Archive of Our Own

For Daisuke, the value of birthdays have long been decreased to zero. Ever since the tragic occurrences when he was a child, he never really looked forward to such celebrations anymore. Most of the time, he barely even remembered his own. 

However, there’s a certain one that served as an exception.

He’d be lying if he said he didn’t care or anticipate for this day to draw near, because he does. Daisuke, although he tries to conceal it, has eagerly been waiting for his partner’s birthday to come around. He’s been doing so ever since Kamei had mentioned the date to him a few months back. 

On the contrary, all while trying to act as less obvious as possible, Saeki and the others have already been planning a surprise party for Haru. Of course, they didn’t forget to let the millionaire in on the plan. Once they had told the ravenet about this though, they didn’t expect to receive such a reaction. 

Everyone knew how the two, Inspector Kato and Detective Kambe, had grown quite attached to each other ever since the incident with the latter’s grandmother. Although they could say their friendship wasn't really something they didn’t see coming, even so, it was still a slight surprise when the millionaire had offered to lead the scheme.

The ideas he had pitched were intriguingly unique, it made the other’s interest to partake in the event increase even more, it was rather amusing. For some people, it was a plan that would seem quite unlikely for someone like Kambe to conjure up. Not to the members of the MCPTF though. It was true that they didn’t expect this much participation from him, but at the same time none of them were shocked or unbelieving. 

Through the process of it all, they were quite amazed how the Inspector had not once noticed their suspiciousness despite Kamei’s occasional word-vomits whenever conversing with him. It was a good thing Saeki was there to stop him from spoiling everything they had carefully worked on. It was a habit he had whenever he was nervous after being entrusted with a secret, but after receiving a handful of scolding from the others, Kamei had eventually gotten rid of this. 

Though unfortunately, when the long awaited day arrived, Daisuke had received a sudden call that made him fly back to England a few days earlier. Apparently he was needed for some urgent business that, for some reason, just had no room for delay. 

Haru didn’t really see his birthday as anything grand, he had been used to spending the whole day of it just doing whatever activity had come to mind. Sure, sometimes he would receive gifts from his friends and colleagues, other times his parents would ask him to return home so they could have a small celebration, but that was it. Simple greetings and meals with his family was nothing new, but it was enough. He was happy with how everything was just modest like how he preferred it to be, plus the fact that he got to live another year considering the dangers of his job, what more could he ask for?

However this time, he could admit that a certain millionaire’s absence made him feel quite discontented. For the first time he felt that there was something missing even though nothing had really changed in comparison to the past years. For the first time in a while, he wished for something on this occasion, the first wish he had made in a while and yet, who knew it was still too much to ask for?

Don’t get him wrong, he was content with the accustomed way he spent this day, but to say he would mind even just a spec of change was a lie.

Maybe he did want to have Kambe by his side on his so-called special day, to spend it together with him alongside the others, was there anything wrong with that?

No matter how much he dwelled on this, there’s really nothing he could do about it. Kambe had already left a few days ago, so he just had to accept it. Maybe next year his wish would be granted, that is, if the two of them haven’t drifted away from each other by the time that comes. Haru could only hope.

Still, he wouldn’t let himself be completely consumed by somber, it was still his birthday after all. He wasn’t called for a meal by his parents nor the members of the MCPTF, but they didn’t forget to send him their sincere greetings. Luckily it was his day-off today, as much as he loved his job, it was nice to spend his day away from chasing criminals every once in a while. 

Being unoccupied for the whole day, he decided to go out and take a trip around Japan, presumably the near locations he can go to by foot or land transportation. He had brought his camera with him, it had been a while since he had taken some photographs, so he decided it wasn’t a bad idea to put his skills to work once again.

His first location was in Ginza, Chūō City. Haru didn’t know why he found himself heading to the place where he and Kambe first met, or maybe in a much specific sense, it was where the ravenet almost ran him over. The taupe-haired man was standing unmoving by the sidewalk, he was reminiscing on the exact moment his partner puffed out a large amount of white smoke on his face before getting out of his car, presenting his badge, and introducing himself as the newly appointed inspector in the Metropolitan Police Detective Division. 

