Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Odasaku. I have a feeling I know what you are up to, but you need to run. It's not going to be safe there for long."

"Dazai. Where are you?" Odasaku's muffled voice blares through the intercom and Dazai smirks as he stops his counting. 'Such a waste; could have reached here earlier if he could have just stopped showing off his damn bike', Dazai thinks as he quietly frees himself from the handcuffs that were doing a very futile attempt at keeping his 'amazing' hands tied. 

"Piss off, scrub!"

Chuuya curses at his partner who is currently held captive by the enemy. He zooms past Oda, racing his Ducati as he dodges the attacks being hurled upon him.

"Hai hai Chuuya. You are in the range of the enemy. Take some bullets and die, thanks."

"Urisai." (Shut up) Chuuya ignores Dazai for the sake of his own sanity as he races his beloved bike right through the enemy's base. 

One thing Chuuya cannot tolerate is that damn blue mackerel. But right now, as that bastard's partner, it's Chuuya's responsibility to save him. And also his friends who are Shibusawa's captives. And Chuuya is ready to risk it all for Dazai and his friends. But most importantly, Chuuya is here cause Dazai trusts him to do this. And he trusts Dazai. He had found out the whereabouts of Chuuya's friends, Dazai had done that for him. And Chuuya is grateful for having a partner like Dazai. So Chuuya is here, to save his friends and his damn insufferable partner. No matter how many times they get themselves into petty fights, they will always remain the best partners. Just best partners. Chuuya scoffs, cursing himself for feeling that slight ache in his heart whenever his mind reminds him of words 'Partner' and 'Dazai' in one phrase. 

"Damn gifted. He thinks he's the shit." Chuuya curses as he drives through the street, soaking up the impacts of the enemy's attacks using gravity. One sharp turn and Chuuya manipulates the gravity of his bike and he speeds up through the ruins, riding his bike up on the buildings. He finishes off the attacker with a single blow as he lands swiftly on the terrace of the building where his idiot of a partner is being held. And low and behold, there he is, the Demon Prodigy, his partner, Dazai Osamu being handcuffed and held at gunpoint. His punchable face is adorned with a smirk as he sees Chuuya. Chuuya feels like laughing just by imagining the fate of the person who has dared to hold Dazai at a gunpoint. That one is definitely getting a kick to the face when Dazai will rescue himself. And most importantly, he is gonna have to face the wrath of Chuuya for even thinking about aiming gun at Dazai. 

Five. 

Dazai watches as the cloud of dust settles, revealing his tiny, angry partner along with his Panigale. What a showoff.

But Chuuya was five minutes late.

Dazai had to get hit three times more than what he had estimated, just because Chuuya was late. Well, it isn't a big deal but he is Dazai and the person who made him wait is Chuuya. So it doesn't matter even if Dazai's heart skips a beat as he takes in the view of his partner, in front of him. Like hell, Dazai will let this opportunity of taunting Chuuya go to waste because of his feelings. 

"It would have been more amusing if you'd been 'Coup de foudre' and killed." 

There it is, that irritating habit of Dazai that Chuuya hates the most. And Chuuya blushed a little because it can't be. It can't be that Dazai used that term knowing what it means.

"Shut it Dazai." 

"You are five minutes late." Dazai says as he kicks the man in the face, disarming him and sending him tumbling to the ground. "Because of that I got smacked three more times than I needed to." Dazai smiles as he approaches Chuuya. 

"I might as well finish you off."

"I'm not the one you need to kill."

All of a sudden they are surrounded by armed men. And Chuuya sighs wondering why these scums just won't run for their life.

"Look at all this trash."

"Clean it up please." Dazai sighs, feeling pity for all these unfortunate men who have no idea what they are up against.

"Come to think of it, I have a debt to repay you." Chuuya says, his face serious. And within a minute they are heading inside the building, leaving the corpses of their enemies behind them. 

Chuuya lost it the moment he heard that his friends were no more. And Dazai didn't stop him when Chuuya told him to stay back. It was all over within a moment. The Dragon Head's Conflict came to an end as Nakahara Chuuya unleashed Arahabaki, his rage leaving everything into dust. Dazai caught Chuuya gently in his arms, nullifying the corruption and bringing Chuuya back to his senses. But Chuuya couldn't hold in his anguish anymore and tears made their way down his cheeks. Chuuya cried. And Dazai let him cry, letting Chuuya rest his head on his lap. That night, they both got to see a side of each other which they had kept locked away and buried deep inside their heart. And now, they both were painfully aware of the fact that they were ignoring since they met - they do care about each other after all. 

