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Chuuya’s life had been peaceful.
Well, as peaceful as it could get with him being a runaway powerful ability user various criminal organizations would destroy the city to get their hands on.
Still, it was peaceful compared to his old life. As long as he kept himself hidden from the eyes of said organizations and one Osamu Dazai. Which, over the years, proved to be relatively easy to achieve.
Actually, way too easy. It was suspicious sometimes. But he wasn’t complaining, maybe fate had finally decided to treat him with kindness.
Or so he thought.
***
With a few last clicks on his mouse, he finally finished the jobs he had been hired to do for the week.
Chuuya rubbed at his tired and burning eyes and with a sigh, he removed his glasses to allow his eyes to rest for a while and slightly pushed his chair back, leaning against it with an arm over his eyes. A headache was already starting to spread through his forehead.
It's been days since he had properly slept since he had a terrible habit of completely losing himself to his work and not letting anything get in the way until it was finished, not even sleep. He could feel the lack of rest taking a toll on his bod and he was certain he had terrible dark circles under bloodshot eyes that were starting to lose focus. He probably looked like shit.
He sighed, staring at the ceiling above him. This was the life he’d chosen for himself. He thought back to the year he’d disappeared from everyone’s sight. After the fall of the sheep. And the first few months he’d spent in hiding as instructed by the government official who helped him escape.
Somewhere along the way, he’d gotten fascinated by electronics and the art of programming. And like that, he’d discovered the world of hacking and decided that was what he wanted to do. At that time, at least. But he sank deeper and deeper in that world, finding himself in places on the web that he probably should’ve never ventured into until there was no way back. Eventually, he was accepting illegal jobs from shady people he’d meet online and breaking the law in ways that would land him in prison for a lifetime. But it wasn’t like he was worried about that. He wasn’t exactly someone obsessed with ethics and all that. As long as he didn’t get caught, it was all good.
Chuuya did not like rules. Which was why he was so taken with hacking. If he didn’t like how something worked, he’d do it in his own way. If he wasn’t granted access, he’d break through. It was easy. As long as he got the thing done, the ways didn’t matter.
Groaning, Chuuya started to head straight for his bedroom, ignoring his body’s needs for nutrients and decided to leave the cleaning for later.
A knock on the door had him raising a brow as It was extremely unusual for him to get impromptu visitors, and he wasn't one to lightly give his address to anyone, even his most loyal clients.
Chuuya dismissed it. It couldn’t be anything important. Probably a nosy neighbor.
At first, Chuuya wanted to ignore the knocking and just go to sleep, whoever was at the door will eventually get tired and leave, but as the minutes passed, Chuuya knew that he wouldn’t be getting rid of them anytime soon. God, this person sure was persistent.
Chuuya sighed and walked over to the door and unlocked it before pulling it open.
Nothing prepared him for the sight that greeted him at that moment.
He stood there for a total of five seconds, mind blank before he blinked once. And twice. And three times until he had trouble focusing his eyes on the person standing at his doorstep. But as soon as Chuuya's sight fell on the mop of brown hair and bandages, realization of just who the persistent pest was crashed upon him like a bucket of ice cold water and his mind raced miles a second.
Osamu Dazai was standing at his doorstep, waving at him with a stupid, and familiar smile stretched across his face.
And so, Chuuya did exactly what Chuuya's mind deemed appropriate at that very moment.
He muttered a 'What the fuck.' and slammed the door closed in Dazai's face.
Panic coursed through Chuuya's body as his mind tried to process what had happened a few seconds prior and his heart hammered against his ribs. He supported his weight on the door and slid down until he was sitting on the floor with his head held in between his hands, fingers lightly pulling at his hair.The sight of Dazai stirred a litany of emotions within him that he'd chosen to bury long ago, and he was finding it extremely difficult to deal with.
He hadn't seen the man in over five years and he would have preferred for it to stay that way. Though, deep down he knew that this was inevitable but it didn't mean he was anywhere near ready for it.
Dazai's reappearance in Chuuya's life meant he would have to deal with all of the issues he'd left unresolved in the past. After all, he and Dazai hadn't exactly left each other in a peaceful way. And whatever reason that brought the brunet to his doorstep was clearly strong enough to cause a permanent change in his life.
(The fact that Dazai found his address should've been his first concern but he didn't dwell on it since he did have a guess on who must've given away his whereabouts to Dazai. He was going to deal with him later.)
He wished he could just ignore everything that has happened until this point, go to his room, get under the safety of his comforter and just sleep the rest of the day off.
A light, gentle knock on the door jolted him out of his thoughts.
Right. Dazai was still outside and Chuuya had to actually talk to him.
Chuuya groaned at the prospect of having to face his problems and released a breath he didn’t know he was holding, urging himself to calm down.
He wrapped his fingers around the door handle and pulled it open for the second time, coming face to face with Dazai.
He looked older, taller (Chuuya thought with chagrin), and his features were more defined. There was also something different about him that Chuuya couldn’t quite place a finger on.
He has gotten even more attractive. Chuuya’s mind unhelpfully supplied.
Chuuya cursed his brain and quickly shook the thought out of his head before crossing his arms as he fixed Dazai with a glare.
Something flashed across Dazai’s face as he set his eyes on Chuuya. Though, it disappeared just as quickly as it appeared, melting into one of his usual way-too-cheerful smiles.
“Hi, Chuuya! It’s been so long!”
Dazai greeted in that all too familiar tone and Chuuya’s gut twisted unpleasantly at the tone.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
Putting his hand over his heart, Dazai faked a hurt expression.
Chuuya merely rolled his eyes at the display. This guy hadn’t changed at all.
“How rude, Chuuya! I’m just here to pay a visit to an old friend and this is the treatment i receive in return?”
“Now that you’ve seen me, leave,” Chuuya hissed, but the smile he received in return told him he won’t be getting rid of Dazai anytime soon. He released a defeated sigh and stepped aside, making way for Dazai, who got the hint and toed off his shoes before slipping past Chuuya into the apartment.
