Archive of Our Own

It’s night time and the clock shows time is 10 PM, indicating that they’ve been going through the case files for nearly 4 hours now in the library at Daisuke’s mansion. The room is quite huge but it doesn’t make Haru snarl at Daisuke anymore when everything screams money.

They’re sitting on the same table with papers and files scattered all over the table. Two wine glasses half full on the table—they’ve been drinking some expensive wine that Daisuke wants Haru to try.

Daisuke steals a glance at Katou whose eyes are still burning on the files and papers on the table as he stifles a yawn. A fond smile forming on his lips at Katou’s stubbornness to finish the task at hand. He’s pretty much finished with his part on the case files now and he’s been going through them all for confirmation. He lays his head on the table, thinking of taking a nap after long hours of looking at words and photos knowing it won’t hurt to do so.

“Katou, please wake me up in 20 minutes.” When he hears a hum from the other, his eyes flutter shut.

The case they received from Division 1 is almost hard for them to crack. Keyword being almost. This is just another ploy to draw them closer to the division. It’s a bold move for them thinking they’re being discreet about this but trying to be discreet with Daisuke and Haru needs a lot more work than just being discreet. Haru and Daisuke are aware that Chief Takei has been trying to get them both in Division 1.

Daisuke has no intention to move from the Modern Crime Division. Katou too. It wasn’t their fault that they solved quite a few numbers of cold cases. That fault probably falls upon their curiosity and wilful traits though. Perhaps it’s also amusing to them how Chief Takei has been trying so hard to lure them to join Division 1 officially.

The contrast and affinity of Daisuke and Haru are astoundingly the rivets that keep their partnership together. Correspondingly how opposites attract. Daisuke finally understands better now why Haru hates anything materialistic similarly to how Haru is completely okay now when he uses the money in his bank account with anything related to work. They share the same motive—get the work done and no life is sacrificed for the sake of it, that is if it can be helped.

They analyse case files on their own before having a discourse regarding the cases—a silent agreement they both came to after quite a few times arguing about their opinions and view yet getting nowhere. Haru’s perspectives either strengthen or make Daisuke question his opinions like it’s a challenge, as well as Daisuke’s. Yet their arguments have somehow become a highlight in their partnership. It drew them closer to each other and strengthened their bond.

It’s intriguing how they will confront each other with an idea that the other may disagree with yet in return it will only strengthen what they already believe in. Conceivably they will introduce the other to a commodity and it will change the other’s viewpoint. It gets on their nerves more than once to have a different perspective on things but seeing things in a different light is gratifying for them both.

Bearing in mind when there’s an interest to gain an understanding of and correlative respect for each other’s contrariety, interchanging new ideas is the most refreshing part of a relationship. They won’t say it out loud but it’s something they both have become fond of.

Mayhaps, that’s why Chief Takei has been trying so hard to recruit them.

Haru heaves a sigh as he rubs his face in frustration. He looks up to see his partner with his head resting over his arms on top of the table. He shifts his gaze to the door, thinking of taking a walk to refresh his head but with the size of this mansion, he’s not sure he’ll remember the way back to this study room.

He groans as he continues to lay out some information he gathered from his reading and brainstorming. Thinking of the discourse he’ll have with Kambe later and he rather goes to sleep with his duty done than going to bed with his work undone. He decides to continue with the task at hand as he pours himself a drink from the expensive wine bottle.

He realizes that he’s no longer tipsy but drunk when his eyes glance at the now-empty wine bottle and how his vision has doubled now. Internally slapping himself for getting drunk while working on a case file. The thought of walking out of the library came across his mind again and he thinks, Why not?

Feeling lightheaded as he stands and willing the tingling sensations he’s feeling in his legs to go away as he blinks his eyes to clear his vision. None of it works though but he manages to stumble his way out of the library. Leaning himself on the door as he looks left and right for which way to go. He turns to his left and tries to walk in a straight line because his drunken state of mind is still aware of the expensive vases being decorated across the hallway.

Haru notices the vase that is half as tall as he is and he makes a mental effort not to walk near it. He curses when the room starts spinning as he leans on the wall of the hallway for support. Thoughts blurring between heading back to the library and continuing his endeavour to a place he doesn’t know where he’s even going.

Realizing a second too late that his motor skills have been reduced when he knocks down the vase that is just a foot away from him. Haru slaps a hand to his face and groans incoherently at how stupid he is.

He kneels to clean up the mess of the broken vase as to not have people stepping on it. Just as he’s about to pick up a piece of glass despite his blurry vision, he hears someone calling his name. He can’t tell where it came from but hurried footsteps are coming closer to where he is. Haru waves it off and reaches for another piece of glass when a hand pulls his hand away from it.

Daisuke lets out a laboured breath as he pulls Katou to stand. The latter looks like he wants to fight but to his surprise, Katou willingly complies. He turns Katou’s palm upwards to see any cuts and finds himself grateful when there are none. He stares at the older one with a frown on his face.

Haru shifts his eyes away from Kambe's hardened eyes but the latter still won't look away from him. Pulling his hand away from Kambe’s hold as he scratches the back of his neck. Face flushed, pretending that Kambe isn’t looking at him like a child who has misbehaved.

“You could’ve gotten hurt, Katou.”

“I thought I was avoiding it.” Haru’s tone sounded sulky even to his ears.

Daisuke sighs as he studies the older one shifting his weight from one foot to another. Frown no longer embed on his face. “You’re sleeping here tonight, okay?” he looks at Katou’s face to see if he’s against that.

Haru wants to protest because there are still some things he needs to go through with the case files but a yawn fights its way to the surface before he manages to stop it. He nods blearily and follows Kambe to the guest room. Haru doesn’t think he has complete control over his body from the way his balance feels oddly disoriented and stumbling as he trails after Kambe.

