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Atsushi receives his invitation late at night. Rummaging at the door to his dorm wakes him up and he arrives at the entrance to see a small piece of paper being slipped under the door. He bends down to pick it up and begins reading it in his crouched position. He has to read it twice before it sinks in. He reads it a third time because he still doesn't believe it.
You are hereby cordially invited to the wedding of Dazai Osamu.
August 15th 20XX
Please R.S.V.P. by texting (XXX) XXX-XXXX
What.
Atsushi stares at the embossed paper in shock. He hadn't even realised that Dazai was seeing anyone. He flips the paper over, trying to see if there were any other clues hidden on it. The invitation doesn't even say who he's marrying. Knowing Dazai, that's on purpose. Maybe he's trying to protect the other person? He does have a pretty dangerous job.
Atsushi looks at the invitation closely. The edges are lined with gold leaf and the card is decorated with a raised floral design. Atsushi is not particularly familiar with wedding invitations or luxury, but even he can tell that this is expensive. There's no way that Dazai would have been able to afford this. His fiancé must be pretty well off.
Atsushi tries to imagine what kind of person Dazai would be interested in romantically and can't bring up a picture in his head. He was always flirting with women, but they rarely seemed to have anything in common.
Wait a minute. Why was Dazai always flirting with women if he's about to get married? Just yesterday Atsushi saw him kneeling before a woman while bringing her hand to his lips, asking for a double suicide. Was he two-timing his fiancé? Atsushi curls his hands into fists. Already this nameless fiancé has a hold on Atsushi's emotions. How could Dazai let them pay for these expensive invitations when he was out flirting with other women?
A wave of disappointment washes over Atsushi. He hasn't felt that way over Dazai before. Despite some of Dazai's… shortcomings, Atsushi has always held him in the highest regard. This was changing his perception of his mentor. He would have to talk with him.
Kunikida receives his invitation in the early evening. He is just finishing getting ready for tomorrow's day of work when a knock echoes through his dorm. No one is supposed to come by at this time, but nevertheless he makes his way over to open the door.
His brow twitches when he finds no one outside. He is about to write it off as someone playing a prank on him when he catches a glimpse of white out of the corner of his eye.
A small card has been stuck into the mail slot onto the door. Kunikida cautiously reaches out and removes it. Before reading he flips it to the other side to check for anything dangerous. He finds nothing but high quality stationary, so high quality in fact, that Kunikida wishes he had the money to buy a notebook filled with it.
He finally reads the words on the card.
You are hereby cordially invited to the wedding of Dazai Osamu.
August 15th 20XX
Please R.S.V.P. by texting (XXX) XXX-XXXX
HIs jaw hangs open in shock. Dazai had… Dazai had found a woman who would marry him? Kunikida thinks to his ideal plan. He has a timeline for when he is to find the ideal woman, but still. Dazai of all people getting married before him is unthinkable. There's no way this could be true. He would not pass up the opportunity to witness Dazai making a fool of himself.
Pulling out his phone, Kunikida squints at the number on the card. He knows it's not Dazai's and he doesnt recognize it otherwise. It was a possibility that Dazai set up a fake number for this. If it's real he would throttle Dazai for obviously making his fiancé do all the work. There's no way Dazai had designed this card anyway. He sends the message confirming his attendance and receives a simple 'See you there.' as a response.
Yosano also likely received her invitation in the dead of night just like Atsushi, but she doesn't actually see until she is leaving for work in the morning. The small paper is laying innocently on the mat outside her door. If she hadn't been paying attention she could have easily stepped on it.
Putting her bag onto her shoulder and bending at the waist, she picks it up. The design is frankly beautiful and speaks of expensive taste. It's why she is so surprised by the name written on it.
You are hereby cordially invited to the wedding of Dazai Osamu.
August 15th 20XX
Please R.S.V.P. by texting (XXX) XXX-XXXXX
Wedding, huh? She would have never predicted it. Dazai had always seemed fairly closed off about his personal life. Outside of his work for the ADA she doesn't know much about him. She tucks the card into her bag and sends off her R.S.V.P message. She receives a simple text immediately in response, likely automated. It just further confirms her suspicions that Dazai is not leading this event.
Personally, she can't wait to see what kind of woman would be willing to put up with Dazai on a regular basis. Yosano guessed that they will get along well. Maybe she would be able to have a new drinking buddy. Laughing to herself, she locks her door and heads off to work.