Blue hours graces the sky and it's only a matter of few minutes till the calmness that has settled upon the city will last. By the time they reach the quarters, in the dead silence of the Blue Hour, Chuuya is calm enough after the breakdown he had a while ago. They walk silently in the hallways of the building, taking care not to disturb the subordinates who are already in deep slumber. As they walk side by side, relishing in the calm which is really a seldom occurrence given their profession, Chuuya's mind replays the incident on the terrace again and again. He had felt his heart skip a beat when Dazai said 'Coup de foudre.' It can't be that Dazai used that French term knowingly. Cause Coup de Foudre means 'struck by lightning'. But it also means - 

"Hasta la vista." There it is again. Dazai's annoying habit of using random foreign words. Ever since they have found about Chuuya's connection to France through Arthur and Paul, Dazai has made a habit of irritating him by using random French words. And sometimes random terms in different languages just to see if Chuuya can tell if they are French or not.

"That's Spanish oye!"

"Gomen Gomen~ I was just checking if your brain is still working."

Chuuya flips him off as Dazai laughs, seeing Chuuya's perplexed expression. 

"Don't worry! I have already kept bandages and antiseptic ready. Let's get you all patched up ne? Chuuya~" Dazai sing songs as he opens the lock to Chuuya's dorm, stepping inside and getting to work at once. 

"You - you had already predicted this too?! Screw you shitty Dazai! I should just take that duplicate key away from you. Why do you even have it with you?" Chuuya groans as he is ushered to bed by a very energetic Dazai. 

"Now now, you know that I can pick locks right? That pretty plan of your's would be just usless. And what do you mean by why? It's for times like these that I have a spare key. Now shuuusshh!" Dazai says as he works gently on Chuuya's wounds, dabbing it softly and cleaning it up.

"It's done! Good job Chuuya!" Dazai says patting Chuuya's head gently and smiles while looking at Chuuya who is desperately trying to stay awake despite of being exhausted beyond limit. Just as he is about to get up, Dazai feels a gentle tug at his shirt,

"Osamu, hair. Please." Are the only words Chuuya murmurs and Dazai understands the implication immediately. After all, only selected few people are the luckiest one who get the pleasure of touching Nakahara Chuuya's soft hair and Dazai is one of them. And if he is shamelessly proud of the said fact, well, no one else has to know about it.

"Sure. But first, drink up this juice while I comb your hair. Or else I won't comb your hair." Dazai says as he hands Chuuya the box of orange juice. Chuuya takes the juice, listening to Dazai as he does during such rare times. Dazai combs Chuuya's hair, careful not to tug too sharply at his locks in the process. He takes his time to comb through the tangled strands while watching a sleepy Chuuya sipping his orange juice with his cute and pouty face. Dazai's heart does a flip at the cute scene and he decides it's enough for his heart for today.

"It's all done." Dazai says all but loudly as he gets up from the bed, pushing Chuuya on the bed and covering him up in the blanket, "Chuuya should rest now as you are too exhausted. Rest now Chuuya, I will see you later!" Dazai says as he pats Chuuya's head and rushes out of the dorm.

Chuuya should have known that he would end up tossing and turning in his bed once he is all alone, unable to fall asleep. Sleep doesn't come to him easily after the incidents that unfolded yesterday. The moment he had entered the dorm, he had burst into tears, again. He remembered every one of them, the moments he shared with them. And never did once he had thought that he will lose them. That he will have to imagine his life without them being a part of it. But here he is, shedding tears of agony and sadness over his lost friends. And a dreadful feeling engulfs his heart. What if he loses everyone around him? What if one day he loses ... Dazai?

Without even realizing it, his fingers dial in a familiar number. As Chuuya realizes who he has called, he quickly disconnects the call. But he knows it's too late as he gets a call back within a few seconds.

"Chuuya? Are you okay?" And Dazai's voice doesn't help Chuuya to muffle his tiny sobs. 

"Hey. What happened Chibi?"

"Nothing. I called you by mistake." 