He closed the door and followed Dazai into the living room. The latter stood in the center of the room
Chuuya stood facing Dazai and crossed his arms, waiting for the brunet to just spill whatever he was here to say and leave but the latter just settled for eyeing him with an unreadable expression and it was starting to eat away at Chuuya's nerves.
"Knowing you, I'm sure you didn't come here to stare at me all day," Chuuya started, breaking through the heavy silence that weighed down the air in the room. "What do you want, Dazai?"
That made Dazai cock a brow as his lips curved into a smile, "It's been so long since we've last seen each other, Chuuya. Don't you want to catch up first?"
To an outsider, it would sound like Dazai was just casually trying to catch up with Chuuya like they were normal old friends. But the taunting undertone of Dazai's words and the way his eyes glinted as he said the words were as obvious to Chuuya as the sun.
"Cut the Shit, Dazai!" Chuuya snapped. "Just say what you're here for and fuck off."
Dazai chuckled, "Fine, then" then as if to taunt him even more, Dazai singsonged like a child. "Chuuya’s no fun!”
But then, thankfully, Dazai’s expression seemed to have turned more serious as he fixed Chuuya with a determined gaze before he said, “ I have a job for you”
Chuuya squinted, " You need my help?"
Dazai nodded.
"Tell me, Chuuya, do you remember Fyodor Dostoevsky?"
Chuuya narrowed his eyes. Of course he remembered Dazai's arch nemesis and his troublesome little gang. After all, he remembered fighting them alongside Dazai when they were sixteen. Chuuya scoffed at the memory. Even when he had his own gang to take care of, he found himself pulled into Dazai's bullshit more often than not. The guy attracted danger like a magnet. And Chuuya had always found himself between Dazai and said danger for reasons he didn't know and didn't want to think about.
But Chuuya thought Dazai's issues with Dostoevsky ended a long time ago. Why was Dazai bringing him up now?
Chuuya signaled Dazai to go on with a nod and the latter complied.
“It seems he has reappeared with a much larger organization with a promise to destroy yokohama and get rid of all ability users.”
Chuuya’s eyes widened for a split second before sighing exasperatedly. Same old. Same old. He wondered if they were ever going to have a break from Dostoevsky and his bullshit.
It was not like it was his problem. Not anymore, at least.
“And what do I have to do with that? I don’t want to be involved with that kind of thing anymore.”
Dazai eyed him with an unreadable expression as if choosing what he will say next based on Chuuya’s reaction.
“You won’t do much,” He said. “We can’t get in touch with our best computer expert due to some unfortunate events and we need an alternative as quickly as possible, and I know for a fact that you’ve made a name for yourself in the underground with your exceptional skills as a hacker.”
Chuuya scoffed, turning his head to the side, "and if I refuse?”
The corners of Dazai’s mouth curved into a smile, one that Chuuya knew brought nothing but trouble and he braced himself for whatever Dazai was going to say next.
“You don’t want your whereabouts known to everyone including the mafia, do you? I’m sure Mori’s still interested in having you as his executive. He was never one to give up.”
Chuuya felt something snap inside him, and not even a second later, he had Dazai by the collar in a harsh grasp.
“You’ve got some nerve coming here to threaten me,” He said through gritted teeth. “It doesn’t matter that you’re not with the mafia anymore, i’d still kill you for what you did back then. I haven’t forgiven you yet.”
Fingers encircle his wrist. Firm yet gentle.
"No," Dazai said softly, slightly pulling at Chuuya's arm, willing it to release his collar. "You've forgiven me long ago. The only one you haven't forgiven yet is yourself."
Dazai's words were like a punch to the gut that knocked the air out of his lungs. His hand let go of Dazai at the same time the latter had released his wrist, leaving it to fall limp at Chuuya's side.
Chuuya lowered his head, eyes glued to the ground. He couldn't look Dazai in the eyes as if the heavyweight of what the brunet had just said settled on his shoulders.
“Get out,” He spat but his tone lacked the venom it would usually possess.
“Consider it, Chuuya,” Said Dazai before turning away and walking towards the door.
***
Chuuya admired the scene before him. There was nothing more beautiful and calming than the sea in the early morning when most people were normally sleeping. The sound of the waves crashing against the wet sand worked as a serene melody that slowed down his racing mind and cleared his head. He has always found comfort in the sea and made it his favorite place to think or just sit down for a few hours. He’d always feel better afterward.
He sat on a bench facing the waters, hands stuffed in the pockets of his hoodie as chilly air blew away hair from his face.
He sighed. He’d been thinking about what happened with Dazai the day before and the conversation he had with Ango afterward. His mind kept running over all the possibilities, outcomes and consequences that could come from him accepting to work with Dazai again .
He didn’t know if he was ready to let go of the peaceful life he’d built for himself through the years and launch himself into one of unknown dangers. Even if it was for just a while but Chuuya wasn't stupid. He knew once he was in, there will be no going back.
It wasn't like Dazai will let him anyway.
He would also be letting the brunet back into his life and let him flip it upside down and that was worrying him far more having to fight an entire criminal organization and that said a lot.
He thought about how different Dazai had looked from their teenage years. Somehow, the dead fish look was gone from his eyes which made them look more bright. Somehow, Dazai looked happier.
Dazai was still an asshole (it was a pity that the annoying part of him hadn’t changed) but Chuuya was secretly glad for him.
It was true, they hadn’t left each other on the best terms and it was Chuuya’s fault. Dazai was right when he mentioned that Chuuya didn’t blame him for anything.
The only one you haven’t forgiven is yourself.
Fuck it. Chuuya picked up his bag and headed to the destination in his head.
***
Chuuya had heard stories about people having dreams where they’d go to their workplaces completely bare of their clothes and how absolutely mortifying that was, but only now he was experiencing that feeling first hand.
