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The mission had been a complete mess. It had been a set up from the start and all they could do was helplessly follow it to its conclusion. Chuuya knew what was about to happen and he couldn’t stop it; all he could do was watch helplessly as the very people they were meant to rescue were blown to pieces in front of them. Dazai was silent, but Chuuya knew he wasn’t unaffected. He just showed his emotions far less than the ginger did in times like this.
Four years since Dazai had left the Port Mafia, and though they still worked flawlessly together, this particular mission had been impossible from the start. But that didn’t stop them trying hard to change the outcome. Not that it mattered. Chuuya had known that but still he hoped. He couldn’t sit and do nothing.
Dazai trailed after Chuuya, following the ginger back to his apartment. For once, Chuuya didn’t argue. He didn’t have the energy to. Neither wanted to be left alone right now, not really. Dazai didn’t even mock Chuuya like he normally would. It wasn’t the time or place for that.
Chuuya managed to hold it together until they entered the front door of his apartment. The moment the door shut, and the lock clicked into place, his legs gave way. Before he could hit the floor, Dazai swiftly took hold of him, an arm tenderly around that slim waist as he pulled Chuuya into him, feeling the way that smaller body shook.
“Chuuya.”
The word was soft, though the tone shook in a way only Chuuya had learned to pick up on. A sob left the Executive’s lips as he let himself just collapse into Dazai’s chest, gloved fingers clutching tight into that stupid waistcoat. His hat fell to the floor as Dazai brushed it away, and he was ready to tell him off before he felt those fingers carding through his hair. Oh. He leaned into that touch as he sobbed quietly, allowing the brunette to hold him tight and just soothe him.
They were sweaty, even dirty, but that didn’t matter at this moment. Chuuya needed those arms around him, and he could feel just how much Dazai needed this touch, himself. The ever so faint trembling coming from the Detective gave it away.
Dazai’s fingers tightened briefly in Chuuya’s hair, and he leaned down to press a firm, lingering kiss to the top of his head. “Bath,” he mumbled, gently starting to nudge Chuuya towards the bathroom. He felt the ginger start to move with him, the steps a little clumsy and slow but they made their way towards the bathroom without detangling themselves just yet.
Reaching out one hand, Dazai found the switch to turn on the extractor fan, turning it on and switching the light on as he did so, kicking the door shut behind him. Carefully, he lowered Chuuya to sit on the closed toilet seat, kneeling with him and leaning in to press their lips together in such a tender kiss that made the ginger whimper as he returned it needily.
Their minds weren’t on sex; no, that was too much. All they wanted was each other’s touch and comfort. It was something they’d done many times. Skin contact and calmness was what soothed them the most, but it had been so long since they’d been able to have it. Four years in fact, and it left Chuuya aching for Dazai’s soft touch, his little kisses and those arms wrapped so protectively around him.
Chuuya also missed being able to touch and kiss Dazai. Gods how he hoped he was still allowed to remove those pesky bandages and touch his bare skin, over his scars that he hid. He knew how insecure Dazai was about them, but Chuuya loved every inch of him. They never said those three little words, never needed to. Their actions said it all.
Speaking the words meant being too vulnerable, and they wouldn’t allow that. Their relationship was fragile at best with the way the world liked to pull them apart, but never did they stray. They always came back to each other in the end, that was how it would always be.
Sure Dazai was a terrible flirt, but he never allowed anyone else in, never slept with anyone else. Chuuya had been the same, simply minus the flirting. The only person he wanted was this shitty waste of bandages in front of him, despite all their arguing and claim to hate each other. It was clear it wasn’t true to anyone with half a brain cell, but they’d never admit it out loud.
Pulling back from that kiss, Dazai stroked Chuuya’s cheek, resting their foreheads together for a few moments. “I’m gonna run the bath. I’m right here, okay?” He murmured, and when he received a nod, he reluctantly moved away to start running the bath. Thinking it over a minute, he put in some of Chuuya’s favourite bath scent; Lavender, one he always loved because it was soothing and calmed his nerves.
Letting the bath run as it would take a while, he returned to his lover, and knelt in front of him again. Reaching to tenderly touch his cheek, that hand slowly slid down his neck, then his chest, to the buttons of that horribly expensive shirt he wore. Leaning in to kiss him softly again, he started to undo that shirt, unbuttoning it slowly and then slowly sliding it off his shoulders and letting it fall to the floor.
