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Edgar's hair had been messy since birth.
As a kid, he never had much reason to groom his hair. As long as he looked decent enough in front of his adoptive parents, which was mostly John, there was no particular reason for him to obsess over fashion and beauty like all the other kids in town.
That was until he met Ranpo.
His hair, which wasn't so much hair as a nest of cowlicks, was like a storm at sea. One that never settled. The length often tickled his nape, but half of the time it happened, Karl was sitting around his neck, so it would go unnoticed. Even on a hot day, Edgar seldom found the need to resort to hair ties. He would never admit it, but he quite enjoyed the hairstyle he was carrying.
But right now, he found himself in desperate need of a barber. What changes he would like to his head, he wasn't sure, but he just wanted to look clean, at least for his impatient boyfriend who had been pacing back and forth in his living room for at least ten minutes. At this rate, he would probably kick down the door in anger.
"What exactly are you doing in there?" rushed knocks on the door accompanied by Ranpo's whines.
"Two- two more minutes!" Edgar gathered as much strength as he could in his voice. Then he resumed toying with his long bangs that covered his eyes.
Ranpo had once asked him whether he could really see with bangs so thick. "I can't even see your eyes!" was what he said back then. It might not seem the case, but he could actually see between the shades of his hair, though sometimes his sight would go completely dark.
It wasn't the first time someone asked him about it. As a kid, John would occasionally flick his fingers between Edgar's locks, with the same look he had on his face when he had to see an imbecile dealer out, or when Edgar accidentally bumped on his shoulder on the way to his bedroom.
"You should have this mess of a hair cut, boy," he would comment without much mind as if he was just speaking to himself. "Can't even see your eyes,"
That sounded like a lie. John had never liked his eyes.
Even Edgar himself hated them, for that record. They were always so dull, so void of color and life, like they had never seen iridescent wonders or loved a living being before, and though having such long bangs would sometimes bring him unwanted attention on the street, he was sure the pair of lifeless orbs were better left unshown.
Too engrossed in his thoughts, Edgar jumped a good foot into the air when Ranpo barged into the room uninvited, fists buried so deeply into his hips that they almost disappeared. "What is taking you so long?" his eyes flited to the mirror hung on the wall and Edgar's reflection in it.
"Oh, that reminds me," Ranpo stuffed his hand inside his pocket and pulled out a cardstock. Edgar couldn't make out what was on it at first, but the moment he did, his face lit up in admiration.
"Is that-?"
Ranpo smirked at the reaction he'd evoked. "You know it!"
Pinned on the card were two hair clips. Not just any clips, but ones with cute leather raccoon decorations. Karl scurried towards Ranpo and found himself a spot on his shoulder, beady eyes scanning the clips in his hand. That Karl managed to get close with Ranpo so quickly never ceased to amaze Edgar.
"They're for me?" Edgar asked only after he'd calmed down. No one had ever given him something like this before. Hair clips, though the commonest among common things, was something he'd never owned before. Even when John was obsessed with having Edgar's hair cut, he had never acted on it.
"Of course. It's your birthday present, actually. This isn't much, but I wasn't quite sure what to get you,"
Huh?
Birthday-
What's-
Oh. Oh.
"You didn't forget your own birthday, did you?"
"What? Noooo," Edgar involuntarily dragged out the last word. Karl made his way to Edgar's head, something that he'd do whenever Edgar was anxious. Ranpo's sharp eyes followed his every movement before he let out a wistful sigh, "You know what? It doesn't matter," stepping forward, he gathered Edgar's bangs and pushed them to the side, then kept it in place with the clips. He looked oddly satisfied with his handiwork. When Edgar didn't budge, he turned the taller to the mirror.
"Doesn't it look way better? At least this way I can see your eyes!"
He was right, with his hair out of the way, his pale eyes were in the open without a veil. The sudden exposure to light startled him a bit, but he soon adjusted to it. He had never recognized the deep circles under his eyes before, and now that he could see it clearly, he couldn't help but compare them to Ranpo's.
Everyone in the Armed Detective Agency had vibrant eyes. Take Dazai's for example - they were the color of chocolate with glows of amber around the edges. Most of the time they were soft and enigmatic, but they could be as menacing as those of the Devil if so desired. Edgar always had to remind himself not to get on his bad side.