Fukuzawa receives his invitation in the morning. He simply reads it quietly, a small smile blooming on his face when he finishes. He is glad one of his employees is able to find such happiness.
Ranpo finds his invitation waiting for him on his desk at work. It only takes a quick glance at it for him to start grinning. He's not totally sure who the other person is yet, but it won't take him long.
Kyouka actually received her invitation at the same time as Atsushi, but he was too shell-shocked to notice the other card. Consequently, she wakes up to Atsushi sitting by the door in the entranceway. He's staring at a small white card and when she nudges him he hands it to her. After reading it she smiles softly. She has a good idea of who the other person is and she's happy that the two of them are figuring things out. She glances at Atsushi and decides the information of the fiancé's identity might be too much for him right now.
Atsushi arrives at the agency a little later than usual. It had taken a lot of prodding from Kyouka to get him up from his spot on the floor. Glancing at his desk he sees that they still beat Dazai to work. Sitting at his workspace, he pulls out some paperwork he still has to do for his last case and gets to work.
The morning passes in a slow crawl of barely contained curiosity. Not a moment goes by without someone in the office glancing at Dazai's desk. Tension grows as everyone waits for the man of the hour to make his appearance. It's obvious Kunikida is just plain annoyed at Dazai's lateness and Atsushi feels for him.
He can't help but wonder if Dazai is a completely different person with his fiancé. If he's caring and expressive and on time. It's difficult to picture but there must be some reason his fiancé puts up with him. For some reason the thought saddens Atsushi. To think of his mentor faking who he is to please someone else. To not be able to have a genuine connection with another person. Atsushi respects Dazai, even likes him, but he thinks even he'd be exhausted if he was in Dazai's presence all the time.
Dazai is such a complicated person that Atsushi doesn't think there would be many people who could keep up with him.
He's broken from his thoughts by the sound of the door slamming against the wall as it flings open. In the entrance stands Dazai. Without saying anything he walks over to his desk and takes a seat.
The room had descended into silence when the door opened and now the tension is so thick it's almost difficult to breathe. It only lasts a few moments longer before the room erupts. Everyone begins talking at once and Atsushi is unable to decipher what anyone is saying. It's just a deluge of noise.
Dazai simply sits at his desk with a small smile as he takes in the chaos around him. At this point everyone has moved to circle around his desk as he stares up at them.
Everyone except Kunikida, that is.
"Everyone, calm down!" His voice booms across the room from where he sits at his own desk. Everyone quiets down quickly and returns to their own work stations. Even Atsushi shrinks back from Dazai's desk when he realizes he had started to lean towards him to see if he would say anything.
Kunikida gets up from his chair and makes his way to Dazai's space, his approach much quieter than the rest of the office's had been. He slaps a piece of white cardstock against the top of Dazai's desk and leans down so that they're eye level. Atsushi already knows what the small piece of paper is. It can't be anything else other than Kunikida's wedding invitation. Atsushi had stared at his own nearly identical copy for so long he thinks he could recognize the floral pattern from four miles away.
"Is this some kind of joke? Trying to pull one over on us?" Kunikida's voice is laced with suspicion and for once Atsushi has to agree with him. Dazai must have an ulterior motive here—he almost always does.
Dazai doesn't appear to be intimidated by Kunikida's harsh voice in the slightest. If anything his smile just widens.
"No joke, Kunikida. I am simply betrothed to my one true love. " Dazai is obviously mocking the phrase with the emphasis put on his words. A vein twitches in Kunikida's forehead and Atsushi worries for a moment that it would burst.
"Is that so. I can't imagine anyone who would want to put up with you for that long."
Dazai places his hands on his cheeks, acting the part of a blushing maiden. "Oh! You've been thinking about me romantically? Really I'm flattered, but you should know better—you did just receive an invitation to my wedding. I'm already taken."
Kunikida crumples the invitation that lays under his hand as he seethes. Atsushi watches as Dazai's eyes darken for a moment as they flick down to the crumpled paper, but they're bright and cheery again a moment later. Kunikida's veins are becoming more prominent and Atsushi is a little worried for Dazai's well being, though he does kind of deserve it. Kunikida seems to get a hold of himself though, and calmly leaves the room, but not without slamming the door behind him.