Chuuya had already removed his jacket and waistcoat, though the waistcoat had a couple of buttons missing from how badly his hands were shaking.
Dazai gently slid his tongue past Chuuya’s pliant lips and into his mouth. He kept the kiss tender, merely knowing these kisses relaxed the ginger, seeing just how shaky he was and feeling the overwhelming urge to put his needs first this time. His own needs could wait just a little, knowing Chuuya would return the comfort once he’d calmed enough. He always did, so he trusted that notion completely without doubting it.
Next to come off were the Executive’s pants, Chuuya moving with the movement to allow Dazai to gently pull them off him along with his shoes. His underwear followed after, leaving him nude where he sat, but he didn’t mind. The choker stayed on; Dazai knew it was a comfort item and knew better than to try taking that off. Unless he wanted to be kicked across the room, that is.
All through this, he’d maintained that soft kiss with the ginger, Chuuya’s eyes having slid closed as he returned the motion, glad to have something to focus on. But they soon had to part for breath, and Chuuya laid his forehead on Dazai’s still clothed shoulder, relaxing a little further as those fingers moved back into his hair, lightly massaging his scalp. That always felt good.
They stayed that way a few moments longer, before Chuuya pulled back to allow Dazai to undress himself. He watched as those nimble fingers worked swiftly on each button and zipper, each item of clothing falling to the floor without ceremony to eventually leave the brunette just as naked apart from those bandages. He’d left those on purposely, a question in his eyes as he stared at Chuuya.
Chuuya understood that look, and he stood on slightly shaky legs to reach out and start to undo the plethora of bandages. His fingers shook, and he took his time, but slowly he managed to carefully peel each bandage off his neck and torso, letting it fall to the floor to leave the skin bare. He then moved to do the same to the bandages on Dazai’s arms, and his legs, until he was fully nude.
Leaning in, the ginger placed soft kisses to Dazai’s chest, trembling hands resting on those slim hips to simply stay close to him. Those fingers once again returned to Chuuya’s curls, and he sighed quietly against the skin of that pale chest. Just being here like this meant the world to both of them, despite everything that had happened it was always each other they came running to for this.
Gently maneuvering them towards the bath, Dazai sat on the edge of the tub, bringing Chuuya onto his lap as he reached to turn off the taps. That done, he tilted Chuuya’s chin up and pressed another soft kiss to his lips.
“Come on, in the bath. You stink, Chibi,” he chided gently, chuckling at the light snort he received in reply.
“So do you, asshole,” Chuuya grumbled lightly, though neither of their words held the usual bite. It was much more affectionate this time, but that was nothing new, merely a rare occurrence.
Dazai moved, slipping into the bath and bringing Chuuya in with him, positioning them so that Chuuya sat between Dazai’s legs with his back to Dazai’s chest. Chuuya moved easily, pliant in the brunette’s grip as those arms wrapped around him and just held him close. It was such an easy movement, and he let his head fall back against Dazai’s shoulder.
Calloused fingers absently traced over Chuuya’s skin; his chest, his arms, his neck, just touching and massaging lightly whenever tension was felt. Sapphire eyes slid shut as he melted back into Dazai’s touch, letting him do as he pleased. It felt so nice, and his trembling started to slowly subside the more Dazai lightly massaged out each knot of tension he found. Soft lips pressed to the back of his neck and he sighed, melting fully into the brunette with a mumble of his name; Osamu.
Dazai smiled, knowing then that Chuuya had relaxed enough. It was rare that he’d ever allow his given name to be used, but in moments like this he didn’t mind it so much; especially if it was from Chuuya. It was a little thing that provided extra intimacy, and it sent a small bloom of warmth through his chest.
“I’m here, Chuuya,” Dazai murmured, pressing more little kisses to the back of that pale neck, just above his choker as he swept his hair out of the way. Chuuya didn’t reply, but that was fine; the way smaller fingers simply rested on Dazai’s thigh for something to hold onto was enough.
