Work Text:
Poe stood in his apartment’s kitchen, softly drumming his fingers on the counter as he gazed at the TV. The weatherman gestured to a map that indicated there were incoming storms approaching Yokohama. He swallowed hard, the anxiety beginning to settle in his stomach like a pit of despair.
The writer nervously wrung his hands. He had everything he needed for situations like this - Karl, ear plugs, chamomile tea, and some soft music - but that didn’t make it any easier.
Poe was tugged away from his thoughts as the water he’d put on the stove began to faintly bubble. He carefully poured it into his cup despite his shaking hands. He looked over at Karl who sat on the counter next to his teacup. The raccoon chittered at him, almost reassuringly.
Suddenly, there came a tapping
Poe froze. Who could be at his door? Why were they here? What could they need at this hour?
The knocking came again, impatient.
“Edgar!” Whined a voice from the other side. Ranpo.
Poe could feel his heart clench. Of course, this was the day he had promised to bring Ranpo his newest manuscript. He’d been preoccupied all day worrying about the incoming storm that it had completely slipped his mind.
“Edgar, I know you’re in there! I’m coming in!” Ranpo announced. The detective rattled the handle and soon the door swung open.
Poe froze, looking for an excuse “R-Ranpo, sorry I- sorry I didn’t come to the door I-“
“Didn’t know who was at the door and couldn’t be bothered” Ranpo guessed, striding over to Poe’s cabinets. He began rummaging around for sweets, not even looking in Poe’s direction.
“No I-“ Poe started, but didn’t get any more than two words out before Ranpo interrupted him
“Do you even have any sweets? It’s rude not to offer your guests anything to eat, Edgar,” He announced. Karl chittered, almost as if agreeing with Ranpo. Poe shot the raccoon with an annoyed look, wringing his hands.
“I-I have a coffee cake if- if you’d like a slice” Poe offered hesitantly “and I was just making myself some tea if you’d like”
“Too bitter” Ranpo stated flatly, though he had already descended on the coffee cake. The detective tore a piece off, nibbling on it without hesitation. Poe grabbed a fork from a drawer and offered it to Ranpo who took it quickly.
“I have some- some peppermint and apple cinnamon tea if that would suit your- your fancy” Poe hummed softly, stumbling over his words slightly. He opened a cabinet filled with boxes of various types and flavors of tea. “You can take your pick”
“Mmm, al’igh’” Ranpo mumbled around his food. He strode over and scrambled up onto the counter to get a better look. “‘Ow ‘bout his on’?” He asked, swallowing the food stuffed in his face. He handed Poe one of the more expensive teas he had on hand. Admittedly, it would be perfect for Ranpo’s taste - just as sweet as sugar.
“Alright” Poe agreed softly, feeling a pang of sadness. He’d been saving that one for a while, waiting for a special occasion. He had told Ranpo he could have his pick, though, so he went on to fill his kettle with water in order to prepare it.
“On second thought, I want this one” Ranpo jumped off the counter, handing Poe a box of apple cinnamon tea.
“Oh, are you sure…?” Poe said hesitantly.
Ranpo gave a wide grin, “Yup!” He said, snatching the original tea from Poe’s hand and sliding it back up into the cabinet. “Anyway! I came here to read your newest work! Where is it?” He asked cheerily
“It’s in the living room, on- on the coffee table.” Poe told him softly “go ahead and read it while I make your tea”
Ranpo grinned and snatched the rest of the coffee cake, making his way out the living room. Poe watched him go, letting out a soft sigh once his rival was out of earshot. Karl jumped onto his shoulders and chittered at him before leaping down to follow Ranpo.
Left alone in the kitchen, Poe silently waited for the water to boil.
It wasn’t long before the writer made his way to the living room with both cups of tea. Ranpo was strewn across the couch, his muddy shoes resting on the arm. Poe winced, but made no comment. He set the cups down, watching Ranpo feed the last bit of coffee cake to Karl. While Poe would’ve liked a slice, he didn’t say anything of the sort lest he come off as rude. The writer sat in an armchair a little ways away from Ranpo, preparing to ask what he thought. Before Poe could speak; however, Ranpo set the stack of pages on the coffee table and sat up.
“I think you’re getting better, but still no match for the world's greatest detective!” Ranpo chirped “this very well might be impossible for the untrained eye, but my eye is far from untrained, Edgar!”
Ranpo continued, listing off his grievances for Poe’s newest work. Despite the fact that the writer welcomed constructive criticism, especially from the one he held on such a high pedestal, his mind wandered elsewhere. Poe couldn’t stop himself from glancing out the window. Gray clouds gathered in the sky, threatening to burst at any moment.
“And just as a general note, a hotel is a stupid place for a mystery novel” Ranpo finished
“Ah, yeah, I was a little worried about that,” Poe admitted. He wrung his hands together once again, looking at Ranpo and then the window. “Sorry to cut this short, but,” Poe hesitated a moment, wracking his brain for a viable excuse “I have to shower, my hair is filthy”
“Really? I think your hair looks really nice!” Ranpo hummed, sitting back and swinging his legs back and forth.
Poe could feel his face heat up and he quickly looked away. “I-“
“Besides, you washed it this morning!” Ranpo announced. Poe looked at him for a moment, dumbfounded. “Why else would your towel be the last thing in your laundry basket, silly?” He boasted
Ranpo sat up once more, opening his eyes and looking at Poe evenly “why are you trying to get rid of me?”
