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...it was not what he had expected. He thought he was ready for anything they could think of, but the three girls had managed to surprise him again. Atsushi looked around in amazement: the live house was, yet again, very different from the places Naomi and her colleagues had brought him until now, wider than the music bars and neater than the concert halls, the attending people dressed informally, but not as casual as the ones at the mixed dancing classes he'd ended up attending with the girls.
Yosano-sensei and the two clerks looked at each other with a smirk.
–Haruno-san, this was a great idea. Just look at his face!– whispered Naomi.
–Very nice indeed, though I didn't expect you to be a fan of this kind of music– Haruno Kirako-san, who was already blushing at the compliment, hid her face behind her hands at the doctor's remark. –Me? No, no I... I only suggested it because... Naomi-chan was asking and I'd heard this new band was good... it's not like I like rock music or something, no...– she trailed off.
–Rock music? Is that what we're here for?– Atsushi turned to the others with a big smile, and Yosano had to make an effort not to laugh. The boy had never been anything less than positively excited every time they had dragged him to some kind of show, ever since he was a newbie months ago. When they had realized Atsushi had never had any chance to actually enjoy music or dancing, they had taken it upon themselves to fix it.
The best moment had been the dance lessons: once the initial embarrassment had worn off, the boy had thrown himself in with all his energy (and discovered he had quite the talent). He was so enthusiastic he'd even convinced Dazai to go partner with him sometimes – Yosano suspected Dazai wouldn't have been able to say no to Atsushi anyways, but that was beside the point. She could relate to that, observing how cute the white-haired kid was as he asked hundreds of question to Haruno with shining eyes.
The very detailed and precise answers the absolutely-not-a-fan-of-the-band Kirako was giving him were cut short as the lights went out and a guy came out on stage to introduce the artists. At her side, Atsushi was almost bouncing in his seat.
They were called Environmental Kill, and they were amazing. Atsushi didn't even realize how fast time flew by, caught as he was by the rhythm of the music, the songs quickly searing themselves in his brain. Even his feet wouldn't stop tapping, as he struggled to stay at his place. It was a relief when Naomi-chan dashed to the dance floor dragging Kirako-san with her, and with a nod from Yosano-sensei, who was too busy emptying her glass to join them, he was off with the girls. Atsushi had no idea how he was supposed to dance to that kind of music, but this didn't bother him much.
In a couple of songs' time he had got the hang of it copying Haruno-san's movements and he was having the time of his life. The night couldn't get better, he thought, except maybe if Dazai-san was there. The suicide enthusiast had skipped work again that day, so he ended up not being invited along, and Atsushi wasn't even sure he would have accepted. Would he have liked the concert? He hoped so. He sure would have liked to take him to another of their concerts. Haruno-san had said they were based in Yokohama, hadn't she? Then maybe it wasn't too far fetched. He should ask around for a date they could go together.
The show was over way sooner than the boy would have liked, but alas, there was a limit to the number of encores that could be asked. As people slowly left the place to go home or crowded the bar to put off the night's end, the three women excused themselves and left, while Atsushi stayed a little, the excitement still not worn off. He found himself wandering in a corridor he was pretty sure was off-limits to the public, deserted as it was. Or at least deserted as it looked, because as he turned the second or third corner, he almost bumped into someone. The collision was just barely avoided; the pile of stuff the other person was carrying, however, was quite less lucky, and ended up about everywhere. Even with their face half-covered, the guy looked far from pleased.
–Oh, for fuck's sake...– Despite the cute voice, their tone left no doubt this person could have killed for far less on a bad day.
When realization hit him, Atsushi was already scrambling to pick up as much of the fallen stuff as he could from the floor, and for a second he risked dropping everything again. He knew exactly who this girl was: Environmental Kill's bassist.
–I... I'm so sorry! I should have been more careful, I'm really sorry...
–It's not your fault– she said –Help me carry this stuff back to the changing rooms and we'll be good.– And she shoved two bags full of paper sheets and cords into his arms.
At this point, Atsushi shut up and quietly followed her down the corridor, a small part of his brain uselessly trying to remind him he shouldn't be here. It went unlistened, outlouded by the part who was screaming “You saw this person on-freaking-stage less than half an hour ago”. He wondered why he wasn't panicking and/or running away yet.