Chuuya let his eyes flutter shut as Dazai started to massage shampoo into his hair, leaning into that touch as calloused fingertips caressed his scalp. Those skilled hands knew just where to touch and massage to make him melt and relax fully. It felt so good, and he was reminded again just how much he'd missed this time together.
Dazai chuckled, rubbing the shampoo into Chuuya's hair longer than was needed. Seeing the way the ginger melted into him was definitely something he'd missed. After a few more moments, he rinsed out the shampoo whilst carefully avoiding getting water all over his face.
That done, Dazai picked up the soap, lathering his hands up and starting to wash Chuuya's skin. He started at his neck, again massaging gently, rubbing out any knots he found as he went. The little, content moan that left the ginger's lips made him smile, and he kissed the back of his head.
"Feel a little better?" Dazai asked softly, expert hands kneading a rather stubborn knot in the ginger's lower back. It both amused him and upset him a little at the amount of tension he always found in his lover's muscles. Chuuya deserved better, but he didn't know how he'd react if he asked what he should have asked four years ago.
Chuuya nodded slightly, head resting against Dazai's shoulder as he sighed again. Dazai's hands were so damn good at massages, and he could sit there all day.
"Yeah. Thanks." He muttered, cheeks lightly dusted pink. Oh he didn't want to move at all, so relaxed and content at that moment.
Dazai chuckled, kissing the side of Chuuya's head, before moving to finish washing him off. After getting those knots out, it only took a couple of minutes to soap up the rest of the shorter male and then rinse him off.
Chuuya turned in his arms, kneeling between Dazai's legs as he leaned in for a kiss. He let it linger, stroking Dazai's cheek for a few moments, before pulling away with a soft smile.
"Your turn."
Dazai smiled, chasing Chuuya's lips to nibble playfully on his bottom one. He placed the shampoo bottle in Chuuya's hand, sinking down slightly so his shorter lover could reach. The unamused glare he got made him laugh lightly, one hand moving up to let his fingers twirl a few strands around.
"Not my fault you're shorter than me."
"Shut up, idiot."
Dazai laughed again, unable to help it as his fingers trailed across Chuuya’s neck and shoulder, simply touching and finding comfort in that skin contact. He was still shaken from what had happened earlier, though he had a habit of hiding his emotions easier than Chuuya could. He’d had more practice at that, after all.
The smaller fingers in his hair made him hum softly, letting his hazel eyes slip closed as fingernails lightly scratched along his scalp the way he enjoyed. Chuuya took extra care to massage behind his ears and at the nape of his neck where he knew Dazai especially enjoyed.
Whilst he did that, he leaned in to press their lips together again in a soft, sensual slide just for the sake of more contact. His fingers never stopped massaging the shampoo into brunette strands even as Dazai returned the kiss and pressed into it. He ended up sitting straddling Dazai’s lap, thighs either side of the Detective’s as he relaxed there.
Pulling back from the kiss, Chuuya pressed a soft peck to the corner of Dazai’s mouth, before he rinsed out the shampoo. He jumped slightly as Dazai’s hands came up to rest on his back, cheeks flushing faintly and earning a soft chuckle from the culprit of his embarrassment.
“Shut up.”
“Whatever you say, Chibi.”
Dazai rested their foreheads together, hands merely gently caressing the skin of Chuuya’s back, tracing scars and random patterns as he just pulled the ginger close against him until their chests touched. Lowering his head, he rested his forehead on Chuuya’s shoulder, feeling the ginger slowly relax as he clicked on.
“You’re an idiot,” Chuuya sighed, wrapping his arms up around Dazai’s chest and holding him close. “You should learn to let your emotions show more, you know.”
“Only around you. You’re the only one who understands.”
“You think the others wouldn’t? Dazai, they’re your family. They care about you…”
“They could never understand. I’m a former Port Mafia Executive. How could they?”
“You don’t give them a chance, you should at least try.”
Dazai sighed against Chuuya’s shoulder, shaking his head slightly as he faintly trembled; so slight, the ginger only just picked up on it. His grip tightened a little, and moments later a wetness spread over Chuuya’s skin. He was crying.