The both of them, and their relationship, had indeed come a long way. One could clearly see the difference between now and from how they were before. It was satisfying, whenever Haru would recall every single moment of their intricate journey, the transition to how their bond came to be.

After another minute of staring into that specific spot, Haru took his camera and began capturing photos of the lively view, moving from place to place so he could have a shot from many different angles. Perhaps he could make a memory journal with these, he thought. 

Before he could start moving onto another location, he felt a vibration inside his jean pocket. Someone was calling him. Who might that be? Well, as a hint, Haru could say he was quite delighted to receive a call from this certain individual. 

“Quite surprising how you managed to acquire time to contact me, Kambe.” Haru greeted in a slightly teasing manner, pinning the phone between his ear and shoulder as he scrolled through the shots he took on his camera.

“Is this your new way of saying hello, Inspector?” The man on the other line replied. 

Haru could imagine how Kambe would lift his eyebrow into a perfect arch as he spoke, and upon hearing that smooth voice, he realized just how he had missed it. 

Before Haru could realize, a small smile had sneakily crept up his lips, “This is the first time you've called me ever since you left, I just thought it was appropriate.”

“Do you have plans tonight?”

“Hm? Other than rewatching my favorite show again while drinking Imo Shochu, I don’t think so. Why?”

“I can’t get you off my mind..”

“What?” 

This statement made Haru pause from whatever he was currently doing, he didn’t know whether or not he heard that correctly. What the heck was that? Perhaps his ears were messing with him? Is it because he kept thinking of Daisuke too much? He didn’t know, and if this continues, he might just go insane. 

“Kambe, could you repeat what you said?” 

But before he could receive an answer, the call had ended. He tried dialing the number again, but it was out of reach. He tried a second time, yet to no avail. Just as he was about to make another attempt, his eyes caught a glimpse of something, or someone, at the other side of the road. 

Eyes all too familiar for him to not recognize, he trusted his abilities, Haru knew for sure he could pick this individual out from a crowd with ease. The only problem here is the fact that he just caught a glimpse of said person, right here, right now. How was he able to do so when this certain someone he has in mind wasn’t even supposed to be here?

Now this is just outright uncanny, first his ears were playing tricks and now his eyes as well? No, no way, he’s probably just tripping right? Kambe never told him anything about coming back to Japan today, which means he was still preoccupied with untended tasks in England. So it’s probably not him, right?

At least, that’s what Haru thought. 

Fine, to be completely honest, there is something that needs to be said. 

(Wait actually, scratch that.)

Here’s a list of things:

1. Kambe needing to fly back to England wasn’t completely a lie, he really did. The thing is, he had only stayed there for two days. The millionaire had already been back in Japan since yesterday, much to his partner’s knowledge. 
2. Not informing Haru of his return and purposely making him spot Daisuke somewhere near his current destination was part of their plan, technically, it was only the beginning of it. Everything had been scripted, and so was the phone call. What Kambe said, however, wasn’t required to be shared with anyone except the two of them.
3. This plan, was everyone, including Mr. & Mrs. Kato, condusing on it? Why yes. Is the actual celebrant going to see it coming? Probably not. It had been way too long since they had a chance to lend time for the efforts of preparing a surprise party, so the possibility of this idea crossing his mind is really low. Well, they did devise a similar one for Kambe back in February, but everyone figured it was rather apt considering he was a newly appointed member and friend, so obviously Haru didn’t think much of it. 
4. Saeki just felt like it was the right time to finally start doing this again, especially now since Kambe was here, and so here they are. Another reason was because Suzue insisted, since she believed that Daisuke would be glad to join them on the plot.
5. Undoubtedly, the Kambe Scion was cruel for the kind of scheme he had ruminated with, but he had opted to push through since vexing each other was one of the many things that had become a wonted aspect of their friendship. 
6. So, enough dawdling, what exactly is this plan? It’s better to not be spoiled, you just have to wait and see. 

Once Haru had finally gathered himself, he began running after the familiar figure before he could completely lose sight of it. It was a decent-weathered Sunday, numerous bustling crowds were seen throughout the area, surely it was a struggle to pass through all of them. Even so, the puzzled man was still able to cross the road as swiftly as he could, not before accidentally bumping into a few pedestrians though. 