“Get changed first and then you’re going to sleep,” Daisuke said as he walks ahead. He turns around only to find the older one is walking slowly, stumbling in his steps and holding onto the walls for support. He internally curses himself as he’s forgotten that Katou is still intoxicated from the strong wine he drank. He walks closer to Katou, slipping his hand behind the latter. Feeling the older one tensing, he sighs softly at him. “This way we can go to rest faster, you know.”

They did get to the guest room in record time, at least that’s how the 20 minutes walk feels like to Haru. He lets Kambe help him sit on the sofa in the guest room as he walks to the entrance door and his maid walks in with a few items that Haru tries to identify but his vision that was doubled has now doubled over.

“Katou, change into this.” Daisuke hands him beige coloured silky pyjamas. He watches placidly as Katou walks to the bathroom and drives his attention to the painkillers and water the maid brought over for them. He runs his hand through his hair as he sits on the end of the bed while waiting for Katou to finish changing.

Haru washes his face with cold water to sober up if not much, just a little. He walks out of the bathroom, feeling a little sober than he did before as he lets Kambe give the clothes he previously wore to the maid. He feels out of place in the room and wearing these expensive silky pyjamas at that too. 

He wills out all the unnecessary thoughts from his mind as he walks closer to where Kambe is sitting. Drawing in a breath and hating how he feels so small in front of Kambe. He fidgets with his fingernails, eyes looking solemnly in Kambe’s direction. “I’m, uh, sorry about the vase.”

Daisuke raises an eyebrow when he hears what Katou said. He softly smiles at him. “You know it’s just a vase, right?” feeling exhaustion seeps into his bones but also at ease now that Katou doesn’t reject every act of kindness he offers now. “It’s fine as long as you’re not hurt, Katou.”

Haru feels a weird sensation blooming in his chest hearing the last words Kambe utters. He walks closer to the bed and drinks the water on the bedside table. Smiling as he noticed the painkillers for him to take for the impending headache he will get in the morning. He helps himself on the large bed. The comforter and pillow are comfortable however this is not his home. Even so, he’s too tired to think about that now. 

In the distance, he hears Kambe bid him a ‘good night’ as he turns off the light. Haru can’t help but think of the one time when Kambe said I don’t want you to get hurt to him when Haru was reckless enough to risk his life for a mission. A small smile plastered on his face. He closes his eyes and lets sleep consume him.

The rain patters against the window as the lightning makes its way through the clouds. Daisuke lies on the bed, immobile and still clad in the suit he wore to work today. His hair isn’t slicked back as it always is. An ugly frown etches on his face. Hating how the weather somehow perfectly matches the mood. As if it is mocking him he should have done something about it. Nevertheless, it is not his place to meddle in his partner’s life.

Katou Haru is a man of many things. He’s an intelligent man by any accounts but he can also be reckless, and sometimes he lets his heart rule his head, which isn’t a bad thing when you look at it. Katou doesn’t give up no matter how rough things get. He won’t hesitate to do morally questionable things to get results—this is thanks to Daisuke’s influence—but usually, he does it for a really good reason.

He’s a great liar as it comes with their job, but he’s also honest to the few selected people in his life. He doesn’t hold himself back from expressing his feelings and thoughts—Daisuke can confirm this as he’s been the subject of Katou’s expression of feelings—but Katou is a reserved person. It’s almost like he’s an open book but the truth is, he’s just letting people read the glossary. Katou is like a vigilant and rogue all rounded up in one but he’s one of the good guys.

There’s something vile about witnessing Katou taking an insult and not fighting back. Feeling his heart sank when he wandered back to how Katou was placid for a whole day after their encounter with Hoshino and his team. Maybe I should’ve done something, he thought to himself. Recalling back what happened and willing himself to forget the hurt in Katou’s eyes.

There's so much hatred in Hoshino’s eyes. The frown on his face further confirms that he's second away from throttling Katou. He’s surprised when he, himself hating the way this Hoshino guy is glowering at Katou. Then he said that.

“You have no right to be a police officer anymore.”

Daisuke finds himself even more surprised when Katou says nothing in return. He holds himself back from saying anything as he sees the satisfied smirk on the faces of Hoshino’s juniors. He can’t stop himself from glaring at the back of their heads when they walk past him and Katou.

He looks back at Katou and wants to say something to comfort the guy when he can’t help but notice his posture slouching. But instead, he chooses not to. He knows Katou hates when being patronized. It is clear to him every time they had an encounter with Chief Takei.

His thoughts are disturbed by the sound of his phone ringing. He reaches the phone in his pocket and his eyes widen when he sees who the caller is. He answers the call with apprehension. There’s only silence filling the other line. He takes a deep breath and decides to talk first. “Katou.”

“Kambe.”

He frowns when the usual uptightness in Katou’s voice isn’t present when he calls his name. “You never call me in the middle of the night.”

“Hm, I don’t. Maybe I shouldn’t.”

He heaves a sigh, noticing how Katou’s speech slurred. “Are you drunk, Katou?”

“Who’s drunk?”

Rolling his eyes at the response he received from his partner. “How sober are you?” he asked instead. There was a beat of silence at the other end of the line and worry settled in his stomach. His mind wanders to where Katou might be and who he’s with.

“I’m, uhhh, moooooderately functional.”

Another sigh left his lips when he heard Katou’s giggling after he responded. Drunk as fuck then. If his partner is drunk enough to call him when he’s drunk and giggling, he prefers to have him being drunk somewhere safe. “I’ll take that as a no.”

He scrambles off the bed without thinking twice and orders HEUSC to locate Katou’s location. He keeps Katou talking on the other line as he walks inside the elevator. Cursing how slow the elevator is as it went down to the garage. He couldn’t care less about the red lights as he drives to the location where Katou is at.