Dazai clapps his hands together. "Now that that's all taken care of! Everyone can get one question! One at a time, please!"
Atsushi grimaced. Of course Dazai was trying to get Kunikida out of the room so he could have an impromptu Q and A.
Kenji waves his hand in the air and Dazai points at him. "Yes! Go ahead."
"Is she pretty?"
"Yes, very," Dazai snickers as if sharing an inside joke with himself.
Atsushi kind of feels like the question had been a waste. He is no closer to figuring out who exactly Dazai is marrying. He's desperately trying to think of his own question. If Dazai is only going to answer one it has to be good.
"Will there be an open bar?" Yosano calls from the doors of the medical wing.
"Oh, of course. My partner wouldn't have it any other way."
Yosano nods before once again disappearing between the double doors. Did that mean… they liked alcohol? That didn't really narrow it down at all.
"Aha! That makes sense! I suppose it's been a long time coming, huh?" It seems that Ranpo didn't share Atsushi's issues in figuring out who Dazai is marrying.
Dazai grimaces and pulls a handful of candy from his pocket. He sighs as he places it in Ranpo's waiting hand.
"I figured this would happen. No telling or you'll ruin the surprise."
Atsushi tries to rack his brain for anything that could have tipped Ranpo off, but he comes up blank. Ranpo seems to agree to Dazai's proposition and mimes zipping his mouth shut.
"What are the seating arrangements? Can I sit next to Naomi?"
"Oh! Oh! What's the dress code?"
Seems Tanizaki and Naomi are taking their turns together. Atsushi can feel the beginnings of a headache coming on.
"So much for one at a time," Dazai mutters. "Yes, you can sit together," Was it just Atsushi or did Dazai seem reluctant while saying that? "And while I'd like to say you can wear whatever you want, my partner would have my head. So, something 'classy.'" Dazai makes quotation marks with his fingers around the word.
Kyouka speaks up next. Her voice soft as always. "I don't think I have any questions. I'm happy for you two." Dazai's eyes widen fractionally before he gives her a careful smile.
So many useless questions! Did nobody else want to know who Dazai was marrying? Obviously Ranpo did, but he wasn't about to share what he figured out.
"Dazai, i just don't get it."
Dazai turned to face him. "Hm? Get what, Atsushi?"
"I've never seen you with anyone outside of the agency or clients. And I've never seen you with clients more than once. There's only one other person I've ever seen you with and that's Chuuya from the Port Mafia! There's just no way you have time to be associating with other people! Lately every time I see you outside the office Chuuya is there and obviously angry at you. So, I just don't understand!" Atsushi's breath is coming in quick pants and he realizes that he stood up at some point, now towering over Dazai for once.
"Chuuya has taken to annoying me on my days off…" Dazai murmurs, not looking at Atsushi. "Why does this have you so worked up?"
"Because… because…" Atsushi isn't totally sure himself, but it just feels like Dazai doesn't trust him enough to talk about his personal life. "Because it feels like you don't trust me with that part of you!" Atsushi's cheeks are burning as Dazai's expression softens, his eyes losing the amused and playful tone they held a moment ago.
"I apologize. It's not that I don't trust you, I just didn't really think anyone would care." And oh. That's… that's just sad. Still, anger builds up inside Atsushi and he lets it out.
"Well, I do." His tone is sharp, contrasting with his words. Dazai smiles softly at him and when he speaks his voice is equally so.
"I see that now, but unfortunately I still can't tell you who it is. Both for everyone's safety and because it's something my partner and I agreed on." The playful glint returns to Dazai's gaze and he leans in to whisper conspiratorially as if he's sharing some big secret. "I also think it'll be just a little funny to see everyone's reactions when you see who it is." Dazai pulls back. "So please don't try to find out."
That was great and all, but Atsushi is going to find out.
Atsushi hadn't found out. And now here he is, at the wedding venue, just as clueless as everyone else besides Ranpo. The ceremony is set to begin within the next half hour and a few people are still filtering in. The venue is small and there aren't that many chairs set out. Kyouka will sit on his right, but she is currently missing. Atsushi isn't sure where she ran off to.
All the seats on Atsushi's side of the room are filled out by ADA members except two. One labeled 'Odasaku' and one with 'Traitor.' For some reason it makes Atsushi sad. He doesn't know who those people are, but they are obviously important enough to Dazai to get reserved seating.