As soon as he stepped foot into the armed detective agency office he was met with several eyes scanning him. Chuuya wasn’t someone who’d be easily intimidated by others but It’s been like this for over a minute and he was growing anxious at the studying stares he kept receiving. He fidgeted with his fingers inside his pockets where it was hidden from everyone, a nervous habit he wasn’t exactly sure when he’d picked up. Maybe it was the extended period of time he spent away from people.
The white-haired kid apparently took pity on him and decided to break the awkward silence, “Hello! How can we help you?”
“I’m here to see Dazai,” He told them, looking around for a particular bandaged idiot but he didn’t find him.
He didn’t notice how that answer had everyone wearing curious expressions and looking at him with even more intensity than before.
“And who would you be?” The woman with dark short hair asked, stepping closer to him. She was somewhat intimidating and her aura screamed Don’t mess with me.
“I’m Nakahara Chuuya-”
He didn’t even get to finish his sentence before the office broke into a collective “HAH?!”
Chuuya blinked in confusion as everyone stared at him with more interest but less hostility than before. Even the raven-haired detective who’d been sleeping earlier was peeking at him from underneath his hat. But at least revealing his name seemed to have eased the heavy atmosphere from earlier.
“Heh, So you’re the Nakahara Chuuya,” The woman circled him, scrutinizing his appearance. “I imagined you’d look a bit different."
Chuuya narrowed his eyes at her statement. He didn’t understand what she meant by that and he didn’t know why but he felt vaguely insulted.
“Well,” He started. “Sorry I’m not up to your expectations but I’m not here to have my appearance judged. Do you know where Dazai is?”
Her lips tugged into a smile, “Okay, you’re definitely the ‘Nakahara Chuuya’ Dazai described with that temper.”
Before he could snap at her to defend himself -which would prove her point even further-, a door in the center of the office was thrown open and Dazai emerged from the room. His eyes immediately drifted over to Chuuya as he caught up with the new presence in the office and he broke into a grin before closing the door behind him and walking over to where the redhead was standing along with the rest of the agency members.
“Chuuya! I’ve been expecting you,” Dazai said cheerfully as he approached him and Chuuya was already starting to regret his decision.
“Of course you have,” Chuuya grumbled under his breath.
“I take it you’ve decided to help us with the case since you bothered to come all the way to the agency’s office?”
“There’s no other reason i’d be here,” Chuuya replied.
“I knew Chuuya was kind-hearted enough not to turn us down,” Th taller cooed, his voice taking an annoyingly familiar pitch and Chuuya had to hold himself back from punching him.
He hated how he still remembered Dazai using this same tone to taunt him and tease him in the past that his immediate reaction was violence. Like his brain was programmed for it.
Dazai ignored the dangerous aura suddenly emitting from Chuuya and turned around to face the rest of the agency members.
“Everyone, this is the friend I told you about," He gestured to Chuuya. "He'll be working with us on the rats' case. Please take care of him, he’s very dear to me~”
Dazai’s voice took a teasing turn with the last bit of his introduction making Chuuya glare in his direction.
A tall, blond and stern looking man stepped in front of Chuuya, "As much as i would like to get to work as soon as possible, I'm guessing it would be more appropriate to introduce ourselves first. I'm Kunikida Doppo. Thank you for offering your help to the Armed Detective Agency."
Kunikida then proceeded to introduce the rest of the agency members. Chuuya learned that the dark-haired woman from earlier was Yosano Akiko and she was the agency’s doctor. And the white haired boy was Nakajima Atsushi. The others present were Edogawa Ranpo ( Who apparently was the ‘best detective to ever exist’ and the most important member of the agency), Izumi Kyouka, Miyazawa Kenji. They were all ability users who used their powers to help those in need.
After that, everyone crowded around him. Either thanking him or expressing how glad they were to finally meet him. He didn’t even know why Dazai had blabbed about him or what he must’ve said to make them this excited to meet him. He wasn’t particularly interesting or the type of person people here would associate themselves with.
Chuuya awkwardly responded to the pleasantries, not used to this kind of attention. This was all foreign to him. It’s been so long since he had people depending on his help and it wasn’t exactly a happy memory. He wondered if he could get used to all of this.
Noticing his discomfort, Dazai stepped in front of him. Directing everyone’s attention towards himself, “Now, everyone! Why don’t we head to the meeting room so we can update Chuuya on the case?”
Chuuya looked back to Dazai and the latter offered him a smile and nodded reassuringly. He ignored him, averting his eyes and following Kunikida to the meeting room. Dazai’s footsteps sounded behind him.
Upon entering, Yosano gestured for him to take a seat. The others sat down too followed by Dazai who stood at the head of the table.
“As you know, there had been a series of disappearances. Ranpo and I are suspecting the rats might have a hand in it since they’ve shown a recent activity in Yokohama but we don’t have any leads, that’s why we need Chuuya as our link with the underground.”
Chuuya watched Dazai explain the case, almost in fascination at how serious the other looked as he explained the situation to the others in the room. This is the first time he’s seen this side of Dazai. He’s always known him as an obnoxious, spoiled brat who cared about nothing other than his stupid suicide methods and pissing the shit out of him. Lost in his vague memories of how the brunet had been in the past, he almost missed Dazai’s voice calling for his attention.
“Chuuya?”
Snapping back to reality, Chuuya became aware of the eyes watching him expectantly and he slightly flushed in embarrassment.
“I’ll start snuffing after them as soon as I can,” he said, getting a nod of approval from Kunikida who had been sitting across from him.
“That’s good. We can’t afford to waste any time, the victims are in great danger and we must help them as soon as possible.” Kunikida said before glancing at his hand watch. He muttered something about concluding the meeting before standing up and heading for the door, dragging the Nakajima kid along with him.
Chuuya took that as a sign to go on his way as well but as he approached the door of the conference room, he heard Dazai call after him.
“Chuuya! You’re leaving already? We didn’t even get to catch up-”
“I want to have a word with you outside.” That seemed to silence the brunet as he waited for Chuuya’s next words
Chuuya walked down the stairs, not even bothering to check if Dazai had followed after him. Once he reached the outside entrance, he turned around. Coming face to face with Dazai. He fixed the taller man with a hard, unwavering gaze. Dazai just waited for him to start talking.”