When he arrives at the bar in record time, he waits in the car for another second. The rain has stopped. Rubbing a hand over his temples as he hears Katou’s speech getting more and more slurred. What are you doing, Daisuke? he pondered. He walks out of his car and feels relief wash over when he sees Katou sitting alone at the bar.

He clears his throat as he stands behind Katou. When Katou turns to him with a smile on his face, Daisuke finds himself crestfallen. Hating the sight of his partner’s bloodshot eyes with a smile plastered on his face. Slightly annoyed at Katou’s hair obscuring his eyes from view. He clenches his fist from pushing the hair from Katou’s eyes.

He hands the bartender some cash and tells him to keep the change as he helps Katou to his feet. Not caring how Katou protests that he wants to drink more as Daisuke held him by the waist firmly and put Katou’s arm over his shoulder.

Daisuke is relieved when Katou stops protesting as they reach near Daisuke’s car. He turns his head to see the expression on Katou’s face and is surprised when he notices the tears in his eyes. He panics when Katou’s lips tremble as he rubs a hand over his eyes. His body tensing and his brain suddenly stops working seeing his partner in such a vulnerable state.

He let Katou cry as he apprehensively wraps an arm around the older one. His action stops there when he feels Katou tensing. They never initiate physical touches before and this is as awkward as it can get for them both. His hand rubs Katou back hesitantly. Pain tugs at his heart when the laughter that comes from Katou sounds hollow.

It’s deranged how your opposites can push you out of your comfort zone, doing something you never thought you’d do in a million years. Daisuke’s ego has been toned down to a notch after a year of working with Haru and vice versa. It’s uncomfortable being thrust into something they’re not used to doing but it’s not all that bad too.

Haru breaks off from the hug after a while. He deliberately shifts his gaze away from Kambe as he hastily wipes away the tears from his face. “This is stupid.” He shifts his gaze to Kambe as warmth blooms on his cheek. “Sorry for being embarrassing.”

His hand on Katou’s waist never left but the hold is gentle now. He can’t be bothered to hide as his face contorts with annoyance at Katou’s obtuse emotional intelligence to brush things off. He wants to tell Katou he’s sorry that he didn’t say anything when Hoshino said those words to him. He wants to comfort him but for the first time in a very long time, he finds himself tongue-tied.

“Don’t just brush things off if your feelings are hurt by it.” It slips out of his lips before he can even think twice about it. He ignores the surprise in Katou’s eyes as he shifts his gaze to focus on the other’s forehead. “Your feelings matter the same amount that you think people’s lives matter.” This time he looks into Katou’s eyes. "I hate seeing you get hurt, you know?"

Haru finds himself dumbstruck at Kambe’s response. Today has been overwhelming but this is the pinnacle of his day. He can’t help but think back to what Hoshino said. “I guess Hoshino’s words hurt because we were close and he was once my partner.” His eyes flutter shut as he heaves a heavy sigh. Combing his hand through his hair in frustration.

Daisuke can’t help but notice the long eyelashes that compliment Katou’s eyes. The lower eyelashes are quite long too, he mused. The tear tracks on his cheeks did nothing to cast away Katou’s soft features. The only thing it did is highlighting Katou’s face. Admiring how the eyelashes somehow, in some way overshadow the bags and lines under his eyes. He snaps out of his thoughts when Katou’s eyes flutter open again.

“But you’re my partner now and we work splendidly well—” Haru’s words come to an abrupt halt as he peers at Kambe. Noticing the blush that wasn’t on his cheeks before. “Why are you even blushing?”

“What—” His words caught in his throat when his eyes locked with Katou. Feeling himself wanting to both lean closer and put a distance between them as his eyes came in contact. He curses himself internally as he’s tongue-tied once again. What the fuck? He brushes his thoughts off swiftly as it comes. “Just get in the car, Katou.”

“Geez, alright,” Haru replies in a lighter tone this time. 

It’s Kamei’s birthday today and they’re celebrating it at a club. Daisuke being the generous person he is, paying for all the bills. He planned on buying the whole club but he thinks Kamei would be uncomfortable with that or a certain inspector would get furious at him. No, that’s the last thing Daisuke wanted. Sure, it’s delightful when Katou is annoyed. Even better when he’s the cause of it.

In the end, he didn’t buy the whole club. He decides to pay for the bills only. At least Kamei was okay with that. He doesn’t get why Katou isn’t enjoying himself though. He barely finishes his drink or food. But he does seem pretty loosen up tonight. Well, if he takes a good look at it Katou’s guards are always up but Daisuke is no different too.

Daisuke drifts his attention to Kamei, Yumoto and Saeki. Dancing the night away on the dance floor to an upbeat song. He smirks at them. Well, at least the birthday guy is enjoying himself with the other two. As intoxicated as they are. Nakamoto and Kiyomizu are both tipsy across the table. But someone is missing from the picture.

He glances around to look for a certain taupe-coloured hair guy around the club. When his eyes finally find him, he sees him at the bar. His body slouching, propping his elbows on the bar as he twirls the drink in his hand. He finds himself smirking when his eyes trail over Katou’s back. His drunken mind loving the way the dress shirt shows Katou’s refined back muscles. Not bad, he thinks to himself.

Katou looks lonely like he could use some company. His instincts want to keep Katou company but afraid that the older one might not want him around. He can’t comprehend why he can’t just drag his ass over to the bar and talk to him. He can’t help but let his gaze linger over the taupe-coloured hair guy. There’s just something so tempting about Katou Haru that Daisuke still isn’t able to fathom yet.

He let his eyes wander to the way Katou’s sleeves rolled up to his forearms. How the dress shirt is still tucked perfectly in his pants. He briefly wonders if Katou wears thigh garter. Shaking the thoughts away as he eyes the leather belt hugging Katou’s small waistline. It’d be nice to save this image, he thinks. But he knows better than to do things without the consent of the subject itself. In this matter, Katou’s pretty figure.