He had never been to a wedding before and he stares around himself in wonder, taking in the decorations. Everything is extremely tasteful. The ceiling is lined with small lights and ivy with translucent white fabric hanging down. Most of the decorations are white and Atsushi knows this to be the traditional colours for a wedding. The one thing that adds a pop of colour, however, are the bouquets of red camellias dispersed around the room. Atsushi is no expert but there's quite a lot of them, more than he would think is normal. He also isn't that well-versed in flower language, but it seems like a strange choice.
His gawking is interrupted by Dazai taking a seat next to him. Atsushi is sure he's never seen his mentor look so put together. His hair is pushed back on one side and Atsushi can see the slightest bits of makeup on his face, covering up his usual dark circles. His bandages are, unfortunately, present as always, but they look exceptionally fresh. The medical scent that seems to follow Dazai everywhere is gone as well, something warmer replacing it. His suit is really what stands out, though. It's a bright white with long tails and a deep blue vest. The best part is that it actually fits him.
With a jolt Atsushi realises that this is real. This isn't Dazai trying to pull a prank or some part of a bigger plan. Looking at him now and the actual, genuine smile present on his face, it's clear that this is just for Dazai. Atsushi had figured that this was likely the case but to see Dazai in front of him now, wholly looking the part of someone so in love and ready to be wed, changes something.
"Are you ready, Atsushi? This is going to be so fun." Dazai is practically giddy. Atsushi meets his eyes, completely serious.
"I'm happy for you, Dazai."
Dazai's smile fades from his face and he stares at Atsushi with a shocked expression. The silent moment drags on until Dazai clears his throat and looks away.
"Thank you." Atsushi almost didn't hear him and is about to tease him for it, but spotting the pink flush on Dazai's ears he lets it go. The two of them sit in silence a moment longer before Dazai stands, brushing imaginary dirt from his pants.
"Well, um, I guess it's almost time. I'll see you after the ceremony!" With a wave of his hand he's gone before Atsushi can get another word in.
Sighing, Atsushi surveys the room once more. The last few people are still coming into the hall and he sits up rigid when he notices a familiar head of black and white hair. The other man recognizes him as well and Akutagawa becomes equally tense as they maintain eye contact. A nudge from his sister behind him gets Akutagawa to move forward again and the two take their seats on the opposite side of the room, putting Atsushi outside of Akutagawa's field of vision. Atsushi snorts. What was he, a bull?
The two don't take their seats a moment too soon as music immediately begins playing. It's the classic "Here Comes The Bride." Atsushi glances up to see Dazai standing at the front at the altar.
Everyone looks to the back of the room in anticipation. Who will come through those doors? It's as if the entire room is holding its breath.
The doors violently fly open. A single small figure stands dwarfed by the massive entranceway.
Chuuya Nakahara.
Atsushi feels the entire room hold in their groans of disappointment.
Even though Akutagawa and his sister sit in the room calmly, it seems the mafia just can't resist messing up this day for Dazai. It looks like Chuuya truly can't miss the chance to get one over on his former partner. Atsushi isn't sure he's ever been so angry. Not even at Akutagawa. He knows Dazai and Chuuya have some sort of strange relationship where they antagonize each other, but this is a line that shouldn't be crossed.
Atsushi looks back down the walkway to see that Chuuya has started stomping his way down the aisle.
"Hey, asshole! What's the big idea?" He's yelling as he moves forward. Atsushi realises Chuuya's not wearing his usual clothes. He's wearing a white suit. He suddenly has a very bad feeling about this. The rest of the attendees have the same idea as they begin murmuring amongst themselves. Atsushi is just about ready to jump out in front of Chuuya to stop his advance. The man is looking murderously at Dazai and if looks could kill he'd be dead about five times over. Atsushi has never really met Chuuya, but in all the times he's seen him from afar he's never looked quite so angry.
Atsushi is about to start looking back and forth between Chuuya and Dazai to try and see how much time he still has to make a move. However, when he sees Dazai's face his heart stutters in his chest and he stares. Atsushi has never once seen Dazai make such an expression. He's barely smiling, but his eyes are ridiculously soft, though they still twinkle with amusement. And everything clicks into place.
"We agreed that the ceremony would start with both of us at the altar! But you locked me in our apartment!"