“I want to keep this a work relationship only. You better not get personal issues involved,” He said firmly, eyes not leaving Dazai’s.
“Haven’t you been isolating yourself for far too long? You can ignore me if you want but this place might be good for you.”
Chuuya scoffed, “Seriously, just stop.”
“Stop what, Chuuya?”
“Acting as if you care just because you’re now the detective that saves people, I don’t need your pity of all people,”
“I’m not acting.”
a snort, “so you want me to believe that you actually care about me? Don’t make me laugh,”
“Chuuya-”
“I’ll update you if I find anything about the group. I’m off.”
Chuuya walked away without another word and Dazai didn’t try to stop him.
--
Though Dazai knew Chuuya won’t be docile with him right off the bat, the way Chuuya won’t even look Dazai in the eyes made Dazai’s chest clench in unpleasant ways. The way he refused to believe that Dazai even cared about him made him realize just how much he’d hurt Chuuya in the past. It seemed so far fetched for him to hope for Chuuya to trust him again.
He knew it would be difficult and will probably take a long time but he was willing to try. it was why he reached out to Chuuya in the first place. He wanted to prove to Chuuya that he’d changed. That he meant something to him. No matter how long that would take.
Dazai stretched across the couch and sighed, everyone has left earlier so he figured he could use the silence here to think. He almost forgot Yosano usually took longer to leave as she finished her work in the infirmary when she stood over him with a raised eyebrow, a bottle of sake and two glasses in hands and nudged him with her knee to sit up so she could take a seat next to him on the couch.
“You seem like you have a lot going on in that head of yours,” She started, pouring a drink for each of them. “Is something troubling you?”
Dazai took the glass from her hand with a 'thanks' and raised the amber liquid to his lips before taking a sip. He really needed it.
“It’s nothing,” He tried to avoid talking about what’s bothering him even when he knew it was futile with the way the doctor was eyeing him. She won’t leave him be unless he talked.
“Oh, don’t give me that. I noticed the way you were looking at Chuuya like a kicked puppy earlier after he ignored your pitiful attempt at striking up a conversation,” She said, sharp as ever.
“Just so you know, the tension between you two is not subtle at all. I can tell there’s history here.” The woman's bluntness was what he liked about her the most,but not at the moment.
Dazai sighed, knowing he had no other choice but to talk. Yosano knew it was what he needed because he didn't close her off. She knew if he didn’t want to talk he could’ve easily slithered his way out of it.
“Let’s say i messed up in the past and he probably will never forgive me,”
The Sheep was what kept Chuuya grounded by giving him something to protect and somewhere to belong and Dazai had used every part of that to keep a leash around Chuuya’s neck.
The way the Sheeps’ fall had affected Chuuya showed in the way the latter had changed, he believed that the people around him were in danger because of his ability so he isolated himself because he thought he couldn’t protect anyone with it and that it was for destruction only.
Dazai had a partial hand in taking that away from Chuuya because he thought he was protecting Chuuya that way.
He remembered that night. A rival organization had heard about Chuuya’s power and targeted the Sheep in hopes of getting their hands on their leader. They had ability users among their ranks and they attacked the Sheep with the promise of violence.
Of course, the information had reached Dazai before the attack and he hid it from Chuuya. Instead, making a plan to keep him away from the scene to protect him. What he hadn’t expected was for the organization to be furious about not finding Chuuya anywhere and gunning down the remaining sheep members.
He and Chuuya arrived to a blood bath. The way Chuuya broke down at the scene, the way he blamed Dazai and left him spitting out his blood and the way he ran to get revenge in his fit of rage is still fresh in Dazai’s memory.
The news of an ability organization being torn down single handedly reached him not too long after that.
That was the last time he’d seen Chuuya five years ago. He’d disappeared and Dazai didn’t try to look for him.
“Did you even try to talk to him?” Yosano’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
He shook his head as he sighed. It wasn’t like Chuuya would listen to him anyway.
“You should try explaining, I can tell he wants to forgive you but he doesn’t know how.” She said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“I…Don’t know how to do... This.” He vaguely gestured with his hands, making Yosano raise an eyebrow.
“I see. You’ve never held an honest conversation and you’re not sure how to,” Yosano had always been the best at understanding him.
“Fun fact: I had a crush on him when we first met so I blackmailed him into being my dog for years.”
“That sounds just like you,” She snorted. “Just say whatever comes on your mind. It will work out, trust me.”
He smiled gratefully. He was lucky to have a friend like her.
--
It has been a couple of days since Chuuya was introduced to the agency. At first, he had been uncomfortable at the prospect of having to work with new people since it had been too long since he’d last done that.
But luckily, it wasn’t going like he expected.
If he were to be honest, when he first met the agency members he expected them to be nosy and shower him with questions about his shady background. But so far, they didn’t seem particularly interested in any details about his personal life which truly was a relief. Aside from greetings and short chats, no one really crowded him with unnecessary conversations.
Well, it wasn’t like he spent much time there either. He’d just occasionally drop by to tell them of the information he’s gathered on the rats' activity.
It turned out they’re a criminal group that operates through the web and they were extremely discreet that it was near impossible to catch a glimpse of them.
The thing that’s been bothering him, however, is Dazai.
The man hasn’t been pestering him which was strange - for the lack of a better word. Dazai’s behavior has been unexpected for Chuuya for he waited to be annoyed by Dazai endlessly each time he stepped foot in the office. But aside from greeting him and throwing a few harmless insults in his way to get a reaction out of Chuuya and talk about work related matters, he’ll basically ignore the redhead for the rest of his time there. Either annoying the life out of someone else ( usually Kunikida) or lazing around on the couch.
At first, he didn’t mind it. Hell, Chuuya enjoyed the peace he’s been getting. But as the days went on, the detective’s indifference started grating on his nerves. It wasn’t like he was disappointed at not having Dazai’s attention. Of course not. But he’d often catch Dazai glancing his way from the corner of his eye just to have him act completely innocent when Chuuya turned to look at him.