Chuuya moved one hand up, resting it in Dazai’s hair and leaning his head against his as he just stayed right where he was. They both needed this, that much was clear. Only Chuuya ever got to see this side of Dazai, though the ginger wished he had others to trust this much, too. It wasn’t healthy for him to only rely on Chuuya when they were now from different Organisations, but he also knew why Dazai didn’t want to talk to the others.
“Chuuya… would you run away with me if I asked?”
Well that certainly wasn’t what the Executive expected, and it took him a moment to even respond. An exasperated sigh left him, though he simply held Dazai tighter against him, burying his face into that mop of brown hair.
“Idiot… Don’t ask things like that. You know I would if I thought we could get away with it. But it’s not wise to make an enemy of both the Agency and the Port Mafia, is it?”
As strong as they both were, especially together, it really was not the brightest idea to leave both the Armed Detective Agency and the Port Mafia in the lurch like that. Just one was bad enough, but both was just not a good idea. Oh he wished he could be with Dazai again properly, but he couldn’t see a way out of this.
Lifting his head, Dazai looked at Chuuya with a weak smile. His eyes were rimmed red from his crying, but he didn’t bother hiding; not from Chuuya. He didn’t need to.
“I know. Then… at least consider joining the Agency with me?”
Another impossible question. Chuuya’s heart clenched, and Dazai saw the flicker of pain in his eyes before he could hide it. It wasn’t as if he didn’t want to, but to betray Mori despite everything was not an easy thing. Chuuya’s heart was loyal to Dazai, but he owed the Port Mafia a hell of a lot and the ginger was a very loyal person despite how badly he could be treated.
“Dazai…”
A finger touched Chuuya’s lips, and the ginger felt himself tremble faintly before soft lips pressed to his, replacing that finger. He kissed him back and closed his eyes, just clinging onto the brunette. His lips were probably swollen slightly with how much they’d kissed already, but he didn’t care. It was a comfort thing, and it reassured him that Dazai loved him and wanted only him.
“Shh,” Dazai murmured as he pulled away. “Come on, let’s get out of here and go to bed. I’m sorry, it wasn’t very considerate of me to ask such a thing right now.”
He knew he’d asked a painful question, and he felt guilty for it, but he couldn’t help it. All he wanted was for Chuuya to join him with his new family; for them to be together again and where they could be more open with everything.
Chuuya gave a small nod, allowing Dazai to scoop him up bridal style as they got out of the bath. He was placed on his feet once out, but those arms still kept him close even as a towel was grabbed and the soft fabric brushed over his body. His eyes slid closed briefly, enjoying the way Dazai so carefully dried him off, only shifting when needed.
Once he was dry, Chuuya moved to offer to dry Dazai, but the brunette was already drying himself and the ginger almost pouted. Dazai chuckled, finishing drying himself off, before leaning to press a kiss to the tip of Chuuya’s nose.
“Sorry, quicker this way,” he smiled, knowing Chuuya wanted to touch more. He pulled the plug in the bath, letting it drain as he again picked the ginger up in his arms and carried him into the bedroom. Dazai felt too vulnerable without his bandages, but it was okay as long as it was only Chuuya who saw him like this. Only Chuuya was allowed to even touch his bandages to take them off in the first place.
Settling into Chuuya’s soft bed, Dazai curled around the Executive, pulling him close and so their skin was touching. Chuuya buried himself into Dazai’s chest, pushing his leg between Dazai’s and just trying to get as close as he could. He let out a shaky sigh as Dazai’s long fingers moved up to tangle into his unruly curls, pressing little kisses to Dazai’s chest as his arm laid around his waist.
Dazai nuzzled into Chuuya’s damp curls, letting his eyes slide closed. He knew neither of them would sleep that well, especially Chuuya, after what had happened. Chuuya absolutely detested innocent people being caught up in conflicts, especially children, and having to watch those families be slaughtered whilst they could do nothing had really gotten to both of them.
Honestly, Dazai wasn’t as bothered as Chuuya, he was a bit colder, more detached from others than Chuuya was. But that… that had been too much even for him. So he could only imagine how Chuuya was feeling after that.
“Try and sleep, Chuuya. I’ll stay right here, I promise,” Dazai murmured into Chuuya’s hair, arms tightening slightly around him and just keeping him close. It would take a while for either of them to be okay after that, but this definitely helped.