A choking sound is coming from Kunikida sitting a couple seats away. Atsushi desperately tries to process the information being presented to him. Dazai and Chuuya have an apartment together? Atsushi wasn't even aware that he wasn't living at the dorms anymore.
Chuuya finally reaches where Dazai stood and takes the, what Atsushi now knows to be his, spot beside him.
"Aww Chuuya, the window wasn't locked. You could've gotten out that way without breaking anything. Besides what's a wedding without 'Here Comes the Bride.'" Dazai shrugs nonchalantly as if this conversation isn't destroying Atsushi's mind.
Chuuya looks away before answering. "Didn't want to risk ruining the suit, bastard."
Dazai only grins at him. Atsushi feels like he's about to implode. Was renowned mafioso Chuuya Nakahara, one of the most feared men in Yokohama, blushing because he admitted to not wanting to ruin his wedding suit? Atsushi isn't sure if he's glad to be in the front row to hear this conversation or not.
Kunikida suddenly jumps to his feet, apparently feeling very similarly to Atsushi.
"I object!" The call rings through the room and silences most of the murmurs. It seems Kunikida has a knack for that.
Dazai only rolls his eyes. "Kunikida, we haven't even gotten to that part yet. Can't you at least be a little patient?"
Chuuya doesn't let it go so easily. He turns and points at Kunikida. "Oi, glasses!" That sends Kunikida sputtering. "Don't ruin my wedding anymore than this idiot has or I'll end you."
A hand is placed on Chuuya's shoulder and Atsushi doesn't think he's ever seen Dazai touch someone so casually.
"Now, now, can't be threatening my coworkers. Let's get married, huh? Ignore him." Chuuya grumbles but turns back to face Dazai. A third man steps up to the altar and Atsushi is shocked to see Fukuzawa standing in the minister's position, a book open in his hands. Dazai smiles at him.
"Thank you for doing this. I did ask Hirotsu, but he practically chased me away with a gun." Dazai cheerfully waves to an older man seated on the other side of the venue. The man does not wave back.
Fukuzawa nods. "Of course. Your happiness is my own."
The ceremony begins. From there on it's all pretty standard. Kunikida objects once again, this time at the right place, and is summarily ignored by the three parties at the altar. Then it's time for the vows. Dazai goes first, pulling a small piece of paper from his pocket and unfolding it. He takes a deep breath before starting. His fingers are shaking.
"Well, Slug, we finally made it here. We've known each other a long time and while we weren't always side by side, I always held you in my heart. The four years I couldn't be with you were hard, but necessary. Then we met again and things were different but we matched up just the same. We both put in the effort to fix our shortcomings, to mend our relationship and I'm so glad we did. You add a spark of colour and life into my world. Chuuya Nakahara, you are the most human person I have ever met and I'm looking forward to being surprised by you for the rest of my life."
The room is silent. A pin could drop and everyone would hear it. At this point Dazai's face is quite flushed, obviously unused to being so open, especially in a public setting. Suddenly the only sound is quiet snuffling. Atsushi looks over to his right to see tears cascading down Kunikida's face. Despite his objections he is obviously touched by Dazai's proclamations. Not wanting to deal with that, Atsushi slowly looks away back to the front of the hall. Chuuya's eyes are also looking suspiciously wet and Atsushi feels his own sting.
It seems Dazai has grown a lot while Atsushi wasn't looking.
"Guess it's my turn, now." Chuuya clears his throat gruffly. "I didn't prepare anything beforehand 'cause I wanted it to be spontaneous, y'know? So, here we go." He clears his throat again. "Osamu Dazai, you are one of the worst people I know. You're selfish and everything you do has a hidden motive." The crowd begins murmuring again.
Atsushi can't help but be taken aback. Aren't vows supposed to be all lovey-dovey or whatever? This seems like the opposite. Dazai's still smiling, though, almost nodding along.
"Despite all that, you care so deeply for those close to you and would do just about anything to protect them. You've managed to carve out a place in the world for yourself and I'm so happy for you. I don't know if I've told you this, but I'm proud of you. Proud you found a family. Proud you're still here. You're not always around, but you're there when it really matters. So, when you have bad days, I'll be there for you. Whenever you need me, you don't even have to ask. I'm—I'm looking forward to the rest of my life with you. We may not be partners in the same sense anymore, but that bond still holds true. And I— you— you're… awfully human yourself. And it's— I… I hope that you become more comfortable with yourself as each day passes… and… um…" Chuuya trails off as Dazai stands blank faced before him. Atsushi desperately wants Chuuya to have said all the right things.