Had Dazai actually listened to him and was respecting his boundaries?
It was strange but it made Chuuya feel some kind of way.
He looked over at Dazai who’d been splayed across the couch singing that obnoxious suicide song of his.
"Hey, asshole! Don't you have something useful to do around here instead of bothering people who are trying to work?"
He could swear he heard Kunikida snort in the distance like Chuuya had said some kind of joke. He learned that Kunikida was Dazai's partner and he felt kind of bad for the man for having to deal with Dazai's antics on a daily basis.
Dazai looked up at him in surprise which was quickly shaken off as Dazai grinned annoyingly.
"But it's boring! I'd rather read my book here."
It was that damn suicide book. How come Dazai still had it?
Before he could think of a response to Dazai, he noticed a small presence at his side.
The kid had been staring at him with an awestruck expression and a wide smile plastered on his face for the past fifteen minutes. He didn’t mind it at first but he was frankly growing uncomfortable by the minute. Besides, he couldn’t focus on his task because of the intensity of Kenji’s gaze. So, Chuuya stopped his typing and turned to meet the boy’s bright eyes with a raised eyebrow.
“What is it?” He demanded. Though, he couldn’t bring himself to use a harsh tone.
“You’re so cool!” Kenji stated excitedly.
Chuuya blinked, slightly taken aback by Kenji’s words.
“Why?”
“Dazai said you have an awesome ability and that you’re super strong!”
Chuuya’s eyes widened for a split second before snapping up to glare at Dazai who waved and shot him a smile from where he was sitting at his desk, as if he was completely innocent.
“Will you show me someday?”
He returned his attention to Kenji. The kid was looking at him expectantly. An excited glint in his bright, golden eyes.
Chuuya sighed, thinking for a moment. Well, it wasn’t like he hid his ability or anything. Besides, he didn’t know why but he felt bad for disappointing Kenji. Like he was under some kind of spell...It was strange.
Hesitantly, Chuuya reached out and placed a hand atop Kenji’s hat. Silently willing gravity manipulation to activate. After a few seconds, a red glow enveloped him along with the kid’s hat and the item started floating in the air just above Kenji’s head.
The younger boy looked confused for a moment before sensing that something was missing from his attire. His hands moved to the top of his head but he didn’t find his favorite accessory there. He let out a little ‘huh?’ and looked up to find his hat floating close to the ceiling. He broke into a huge grin and his eyes practically sparkled.
“Woah, that’s so cool! You’re really amazing!”
Kenji’s excitement made Chuuya stiffen a little for he wasn’t used to this kind of excitement but he couldn’t resist smiling back a little.
“Dazai, look!” Kenji called out to Dazai who had been watching the entire exchange from the beginning.
“Boo! Chuuya is such a show off!”
Chuuya turned to snap at him to shut the fuck up but he realized Dazai was looking at him with a tender expression and soft smile gracing his features.
Instead, Chuuya huffed and released gravity’s hold on the hat causing it to fall back on Kenji’s head. He focused back on his work, forcibly willing away the blush that crept all the way up to his face.
“You and Dazai must’ve been pretty close in the past,” The voice came from his right. Atsushi sat on the other side of the couch as he placed a mug full to the brim with steaming black coffee. Exactly what Chuuya needed.
He murmured a thank you accompanied with a small smile to the younger boy,”What makes you say that?”
“He’s been smiling a lot more truthfully since you started coming here.” Chuuya’s eyes widened slightly at Atsushi words, “Huh?”
“I really hope you will join the ADA. It’s nice having you around, Chuuya.”
Atsushi’s words stick with Chuuya for the rest of the day.
---
Chuuya didn’t realize when exactly he’d started to linger after being done with updating the detectives on what he’s found out about the rats but he figured it wasn’t too bad. The agency had such an interesting set of people that he’d find himself spending more of his time in the office to answer Kenji’s answers about his ability and showing him some basic tricks that would get the boy’s eyes transform into stars in awe, or teach Kyouka things about computers and technology (She was a smart and fast learner and Chuuya found he enjoyed explaining to her whatever she asked.). Yosano would occasionally chat him up when she’d have free time. Overall, spending time around them wasn’t so bad.
“There’s a new murder case and the city police are struggling with it, so they need my assistance.”
“But Ranpo-san, everyone is busy right now. If you had told me in advance I would have cleared my schedule or had someone else accompany you.”
“He can go with me,” Ranpo pointed to Chuuya and announced as if he’d already taken the decision, leaving no room for argument.
Kunikida stiffened visibly as he cast a side-glance at Chuuya, “Ranpo-san, I don’t think that’s a good idea-”
“Why? He’s free, isn’t he?” Ranpo turned to Chuuya as if he just remembered he actually needed to ask him if he wanted to accompany him or not. “Chuuya, you’re free, right?”
“I am but i don’t know anything about detective work so I don’t know how I could assist you in your case.”
“No great detective such as myself needs assistance!”
“Then why-”
“He doesn’t know how to ride the train.”
“...Huh?” Chuuya kept glancing between Kunikida and Ranpo looking for any signs of a joke. When he found none, he decided he wasn’t going to ask. “Fine, let’s go.”
--
Ranpo was finished with his case rather quickly that Chuuya wondered if it was possible to solve a murder case in less than fifteen minutes. He remembered that Ranpo mentioned a special ability -It made sense, Chuuya thought-. At one point, Chuuya started worrying Ranpo would get punched as he kept deliberately insulting the Police Chief, whether he meant it or not. But thankfully, everything turned out fine in the end and he ended up being led by Ranpo to an ice cream parlor nearby. The detective ordered for a colossal amount of different flavors of ice cream which had Chuuya shooting a concerned glance his way.