As he was passing, not once did he remove his eyes on the figure. Somehow he was still able to see it even after breaking through the large group of people, so he persisted to follow it when he had successfully reached the other side. There was quite a distance between them which made it tougher to fully catch up, Haru thought he wasn’t going to be able to reach it.

And, well, he was right.

Just as he thought their gap was almost close to diminished, the figure had turned to a corner. The taupe-haired man did the same a few seconds later, but the person could no longer be spotted. Although he was able to get a bit near this figure, he still wasn’t sure if it was Kambe, since it had it’s back facing him and it wore a baggy ink-black hoodie. Look, there were still numbers of other people there, so he couldn’t really grasp the surroundings clearly. 

‘Ah.. What the hell am I doing?’ Haru thought as he rested on a nearby bench to catch his breath, ‘This is stupid, It could’ve been anyone!’

The minute he had finished resting up, he attempted to clear his head and conclude that he was probably just imagining things and decided to push it at the back of his mind as he began heading to his next stop on the map. 

The Kachidoki Bridge in Tsukiji, Chūō City. 

Ok, you caught him. By "trip around Japan", he meant visiting the places him and Daisuke had been to in their past missions. Other than wanting to capture the moment once more, it was undeniable that the witnessed sceneries were beguiling as well, so he found himself being lured back by them.

He still recalled everything that happened at this certain bridge, the feeling of adrenaline as he hung on for dear life, the flooding annoyance consuming his being when the person before him stayed unmoving while staring down at him, refusing to lend a helping hand. He waited as much as he was able until eventually, his arms gave out, he fell from meters high and forcefully plummeted into the body of water beneath him. 

Who could have guessed that his partner-to-be was going to be the one person who left him dangling on a bridge? What a great way to introduce teamwork.

Once again, he had lifted the camera from where it was resting in front of his stomach, since he had the strap hung around his neck, and began skilfully taking photos. It wasn’t difficult to notice the joy in those golden-painted eyes of his, the genuine aura Haru had really made him glow all the more, almost to the point where he rivaled the shining sun. 

As he adjusted his lens, the view he was presented with had an alteration of angle, but that wasn’t the only thing. Haru swore he had spotted the same familiar figure he was chasing earlier. Until now the person was within his camera’s line of sight, so he pressed on the shutter button and a quick snap was heard. The figure was finally facing his direction, but since they were still quite far flung from each other, and other than making up that whoever this was wore a black face mask, its visage was still obscure.

Don’t jump into anything yet, he wasn’t going to go after the person anymore. He’s not going to bother wasting his afternoon on a pointless chase where he’s sure wasn’t going to benefit him in any way. However, it wouldn’t hurt to collect evidence, something he could look into once he got home and serve as a tool to confirm or deny his suspicions. The sun was at its highest peak, the subtle breeze was refreshing, so it’s better to just mind his own business and not disrupt a random citizen’s Sunday all for the purpose of quenching the fire of his growing assumptions. 

Maybe that same figure just happened to be visiting the bridge as well, he wasn’t the only one in Tokyo who would think of this. Also, it’s indisputable that coincidences can ensue.

With that being said, Haru was off to his next locality: The Toshima Kuritsu Chihaya Park in Toshima City.

Right.

How do you put this… 

You see, during this visit, the enthusiasm and what little forbearance he had left was instantly thrown out of the bus the second he had arrived.

Let's just say that.. Haru was no longer able to stay true to his statements of minding his own business.

Coincidence, you say? What a joke! There is no way in hell this was still a coincidence, this is the third time he had found this figure within the same location as he was.

He wasn’t even given a moment to reminisce on the time he had called Kambe to this park and asked if the raven wanted to join him in helping a little boy search for his missing dog. Forget laughing at how utterly diverting it was when Kambe had forgotten HEUSC and his phone at home— which had resulted in the millionaire not only staying at his place for the night, wearing his hoodie, getting drunk with him on cheap alcohol, and discovering him (adorably) sleeping in the bathtub; he had also ironically asked Haru for money. Forget all of that, none of it matters anymore now, because he’s just about had it with this bothersome person’s mind games.