Just like old times, the skin contact and soft touches were always comforting and the warmth of each other’s bodies soothed them when they felt like things were too much. Chuuya liked it when Dazai stroked through his hair, and Dazai liked when Chuuya just traced his skin and kissed his scars. Little shows of affection that reassured them.
Chuuya was reluctant to sleep, afraid of more nightmares, but eventually he fell into an uneasy sleep as Dazai pulled the sheets up more over them. It took Dazai several more hours before he could even manage that, the time nearing three am when he finally fell into a light sleep.
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Morning came too soon, sun streaming through the blinds that hadn’t been closed the night before. Dazai grumbled, though he chuckled at Chuuya’s soft swearing as the ginger curled tighter into his chest. Neither had moved from their position all night, too comfortable to bother.
Running his fingers through Chuuya’s hair, Dazai trailed down to the shorter male’s chin, tilting it up and leaning down to press their lips together in a soft, lingering kiss. He chuckled at the light nip he received, pulling back just slightly and resting their foreheads together.
“What was that for?”
“Waking me up so damn early.”
“It’s nearly eight am, Chibi.”
“Early.”
Dazai laughed, inclined to agree but still finding the reaction amusing. Really, Chuuya could be compared to a sulky cat sometimes, but he kept that comment to himself lest he be kicked out of bed. Instead, he tenderly stroked that pale cheek, smiling as Chuuya leaned into the touch, always knowing what he liked.
“Dazai… What you said last night, did you mean it?”
Chuuya’s tone was so unsure, and Dazai had to pause for a minute to think back on what he said. Oh, right. He’d given him two options to leave with him.
“I wouldn’t say it to you if I didn’t mean it,” He finally admitted.
A shaky breath left Chuuya’s lips as he thought over his next words carefully. It was a huge decision, but he couldn’t deny that he’d thought about leaving before that question had been asked.
“How do I… How do I even leave, though? How can the Agency accept me after everything?” His voice cracked slightly, and he hated that he could feel the tears welling up in his eyes, slipping down his cheeks as he bit his lip.
Dazai’s expression softened, and he leaned down to kiss Chuuya a little deeper, cupping his cheek as he felt warmth bloom through him. Chuuya wanted to come with him. That meant the world to him, and he knew just how painful the decision was to make for him.
“Let me take care of it. I’ll sort everything with the President. I… already went ahead and spoke to him about this scenario before now, because I’ve always wanted you to come with me. I’ll set everything in motion,” Dazai promised, unable to hide how happy he was at Chuuya wanting to join the Agency. He knew the ginger would thrive there; loyalty and family meant a lot more there than at the Port Mafia despite how close knit they appeared.
Chuuya watched Dazai for a few moments, before nodding. Now he'd said it, there was no going back. Nothing would be the same again and he knew Kouyou would be upset, but it was Mori's reaction he feared. Mori could be extremely dangerous when he was angry or upset, and he'd felt the Boss' wrath on several occasions. The scars on his back were proof enough of that.
Dazai stroked his cheek again, letting out a soft breath. He pressed their lips together for another soft kiss, then again for one more, chuckling as Chuuya nibbled his lip.
"Alright. Do you want to go get breakfast at the café under the Agency?" Dazai offered, not in the mood to cook this morning. He had a feeling Chuuya didn't want to, either.
"I'm assuming I'm paying, then?" Chuuya cocked an eyebrow, earning a grin from Dazai. That was a yes, then.
"Thank you, Chuuya~"
"Yeah, yeah. You're paying your tab tomorrow, though."
"That's just mean."
"You're paying it, or you're not getting anymore kisses."
"Fine, fine!" Dazai pouted at that, but it was nice to see Chuuya laugh even if it was at him. The ginger’s laugh always sent a burst of warmth through him when it was genuine, and he couldn’t help but smile softly.
Leaning in, he kissed Chuuya’s forehead, before reluctantly pulling away and gently tugging the ginger out of bed with him. He chuckled at the grumble he got, but he didn’t complain at least. That was something, considering he’d gotten a kick across the room for that before.
“Can I… do your bandages?” Chuuya asked quietly, missing doing them for Dazai. He still remembered just how he liked them, and he wanted another excuse to keep touching him for a while longer. At the nod, he gave a small smile, allowing Dazai to lead him into the bathroom.