However unfathomable and thus intriguing they might seem, Edgar loved Ranpo's eyes the best - which was a little ironic since Ranpo rarely showed them either, and during the scarce moments when he did, they were often behind a pair of glasses. Even so, Edgar could always remember those emerald orbs, always so analytical and serious, but also capable of versatile expressions and emotions. Edgar was proficient at reading eyes since he was young, as it was basically a required skill growing up, and every time Ranpo looked at him with even the slightest bit of warmth, Edgar would feel as if he'd been fueled by endless energy and given the entire universe.
Karl scratched his forehead, snapping him back to reality.
"It does look cute..." Edgar commented, fidgeting a strand of loose hair. It didn't look like him. This person looked way too confident to be Edgar Allan Poe, who had always thought lowly of his looks.
Eager to get moving, Ranpo intertwined their hands. Edgar's fingers tightened around his, adjusting to the unexpected warmth like fish to water.
❀
It's a bit ridiculous, honestly.
Edgar -- 28 years old and full-grown -- had two raccoon hair clips on and a real one flapping his tail at his cheek. His hand moved to touch his hair instinctively as if trying to hide it from people's gaze, but halting at the idea of upsetting Ranpo.
"Where are we going?" he asked instead, trying to avert his own attention.
"Somewhere you'll love," was all Ranpo said.
The streets around Edgar was unfamiliar. An introvert that he was, he seldom traveled anywhere besides ADA and the cafe under it. While Ranpo would bring him along during jobs, he had never voluntarily visited the other parts of the city. So when they turned the corner and he found himself facing what looked like an amusement park, he was astounded.
"I didn't know there's a carnival in town,"
"You never cared to ask," Ranpo said, and Edgar, guilty as charged, decided not to defend himself.
Ranpo pulled out two colorful tickets from his pockets at the entrance, behind which was a screaming mess of red and white and other flamboyant colors. A train appeared briefly in the sky, followed by mixed screams and whoops, before diving behind the giant facilities. Kids were either holding mouthwatering snacks or trying to suffocate dolls half their sizes. It was like knives jabbing at Edgar's eyes. He suddenly felt so exposed and so utterly bare before the bewildering sight. He pulled the hair clips off, letting his hair spray out, and tried looking through his locks. Then he pushed them back again and decided that he liked the clearness best.
When was the last time he'd visited places like this? He couldn't even recall going to the park just a street away from his apartment, let alone amusement parks and such. During his years of plotting against Ranpo and coming up with ways to defeat him, he had holed up in his place, buried in his work and living like a hermit. Even while under the Guild's care, Louisa was always the one bringing him food because she was genuinely worried that he would pass out. And before that, during his childhood... well, he had never gotten the chance to enjoy recreation. It's not that he never asked, just that a person must give up after too many failed attempts.
'Places only stupid children go' was what John used to say in order to get rid of Edgar. He'd idiotically thought that he was being complimented, but later, thanks to Louisa, he learned that he'd simply been bamboozled.
It's not like he was particularly fond of playing with other kids. If any, he'd rather befriend ink and paper in his puny bedroom all day. Regardless, he was a kid, and sometimes all a kid wanted was to have fun.
Ranpo dragged Edgar by his wrist, pulling him into the crowd and out of his thoughts.
❀
"You could've told me we're coming here," Edgar said later when they were walking in the heart of the swarm, an arm hugging a giant teddy and the other holding Ranpo's hand.
"Why? It was meant to be a surprise," Ranpo said, munching on his grilled squid. You'd think that all this eating would add to his height. Edgar refrained from commenting on that in fear of getting decked.
A short girl in the most extravagant princess dress passed by and Edgar cowered a little despite his outstanding height. "Well... as you can see, I'm not exactly well-dressed for the occasion,"
Ranpo scanned him from head to toe, and Edgar blushed slightly at the gesture.
"Maybe you should get rid of the coat. It's too formal," he was not wrong. Edgar's semblance was clashing terribly with the upbeat atmosphere all around him. He didn't quite want to entertain the idea of taking off his coat, and the occupied state of his hands gave him the perfect excuse to let the suggestion slide.
"Mom, look! A raccoon!" yet another amused kid. It was as though they'd been granted the opportunity to see God's face.
Edgar recoiled at the stretched out hand. "It's rude to touch other's pet, darling," the woman beside her grabbed- snatched her hand back. The harsh act and the bemused look on the kid's face aroused memories that Edgar would do anything to get rid of.