Chuuya has concluded that the ADA were a bunch of eccentrics. That much was obvious and so he gave up trying to understand them on a deep level. But the one who confused him the most was Ranpo. The agency members always talked about how Ranpo was the most important member of the agency but Chuuya didn’t understand the reason. All he’s ever seen Ranpo do is sit at his desk playing games and eating more sweets than was probably healthy, if not those, he’d be napping. This is actually the first time he’d seen Ranpo do what he’d considered work first hand. He had a quite impressive ability, Chuya decided. It made sense that the detective agency depended on it.
They walked side to side towards the train station and sat on one of the benches waiting for their train when Ranpo spoke between spoonfuls of his ice cream, “You shouldn’t deny yourself a chance at a new life because of your past. You can’t change it nor fix it but you can do things that make you forgive yourself.”
Chuuya blinked, turning to find sharp green eyes watching him closely, he could hear the screeching of the tracks signaling the arrival of their train.
“How did you even-”
“Also, you better make up with Dazai soon! He becomes stupid and useless when he’s pining and it’s not convenient for me ‘cause he’s the only one I can challenge,” Ranpo told him casually before hopping on to the train, leaving Chuuya a spluttering mess behind.
They ended up running into Dazai about a block away from the agency’s office.
“How was Ranpo-san?” Dazai asked as he fell into step with Chuuya.
Chuuya raised a brow at Dazai's question,“What do you mean by that?”
“I’m surprised you spent most of the morning with him and you don’t look pissed off, your temper must be getting better.”
Chuuya clicked his tongue, “You’re doing the job just fine, asshole.”
“He’s got an impressive ability," He added after a few moments of silence.
“Chuuya,”
“What?”
“Ranpo san doesn’t have an ability.”
Chuuya’s eyes widened as he stared at Dazai before shifting his attention to Ranpo. “ You must be kidding. He solved a supposedly complicated murder case in less than five minutes.”
If Dazai hadn’t been joking, it would mean Ranpo saw through the case and solved it in superhuman speed using his own intellect.
Dazai Chuckled, “He’s amazing, isn’t he?”
Chuuya noticed the softness in Dazai’s voice as he said the words and the way he watched Ranpo’s back. It looked like he really admired the guy which surprised Chuuya. He’d never thought Dazai would look at someone that way. Chuuya had to admit Dazai has changed in a way. He’s found a family for himself.
Maybe he could give himself a chance too?
---
After a thorough search, they’d found out that the Rats’ were in the possession of highly illegal and rare ability canceling drugs and pain enhancers. It could only mean one thing. They were experimenting with abilities. The victims to the kidnappings were ability users with non combat type abilities made it even more possible.
Ranpo had figured out their position and Dazai's worked on an attack plan.
Chuuya sat inside a van hidden from sight behind the bushes with a couple of computers and monitors as he played the role of the connecting channel between two groups. While the others were inside investigating the building where the victims were supposedly kept. Dazai’s plan was working so far. Tanizaki had been abducted and the tracking device had managed to lead them to an ominous building in the middle of the woods. Abandoned, if he were to judge by the way plants crawled up the outside walls and the poor state the windows and doors were in.
He had a computer connecting him to Ranpo in case anything came up back at the office, and an earpiece connecting him to Dazai who was in the building.
They had left Chuuya on the lookout after he declined Kunikida’s offer to stay with him outside in case something happened. Chuuya wasn’t exactly defenseless and they needed as many people inside as they could get anyway.
It’s been close to an hour since they got here and around fifteen minutes since the three detectives went inside.
“Any signs of life yet?” He asked Dazai through the earpiece.
Dazai, Kunikida and Atsushi were inside while Yosano and Ranpo sat in another van a few kilometers away from them with Kenji and Kyouka to protect the older two as well as backup to quickly provide help had things gone downhill or Chuuya and the others happened to be outnumbered.
“We’re still searching the second floor but there’s been nothing so far. Did anything catch your attention outside?”
Chuuya shook his head, not minding the fact that Dazai couldn’t see him,“Nope, It’s been the same since you went there.”
He stopped typing for a brief moment, a dreadful feeling creeping up his spine,”Don’t you find it strange?”
A pause.
“It is,” Dazai’s voice sounded grave yet slightly hesitant as if he was just catching up into something.
Realization dawned upon Chuuya and his eyes widened. He opened his mouth to yell at Dazai to get the hell out of that place when Rapo’s panic filled voice beat him to it.
“Chuuya, tell them to get out immediately! The building is-”
The earth shattering sound of an explosion rang through the air making the redhead whip his head towards the source. He slid the van door open with more force than necessary and jumped out.
“Dazai? Are you guys safe?” He clutched at his earpiece as if his life depended on it, almost pleading for Dazai to say something back.
When the only answer he received was some noises he couldn’t make up and then silence, he started running towards the building without much thought in his head. Tainted raged under his skin as gravity pumped through his blood, adding a spring to his steps. He could see smoke coming out from the windows of top floor of the building, indicating that a bomb had gone off there.
He entered the building and quickly searched the first floor, looking for any traces of the three detectives but he found none.
A noise sounded in his ear, seemingly coming from the earpiece before Dazai’s voice came into his hearing. “Chuuya? Are you still there?
Chuuya released the breath he didn’t know he was holding upon hearing the other’s voice and he quickly replied, “Dazai, are you okay?” He asked, worry lacing his voice. “Where are you? I’m inside but you’re nowhere to be seen.”
“We’re fine but-” Dazai paused to wince in a pain that was clear to Chuuya’s ears. “We’re stuck in the third floor. Part of the roof caved in and blocked the way down. The ability users are here, it was a trap.
“Stay right where you are. I’m coming right up.”
His feet started moving straight away and he made it to the third floor with ease. A spacious hallway was completely blocked by large chunks of the floor above it, leaving a gaping hole in the ceiling. He sucked in a shallow breath and silently called upon his ability, feeling gravity flood through his body increasing his weight and making him stronger. He removed the chunks of the ceiling with ease and moved forward.