Screw minding his own business, this figure had clearly been stalking him!

Haru didn’t know how in the world this person knew where exactly his next setting would be, but he does know one thing; If this black hooded individual, whoever it is, wants to play a game of cat and mouse, then he’s more than happy to accompany. 

Pursuing skeptical folks is what he’s good at, after all. Consider this as another typical day on the job. How truly eventful.

“Oi, you got any business with me?” Haru questioned as he began walking calmly towards the figure standing a few meters away from him. 

Now that he was a lot closer than before, Haru could see his body better. However, other than the face mask, he didn’t notice that this person is also wearing a coal-dark cap that matched his all black outfit. 

What the heck? This dude is completely covered! Not even his eyes could be seen since they were, a little too perfectly, hidden behind the cap. There was no point in getting close to him, face-to-face or far apart, he’s not going to be able to see his face either way!

Whatever, getting a hold of this person so that he can’t run off again would still be the best option. 

“Excuse me? Please answer my question.” He pried once more as he proceeded to draw nearer, yet the figure clad in pitch-black had not moved a single muscle. 

Was this person finally going to let Haru confront them? 

Of course.

Not.

The chase had only begun.

Just when they were only about two arms’ length away, the person turned to a nearby path and began walking unhurriedly. 

“Hey! Wait!” Haru called out, but what good would that do?

He had also started walking at a fast pace, before switching to a full-blown run the instant the other gave a hint that they were about to sprint.

‘Bastard, all right, let’s fucking do this!’ The taller man exclaimed as he increased his speed.

There were still countless amounts of people in the area, nothing different about that. Yet this time, Kato wasn’t going to let this person off that easily. They attempted to make a few twists and turns to try and outrun him, but obviously they were unsuccessful. Bumping into a few civilians, hopping across cars, jumping or sliding through obstacle-planted areas were all part of a typical chase, no one was at a disadvantage here though, because the both of them were similarly agile enough to maneuver through these mentioned impediments.

After minutes of running around, the Inspector noticed that this path seemed to be quite familiar to him, he just couldn’t put his finger on it. He literally only just moved his gaze for a split second to analyze his surroundings, but when he returned his sight in front of him, the body dressed in ink-coloured fabric was gone. Seriously?!

No, he wasn’t going to give up just yet, he needed to rattle his brain up for something, anything, that could be used to guide him through these streets. CCTV cameras were placed on every corner, if only he knew someone who could get access to all of them. 

Wait a minute, he does!

“Suzue-san!” Haru called immediately once the said woman had picked up after a few rings.

“Kato-sama, Is there something wrong? You’re panting quite heavily.” Suzue asked, voice visibly worried.

“I’ll explain later, is it alright if you access the CCTV cameras around Toshima City for me?”

“On it, please wait a moment.” The short rapid sound of keyboard clicks could be heard before she spoke again, “I’m in, what do you want me to look for?”

“A person clad in black, specifically a black hoodie, they’re also wearing a mask and cap of the same color.”

“Kato-sama, that could be anyone, is there anything more distinguishable?”

“Shit, um, their height is somewhere near 168 centimeters I think? Try looking for someone who’s running, or looks like they’re getting away from someone.”

“There! I think I might have found a match, they’re wearing black gloves as well, correct?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“This person is currently located at the ‘Matsuya Senkawa’ shop in Kanamecho, Toshima.”

“Alright, I’m already heading there. Let’s hope we’re correct.” Haru replied. Then added, “Suzue-san, would you mind if I asked you to stay on the line?”

“Of course not. I’ll stand by, just inform me if there is anything I can assist you with.”

Before the Inspector could proceed with his chase, he remembered there was something he needed to ask.

“May I ask if.. Kambe is back from England? Any chance it could've been him?”

“Unfortunately, he had not yet returned home, Kato-sama. Daisuke-sama had not told me anything about the date of his arrival either.”

“I see..”

With a quick “thanks”, Haru placed his full attention on his surroundings once more.

The chase had lasted longer than Haru expected, each place they had moved to were all destinations that were somewhat familiar to him. He had recognized some as one of the places he and Daisuke had been to during past cases, some even shocked him a bit because he had actually intended to visit those certain spots. Obviously, not every place was reached by foot, he still used public transportation if it was necessary. By the time they had passed through three to four locations, the sun had already begun to go down, its time to disappear is almost near. 