Luckily, the room wasn't far enough to give him the time to process the information and reconsider, and as soon as they got in attention focused on him. No way out now.
–Well, and who the fuck might this be? Did you actually find a friend, Gin?
...yep, that was the lead singer himself. What did Haruno-san say his name was... Chuoya?
–Shut up, Chūya. He made me drop our stuff, so I made him carry it. And tone it down, is the kid even gone?
–Don't worry, the little Princess has already fled the party. Jirō too, he said he was busy. I hope you didn't boss this kid around too much tho.
–Nah. And it's your fault anyway, you should have helped me... or at least remembered to take your damn stuff.
The redhead laughed pleasantly. –I know, I know. I'm sorry. Hey, boy, thanks for helping Gin out. Wanna drink something with us? The rest of the band has deserted us...
Atsushi hesitated. The man's offer seemed sincere, and he wasn't making anyone wait. He looked sideways to Gin, who was already poking through the contents of a small fridge, and she half nodded in his direction.
–We also got both alcohol and not, if that's what you're worrying about.
–No, it's just... Yes, thank you, I'd love to.
–Nice!– Chūya patted the spot next to him on the couch. –Just, put that stuff somewhere and sit down. Now, who are you? Do you work here?
–Ah, I... actually don't. I was here for the concert.
–Ooh, so we have a fan here?
–From tonight, you sure do– the boy was finally starting to smile, tension slowly dissipating.
Gin ignored the other chairs and sat down on the floor right in front of them, giving each of them a juice box. She didn't falter in front of Chūya's glare. –You're driving me home tonight, remember?– Then she looked at Atsushi over the rim of her beer can. –You should really tell him your name before he starts calling you pretty boy. He would.–
–Well, you know I like my fans, and can you really blame me?
–...I guess I can't this time.
The boy blushed a little and tried to ignore the indirect compliments. –My name is Nakajima Atsushi.
The two musicians “clinked” their drinks with him and grinned. –Nice to meet you, Atsushi.
–So how was the concert?
After three days of absence, Dazai-san had finally graced the agency with his presence. Kunikida-san's rant on workplace ethics had taken exactly fifteen minutes, as planned, and apparently it had gone completely over the brunette's head, as anticipated. He now seemed more interested in Atsushi's musical adventure from the night before than in his work, as usual.
–It was great! It's a pity you couldn't come with us... wait, how do you even know about it?
–Ah, Atsushi-kun, you know I have my ways of gathering intel, especially if it's about interesting people...– Atsushi summoned his best Unimpressed Look to face the suicide maniac's shit-eating grin. –...ok, ok, I simply met Yosano-san, Haruno-san and Naomi-chan on their way home, and accompanied them a bit. By the way, Atsushi-kun, I'm curious: why didn't you go home with them? Did you meet someone?
–Actually, I did.– Dazai-san's eyes seemed to widen at that. –You wouldn't believe me, but I met some people of the band! I couldn't believe my luck myself. They even offered me a drink!
Dazai-san smiled. –Aah, how lucky indeed. They've been lucky too, to have Atsushi-kun all for themselves... I hope they realized it.
Now Atsushi was really blushing like mad. Classic Dazai, flustering him like that in the middle of the office... –Anyway, I told them I was planning to go hear them again with a friend, so I think I will go next week, since it's the next show in the same place, and I was wondering... if Dazai-san wanted to come too?
He looked up to see the man was positively beaming at him. –I'd love to. Especially since you don't want to commit suicide with me, any other thing we can do together is the next best thing, don't you think?
Atsushi tried to resist the urge to throw something at him. And failed. Unfortunately the flying balled up paper attracted Kunikida-san's attention, and rage, upon them, so the conversation was dropped there.
For Dazai, this dance thing had been an unexpected treat. When he heard Atsushi-kun was having fun learning how to dance with Naomi, he had been happy for him and asked him often about it, enjoying with fondness listening the boy talking with a wide smile on his face. Then one afternoon Atsushi-kun had asked him if he would have liked to join them, since Tanizaki was going too and so he'd be without a partner. There was no way Dazai would have been able to say no to that cute, shy smile... and so the one night had slowly become a bit of a routine, even though they didn't really have a regular schedule. Dazai tried to pointedly ignore it had also added to the list of things about Atsushi-kun he found himself looking forward to. The boy, who, having already learned how to be led, had started practicing leading, was likely the best partner he had had: a fast learner, with a natural elegance courtesy of the tiger, and a great adaptability, together with a love for any kind of music and a passion for any style of dancing.