"Chuuya. I know you. You cannot lie to me." A stern yet soft tone makes Chuuya shiver as he gives in to Dazai's voice and breaks down. 

"Just feeling sad and terrible. I needed someone to stay with me tonight. But it's too embarrassing to tell Ane san. And without realizing it, I dialed your number. It's fine. Sorry to disturb you. 

"I'm coming over."

"No. It's fine. Dazai -"

"I'm on my way." 

Chuuya sighs as Dazai disconnects the call without letting Chuuya finish.

That damn mackerel, always being stubborn.

And Dazai arrives within a minute, bringing DVDs of Chuuya's favorite films and snacks along. 

"You just rest. I will handle this."

"Thank you Dazai."

"Anything for my Chibikko ~ ."

They watch the film while Dazai cuddles Chuuya. The warmth radiating off of Dazai makes Chuuya feel dizzy. And so he falls asleep, in Dazai's arm, a feeling of safety overflooding him. 

Dazai smiles as he observes the sleepy redhead in his arms. Dazai has always known that Chuuya is beautiful. But seeing Chuuya like this, peaceful and vulnerable, yet trusting Dazai fully even in this state, makes Dazai's heart race. He knows what this feeling is, he knows. But he just cannot bring himself to confess his feelings to his favorite redhead. Cause Dazai knows how much Chuuya loathes him. So he feels happy to have Chuuya close to him like this, even if for a moment. He is happy to be able to hold him like this. 

What are you doing to my heart Chuuya? 

He places the redhead in bed, gently, pulling the blanket over him. Dazai smiles as he takes in Chuuya's peaceful features. He is about to leave but,

"Stay."

Chuuya had gotten hold of his t-shirt somehow. 

"If you want me to."

And so Dazai stays, cuddling Chuuya close to him. 

Chuuya falls asleep and Dazai continues to brush his fingers through his red locks hair. He watches Chuuya sleeping peacefully, eyes puffy by crying. Even while sleeping, Chuuya looks cute and Dazai's heart is not immune to this cuteness that is sleeping Nakahara Chuuya. He caresses Chuuya's cheek smiling softly at the redhead in his arms.

"You know chibi? This is what I want. This is what I want us to be, not just during the days when we can't escape our thoughts but for all the days that we have yet to see. For the rest of my life. I want to hold you like this Chibi, forever. It was love at first sight for me but the feelings only deepened with time. I guess I have to stay away from you. It's the only way I can protect you. Cause everything that I have ever wanted, is taken away from me someday. I don't want you to vanish just like that. Even if we are like this, I want you in my life. I want to see you every day. Sleep well, my sweetheart. I Love you. And if I have to confess to you in a subtle way, I will continue to do so. Mi Amor ~ You have been my 'Coup de foudre', I'm glad I could say that today, but I'm also sad that I don't have enough courage to say it to you directly." Dazai smiles as he pulls Chuuya close to his chest, planting a quick kiss on his forehead, falling asleep along with his Chibikko. 

Chuuya isn't asleep. He is hazy, sure. But he is not asleep. He can sense Dazai's evened-out breathing, indicating that Dazai is asleep.

'Coup de foudre' - to struck by lightning, but French, being the language of love, it also means 'love at first sight.' And Chuuya knows it cause he feels weirdly attached to the language, thus making him learn and explore it.

So Chuuya was right? Was this really happening? Dazai meant that he wanted it to be love at first sight from Chuuya's side too? Dazai really likes likes him!

Damn this mackerel sure has a way with words.

But Chuuya can't process anything at the moment. His senses are flooded by Dazai's warmth, Dazai's scent, Dazai's breath, Dazai's touch, just Dazai. And Chuuya could only think of one thing, Dazai..

Dazai loves him. 

And Chuuya smiles, falling asleep, with a sweet realization. 

Afternoon light illuminates the dorm causing Chuuya to wake up. As he tries to move, he feels a hand on his abdomen, and yesterday's events rush back to him. Dazai..

He gently caresses Dazai's cheeks, playing with his hair, smiling at the way his idiot of a partner leans into the touch. 

"Dazai."

"Mhmm.."

"Osamu." Chuuya whispers and chuckles as he notices Dazai's reaction. Dazai looks at Chuuya, wide-eyed, totally forgetting the fact that he was sleepy just a moment ago.