Though Dazai's expression betrays nothing, his hands are shaking at his sides, so much so that Atsushi can easily see the tremors. It looks like he's about to take a step towards Chuuya, but stops partway through. Finally, his face crumples and Dazai lets out what is almost a sob. Atsushi has never once seen Dazai so vulnerable and he hopes it won't be regretted later. The moment it creates is incredibly tender.
"Look at Chuuya stuttering through the end of his vows… why I wrote mine." Dazai's voice is wobbly and Chuuya takes a step closer.
"Says the guy blubbering like an idiot." Despite his harsh words, Chuuya's voice is soft. So are his hands as he gently wipes away some of Dazai's tears. Chuuya places his forehead against Dazai's and they both take a moment to calm down.
Atsushi wipes away a few of his own tears and notices that Kunikida is no longer the only one crying. A good chunk of the room is at least dewy-eyed, not used to seeing two closed-off people share their souls so openly.
Eventually Chuuya takes a step back from Dazai, hand lingering on his face before it drops to his side. The two of them both turn to Fukuzawa.
He goes through the usual spiel of 'in sickness and in health, till death do us part' and then, finally, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss your spouse."
The room erupts in applause as Chuuya pulls Dazai down to his level and they kiss. The applause slowly dies down, however, when it starts getting a little too heated for being in public. Atsushi grimaces and covers his eyes with his hands, not wanting to see such a display. The kiss was cute at first, but that was a little much. He peeks through his fingers to see Chuuya pulling back and Dazai stepping away looking a little dazed.
And just like that the ceremony is over and Double Black is married.
It doesn't take long for Akutagawa to approach him after the ceremony. Atsushi is sitting in his seat, still a little shell-shocked over the whole thing.
Atsushi is wary as Akutagawa closes in. Their interactions have always been… less than amicable and this is hardly the place for a fight. If it does come to that he'll do everything he can to move the altercation away from the venue.
Akutagawa finally stops in front of him. Even at a wedding he's still wearing his long coat, though Atsushi notices he's switched his ruffled shirt for a plain white button down and tie. He casts an imposing shadow over Atsushi, almost blocking out the twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling.
"Weretiger." Akutagawa's voice is strained, as though he's trying to hold himself back from attacking Atsushi. "I see you received an invitation from Dazai."
"Well, obviously. I'm here, aren't I? You must have gotten one too."
Akutagawa's face sours.
"Fool, do you not know how weddings work? One side of the seating is for the groom and the other is for the… other… groom. I was invited by Executive Nakahara." Akutagawa stands a little straighter as he says this, Atsushi can see that he's proud to have been invited to an event that is so important to one of the mafia's higher ups. Still, Atsushi can't do anything but snicker at him as Akutagawa stumbles over his wording. This, of course, worsens Akutagawa's perpetual bad mood.
"Sorry if I don't know how the seating arrangements for a wedding work. Can't say I've ever been to one."
"Oh."
Neither of them speaks for a moment. The air is permeated with awkwardness and Atsushi realises that everyone else has already cleared out of the room, moving on to where dinner is being held. The two of them are alone and it puts Atsushi on edge.
Atsushi's attention refocuses on Akutagawa as he begins speaking and he chastises himself for not paying attention to the threat before him.
"I… have never had the chance to attend one either."
"Oh."
It's silent again. This is probably the longest conversation they've had that wasn't either completely hostile or about a mission. Atsushi has no idea why this is even happening. He steels himself before asking.
"Why are you even talking to me?"
Akutagawa screws his face up in what is, frankly, a very unflattering manner. He doesn't seem to want to answer the question and is refusing to look at Atsushi, his eyes wandering around the room. This is not the kind of response Atsushi expected.
"Well…" Akutagawa finally drums up the courage to reply. "Executive Nakahara… has somewhat put me under his tutelage… and Dazai… has done the same with you…" Oh, no. Atsushi can see where this is going and does not like it one bit. "So, it's as though we are… in a way… in-laws… of a sort."