It was no surprise that on that date, Dazai's mood had stayed cheerful throughout the day, to the point he felt like nothing could spoil it. It was a bit of a pity that it was a rock concert they were going to, not exactly his favourite music genre, and they wouldn't really have a chance to actually dance together, but time spent with Atsushi-kun was honestly always the best time of the day, so he wouldn't complain. Even better, if he didn't invite him as a dance partner, it felt more of a date than anything before, he thought smugly. Maybe he should ask the boy what he thought about it, to see if they were on the same page about this. At this point it looked like a safe bet to think he quite liked him, and yet...
His train of thought was interrupted by the appearance of his date at the foot of the apartment block's stairs. A sight worth skipping many more heartbeats than he actually did, but he was still intent on playing it cool, and besides, Atsushi-kun probably wouldn't appreciate it if Dazai's heart did stop. The outfit itself wasn't much different from what he wore at work, just a neater shirt, but there were glittery clips in his hair, a thin bracelet around his wrist, and... well, that was some on point makeup. That alone was enough to leave Dazai stunned for a second.
–You look striking, Atsushi-kun!– He was rewarded with a light blush.
–Ah, thank you, Dazai-san. Actually, credit goes mostly to Tanizaki-san... he and Naomi invited themselves over this afternoon, and she ended up giving directions while I got ready and Tanizaki-san helped me.– An embarrassed chuckle.
–He did a very good job.
–I'll make sure to thank them again then.
Before awkward silence marked a bad start for the evening, Dazai decided to take the lead for once.
–Shall we go?
Atsushi's plan to greet the band before the show failed miserably. They didn't exactly arrive late, but the place was already filling up. They barely managed to get to their table before the lights began to dim. Dazai-san seemed amused by the slight frustration on Atsushi's face.
–Maybe you'll be able to meet your new friends later, if their fans don't whisk them away. ...can't guarantee they won't, though, the crowd sure looks excited tonight!
–I told you they're good! I had hoped to introduce you too...
–Aww, you're so kind, Atsushi-kun! Anyway, I trust your judgment, even if the name doesn't sound so promising...
–Why would you say so?
–It sounds like something out of a videogame. Whoever thought of that must have a hella bad sense of humour.
That startled Atsushi into a laugh, and Dazai–san smirked, pleased, before pointing to the stage and signing him to be quiet. Atsushi complied, still grinning, and as he waited he peeked sideways at the other man's face. For a moment, he thought he saw his senior still looking at him, his eyes warm, before he turned his attention to the musicians.
And then, his face fell.
Atsushi was sure that, for a split second, complete shock had taken over Dazai-san's face; then his expression became neutral, much more unreadable. Much of the boy enthusiasm froze. –Dazai-san...?
–Would you tell me more about them later, Atsushi-kun?
He had thought he could pretend everything was ok, at the very least to avoid spoiling the boy's fun, but of course Atsushi-kun seemed to have picked up the shift in his attitude. Well, in his defence, he hadn't been prepared to see none other than the... the Slug appearing on stage. The sheer thought of having payed a ticket to see his face made him nauseous. Not only that, since he did ask, during the break Atsushi-kun felt obliged to give him tons of details about the band's very cool singer, how nice and friendly he was the night they met, how awesome his music was, and did he mention he also offered to drive him home?
.....How dared he.
How dared he get close to precious Atsushi-kun with that ugly face and hat of his?
But the worst still had to come. With the concert coming to a close, it was a matter of minutes before Atsushi-kun, with his newfound enthusiasm, dragged him backstage for introductions. He entertained the idea of making up an excuse and getting the hell out of there, but he quickly ruled the option out: he was not going to run from a nemesis, however lame a one, especially if he still had to tell said nemesis to back the fuck off his potential boyfriend. That was simply not going to happen. At this point, he could only try to plan the best counteroffensive with what little time he had.
–Do you think Atsushi is actually going to show up?
Gin felt a very perplexed Jirō looking at her over the pile of things he was stuffing in his bag.
–Excuse me, who?