"What did you say?" Dazai asks, voice all but a soft whisper. 

"Osamu, thank you for yesterday. For being with me."

"Am I dreaming? Did I commit suicide and my attempt was finally successful? Chibi is being nice to me, it's like a dream ~"

Chuuya chuckles, snuggling close to Dazai. 

"Osamu, promise me one thing, you won't leave me too."

"I promise, Chuuya."

"Osamu," Chuuya says, nuzzling his face in Dazai's chest as Dazai rubs his back gently, "After everything that happened yesterday, I just want to get this out of my heart. Cause I'm afraid. So afraid that if I don't do this now and something happens to me or unfortunately to you, I won't be able to say this ever again. And I don't think I can live the rest of my life regretting over what I should have said, the moment I had the chance to do so. So forgive me if this is not how you have wished for someone to say this to you but,"

"I love you, Osamu."

Badum

Dazai cannot believe it. Cannot believe this is happening. 

"I love you so much that I cannot imagine my life without you being in it. I have always known what I feel for you, but yesterday's events made me realize that some things must be said now, at the moment, or it's going to be never. So forgive me, for saying this all of a sudden, without caring for a perfect moment. But I just had to say it now -"

"I love you."

Badum

And Dazai is wide awake, as he feels his heart beating like crazy. He finally catches up with Chuuya's words and in an instant, he is hovering over Chuuya, caging him between his arms.

"Chuuya, it's not always about a perfect moment. It's about making the moment perfect. And I couldn't have asked for a more perfect moment. With you here in my arms, saying that you love me, there's one thing I have to do which I have been longing to do since I had realized my feelings for you."

Dazai brushes his fingers through Chuuya's red locks, tucking them behind his ear, staring at Chuuya's beautiful face. He looks at Chuuya, his honey-brown orbs melting in Chuuya's sapphire blue ones. And Dazai leans in close, his eyes never leaving Chuuya's. And Chuuya sees emotion in Dazai's eyes, an emotion which makes his heart fuzzy and warm. And Chuuya feels like he can drown in Dazai's eyes which are full of fondness and love. An emotion displayed in Dazai's eyes, just for him. And Dazai casts a fleeting glance at Chuuya's lips and looks back up again, gazing in those blue eyes, silently asking for permission. And Chuuya leans forward, tugging Dazai towards him as his fingers find themselves entangled in Dazai's soft, brown locks.

They melt into the kiss, pouring all their emotions into it. The way their lips meet is soft yet passionate. Yearning for more yet savoring the moment. Dazai licks at Chuuya's bottom lip, and Chuuya lets him in. And Dazai kisses him firmly yet gently, tracing out the map of Chuuya's mouth with his tongue. They explore each other slowly, letting each other know how badly they had wanted this. 

"I love you too." Dazai says, kissing Chuuya's forehead as he holds him tight in his embrace.

"And Dazai,"

"Hmm?"

"It was 'Coup de foudre' for me too."

And Chuuya cannot hold in his laugh as he sees a shocked expression gracing Dazai's beautiful face. But Chuuya should have known that it's Dazai. And the lovable bastard has a great way with comebacks. And Dazai smiles wide, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. But it's too late till Chuuya realizes that and,

"Dazai, I... Haha...I..swe..ar to goddd... Haha.. St..stop tick..lling me.. Hahaha.. I.. I will kill...hahaha..kill you!"

"Serves you right for being awake and not saying anything while I was literally pouring out my heart to you."

"This... Hahaha...th..is ain't...hahaha...fu..funny...shitty...Osam..hhaha.. Osamu."

And Dazai leans in again, capturing a still shaking Chuuya in a soft kiss, 

"Even if I live or not, I will never leave your side till my breath lasts. I love you, Chuuya."

"And there won't be Chuuya without Dazai by his side. I love you too, Osamu."

Dazai smiles, looking at the love of his life. And he wants nothing more than to say,

'Whenever I see you, it's always Coup de foudre every single time.' 

Chapter Text

I'm so happy about the response this fanfic got! This makes me happy! Thankyou everyone who read it. Thankyou to those who left kudos and their precious comments! I'm so glad you all loved this one! So dropping by to say my thankyou to everyone who read this fanfic.

I am touched! *Sobs*
Arigato ~ 🥺