“I-I’m not!” Poe protested, shaking his head quickly.
“Why does it seem like you’re trying to get me to leave then?” Ranpo demanded.
Poe opened his mouth to reply but his attention was drawn away long before he could muster a response. The soft pitter patter of rain drummed gently on the roof and the writer stiffened. If it started to thunder and he freaked out, Ranpo would surely never want to speak with him again. Poe wouldn’t be able to share his stories with him any more. They would never go to the cafe near the agency and have croissants again. All because of his stupid irrational fear. He clenched his fist and gritted his teeth.
“I don’t want to avoid you, Ranpo,” Poe whispered, voice shaking. “I just- you can’t stay right now”
Ranpo stood up, looking down at Poe. “Tell me what’s going on!” He demanded “I don’t like it when people keep things from me!”
Poe looked up at him, the world's greatest detective. Was Ranpo just playing him? Had he already seen through Poe? Guessed his fear? Was this just his way of taunting him?
“I’m smart but I can’t read minds, Edgar!” Ranpo huffed
The room lit up with lightning and Poe pulled his knees close, bracing himself. Karl scampered over and climbed onto Poe’s shoulders, well aware of what was to come.
“Talk to me!” Ranpo demanded.
Poe closed his eyes tight.
The sky boomed.
Poe let out a whimper and pullled his knees close to him. His whole body trembled and he could feel panic rising in his chest. Tears pricked at the edge of his eyes and as the crash subsided Ranpo approached. Poe braced himself further, ready for the jokes and teasing.
The detective sat himself on the arm of the chair and began to speak as if he hadn't been upset with Poe moments before.
“If you’re scared of thunder you should’ve just said so! I had an uncle who didn’t like storms either!” He chirped “if you want me to help I can!”
Poe looked up at him in astonishment. Instead of poking fun, Ranpo had offered him… support? His greatest rival had gotten a look at his most mortifying fear and was… helping him?
Ranpo jumped up and grinned “making a blanket fort always helped me when I was young” The detective began to gather blankets and pillows, tossing them in the center of the living room.
Poe watched him silently, astounded.
“What are you waiting for? Come help!” Ranpo demanded, beginning to drag Poe’s furniture around into an ideal fort foundation. Poe hesitantly obliged, hanging his comforter over the back of the couch and loveseat.
Before they knew it, they had a fully fledged blanket fort. Ranpo grabbed his hand and dragged him inside “see? It’s nice and cozy in here!” The detective held up bags of snacks “and I brought food!” Poe frowned, he didn’t remember buying any of that.
“Where’d you get those?” He asked softly
“I brought them of course! I always stuff my pockets!” Ranpo retorted as though it was obvious. He opened a bag and began to messily eat, spilling crumbs all over the pillow floors. “Wan’ some?” He asked, holding out his bag.
Poe shook his head, shivering as a crash of thunder made the house shake. He brought his knees to his chest once again, covering his ears.
“You really don’t like thunder, huh!” Ranpo commented, not caring that it might come off as insensitivity. Poe looked at him quietly for a couple moments.
“No, I’m not a fan of loud noises in the slightest” He eventually admitted. “I get it’s not really rational, but it spooks me.”
Ranpo nodded in understanding “well I’ll stay with you!” He announced cheerily
A faint smile tugged at Poe’s lips and he nodded
“Thank you”
“Of course!” Ranpo said as though it was obvious he would be willing to help Poe any time. “C’mere Edgar” he grabbed his hand and tugged him over, pulling him closer.
Poe could feel his whole face good red, hoping it was hidden by his long bangs and the fact that the fort was quite dark.
Ranpo placed his hand on Poe’s shoulder, grinning up at him
“It’ll be alright, Edgar!” He assured Poe “your secret’s safe with me!” Ranpo moved his hand to take Poe’s.
The detective looked up to meet his gaze evenly. Even in the darkness his emerald eyes seemed to gleam. He held a serious look for a moment, not glancing away “I’ll be here for you”
Poe nodded, not breaking eye contact.
With that, Ranpo leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
“Now we both have each other’s secrets!”
Ranpo said in a sing-song voice.
Without giving Poe a moment to process, he grinned. “Now let’s put on some music!” He snatched Poe’s phone and began scrolling through the tracks he had downloaded. The writer made no comment, frozen in shock.
“Wow, your taste in music is awful,” Ranpo commented, eventually selecting an instrumental song.
Poe made no argument, but he stiffened as the room was once again lit up by a flash, a loud crackle right on its heels. He curled up onto the floor, shivering slightly. The booms did not subside and he put his hands over his ears.
“Make it stop” he whimpered aloud, not meaning to speak his thoughts.
Ranpo frowned and with much effort, pulled Poe’s head into his lap.
“Here! You can be in the safest spot in the house!” He remarked.
Poe looked up at him, bangs sliding out of his face. His eyes were wide with both terror and surprise. Ranpo gave him a reassuring grin. Poe didn’t have enough energy to protest, closing his eyes.
“Thank you” he murmured softly.
Ranpo nodded, beginning to run his fingers through Poe’s hair.
Poe’s breathing soon softened and his body relaxed, asleep.