“Pretty?” he thinks to himself. He laughs to himself humorlessly as he calls the waiter for a stronger wine. “I’m too sober for this,” he mumbles to himself. Before he even realizes it, he drank half of the wine bottle already. All for the reason that he wanted to stop himself from thinking of Haru’s pretty body. Not Haru, it’s Katou, he chides himself. They should be past the stage of formalities by now though.

When he glances up to look at Katou again, this time Haru isn’t alone. Another guy has taken a seat beside him. He is talking to Katou but Katou’s body language is obvious that he’s uncomfortable. A smirk plastered on his face noticing how Katou doesn’t want the company of that guy. The blush on Katou's face tells Daisuke enough that Katou is embarrassed by something the guy said to him.

Daisuke realizes he underestimated his hold on liquor as he stumbles his way to where Katou is sitting—now alone, as the previous guy has left—and Daisuke thinks that he just needs to talk to Katou. To hell with whatever his drunken mind can come up with. A thought of how much he will regret this later came to his mind but he does not care.

He manoeuvres his heavy body on the barstool, losing his usual grace but he couldn’t care less about that. The startled look on Katou’s face as he shifts the barstool closer to Katou says enough about how fucking drunk he is right now.

“You’re drunk,” Haru said after a beat of silence. Eyes judging Kambe crystal clear. An unsettling feeling settles in him not knowing what Kambe might do but very much concerned over his partner.

Daisuke leans in closer and tugs at Katou’s necktie. His lips stretch into a huge grin when Katou doesn't pull away. “Do you know… how fuckin’ beaaauuutiful your… your stupid golden eyes are?” he purrs. Blinking his eyes several times to get a clear look into Katou’s eyes. To have one good look at his iris as to further prove his statement. But it was in vain.

Even in his slightly intoxicated mind, Katou knows Kambe is drunk out of his mind by looking at his bleary and reddened eyes. Hell, he’s acting totally out of his mind. “What are you even—”

Haru is silenced the moment Kambe tugs on his necktie. Now they’re only a breath apart. Kambe giggles in his face. He’s fucking giggling in his face.

“Your eyes are like sunshine through… through a glass of whiskey… more beautiful than anything,” Daisuke said. Nodding to himself sluggishly. “More beautiful than anything… that can be seen.”

Haru gapes at his partner. Unable to say any coherent words. The blush is so prominent on his cheeks now that it doesn’t need bright light to see them. He doesn’t know what exactly to put into words the way he’s feeling after what Kambe said. “Kambe, you’re fucking drunk.” Is the only thing he could say with Kambe’s face being only a breath apart from his. Still unhinged from what Kambe has just said to him.

Daisuke's bleary and reddened eyes suddenly turn fierce. Just before Haru managed to pull himself away, Daisuke said it. Giving him another shock.

“I fuckin’ hate it… every time you get hurt, fucking Katou,” Daisuke said as his head falls on Haru’s shoulder.

Leaving Haru stupefied out of his mind. Haru’s hand swiftly supports Daisuke's limbs as the latter leans his upper body on him. What the fuck. Nausea bubbling in his stomach. Fucking shit. Stupid fucking Kambe. He flinches when Kambe’s hands embrace him. “What… what the hell are you doing to me?” he mutters. Confused as to why he doesn’t want to push the hands away. He swallows the lump as it crawls its way through his throat.

It’s been three months since he got shot. Three months of Katou walking on eggshells around him. It’s disrupting the synergy of their partnership. Yes, he jumped in front of a bullet for Katou without thinking twice about it. But it’s been three months and Katou is avoiding him like a plague.

It’s beginning to piss him off. This whole avoiding thing and shying away when he tries to confront Katou about it is getting on his nerves. Quite amazing because not a lot of things get on his nerves but he doesn’t want a repeat of what had happened two years ago—Chief Kiyomizu handcuffed their hands until they get their shit together and work on their conflict.

Thereby, here they are in the interrogation room. Just the two of them because Kamei locked the doors until they settled this—whatever this is.

No one said a word for god knows how long. Not Haru and not even him. He leans himself on the table as he takes a deep breath. Fuck it. “I don’t want to beat around the bush. Let's settle this here.” He shoves his hands in his pocket simultaneously focusing his eyes on the floor. “I got shot three months ago or precisely, I jumped in front of the bullet for you,” his eyes found Katou’s, glaring at him, “and you have been acting like I’m a stranger since then.”

Haru avoids Kambe’s intense stare as he sits on the chair. Rubbing his forehead and cursing at everything that leads them to this situation. “Why did you jump in front of a bullet for me?”

Daisuke does not say anything for the longest time until he draws in a deep breath, willing himself to admit it out loud. For the first time admitting it and letting Katou know. His eyes never leave Katou’s eyes even though he avoided his gaze. “I don’t want you getting hurt. And you’re my partner.” But that’s as far as he can get.

Haru bitterly laughs at him. He stares at his reflection on the two-way mirror. “You didn’t think twice. You didn’t fucking think twice and let yourself get shot because of me. You could’ve just pushed me but you had to barge in and take a bullet for me.”

“What are you trying to say, Inspector Katou?”

“You don’t jump in front of a bullet for someone. Kambe Daisuke doesn't let himself get killed to save someone!” Haru snarls. This time he stands from the chair and walks in front of Kambe. His gaze doesn’t waver as he looks at the younger one. “Tell me, why?”

“You’d risk your life for others and I can’t jump in front of a bullet for you?” he asks. Looking at Haru with incredulity. “Rich coming from you, don’t you think?”

“I said fucking tell me, did I not?”

“You’re a detective. Why can’t you tell?” Daisuke asks him instead. His gaze hardened, staring back at Katou.

They were partners before they were friends. They learn to trust before they even become friends. They hated each other’s guts to death before they were friends. There’s no leader or a follower in their partnership, it’s based solely from true democratic decisions.