No. This is not happening. No no no no. At this rate Atsushi is going to implode and honestly? That might not be so bad. It would at least be better than the situation he finds himself in now. The Hellhound of the Port Mafia standing before him, red-faced he might add, saying that they might as well be in-laws. What is he even supposed to do in this situation?
Slowly, Atsushi rises to his feet. Akutagawa has to take a step back to give him enough room to stand and Atsushi grimaces before stretching a stiff smile across his face. If Akutagawa is trying to be civil and trying to meet him halfway, no matter how outlandish the method, it would be wrong of Atsushi to not at least attempt to do the same. Akutagawa did keep his original six month promise after all, even if Atsushi has yet to be killed by him.
Atsushi slowly extends a hand to Akutagawa.
"Welcome to the family then, I guess." He tries to say it like a joke, but Atsushi doesn't think it works. Akutagawa only nods seriously, but Atsushi can see something light up in his eyes. He doesn't know what that means, but it makes him feel better about this whole interaction.
Akutagawa finally thrusts out his own hand, grabbing onto Atsushi's in a handshake so tight he can practically hear his bones grinding.
"Thank you."
And really, what can Atsushi do against thanks as sincere as that?
Atsushi is still reeling from the Akutagawa nonsense that just happened. It's just one thing after another today. It seems like a lot about his life is going to change in the coming days. He is late to dinner because of that and is still eating as the newlyweds begin making their rounds.
Dazai is all smiles. He's practically clinging to Chuuya as the two approach the table assigned to the ADA.
"So, what did everyone think?" Dazai asks with a sweeping hand gesture. Kyouka is the first to speak up.
"Congratulations." Both Chuuya and Dazai give her soft smiles in thanks. Chuuya goes so far as to kneel next to her seat, taking her small hands in his own.
"Thank you, Kyouka. I'm glad you're well." The words are spoken with such earnesty that it makes Atsushi's own heart lurch.
Kyouka's eyes are glassy as Chuuya returns to his place beside Dazai.
"You were right, Dazai! He is pretty!" Kenji exclaims. He's obviously taken the events of the evening in stride.
Dazai flushes as Chuuya grins, poking him in the chest.
"Ohoho, is that so?" Dazai refuses to answer, choosing to pout instead.
"Nakahara, judging by the wine selection, I'd say your taste is pretty good, Dazai excluded. We should get drinks sometime." Yosano states, her chin resting in one hand. Chuuya turns his grin on her and agrees.
"Sure, why not? I'm always game. This guy has awful taste in drinks." He points a thumb in Dazai's direction. "He doesn't even like wine."
Dazai immediately drapes himself over Chuuya's shoulders and starts whining.
"That's 'cause Chuuya's such a lightweight. Maybe if you grew a few inches you could drink more."
Somehow Dazai manages to dodge Chuuya's attempts to swat at him without removing himself from his position. They're both grinning.
Despite the display in front of him telling Atsushi that this relationship will be good for his mentor, he still has some concerns.
"It was all very… surprising. I know we have a truce, but is the Port Mafia boss really okay with this?" Atsushi can't help but ask. Dazai waves a hand.
"Ah, I had something prepared to deal with him. Don't worry about it." Sometimes Dazai scares him.
"I will say that the invitations and decorations make much more sense now that I know it wasn't you who planned everything, Dazai." Atsushi ignores his indignant 'hey!' and turns to Chuuya. "It was all very beautiful, thank you for the invite and congratulations."
Atsushi watches as Chuuya preens under the praise. "Thanks, kid."
While the whole thing has ended much better than Atsushi could have ever hoped he still doesn't feel like he can let Dazai off the hook for doing everything so last minute and keeping Chuuya a secret.
"There's just one other thing... If you were engaged to Chuuya, why did you keep flirting with women and asking them for a double suicide?" Atsushi tilts his head, trying to go for an exaggerated innocence. Dazai's eyes widen in shock and he whips his head around to face Chuuya.
"No, wait, I can explain—"
"Haa?! You're still going on about that crap? You'd think after so many rejections you'd get tired of it—"
The two of them bickered back and forth, already acting like they'd been married for twenty years instead of twenty minutes. Kunikida once again looks like he wants to object to the marriage, the vein in his forehead making another appearance.
Atsushi rolls his eyes. Hopefully that won't be the new normal.
(It is.)