Despite the fact that Haru indeed had quite the stamina for these things, he was also feeling exhausted after hours of continuous running. Suzue had not once cut the line of their call as well, she was also rather persistent to catch whoever this was. Haru was supposed to give up after the third location, since this matter wasn’t really that big of a deal, but Suzue convinced him otherwise. For some reason, she had insisted that he should continue and carry it out until they were able to capture the person. So he did.

Now they were on to the fifth stop, the Shikinajima Clinic in Yonaguni, Yaeyama District, Okinawa. 

Again, much like in Ginza and the Kachidoki Bridge in Tsukiji, the solacing memory that transpired here was another one that Haru would forever bear in mind and heart. It was all too specific to be deemed as a coincidence, how come each location they had been to  was somewhere Haru and his partner had unintentionally planted such remembrances that bloomed whenever reminisced? 

He had only now grasped how absurd it was that no site was out of place. Was all this truly just a sudden pursuit that conducted out of nowhere? 

Before his ambivalences grew out of control, Haru had decided to gather himself together one final time. 

“Suzue-san, do you spot the figure anywhere?” He broke the silence that was ensuing between them, yet no answer was received. “Hello? Suzue-san?”

He looked at his phone screen and found that their call was not ended, so why wasn’t she responding? Kato was still standing next to the actual clinic and since there was a small distance and height from there and the ocean, he wasn’t able to catch sight of the shore, only the vast waters alone. 

As he brought the phone back to his ear, unexpectedly, a serene melody of a piano began to play. However, that wasn’t the only thing. In contrast to the soothing tune of a leisurely played piano, loud roars of waves crashing against rocks and sand were dancing along with it. Somewhat like a congruous orchestra, playing together effortlessly with not a single note laid wrong. 

Where else would the source of this harmony be situated?

Haru found himself getting lured by the melody and by the ocean, he began slowly walking towards the edge that led to the shore. Once he had taken steps just enough for his golden eyes to finally land sight on the white glistening sand, a black grand piano was slowly emerging after getting covered by the cliff’s edge as he got closer. 

The structure of a man could be seen by the piano, skillful fingers effortlessly moving from key to key. The landscape before him was inexplicably ethereal, like a freshly painted portrait on a once blank canvas that emitted the words “masterpiece” from each individual whose eyes had the honor of falling upon it. 

Finally, Haru had reached the edge. He carefully slid down the rocks, feet landing on the sand in no time. He was about to walk to where the man was sitting, but the latter suddenly began a new tune. It was as lulling as the earlier theme, however, this one had an air of partiality to it, like this verse was only the introduction of a meticulously written song. 

The sky was sedately being painted with multiple other colors that mixed aerially with its natural blue, with a half-sunken tangerine sun that fulfilled the whole scenery. 

Quite a distance apart with the man’s back facing him. He was no longer clad in dark sweats, rather, he wore an elegant yet simple white dress shirt partnered with black slacks and a pair of dress shoes in the same color. Now, regardless of all the angles and shadows, Haru already knew whose physique this belonged to. 

As if on cue, the man started to stand up once he had finished the melody on his piano. He lifted a guitar that was placed on his lap, wore the strap over his neck, and presented his face at last. No hood to disrobe, no cover to unveil, no mask to denude, no nothing. The man standing before him no longer hid anything; it was wholly, truthfully, and purely, Kambe Daisuke.

Haru removed the phone from his ear, the tranquil strumming of a guitar commenced to echo from the distance. 

“All it’d take is one flight, 

we’d be in the same time zone,”

Daisuke’s voice was sonorous, rich like dark chocolate due to how the spoken words melted in one’s taste buds. 

“Looking through your timeline,

seeing all the rainbows, I”

Generous, unhasty steps forward, each verse sung had equally minimized the opening between them.

“I got an idea, and I know

that it sounds crazy,”

The sun’s golden-glaze kissed both their complexions, its consoling embrace brought engulfing warmth to their beating hearts that, just maybe, would belong to one another soon.