"It's fine, he likes pats," Edgar bent his knees and managed a trembling smile. Karl stirred under the girl's fingers, enjoying the attention he so deserved.
"It's not like you to let others touch Karl," Ranpo stated after they'd resumed walking. They were headed for yet another game stall.
"She looked really interested," Edgar replied. Karl tickled the back of his ear, sending a shiver down his spine.
Ranpo didn't stop until they were too busy keeping the toys from falling to hold hands. The pile attracted jealousy from other kids, which, while Edgar found himself embarrassed by it, fed Ranpo's massive ego. Both of their wallets were nearly empty, though neither seemed to mind.
The rewards were so fruitful that they had no choice but to leave them with the operator before getting onto the roller coaster ride. Ranpo was restless, feet swinging as he waited for the car to lurch into action. Edgar sealed his eyes and mumbled prayers under his breath.
"Are you scared?" Ranpo teased.
"I'm just worried about Karl," it wasn't a complete lie. Edgar did feel uneasy about leaving Karl in a stranger's care. It was like letting go of your own child.
"He's gonna be fine, the operator is a good person,"
"If you say- AHHH," The ride sped into action, stripping Edgar of his chance to get prepared. It might as well be his first-ever ride, and it felt as if he was being torn apart by a gigantic rock monster. The immense speed and white-knuckle heights threw his mind into the trash bin. He'd unconsciously wrapped his arms around Ranpo, seeking the closest comfort. Amidst all the screaming and whistles of wind, he could make out what sounded like choking sounds from Ranpo, though his limbs were too paralyzed to act on it.
He was half dead by the time it ended. "Ah... I'm sorry," Edgar let go of the half-dead Ranpo. He'd half expected Ranpo to get mad for almost killing him, but he looked more stunned than enraged. What looked like a mischievous glint flit through his emerald eyes.
"Is that what it takes for you to cuddle me?" he said thoughtfully, grinning when he saw Edgar's cheeks turn bright red. "Come on, your hair is a mess,"
A few strands blocked Edgar's sight, and Ranpo moved to tidy them with the help of those adorable raccoon hair clips. Though he must be aware of how flustered he'd rendered Edgar, he pressed a kiss on his forehead before pulling away, much to the taller's shock. It took Edgar quite some time to calm his raging heart.
❀
Dusk had emerged from above, chasing the orange orb into the sea. Their legs were sore from all the walking, and Edgar's hair was utterly disheveled after all the thrill and exhilaration despite Ranpo trying to restore it every time. Karl was napping after a long day being around so many people, purring every now and then as Edgar scratched his head. The sight was kind of jocular, pulling people's questioning gazes to them like magnets. Edgar decided to focus on the sea stretched out behind the fence instead.
"I'm wasted. Can I crash your place?" Ranpo asked, limbs splayed out in every direction possible on Edgar's lap. Karl, who was resting on his stomach, grunted in displeasure at all the movement. Edgar wouldn't have minded, and he actually thought the question unnecessary, but he appreciated the gesture.
"Well?" Ranpo asked a while later. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
Edgar's fingers tingled with the desire to ruffle his inky hair instead of Karl's fur. "Yeah, it was nice," he said. Karl opened his jet black eyes and looked at Edgar with interest.
Sometimes it scared him how understanding Karl was, and how there were times when he would get the feeling that Karl was trying to communicate to him. While his younger self would just call it an illusion manifested by overwhelming loneliness, he now knew better. It wouldn't hurt to have a close companion anyways.
After much contemplating, Edgar moved to bury his fingesr inside Ranpo's hair, and exhaled in relief at the satisfaction breaking out on his face. Sometimes it was hard to decide who had the messiest hair. One thing was for sure - both of their hair looked like bird nests in the morning, and they would then be too atrocious to be compared.
It didn't take him too long to get used to the feeling. The sun was but a thin thread of memory now, and darkness had settled cozily. Stars emerged from the background, and though so small, they vibrated in the happiness of being seen again. Edgar was sure he would never get used to, let alone bored of, the sceneries in Yokohama. Richmond's sky could never rival.