Dazai and Kunikida looked relieved to see him. Chuuya automatically ran to them, running his eyes up and down Dazai’s form to check for injuries -force of habit- They looked a little roughened up, each one of them nursing some injuries but they didn’t look that serious. But before they could say anything, another explosion echoed and the building shook with it so violently that they struggled to stand. It sounded like an explosion went off in the first floor.
“The whole building will fall apart, we might not make it out of here in time.” Dazai said as stabilized himself against a wall. He didn’t do a very good job at masking his panic.
An idea struck Chuuya and he crouched down without a second thought.
Chuuya placed his palms on the floor, his ability outlining his body in a red glow signaling its activation. He tried altering the gravity around the building to stabilize it and keep it from falling apart
“Get them out of here, I’ll hold it up.”
Dazai looked at him in surprise for a moment before Chuuya met his gaze with determined eyes. Silently reassuring him that he’d be fine.
A sense of rightfulness went through him as he watched Dazai nod and signal to Kunikida and Atsushi of their new plan. They helped the injured victims up and out of the building. The only force holding the construction now being the gravity Chuuya is manipulating.
For the first time, Chuuya was using tainted to help save people’s lives rather than to kill and destroy and it felt strange. But he didn’t hate it. It was better than hearing the cracking of bones as he brought his enemies to the ground and better than watching whole buildings go down in rubles. He thought he could get used to this feeling.
When he was certain that Dazai and Kunikida were already out with the victims, he looked for an opening and released his grip on the gravity surrounding the building before floating out and letting it crumble to the ground.
Outside, Ranpo’s group already arrived to the scene. He could see Yosano tending to the ones nursing injuries while Kunikida and the others patrolled the area for any hiding rats members.
He floated down and looked around for a certain someone only to find him already heading his way, looking at him with an unreadable expression.
“Is everything okay?” Chuuya asked as Dazai stopped next to him.
“We’ve been set up. They figured out our plan and orchestrated a trap. I assume they didn’t expect your presence because otherwise we couldn’t have saved them.” Dazai explained, still looking at him as if he wanted to say more but chose not to.
“So, they weren’t here in the first place?”
“We’re still looking. Their leader must’ve escaped but he’ll come back sooner or later. I’m sure of it. At least we managed to save the ability users.”
“Are you okay?” Chuuya asked, eyeing what looked like a fairly deep cut where Dazai had been pressing his hand against his arm.
“Yeah, it’s nothing.”
“Have Yosano look at it for you.”
“Woah, Chuuya actually cares about me, how touching!” Dazai said in an overly dramatic tone, slipping back into his usual obnoxious self.
He responded to the punch Chuuya aimed at him with a hearty laugh,”Don’t worry chibi, I will.”
Chuuya rolled his eyes at the insult he hasn’t heard in year but he allowed a small smile to form on his face.
---
After the special ability department arrived to clean up the scene and take information, The agency members got back to the office to report to the president and question the rescued ability users about the criminals. Chuuya ended up in Dazai’s dorm after Dazai claimed they needed to have a much needed conversation. Stepping inside, he looked around the small place. It was small and it looked comfortable but it was completely impersonal and almost empty save for the a sleeping bag and small coffee table at the center of the room. He took a seat on the floor on one side of the table with Dazai following and sitting across from him.
Dazai looked quite fidgety as he kept averting his gaze, looking everywhere but at Chuuya, fumbling with his hands and opening his mouth to say something before hesitating and closing again. He actually looked nervous. Dazai Osamu, nervous. The sight almost had Chuuya chuckling.
“Well?” Chuuya started. “Are you going to talk or are you going to keep opening and closing your mouth like a damn fish?”
Dazai blinked before sighing and making himself more comfortable. It was difficult and kind of pointless at the same time to talk about something that happened so many years ago but it had to be done or else their relationship would never take a step forward.
“I didn’t know the organization had ability users. I know it’s easy to believe that I intended to let them get killed considering the fact that I hated them because of how they used you and-”
“They were the closest thing I had to family and you weren’t any better.” Chuuya interjected, eyes narrowed. He wouldn’t allow Dazai to turn this over.
“I know. I was young and my head was fucked up because of the mafia. I thought I was keeping you safe that way. I didn’t know how to act on my feelings without ruining everything,” Dazai looked at him, expression unlike anything he’d seen him wear before.
“I’m sorry. Will you forgive me, Chuuya?”
The words had Chuuya’s eyes widening in surprise. He didn’t expect Dazai to be so open with his feelings, let alone apologize. He was suddenly finding it difficult to think of a proper response to give Dazai. It was such an unusual thing for them.
Chuuya stood up and went around the table. He noticed how Dazai tensed, as if he braced himself for a blow. He suppressed a smile as he sat right next to Dazai on the floor.
He held up a hand to Dazai’s cheek, thumb pressed under Dazai’s eye as he turned the other’s face to him.
“I have already forgiven you, you said it yourself, didn’t you?” Chuuya spoke in a soft tone, hushed to everyone but them, Even though they were already alone
And then he closed the distance between them. Pressing his lips against Dazai’s in a gentle kiss. He could feel that Dazai went rigid for a moment before recovering from his shock and kissing back. His hands moved to cup Chuuya’s face and to deepen the kiss, pouring all of the emotions he kept suppressed for years into it. Their lips still fit together so perfectly.
They pulled away after a moment and Dazai pulled Chuuya against his chest
“I missed you so much. I almost went crazy all these years without seeing you. It took an unimaginable amount of self control not to go see you the moment I had your address but I thought you probably didn’t want to see me so I gave you your distance. But when I had a reason to seek you out I couldn't hold back anymore.”
“I’m sorry, too. I had blamed you and hurt you without giving you a chance to explain what happened.” Chuuya said, letting his head rest on Dazai’s shoulder. “It’s all in the past, though. It’s about time we moved on.”
“Chuuya,”
“hmm?”
“I've really missed you.”
“Dumbass.”