Daisuke knows well that a partner is a person whose life you’re bound to be involved in. Partner is someone who’s able to nurture. Someone who’s able to protect. Someone who’s able to advise—like how Haru couldn’t give two shits about what background Daisuke has and calling out on his bullshit. They keep each other in check regardless of what happens.

But Haru isn’t acting like the adult he is and Daisuke is scared of losing something he has no grasp on. Police’s partnership transcends any normal boundaries of a working alliance and Daisuke? Has fallen in love before he came to realize how much his feelings run deep, so forget about normal boundaries. He’s freefalling. But good lord, this feels like a break up when nothing has started between them yet. Or ever. This feels like an intoxication he has no way out of.

“For someone who hates beating around the bush, you sure do act as you love it.” Haru sends a contemptuous smile at him.

The hardened gaze in his eyes is gone and now replaced by fear, love all rolled up in one. Clenching his fists. “Katou,” he mutters, tone softer. Almost as if he’s scared Haru will push him away. “I hate seeing you get hurt. I fucking hate it when you can’t use your brain to put yourself first.”

“Yes, you always say that you hated seeing me hurt. I know—” Feeling Daisuke’s hand comes up to cup his cheek, he stops talking midway. Confusion and fear crawl in his bones. No words come out of his lips when he finally notices the look in Daisuke’s eyes. The gentle hand on his cheek. “Kambe—”

“You know Chief Takei is ready to retire the moment you’re willing to take over his place despite not being his subordinate, right? That’s not a secret around here.” He drops his hand but his gaze never leaves Haru. “You’re a fucking crème de la crème. Quite facetious how you can’t tell what I’m feeling or doing yet.” Snickering disdainfully at Haru.

Haru flinches a few steps away from Daisuke. Turning away from him as he tries recalling back anything to give him answers. His mind takes him back to all those moments when the calm and collected exterior of his partner cracks around him. Eyes widen when the realization sets in. Finally sets in. Chewing on his lips as he tries to push the thought away. It can’t be. He doesn’t feel the same way.

Daisuke can’t help but find himself anxious when Katou hasn’t said anything after a long silence. “Katou,” he steps closer and his hand holds Haru’s arm in a gentle touch, “You’ve been intoxicating me and I don’t know how to ignore it anymore.”

Haru lets Daisuke turn him around by the pull on his hand but his eyes can’t seem to find its way to look at Daisuke. Heart beating loudly against his ribcage. The room suddenly felt small. Swallowing hard and feeling his hands shaking as he wills himself to look at Daisuke in the eye.

“I hate seeing you get hurt,” his eyes unblinking as they focused on Katou’s, “because I can’t live without you.” He leans closer to Katou and his face turns smug when the older one freezes and stares back with wide eyes. Satisfied now that Haru doesn’t pull himself back as blush adorn his face.

“Fucking hell,” Haru slaps a hand on Daisuke’s chest in indignation, “You could’ve just told me instead of taking a bullet, you reprehensible fuck waffle!”

Daisuke rolls his eyes at him. Pulling Haru by the waist closer to his body as his hand caresses the smooth skin of Haru’s cheek. Peering up at him through his lashes and enthralled by the thickness and length of the latter’s eyelashes. His heart raced before he succeeded in uttering any words out. “Can I kiss you?” Daisuke asked breathlessly.

Haru finds himself almost dizzy with their proximity as his eyes can’t seem to budge from staring at Daisuke’s lips. His heart keeps pounding faster and faster. Heat rose from his stomach to his chest. His mouth suddenly dries and it gets harder to breathe when Daisuke runs his thumb over Haru’s lips.

At Haru’s nods in approval, Daisuke leans in to brush his lips against Haru’s but it’s interrupted when their noses bumped. They both giggle as the awkwardness evaporates in the air.

The giggle came to a stop when Daisuke's lips crushed on Haru’s, unrestrained. Their eyes falling shut. Daisuke’s calloused hand cupping Haru’s face as Haru’s hands slid around his neck, tugging on his hair, drawing him in closer in desperation. Daisuke's hand on Haru’s hips pushes the older one back against the wall.

Daisuke’s hand boldly pulls Haru by the waist closer to his body. Smirking at the gasp leaving the older’s mouth when he rubs their body together. Hips bumping carelessly as they got lost in the kiss. Thighs rubbing against one another.

Daisuke breaks away from the kiss and finds himself satisfied seeing the flushed look on Haru’s face. He brushes his nose on Haru’s cheek as he nips at the older’s earlobe. “For someone who doesn’t wear a lip balm, your lips are annoyingly soft.” Smiling when he feels Haru tensing as his lips trails down his jawline, leaving fleeting wet kisses on his skin.

Haru couldn’t stop the moan from leaving his lips when Daisuke’s lips latch on his neck, mumbling I fucking love you in a lower voice on his skin before nipping and sucking desperately on it. He tugs on his hair harshly when Daisuke nips too hard on his neck. “That hurts,” he whines.

“Sorry,” Daisuke said, his tone gravely. This time leaving peppering kisses on the skin he nipped in apology. The hand on Haru’s waist holding him with much possessiveness and gentleness. He pulls Haru in for another kiss, with much more intensity this time. Not knowing how long they’ve been at it but neither wants to pull away.

The kiss did not last long when they were too distracted to hear the sound of the door clicking open and there, by the door, stood Hoshino. Staring at them both in shock on his face. He clears his throat as he draws in a breath. “Kamei-san said he locked you two in here.”

“Hoshino,” Haru calls out breathlessly. Too surprised to push away Daisuke’s hand from his face and waist. His head dizzy from Daisuke’s doing.

Daisuke breaks the hold he had on Haru as he glares at Hoshino. Irritated by the disturbance.

“I’m pretty sure I’ve been pranked and I need to cleanse my eyes.” Hoshino’s face scrunched up in disgust. “Chief wants to see you two now,” he said as he walked away. Leaving the two alone.

