so he’s staring at the ceiling for a moment. “I got orders to head out west for an undetermined amount of time.” He tells her, frowning. She doesn’t make a sound in return so he peels his eyes away from the ceiling to look at her for her reaction.
“Do you feel like you won’t be coming back?” She asks slowly. He can’t tell if she already knew about his orders or not from that question. But her question makes him laugh nonetheless.
“No, nothing like that, ane-san.” He chuckles. “Just as long as it takes, but it seems like it’ll be a few months at the very least.”
She nods and takes a larger sip of her wine. “Let’s hope it’s not that long.” She decides.
“I’ll do my best, but you never know with these things.”
They sit in silence for another moment or two before Chuuya stands up, taking his glass and the bottle of wine with him to his outdoor balcony. Having been an Executive for a few years now, he can afford a nice place like this. He has a gorgeous view of the port and lives on a high enough floor that the view is unhindered by other buildings. Kouyou follows him and looks out over the horizon. The sun is setting, painting the sky different muted hues of reds, pinks and oranges.
Chuuya sets the wine and his glass on his outdoor table and pulls out a cigarette and lighter. He knows Kouyou doesn’t enjoy the smell of it, but right now he’s too tired and stressed to care.
“I’ll let it slide this once, boy. If only because it’s your birthday.” She tells him, her lips curled into the slightest of smiles. Her eyes are soft and he knows she’s not the least bit upset.
- Twenty Three -
Chuuya decides he is going to get away for his birthday this year. He can’t remember the last time, if there ever was a time, that he truly celebrated his birthday for the sake of celebrating it. The past year has been rough for him. With the reemergence of his wretched ex-partner and the Guild, Shibusawa, and now the Rats, Chuuya just wants a break from it all.
He looks up getaway options on the internet and decides that he shouldn’t actually go too far from Yokohama. Duty would always be calling and it would only make things more difficult for him if he has to travel a long distance to get back.
He ends up settling on a nice ryokan onsen in Hakone which is only about an hour and a half away from Yokohama. It’s just far enough to make this feel like a true getaway.
His birthday is on a Sunday this year so he decides to stay from Friday to Monday. It will be a nice weekend away.
The Friday before his birthday finally comes and he heads out, opting to drive himself out there rather than taking a train. He debates on taking his motorcycle but being that it’s spring, it could rain at any given time. He chooses instead to take his car. The drive is peaceful and relaxing once he’s out of the Yokohama traffic.
He arrives at the ryokan and has a valet park his car. Once he’s at the front desk to check in, he gives his name and duration of stay. The clerk verifies that he’s booked one of their best suites with a private open air onsen on the balcony. Then the clerk verifies that the room has been booked for two guests. Chuuya frowns. He’s only booked for one. The clerk apologizes for the mistake and changes the reservation details. Then he’s given the room keys and a bellhop helps him with his luggage.
He gives a generous tip once they reach his room. It’s a spacious suite with a large bed at the far end of the room. Since ryokan’s are styled after traditional Japanese inns, the smell of the tatami mats is one of the first things Chuuya encounters when he steps inside.
It’s not long before he’s dressed in the complimentary kimono provided for him. It’s Friday evening and he decides to order room service for dinner, take a nice hot bath in the open air bath and then head to bed. He’ll explore the ryokan grounds tomorrow during the day.
He’s up bright and early the next morning, Saturday. He doesn’t remember a time he’s slept so deeply and woken up so rested in a long, long time. He almost wishes he had chosen to stay a week here and not just a few days. The bath he’d had last night was pure bliss and the view of the mountains was breathtaking.
He heads down to one of the on-site restaurants for breakfast and helps himself to a plateful of waffles topped with fruit and whipped cream. He realizes he left his cell phone in his room so he can’t take a picture to show Kouyou what kind of food they serve here.
After breakfast, he goes for a walk around the grounds, once again wishing he’d stopped back at his room for his phone. The ryokan is at the base of a mountain range and Chuuya wonders if it’s volcanic. He’s read that Hakone is known for volcanic mountain ranges, which is what makes it such a prime hot spring spot.
Since it’s springtime, the flowers are blooming and the wildlife is abundant. The air feels fresh here and Chuuya feels invigorated and revived. The feeling is only rivaled by that day when he was seven years old sitting under the fully bloomed sakura trees. It’s too bad the sakura’s have already bloomed for the year this year, but he hadn’t expected otherwise.
By the time he’s finished with his walk it’s time for lunch, so he goes back to the restaurant and orders a fresh crab dish. Only after it arrives does he think of Dazai and how much that idiot enjoys crab. Now he really wishes he had his phone to take a picture of his meal just to taunt Dazai with it.
The fact that taunting Dazai is even an option still feels surreal. Ever since the Agency and the Port Mafia began working together here and there, he and Dazai had started to rekindle what weird, warped symbiotic friendship they’d had when they were partners. Chuuya can’t say he didn’t miss it or that he’s fully forgiven Dazai for what he did. But he doesn’t know if that day will ever come. Dazai even being open to talking to Chuuya again is a bit of a shocker in and of itself, so Chuuya decides to just roll with it. They don’t see much of each other and they don’t even necessarily talk that often either. But it won’t be out of character or uncommon if Chuuya sends that bastard a picture of his succulent crab lunch. Maybe he’ll order crab tomorrow too, just so he can take a picture.