“I just want to see you, oh, I gotta ask, 

do you got plans tonight?”

The question sounded overly familiar, wasn’t that what the raven had asked him earlier when they were on call? Haru had never heard this song before, maybe it was new? Or quite possibly, it was produced by the millionaire himself. 

“I’m a couple hundred

miles from Japan and I,”

When did Daisuke ever learn how to play a guitar? So many random thoughts took over the taller man’s head, so he forcefully pushed them aside. What matters now is to live in this moment, unbothered by anything else. His partner was right here, in front of him, singing him a song; cobalt-grey eyes that no longer stared at him coldly were filled with sincerity and appreciation. 

“I was thinking I could fly 

to your hotel tonight,”

Two steps left unoccupied, space almost fully enclosed.

“Cause I can’t get you off my mind.”

Gap, diminished. 

After a whole day of running around various places just to decrease the ever-growing slot between them, here they are, finally right in front of each other. 

“Don’t think I’ve forgotten how you literally made me run for hours, Kambe.” The taupe-haired man playfully furrowed his eyebrows and crossed his arms. Really, the teasing just never ends with these two. 

Daisuke’s eyes shone with amusement, lips curving into a dainty smile, “Happy Birthday, Inspector Katō.”

“All of this for me?” 

“Of course, you deserve only the best.”

Haru chuckled, “Kambe, is that really you? You sound too nice all of a sudden.”

“Haru,” The Kambe Scion suddenly called out, voice laced with a hint of seriousness. 

The older man only looked at him, expression telling him to continue. 

“Would you like to go out with me?” 

Uttered speechless, Haru’s golden eyes went wide with surprise. So what if their pining was already obvious to others? He really wasn’t expecting Kambe to reciprocate, to feel the same way he did. 

“Kambe, if this is a joke, it’s not funny.” He warned.

Daisuke placed his palms on the other man’s waist and pulled their bodies closer, head slightly leaning up to press a chaste, heartfelt peck on his soft cheeks, “It’s a simple yes or no question, Inspector.”

A faint red-tinge crept up Haru’s face, if it weren’t for the almost completely set sun that made the horizon lose brightness little by little, his reaction would have been so visibly exposed, “I swear, I was so close to punching you.”

He continued, “Sure, to date the millionaire bastard in front of me, I'd say it doesn't sound too bad.” 

Nighttime had fallen, the bright sun was now replaced by the waning moon’s luminiscent beams along with the infinite scattered stars twinkling beside it. 

Suzue, the members of the MCPTF, and Mr. & Mrs. Kato had all presented themselves right after Haru and Daisuke’s sunset serenade. They prepared a huge variety of foods and activities to do for the celebration. A savory barbecue feast under the magical fairy lights that  swayed with the cool breeze as it hung on the palm trees, the pacifying rhythm of the azure waves serving as a remedy for all their pains and burdens, and a familial ambience engulfing them as they circle around a lit campfire eating smores and sharing telltales of ghost stories. 

Naturally, a gift giving session was held. Haru thought of this as unnecessary, since the surprise was already enough, yet he still fully anticipated it. Sundry types of presents that came in all shapes and forms were received. His parents gave him a watch; Saeki brought sweet treats and snacks; Suzue made a gracefully hand-sewn beige apron, from the finest fabric, with a golden satin-stitched calligraphy; Kambe, other than the song he created, bought him a very handy air-fryer that Haru looked forward to using; and other more offerings that caused the celebrant wholehearted gratitude. 

Everyone he cherished and adored were all here next to him, his family and friends, just them alone was enough to make him feel whole. Still, no drastic change occurred on this birthday. Only an addition of a little spice. 

His colleague, friend, partner, and the same person that he never foresaw would pull his heartstrings. The one person who’s made his life one that was entirely worth all the good days and the bad. 

Being confronted by an endless maze or obstacle, be it getting lost in Japan or just lost in love itself, none made Haru lose his way; because at the end of the day, his map always led him right back to a certain raven-haired Detective. 

Wherever his feet will take him, as long as he had Daisuke’s fingers intertwined with his, it would still feel congenial. 

Wandering astray in each other’s paradise, certainly, what an enchanting adventure to look forward to.