Daisuke heaves a sigh in disappointment. “Let’s continue this—”

Haru leans in, leaving a peck on Daisuke’s lips, "Later!” before running after Hoshino with a blush on his cheeks. He touches his lips and finds himself liking the lingering sensation so much more than he thought he would. He keeps on wetting his lips, feeling dry when it’s not. 

If Chief Takei noticed how the air between Daisuke and Haru appears to be different and the stealing glances come across as something more, he didn’t say anything.

Saeki invites them over for dinner at her house. Kamei arrived first. Daisuke and Haru arrive much later. The others can’t make it to the dinner but it’s nice with just the four of them. That is until one of them once again underestimates their alcohol tolerance.

Haru isn’t drunk. He knows better now to not embarrass himself in front of an audience. Regardless of whether the audience is his co-workers or not. Haru vows to himself to not embarrass himself in front of anyone. Especially not when Kambe Daisuke is in the same room as him.

They’ve been dating for quite some time now and so far things have been going pretty well. Too well to his liking. He has no idea Daisuke is an airhead behind closed doors and even more annoying when his guard is down. The way his lover is behaving right now is a great way to put it. Internally cursing himself at his luck.

Daisuke’s face is smug as he stares at Haru. “Katou.” He twirls the glass in hand when all eyes turn to them both. “You know, I can fit the whole world in my hand.” He puts the glass down when Haru rolls his eyes. Scooting closer to Haru, he has his hands on the table as he props his chin in his palm.

Haru squints his eyes at him. He knows the look on his lover’s face well enough to know that Daisuke is not up to anything good. Seeing how his cheeks are flushed is worse. God, save me. Silently praying Daisuke doesn’t pull any dumb shit in front of their co-workers. “That’s impossible—”

In a blink of an eye, before Haru can even move from his seat, Daisuke is already cupping Haru’s face in his hands. Realization sets in that the whole world he meant is him. Haru feels his heart, beat against his ribcage, screaming at him in happiness but the embarrassment he’s getting from this shadows it all. He knows he should push the hands away because people are staring at them now but he can’t move.

Daisuke beams when he sees the blush creeping up from Haru’s neck up to his ears. He’s completely aware they have an audience as he squishes Haru’s face in his hand as the other is still in a state of shock because of the stunt he pulled. “I just did.” He giggles as he leans closer to leave a peck on the tip of Haru’s nose. “It isn’t impossible.”

Saeki is the first to break the silence that had come in the room. She looks at them with a look that a mother has on her face when her kids make her proud. Daisuke and Haru aren't her kids but she surely is happy and proud to witness that. “Ah! I knew you two had something going on!”

“I can’t believe we both lost the bets and no one wins!” Kamei whines. He lets out a deep sigh at the thought of not winning the bet.

Haru throws a chip right at Kamei’s head. “And I can’t believe you guys betting on my personal life!” His eyes shot daggers at both Saeki and Kamei.

Saeki clasps her palm together as she puts on the most pitiful face she can pull off to seek for mercy. “Sorry, Katou-san,” she chirps. Even when knowing there’s no heat in Katou’s words. 

“We’ll place another bet on whether you two will marry or not,” Kamei said. As if stating the grass is green. The sky is blue. Once again not bothered enough to read the room.

Daisuke and Haru both tenses at the mention of marriage. It’s too early to speak of marriage yet. Daisuke lets go of Haru’s face as he takes a sip from his glass. He glances at Haru in a silent apology for what he did previously and Haru just sighs at him. He dismissively waves his hand at him and Daisuke can’t wipe off the smug that has now turned into a smile off of his face.

“Anyway, we’re happy seeing you two happy,” Kamei said. He looks at Daisuke and Haru, making sure they know he meant what he said. He can be wise when necessary.

Now that Daisuke has sobered up, Haru seems to have drunk too much beer. It’s almost like they’re passing the baton. One moment he can’t take his eyes off his lover and one moment later he can’t take the fucking highlighter from the grasp of Haru’s hand.

He struggles to hold Haru’s waist upright as the other tries to fight from his hold. Another hand struggling to snatch the highlighter away. “Haru, no— Kamei-san take that thing away from him!” he exclaims in exasperation when Haru almost landed the tip of the highlighter on his forehead.

Kamei succeeds in gripping Haru’s arm. “Katou-san! Give me that!” Snatching the highlighter from Haru’s grip, as he huffs at the pout on Haru’s face. He gapes in horror as the latter’s lower lips tremble and his eyes shine with tears.

Daisuke hands swiftly cup his lover’s face. Panicking at the sight of Haru tearing up. “No— Haru,” stroking his thumb on the latter’s cheeks in hopes to alleviate the looks of distress on his lover’s face, “don’t cry. I’m sorry but I don’t want my face to be highlighted.” 

Haru shifts his gaze away from Daisuke with unmistakable sniffles drawn from his lips. “I just want to highlight you because you’re important,” he mumbles sulkily. He ignores the laughter from his coworkers.

“Alright, maybe I should give you the highlighter back,” Kamei holds out the highlighter to Haru teasingly and pulls his hand away when Haru reaches to take the highlighter back. "No, Katou-san."

Daisuke smiles at Haru’s actions and tilts the other’s chin upwards to look at him in the eye. A burst of soft laughter came at the cute sight of his lover. “You can show me in ways that you don’t taint my skin with a highlight, hm?” 

“Mn,” came his reply as he nodded blearily at Daisuke. 

“Why does Kambe’s word sound dirty?” Kamei said, tapping his chin with a finger. Ignoring the glare he’s receiving from Daisuke. “And honestly I’ve never seen Katou-san being a happy drunk before,” Kamei said as he places the highlighter somewhere far from Haru’s reach.

Saeki chuckles at Kamei’s words. “It’s cute.”