–An extremely pretty boy we met after last live.– Chūya grinned. –Why wouldn't he? I mean, he did look fairly shy, but we fascinated him enough, I hope.
Gin shrugged. –I don't know, I just have a feeling, like something's off...
–You guys have been flirting with the fans again??
Jirō's deep sigh went ignored.
–You think there will be drama? He did say he was bringing someone with him tonight... What do you say, Jirō? Wanna stay and watch the show?
–I'd really rather not. I'd be out of here immediately even if I didn't have an experiment to check in on. I'm a busy scientist, you know?– He picked his stuff and made to leave, whispering –...you guys are lucky the boss always whisks the little princess away early.
In that moment, there was a soft knock on the door.
A small voice from outside introduced itself as Atsushi.
–Seems like your guest is here. I'll get the door and fuck off right away.
With this, Jirō opened the door and disappeared down the hallway with a quick greeting, leaving a poor confused boy peeking into the room. A second shadow hovered behind him.
–Can I, uh, get in?
–Sure! Is that the friend you talked us ab-
Gin's voice died down. Of all the things her bad feeling about today could be a warning for... She turned slowly towards her bandmate, immediately fearing for the worse. Chūya slowly hid his face in his hands, uttering a strangled –Why meee....
Atsushi didn't seem to fully understand the gravity of the situation and looked really confused; the man at his side, on the other hand, was wearing his most annoying smirk and angelic expression, and was clearly here to be a pain in the ass.
–Yo, Chūya, long time no see! What a coincidence, I never expected you to be Atsushi-kun's new mysterious friend! And would you look at that, if it isn't Gin-chan! My my, you two sure got busy while I was away!
–......What. The hell. Are you doing here.
Her growl was disturbingly menacing under every standard of valutation, but it only managed to make his grin spread further.
–Why, I'm on a date, as you can see!
–You... already know each other, Dazai-san?– Atsushi piped up. It took him a second to gradually realize what he had heard, as his blush took over his face at a worrying pace. –Wait, did- did you say date??
Dazai laughed. It was that uncanny laugh he'd used multiple times when he had the upper hand over an opponent, Gin thought, but there was something warmer than then in it. She thought she'd heard him laugh somehow similarly in another occasion, with a different company, so much time ago her memories might be wrong. Anyway, the part of it that worried her was hella more urgent, and even if she knew Chūya wouldn't like intermissions, she didn't really want to stay out of it.
–Yes, I said date, and I do know them, even though I'm quite disgusted by this fact- oh, this doesn't refer to you, Gin-chan, rest assured, it's always a pleasure to see you.
Gin didn't dislike him. She really didn't. But at times, like right now, she felt like she could club him to death with a shoe.
–So. You're Atsushi's date. This is just wonderful. I hope you guys enjoyed the concert.
Great, Chūya was getting over the initial shock. Now, if only he could keep his cool for at least a couple minutes they could find a way to get rid of the couple without inciden-
–If I just had known you'd be there, I could have adapted the set a little.
Dazai's grin turned sharper.
–You've already done more than enough, thank you very much.
–It would have been cool, I could have added that old timey song you always hummed when you went drinking before work...
The intensity of the glare he received made the temperature in the room fall a couple degrees. For a moment, Gin thought "There they go", and made as if to step forward, but Dazai didn't try to kill him right away, opting instead to look at him with despise.
–You wouldn't dare.
–Why not? Any reason in particular?
When the other didn't answer, Chūya made a dismissive gesture.
–.....Then again, considering your tastes, we should probably avoid ruining the show.
That sorted some effect. In fact, a frightening smirk blossomed on Dazai's face as he got back to the offensive.
–Oh my, Chūya, getting better at comebacks? That was quite quick, coming from a slug!
Ah, resorting to the old name calling, huh? thought Gin, still wary.
–By the way, if I were you, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss my tastes. Atsushi-kun here is very sensitive, you know?
Atsushi, who had followed the exchange without daring to breathe, looked startled as if he had forgotten he was actually there, as he was suddenly thrown in the mix.
–Da-Dazai-san! Don't involve me in this!
–Yeah, leave the poor boy out of it– Gin stepped between Atsushi and the arguing pair.
Chūya had visibly taken a bad hit. His frown had tinted with a blush not too dissimilar to the one the teenager was wearing. His opponent was back to his victory grin.