It's not that Richmond's night sky was lamentable. It was actually pretty marvelous at night when the stars danced with the moon in the pitch-black ballroom, but as a kid, Edgar had been so absorbed in writing and getting away from the reality that he deemed the time used to stargaze a waste. Or perhaps it was because Richmond's nights were too tainted with memories of John and his uncaring glares for him to appreciate. He wished he'd seen its beauties without them clouding his eyes.
"You look troubled," Ranpo stated. All that was left on the sky was the remnant of the golden glow, and when Edgar peered down, he was met with Ranpo's green eyes. Edgar flinched, almost wanting to pull his fingers out, but decided that it would be exaggerating.
"I do?"
"Yeah," he said. "Do you miss Richmond?'
Edgar felt naked. Not literally, of course, but he felt as bare as Adam and Eve when they betrayed God and ate the ambrosia. "I don't know," he settled on a sincere answer. "Nonetheless, I like this view more," he jabbed his chin at the sea.
"I bet you like this view most," Ranpo, bold as ever, turned Edgar's face back to him again. It was such a simple act, but the intimacy of it sent Edgar's head fuming of heat. The words 'yes, I do' got stuck in his throat like fish bones, but he was sure Ranpo could already tell it from his face.
"You liked the hair clips, didn't you?"
Edgar moved to caress the raccoons on his head and smiled. "Of course," he wanted to add how it had opened his eyes to the world in a way they had never been, but it was too embarrassing to say.
"I do too. They give me a better view of your pretty eyes,"
Theygivemeabetterviewof-
"You know that, right? Your eyes are pretty,"
Edgar gasped, then once again moved his hand to his forehead, and his stomach dropped when his fingers missed his curly bangs. Naked, he thought. Like a kid whose atrocious report card was being shown to the whole damn school during morning assembly, accompanied by snickers from among the students.
"Hey," Ranpo sat up, weight digging into Edgar's thigh before he slid off his lap with only his feet draped over. "Poe, look at me,"
This is so embarrassing. Edgar thought. Under Ranpo's laser gaze, he had no choice but to meet his eyes. Ranpo's shoulders slumped that instant.
"I don't care what other people might tell you about them, but they're the prettiest eyes I've ever seen," Edgar blinked, staring into the pair of jazzy, brilliant jades. The roles seemed to be reserved.
"They're not,"
"They are! I am the greatest detective in Japan, so I am infallible." Ranpo slung his arms around Edgar's neck casually, bringing their faces even closer, flooding Edgar's mind with his scent. It was as if the world was Edogawa Ranpo and Edogawa Ranpo only. Karl, unfortunately squeezed between the two, fought to make his way out. "I'll tell you what's so special about your eyes. You see, they're pretty dark, like ravens, but at the very bottom there is a hint of plum shining through. And your eyes speak a lot, you know? You don't talk much, but your eyes are actually an open book. A perfectly written philosophy book, at that. It's like a well of deep secrets! Just because it's not a member of the rainbow family doesn't mean it's not as captivating-"
"Ranpo-!"
Ranpo's words died on his tongue. Edgar leaned forward to bury his face in the crook his neck, relishing in the softness of his skin. His cheeks were so warm that one could almost cook an egg on them. Karl nibbed at the hem of his shirt, showing concern as best as he could.
"All I'm saying is," Ranpo didn't seem to mind as he let himself loose like a spineless snake in Edgar's arms. Edgar might be liking this feeling too much. Perhaps he was being too greedy. Fingers caressed and twisted the end of his brown locks, an affinity he had never been lucky enough to experience before. Everything was fresh and soft with Ranpo. Fresh and soft and sweet and every other appreciative adjective.
"There's no need for you to conceal your eyes. People who don't see the beauty of them are imbeciles, right?" his voice fell. "So will you show them more often, at least for me?"
His chest was too heavy, like a stone lodged in his throat. He wanted to say just the same - how beautiful and god-like and unbelievably prepossessing Ranpo's green eyes were- but as much as he wanted to, he still needed more time. "Yeah," he sighed instead. "I will,"
"Great!" Ranpo's voice pitched again, his childish form returning. "Let's go home and have dinner!"
"I didn't buy ingredients,"
"You do have snacks in the cabinet, don't you?"
Edgar chuckled. "Of course. You ordered me to never keep it empty."
When Ranpo smiled, he looked like the sun, and Edgar had never felt more grateful for the absence of his bangs.
"Then there's nothing to worry about."