After he finishes his meal, he heads back up to his room to relax before dinner. He brought his journal with him and hopes to write some poetry, filled with new found inspiration from his trip thus far. He’s never shared his poems with anyone, not even Kouyou. He doesn’t know what she will think. It’s not very becoming of a Mafia Executive to write poetry. But Chuuya doesn’t mind. He does it in his own time when inspiration strikes.
Upon arriving back at his room, Chuuya immediately senses that something is off. The balance has been disrupted and he has a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. There’s another pair of shoes next to his just inside the door. The doors leading out to the patio and open air bath are open and he hears humming and singing coming from outside. He squeezes his eyes shut and hopes this is just a bad dream. This can’t actually be happening to him. This is supposed to be his time away from all the bullshit and annoying people.
So why is he hearing that mackerel’s unmistakable singing coming from his open air bath?
He slips off his sandals and marches across the room and outside where he’s assaulted with the image of Dazai’s bare ass. He’s too angry to even process that it is Dazai’s ass. He crosses his arms over his body and taps his foot, fuming. Sensing someone else is there, Dazai stops singing and turns to face Chuuya, smiling as he sinks down into the water, his naked body out of sight.
“Chuuya~!” He says happily. “Isn’t this a lovely surprise?” He beams, clearly enjoying himself.
Chuuya can’t even find the words to berate him with. So many questions are whirling through his head and he feels his vision blurring at the edges with rage.
“What the fuck are you doing here?!” He blurts, trying to calm himself down. This asshole will not ruin his birthday weekend.
“You didn’t answer your phone, so I sweet talked the receptionist into giving me your room number and a spare key.” He explains casually, like it’s no big deal.
“How did you know I was here?” Chuuya tries again, not even sure he wants to know the answer anymore.
“I have my ways. Anyways, that’s not the point! No one should have to spend their birthday alone. Not even a stinky hatrack like you.” Dazai replies. Chuuya stares at him.
“I wanted to spend my birthday alone. That was the whole point of this trip!” He grits out. He’s inching closer and closer to murder the more Dazai opens his mouth.
“You know what would help you not pop a blood vessel or give you an ulcer?” Dazai asks, ignoring everything Chuuya has said. “A nice, hot bath. And whaddya know? You’ve got one right here.” He smiles that irritatingly beautiful smile, his eyes shining like he’s so clever.
And just like that, Chuuya’s already taking off his kimono, glaring at Dazai all the while. He doesn’t know why he’s listening to this disrespectful vagabond, but he is. Dazai stops him before he can step into the water, though.
“Ah, ah. You need to rinse off first. Don’t you know onsen protocol?” Dazai teases, pointing at the small, glass shower stall off to the side of the bath. Of course Chuuya knows that, but Dazai being here has thrown everything out of whack. He isn’t thinking clearly.
He quickly strides to the stall and rinses himself off hastily. Then he’s back at the bath, carefully stepping into it. The heat stings at first, but once his skin is submerged for a few seconds, his body adapts fast. They both soak for a few minutes silently. Chuuya closes his eyes and takes this time to talk himself down. Dazai is Dazai and if he is being completely truthful, Chuuya doesn’t mind that he’s here. He just wishes Dazai would have asked (or warned him) first.
It’s only when he opens his eyes next that he notices the sakura blossom petals that are scattered all across the surface of the water. He turns and looks at Dazai, wondering if they’ve been here this whole time. He raises an eyebrow, wondering where they came from.
“You just now noticed? Tsk, Chuuya.” Dazai clicks his tongue. “I know how much you like sakura blooms on your birthday. Which is technically tomorrow, but give me some credit.” He smirks. Chuuya is speechless. He can’t remember when he told Dazai about that. It was more than likely when he was drunk. The fact that Dazai remembers and did something about it touches Chuuya.
“I do. Like them, that is.” Chuuya replies, scooping one up into his hand. It’s waterlogged but still intact. He doesn’t know how Dazai got them here, still in bloom when it’s been weeks since they fell from the trees in Yokohama. At this point, the specifics of it don’t matter to him. He places the blossom in his hair and just like the first time, uses his Ability to hold in it place near his ear.
When he turns to look at Dazai, Dazai is staring at him and Chuuya wonders if he looks silly with the flower in his hair. He knows he should probably be embarrassed by it and he feels his cheeks heat up under Dazai’s gaze, but chalks it up to the heat of the bath.
“What?” He challenges.
Dazai is silent at first, then, “It’s beautiful.” He says it so sincerely that Chuuya isn’t sure he heard him right. He blinks in surprise and in that small moment Dazai closes the distance between them and lightly presses his lips against Chuuya’s.
Chuuya’s eyes go wide in surprise and Dazai pulls back almost instantly, rubbing the back of his neck. It’s then that Chuuya realizes Dazai is still wearing his bandages. He truly is an idiot.
“Sakura blossoms are pretty beautiful.” Chuuya agrees, a little awkwardly.
Dazai nods and smiles, tucking a few wet strands of Chuuya’s hair behind his ear. His touch is tender and not at all what Chuuya is used to. He finds himself not minding one bit.
“Happy Birthday, Chuuya.” Dazai whispers as he kisses Chuuya again. Chuuya thinks this just might be his new favorite birthday.