----
Even after having that conversation with Dazai, Chuuya ended up in his apartment again. There were quite a few things he needed to think about considering the recent events. He knew he couldn’t just go back to the way it has been before Dazai sought him out and asked him to work with the agency. He’d told Dazai he’ll spend a few days thinking things over and the man didn’t hold him back, giving him the space he needed which Chuuya was glad for.
Dazai has really changed. Not in the way that he appeared as a completely different person, but it was there. His actions were more genuine, his words held a meaning and his eyes had a an unfamiliar light in them. It was like he’d found something worth living for, worth protecting. And the fact that he’d wanted Chuuya to be part of his new world made a strange warmth spread through his chest.
He didn’t know how well a relationship would work with Dazai but he was willing to give it a try. Their past together was a mess of lies, violence and manipulation and it had ended up in the worst way possible. They were both fucked up. But now they had a chance to start over and Chuuya had hope that it would work this time around.
He typed a quick text and sent it to Dazai and stood up to get ready to leave his apartment.
---
Stepping inside the cafe on the first floor of the agency's building, Chuuya ran his eyes over the place, looking for a certain head of brown hair. When he found him sitting in the far corner near the window, Chuuya made his way to the table and sat across from Dazai. Noticing that on top of the table, there was already a cup of steaming black coffee.
Dazai looked lost in thought as he stared out of the window.
"Hey," He greeted, bringing Dazai's attention from the window to himself.
Dazai blinked before he registered Chuuya's presence and broke into a grin, "Good morning, Chibi!"
Chuuya ignored the nickname in favor of taking a sip of the coffee. Just how he liked it. He suppressed a little smile behind the rim of the cup as he glanced out the window, thinking of how to start the conversation.
"So, what did you want to talk about? You know I had to sacrifice a precious sleep hour to come here so early in the morning!"
Chuuya ignored Dazai's whining and raised a brow, "Aren't you supposed to be up for work anyway?"
Dazai's eyes glinted mischievously as he practically bounced in his chair. He took too much pleasure in tormenting the poor man. Chuuya genuinely felt bad for him.
"Oh, you should've seen Kunikida's face when he walked into the office and found me already sitting at my desk. It was hilarious!"
Chuuya snorted and muttered under his breath, "I don't even know what I expected."
"So?" Dazai's tone gained a serious edge. "What did you decide about joining the agency?"
At Dazai's question, Chuuya's attention shifted to his hands which were wrapped around the coffee mug, " I thought about it a lot but I still don't know if I'm suited for this."
"Why?"
He let go of the mug and clenched his fists, attempting to hide them inside the long sleeve of his oversized hoodie, “ I don't know if my ability could be any good for anything other than destruction. And you know how I can't control a good portion of it. What if I endanger people here?"
Shaking his head at Chuuya's words, Dazai took his hand and unclenched it with his fingers. Smoothing it over, running a thumb over his palm before bringing his hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss over his knuckles.
“You used it to save people the other day, , didn’t you? Besides, our president's ability lets you control it. Even if you couldn't, I'll be by your side to stop it. Always."
Chuuya's eyes widened, words catching in his throat at Dazai's gentle action. He could feel himself turn a deep shade of red, but he didn't retract his hand. This new, soft Dazai would need some getting used to.
He squeezed Dazai's hand with his own, doing genuinely, "Thank you, Dazai."
"Let's go tell the others! "
"Huh? Tell them what?"
"That you are joining! "
Not waiting for his response, Dazai pulled him to his feet, never releasing his hand. He dragged him all the way up to the office and opened the door.
Chuuya was greeted by the sight of a set of smiling faces and a huge banner spelling “welcome to the detective agency, Chuuya.” in a bold font.
He stood there for a moment, not even realizing he was holding his breath. Blinking, he ran his eyes over the office. A huge amount of food and drinks was placed on a table in the center in the room, and the place looked like it was decorated for a party.
Chuuya looked at Dazai over his shoulder in confusion only to find the man smiling knowingly.
"Surprise! I predicted that you'd join us, of course."
Chuuya's eye twitched and he punched Dazai lightly before he turned around to find Yosano walking towards them.
"You guys are late."
"We were on a date!" Dazai announced before holding up their joined hands. Chuuya turned beet red as he became aware that they'd been holding hands the entire time. He quickly retracted his hand a glared at Dazai, "Shut up, asshole!"
"Oh, there's nothing to be embarrassed of," Yosano rolled her eyes with a small smile. "Anyway. Welcome to the armed detective agency, Chuuya."
Smiling, she gave his shoulder a squeeze and he smiled back. After that, the others took turns in welcoming him and expressing how happy they were to have him join them. And Chuuya couldn't help the smile on his face at their warm welcomes.
The telltale sound of a door being opened had everyone in the room go silent and stand respectfully as the president of the agency made his way to the center of the office.
Chuuya remembered when he'd talked to the man the last time he was here. His looming presence and stoic face had Chuuya feeling nervous as he stood right in front of him.
The president fixed him with an intense gaze. Chuuya almost grew uncomfortable and he started wondering if he should say something first before the older man broke into a small smile. Barely noticeable but it was there.
"Nakahara Chuuya, welcome to the Armed Detective Agency."
Really, he could see why everyone including Dazai held an insane amount of respect for this man. Chuuya swiped into a bow, showcasing his own respect for the president.
"Thank you for accepting me here."
The president placed a hand on his shoulder and nodded before walking away. Sitting at the coffee table while Haruno served him tea.
Chuuya turned to look at Dazai but his hands were grabbed by two smaller hands belonging to none other than Kenji and Kyouka who began dragging him to the food table. And presenting to him the dishes they prepared specifically for him.
He smiled at the two and thanked them before he dug in and exclaimed his love for the food. Perhaps exaggerating a little but the smiles he received in return were worth it. He really grew fond of these two.
Chuuya couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this content and lighthearted, perhaps it was because he never did. But now he was glad life has presented him with a chance for a new life. And he had Dazai to thank for that.
At the thought of the man, Chuuya turned his head to look for him only to find Dazai making his way towards the table with a gentle smile on his face.
Yep, he would definitely give this a shot.