“Stupidly cute,” Kamei added with a snort.

Daisuke smiles to himself. Mirth bubbled in his stomach as he pulled Haru closer, letting the older one lays his head on Daisuke’s lap. He gently runs his fingers through Haru’s hair. Having a conversation in hush whispers with Kamei and Saeki about their plans on the weekends. His attention drifts to Haru when the other didn’t respond to Kamei calling out to him. A soft smile plastered on Daisuke’s face, noticing that the other had fallen into slumber. 

Today has been stressful for them both. Daisuke was punched by a drunk man when he tried to calm him down because he was making a ruckus in a public place. Haru was upset when he noticed the bruise on Daisuke’s cheek. If Daisuke wasn’t fast enough to stop him, well, his lover would’ve ended up with the higher-ups again for making a scene and tainting the police reputation.

He only found out later at home after much budging that Haru wasn’t upset about the drunk man being rude to them but he was upset that Daisuke had got himself hurt. Haru’s distress was because he wasn’t fast enough to stop the drunk man from hurting his lover. He smiles fondly at the frustration in Haru’s face when he says those words.

They settled it quickly though. Daisuke was persistent enough to make Haru talk about it. They’re still working on their relationship and while communication is an important aspect in making a relationship work, comprehension is just as important.

Daisuke smiles at the whole mess that has happened today and leads up to Haru cuddling himself in his arms on his bed. It’s tantalizing as intoxication drives you to follow your instinct. Without dwelling much on the course of actions you will take. He’s filled with so much love and affection whenever Haru opens up to him about his feelings.

He almost falls asleep when Haru trails his finger on his chest and leaves a peck on his neck after a moment. Shivers ran down his spine when he felt the other smiling on his neck, inhaling his musk. Sharply ignoring the arousal bubbling in his stomach as he takes a deep breath to calm himself down. It’s been a long day.

“Hm… I could beat the shit out of you…” Haru mumbles on his neck.

Daisuke snorts at Haru’s words. Knowing well enough that his lover is capable of doing so. Haru is the only person that beats him during a spar and Haru isn’t a skilled boxer like he is. As embarrassing as it is, Haru can beat the shit out of him and he will let him. “Yes, you could,” his hand stroking Haru’s back, “as adorable as you’re.”

Haru nips on Daisuke’s neck. Pointedly ignoring the whines from his lover saying it hurts. “I am not adorable! I am pure terror!” Haru huffs annoyedly at him as he tries to push him away. “I make people shake in fear.” But gives in when Daisuke kisses the crown of his head to soothe him.

“Of course you do, Haru,” he said while holding back the laughter in his chest from coming out to not further antagonize his lover.

He pulls back to look at Daisuke. “Do not mock me.”

With a sly smile plastered on his face, Daisuke looks at Haru adoringly. “Who said that I am not?” Maybe he’s just enjoying how Haru easily gets annoyed while being drunk. More than he likes to admit it.

“Kambe Daisuke!”

 Daisuke laughs when Haru tries to push him away again. But he tightened his hold on Haru’s back, patting him to sleep. “Alright, alright. Let’s get you to sleep.”

The Modern Crime Prevention Task Force and Division 1 are celebrating a case that they somehow happen to work on together—Haru and Daisuke manage to get themselves tangled in Division 1’s case—at a club that they rent solely for the celebration. Everyone seems to be having a genuinely blissful time. It’s Friday’s night after all.

The atmosphere of the club is better than he expected if he’s being honest to himself. Daisuke is worried if Haru isn’t going to have a good time—being with former co-worker and superiors. He decides to sponsor everything even though Haru was against it but if it makes their co-workers happy, he sees no fault in it. 

Daisuke isn’t planning on getting drunk for the reason that he’s driving him and Haru home. But Haru, well, Haru is drunk. If the way he’s flirting with Daisuke is any indication of it. He smiles at the older one as he lightly touches the ring he has on a chain around his neck covered by his dress shirt. It’s their engagement ring.

They both agreed to put their engagement ring on a chain to not let it come in the way of their profession. They’re not keeping their engagement a secret but both him and Haru don’t feel like announcing it to their friends. But when your partner is your fiance, it might be risky along the way of working. Not wanting to put their life at risk for the sake of putting their relationship on the show.

Haru can be a bit too dumb for his liking sometimes but he loves him all the same. Even when he’s flirting with his Daisuke, himself. Flushed cheeks and bleary eyes are enough proof that he’s pretty much out of it to think coherently.

“So, are you, uh, perhaps single?” Haru appeals. Squinting his doe eyes that are usually aggressive and filled with ferocity to focus on Daisuke. Trying his best to focus his gaze on Daisuke.

Daisuke lets a small smile on his face at how cute his fiance is. He doesn’t know what Haru’s drunken mind is up to but it won’t hurt to indulge him. “I’m engaged.” Intrigued by this flirty side Haru has never shown to exist before.

Haru frowns in confusion and hurts. Knowing the man he’s in love with is engaged. He feels his eyes burning and before he can process his thoughts to reply to Daisuke, tears welcome themselves in his eyes. He wants to walk away from him when he feels a hand gripping on his wrist. It’s a firm hold but gentle. It’s a familiar touch he’s grown used to. But Daisuke is engaged and Haru wants to cry.

Daisuke panics when the tears in Haru’s eyes fall. His breath comes to a stop and he leans closer to the older one, wanting to make sure he’s alright. “Haru, hey, what’s wrong?” His hand cups Haru’s cheek as the other is still holding his wrist. “What—why are you crying?” He can’t help but frown when Haru tries to pull away, mumbling something along the lines of ‘Let go’ to him as his eyes remain cast down.

Kamei walks closer to them when he notices the mood between the two. Worried that something happened he isn’t aware of. He puts his arm on Katou’s shoulder and shifts his eyes to Kambe. “What’s wrong?”