Reaching into the cupboard, he took out the roll of bandages. He looked over Dazai’s bare skin a moment longer, reaching to trace over a very old scar, before starting to wrap the bandages around him. Practiced hands remembered the precise way he liked them, and it didn’t take him too long to finish his neck and torso, before he moved onto his arms, and then his legs.
Honestly, Chuuya felt it a shame to hide that skin, but he understood why it was hidden. Besides, if it meant only his eyes were allowed to look upon it, that was fine by him. Neither showed it in public, but they both held a possessiveness over each other that certain things were for their eyes only, and if anyone dared try and see it there’d be hell to pay.
Once he was finished, he placed a soft kiss against the inside of Dazai’s knee, before he stood back up and pulled him down into a kiss, lips sliding tenderly against each other for a few moments. He leaned into him at the fingers in his hair, sighing quietly.
“Stop that, or we’ll never get anything done,” Chuuya grumbled, pouting lightly at the laugh that left Dazai’s lips. “Come on, we need to brush our teeth and get ready. You’re lucky I still have some of your clothes here, you keep leaving them here.”
“You say that like I do it by accident. I leave them on purpose, you know. Along with my spare toothbrush.”
“Tch, what, are you trying to move in?”
“What if I was?”
That stumped Chuuya, and he just stared at Dazai for a minute, brain trying to comprehend that sentence. In all honesty, he hadn’t expected that reply, and he shook his head, running a hand down his face.
“You’re an idiot, and damn lucky this place is under an alias of mine and none of the Port Mafia know I live here.”
Chuuya had several ‘homes’ around Yokohama and a couple outside of the city, using one of his other addresses for the Port Mafia. He wasn’t stupid; he wasn’t going to give this address to anyone there. Only Dazai knew he lived here, and he was always careful to make sure no one followed him home.
Dazai chuckled softly, knowing very well about Chuuya being paranoid of him being caught, but well, that was a risk he was willing to take if it meant he could be with his fiery Chibi. Taking hold of said ginger’s hand, he tugged him into the bathroom, turning on the tap in the sink and starting to brush his own teeth.
Chuuya followed suit, brushing his teeth and then washing his face with a sigh. He couldn’t help but smile, though, running the hair brush through his ginger locks and making himself look somewhat presentable. Adding some eyeliner, he used it rather subtly to merely enhance his eyes. If anyone asked, he’d never admit to using it.
That done, he made his way back to the bedroom. Instinct made him reach for his usual Mafia outfit, but he had to pause. No, today he wasn’t going to work like normal. Today was the start of his bid for freedom, and the thought made his heart clench, letting out a shuddering sigh.
Damn it all. As much as he wanted it, it still terrified him considering he knew what Mori’s wrath could be like.
Still, he managed to pull out a more casual shirt, a pair of tight jeans, and a light sweater to go over his shirt. Pulling them on, he jumped when he felt Dazai’s hands rest on his waist, and he sighed as he allowed himself to be pulled close to the other from behind. Bandaged arms slid around his waist, merely holding him as a chin rested on his shoulder.
“Are you sure you want to do this, Chibi?”
The question was so soft that at first he didn’t quite register it, but he gave a small nod as he finally registered the words. He did want to do this. It was a difficult decision, but he couldn’t say he hadn’t thought about it before. But he’d never had a way out before now.
“Yes. Dazai, I’m okay. Go get dressed.” Chuuya smiled lightly, swatting Dazai away and chuckling at the huff he got in response.
Once Dazai was dressed and they were both presentable, Chuuya took hold of the man’s hand, lacing their fingers as he tugged him out of the apartment. They took his motorbike, much to Dazai’s grumbling, but he didn’t want to bother using his car this time. His bike was easier for him to weave through the morning traffic.
The drive to the Armed Detective Agency’s building didn’t take long, thankfully, but as he parked up in the car park, he couldn’t help the nervousness returning. It quickly subsided with the feeling of Dazai’s fingers against his neck; a simple yet soothing gesture.
“Come on, Chibi. Breakfast first, then we can talk to the President, okay?”
“Yeah. Yeah, okay.”