–Anyway, we don't want to intrude too much so I'll just tell you one thing before we leave.– When Dazai got closer Chūya didn't flinch, but he did looked alarmed when the other leaned over to whisper not-too-quietly: –You're late, hat rack, I got there first. Give. Up.
Then he spun dramatically on his heel, and in a swish of his coat he stalked towards the door. He was interrupted by someone lightly clearing their throats.
–Is that not up to me, not even in the slightest?
Dazai froze. Slowly, all eyes in the room went to Atsushi. He still was beet red from before, but he had a glint of determination on his face. That was a look that really suited him, Gin decided.
–Forgive me, Dazai-san, but even if we are da-ohmygod-dating, I don't see why I can't hang out with others? I'm glad you like-like me, but I'm not sure I want to give up friendships for that....
The cuteness of his determined stammering could have won him over many people far straighter than them. The first to break the incredulous silence was Dazai, who chuckled, vaguely embarrassed. A second later, Chūya's laughter boomed through the room.
–I-I'm sorry, that was so out of line– Gin stopped the boy before he could put himself down. She patted his head softly. –Nice speech.
Chūya wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.
–Damn, he's really calling you out on your bullshit, eh, Dazai? You totally earned this one!!
–...maybe.– His eyes, suddenly much darker than a mere minute ago, were trained on the boy, foe completely forgotten.
–I guess you two will want to talk this out on your own, yeah? Then you should probably go.– Gin, always the sensible one, gestured towards the door. –Of course, you're welcome here anytime you please, Atsushi.
The boy smiled weakly and barely managed to stutter a thank you; Dazai was already pulling him away by the wrist. They were stopped one last time at the door.
–Oi, Atsushi!
–Y-Yes, Chūya-san?
The singer winked at him. –If ever the mackerel gives you trouble, or you change your mind, you know where to find us!
The door closed with a bang.
The remains of Atsushi's confidence made it exactly to the elevators. Dazai-san still hadn't said a word.
–I'm awfully sorry, I really shouldn't have-
–Atsushi-kun.
The boy stopped in his tracks.
–... you did well.
–... I did?
–You were completely right, other than extremely cool.
–... you lost me. Aren't you... mad?
–Mad? Oh no no. I reckon it would have been preferable if only it hadn't been in front of him...– The man repressed a shudder. –But, I was acting out a bit too much. And standing up for yourself looks damn good on you.
–Then, if you're not mad.. why are you looking at me like that?
Dazai-san passed the elevator doors with another dark laugh and turned to look at him. –Oh, Atsushi-kun.. why, you ask? I thought I just told you I liked that.
Once again, he pulled him by the wrist inside before the doors closed. Keeping him close, he settled with his own back against the wall.
–Will you let me explain more clearly, then?
–Well, that was... something.
–.... definitely. ... Want to go for a drink?
–Nah, I've seen more than enough people today.– Chūya sighed. The two of them had crashed on the couch immediately, the last fifteen minutes having sapped more energy than rehearsal and concert together.
–....hey, are you ok?
As usual, she read his mood, not in the same annoying way Dazai did, but still perfectly.
–Yeah, I just have... mixed feelings about this.
–Wanna talk about it?
–Nah, it's nothing big... I just wish we could have kept him.
Gin teasingly lifted an eyebrow at him. –...Dazai?
–O h h e l l n o– Chūya managed a weak laugh. –Or, at least...
–Yes?
–...forget about it.
Too late. Gin's smirk, hidden under the mask, was utterly betrayed by the sparkling in her eyes.
–...oh really. How about, you tell me and then I "forget" it.
–...fine, just because I love you this much.– At least she looked happy to hear that, if undeterred in her mission to embarass him. –I don't know about you, but if it meant spending more time with that pretty boy maybe (and mind, I said "maybe") I might be convinced to stand that idiot of an ex colleague for more than, say, 60 seconds.
–.........impressive.
–Of course, you haven't heard a single thing.
–Why, was there something to hear?– Her chuckles were always a lovely thing to hear. –You must really like this kitten a lot.. should I be worried?– she added, without any true bite.
–I don't know, should I? Correct me if I'm mistaken, but I seem to recall you weren't so indifferent to him.
Gin sneaked an arm around his back and leaned against his shoulder. –...it's nice to see we're still on the same page here.