Daisuke shakes his head at Kamei as he too is clueless about it and sighs at how Haru looks so sad. His attention from Haru shifts to a particular purple-haired man, Hoshino. Hoshino looks apprehensive as he steps closer to them and Daisuke notices the worry and alarm on his face when he sees the tears on Haru’s cheeks. “Can you get me some water?” Not sure who he’s asking help from as he’s panicking over Haru.

Kamei is quick in action as he hands the cup of water to Kambe and lets uneasiness settle between them. He watches in silence as Katou pushes the cup of water away when Kambe hands it to him. He lets out a breath he doesn’t know he was holding when Katou lets Kambe wipe the tears from his face. He feels like he’s seeing something he shouldn’t be seen but until he’s certain that Katou is alright, he can't budge.

Daisuke leans closer to Haru with worry etched on his face. “Will you tell me what’s wrong?” He’s perturbed by Haru’s behaviour. Afraid that he crossed a line even when the thing he said was the truth. They’re engaged. But why did Haru cry? 

Haru looks at him in the eye and pouts. Willing himself to not cry again and hating his drunken state of mind with Kamei and Hoshino looking at him. “You said you’re engaged.”

“I am engaged,” he said prudently. Looking at Haru’s facial features to see if he’s saying anything that triggers him to behave this way.

Haru clicks his tongue as he tries to act nonchalant. But he knows he’s failing at it. “Well then, we should break up. You shouldn’t be dating behind your fiance’s back.” Haru shifts his gaze away as he fidgets with his hands.

At that reply, Daisuke takes an inhale of air and prays to God for strength. How is he engaged to this man? He has no idea. He tilts his head and looks at Haru with as much warmth as he manages to muster in his eyes. “I’m engaged to you, idiot.”

“Huh? What are you—”

Daisuke sighs fondly and pulls out the ring he has on a chain from inside his dress shirt and brings it up to Haru’s eye level. When Haru’s hand shifts to hold the ring as he looks at it, Daisuke’s hand slips in Haru’s dress shirt and pulls out the same ring on a chain. The ring isn’t extravagant, yet it’s gold with no diamonds etched on it. Just the way they both like it. “Our engagement ring.”

When all he gets from Haru is just a total confusion at the turn of events, he smiles. “We both agreed to not wear it on our fingers, remember?” He pointedly ignored the gasps from Kamei and Hoshino. His eyes only on his fiance and smiles as realization finally hits Haru. This idiot.

“You’re— we’re almost husbands! Oh my god!” As he accidentally tugs the rings closer to him and pulls Daisuke closer to his face. The flush on his face is marred with a more prominent blush now. Stuttering to come up with a word from the proximity and failing to do so.

Daisuke can’t help but laugh mirthfully at the words Haru’s drunken state of mind comes up with. He nods at Haru when the blush creeps up to his face making him look almost like a cherry fruit. “Yes, we’re almost husbands.” His hand finds its way to stroke the hair from Haru’s face so he can see his flushed face clearer.

“You two are engaged?” Hoshino asks. Bewilderment is obvious on his face.

Kamei has his hands on his hips as he looks at Daisuke. Feeling betrayed that he doesn’t know his co-workers are engaged. “Is this some undercover mission we don’t know about?”

“We’re engaged. Very engaged.” Daisuke answers them both. His tone was final. He glared at them both, slightly irritated his moments were interrupted. 

They moved to a sofa moments later after the attention was driven away from them. Haru tries to somehow squeeze himself in Daisuke’s arms. The latter is genuinely surprised at his actions but he has no intention to push him away. Piqued by the hair obscuring almost half of Haru’s features, he brushes the dishevelled hair away from Haru’s face as he looks at the older one in amusement. “What do you think you are doing?”

He can’t help but smile when Haru leans into his touch as he brushes the hair away from his face. Amused as Haru tries his best, squiggling in his arms. If it is possible, Daisuke thinks that he wants to squeeze himself in the black vest cladding the maroon dress shirt he’s wearing. He can’t help but chuckle when he hears his fiance groaning of not being able to do so. 

“Hiding, you idiot,” Haru said pointedly.

Daisuke is silenced when the response comes but he manages to hold in his laughter. He’s well aware of himself being tipsy but Haru is far too drunk for his good. He makes a mental note to make Haru drink water later to hydrate his body from the consumption of alcohol he has drunk. One arm is already rubbing tiny circles on Haru’s back as a stupid smile plastered on his face. “Do you mean hugging?”

Haru pauses and looks at Daisuke pointedly with bleary, red-rimmed eyes. “Did I fucking stutter?” he exclaims as he snuggles closer to Daisuke. “This is my safe place,” he tugs on the black vest tightly. “Now shut up and put your arms around me.”

Daisuke is thunderstruck by what just came out of Haru’s mouth. Overwhelmed by emotions. Haru demands a hug while being intoxicated because Daisuke is his safe place. His intoxicated mind seeks his comfort and warmth. He feels warmth washes over him as the words replayed over and over in his head.

He laughs and puts his other arms around Haru when the other whines at him. He leans his head on the crown of Haru’s head as he gently rubs his back. Embracing the older one with ease. Not caring in the slightest how some cops from Division 1 are eyeing them with an unbelievable look on their face as he softly strokes Haru’s back. Then he noticed Haru's former chief glancing at them.

He schools his face back to his usual stoic facade even with Haru in his arms and all he wants is to put his guards down. He tries to recall the name of Haru’s former chief but he can’t seem to remember such trivial matters involving the name of a man he doesn’t care about. He sends him a polite smile while his hands are still rubbing Haru’s back.

His attention immediately shifts back to the man in his arms when Haru whines about being tired. "Shh, okay, we're going home." He lets the older one nuzzles his face on the skin of his collarbone, making him flustered for the first time that night. "Alright, let's go home."