Dazai got off the bike, removing his helmet and then offering his hand to Chuuya who’d forgone his helmet for the sake of Dazai having to wear it. Chuuya kicked the stand down on his beloved vehicle, before taking his new lover’s hand as he slid off the bike, allowing himself to be led into the building and up to the café.
Ushering Chuuya into a booth near the back, mostly out of the way of everyone to ease his nerves, Dazai ordered two breakfasts and two coffees, making sure to tell the waitress exactly how Chuuya liked his drink. As much as he liked to tease his boyfriend occasionally, now was not the time.
He risked Chuuya closing off and running if he tormented him right now. It was rare enough to ever see the ginger so uncertain and vulnerable, as it was normally Dazai who showed that side to him, not the other way around. So Dazai knew well that he had to tread gently right now or there was a chance this could all end badly for Chuuya.
Taking the coffees back over to their table, Dazai chose to sit right next to Chuuya, setting the mugs down and reaching to gently take hold of his hand. It was bare. Oh. He’d forgone his gloves, or simply forgotten, but it made him smile. He knew Chuuya loved skin contact, but it was a very rare thing for him to leave his gloves off in public.
Chuuya glanced up at the soft contact, lacing his fingers with Dazai’s and shifting to lean against the brunette, head resting against his shoulder. He didn’t even move when their breakfast arrived and was set on the table in front of them. It took a gentle nudge from Dazai for him to sit back up and start eating.
Dazai watched him for a moment, knowing the ginger’s mind was working a mile a minute and overthinking everything like he normally did. After a minute, he started eating his own breakfast, once he was satisfied that Chuuya was actually eating and getting his strength for the day. They’d certainly need it.
The rest of their breakfast passed by uneventfully, Chuuya finishing all his food and his coffee and looking better for it. Dazai was relieved at that, and he absently brushed a strand of hair behind the ginger’s ear, chuckling at the light flush and grumble he got for it. He wasn’t punched or shoved away, though, so that was progress.
Leading Chuuya upstairs towards the Agency’s office, Dazai could tell that the ginger was a little anxious. He wasn’t afraid of Fukuzawa, that much he knew. It was Mori that scared him, knowing he’d already faced his wrath before hence a certain scar on the side of his neck. So he gave the ginger’s hand a little, reassuring squeeze.
Fukuzawa glanced up at the knock to his office door, gesturing for the two to come in. He sat up straight, watching them and betraying no emotion on his face. Although he did soften just slightly at seeing Chuuya so anxious. It really wasn’t like the ginger, and it did worry him slightly after what Dazai had previously spoken to him about.
“Dazai-kun, Nakahara-kun, what brings you here?”
“Chuuya has asked if the offer still stands for him to join us.”
Well, that wasn’t what Fukuzawa had expected, but he couldn’t help the small, soft smile he gave the two of them.
“Very well. I will begin the process. Nakahara-kun, you should stay low and out of the Port Mafia’s radar if you don’t wish to go back there. Until I can induct you properly with your entrance exam, there isn’t much I can do to protect you without starting an all out war.”
Chuuya knew that well. Fukuzawa had limited protection powers until he was an official part of the Agency, and so he gave a nod. So this was it. It was terrifying, and he was still torn with his loyalties, but he knew that if he didn’t get out now, it would likely end with his death much sooner than he’d planned.
Dazai smiled, pulling Chuuya close and pressing a kiss to his head. He let out a soft hum, clearly very happy that his Chibi had decided to join them.
“Roger that, President. Leave Chuuya’s protection to me, Mori is no match for me.” Dazai winked, tone slightly cheeky, but the look in his eyes was deadly serious. He’d always known that it may come down to a death fight between himself and Mori, just never anticipated it may be to save Chuuya’s life.
But now the ball was rolling, and though it would be a long road, Dazai knew that the end result would turn out just as he planned; His lover at his side once again, but this time on the opposite side than where they’d begun.
It was the start of the downfall of the Port Mafia, something Dazai had secretly been planning for a long time. He would never forgive Mori for what he had done to his friends; to Oda, Ango, and now Chuuya.
It was time for a new Port Mafia, and almost time for Dazai to reveal his true intentions behind all of it.
But for now? For now, he was simply happy to have Chuuya by his side once more. That was worth more than anything in the world at this moment in time.