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Atsushi was thrown down on the ground with extreme force, a loud crunch able to be heard as someone steps on his arm, the bone in it shattering under the force causing Atsushi to cry out in pain. He tries to get up, but is forced down with a hard kick to the back of his head, his nose bleeding harshly.
“Hey, get off him!” He heard someone shout. The foot on his back keeping him down now was gone, the sound of skin on skin can be heard along with grunts and groans of pain. “Fuck off.” A different person said, footsteps of people running away getting quieter. Getting up in a groan of pain, Atsushi brushed off his tattered rags he called clothes. Looking over at the people who saved him, he was met with a bandaged man with shaggy hair and an oddly colored coat next to a shorter man with candy in his mouth, an odd hat on his head and a coat draped around his shoulders.
“Hey, you ok, kid?” The man with candy in his mouth said, walking over to him. “Hey Dazai, bandage him up, his arm is broken.” He said matter-of-factly. “Yeah sure!” The man, Dazai?, said while walking over and started to bandage Atsushi’s arm. “He looks like he’d be helpful. Think we should take him in, Ranpo?” Dazai asked, ignoring Atsushi as he finishes bandaging his arm. “E-excuse me…but who are you two..?” Atsushi asks, finally getting the two men’s attention. “Oh, sorry! I’m Dazai!” The bandaged man said. “This is Ranpo.” He nods his head to the man next to him. “We want to take you into the Agency! You seem like you’re fairing well, and you beat up those two men pretty good too.” Dazai said, Ranpo seemingly ignoring the two of them and puts another piece of candy into his mouth. “So, what do you say?” Ranpo asked, his voice muffled slightly. Atsushi nodded excitedly. ‘This could be my chance to restart my life…and live!’ He thinks excitedly to himself.
Atsushi had been with the Agency for about a month now. They were very kind people, but sometimes they scared him. They all protected each other, and Atsushi hadn’t felt this alive since…well, he couldn’t remember. He was well fed, he lived in a small shack with a tatami mat to sleep on and he had a job. However, it was only a part time job. If he wanted to join fully, he had to do a test to see if he could do the job properly. It was a detective agency, so Atsushi wasn’t sure how hard it was going to be. Following Dazai and Kunikida, his mentors, they stop at an old Japanize castle. Atsushi looked over at his mentors confusedly, not sure why they were they or why they stopped. Dazai was the first to speak up.
“Atsushi, this is your entrance exam. You need to find the dragon statue, pray for something you hope, then tickle its tail and escape without a single injury. It doesn’t matter if you got the injury going in.” Dazai said sternly. “You have an hour. It starts now.” Atsushi looked at Dazai and Kunikida, both almost glaring at him before he ran inside, being extremely careful not to get injured. He needed this, it would be a chance for him to restart his life in the best way possible and live happily.
Walking in and moving some rubble, Atsushi looked around at the beautiful castle in wonder. The pristine wallpaper was nearly gone on some walls, showing the red wood underneath. It looked like he was in a formal greeting room. Bowing slightly, he quietly said
“Excuse my intrusion…I shall leave very soon. I apologize for coming in without permission.”
He waited a few moments, took off his shoes then continued to look for the dragon statue he was told to tickle its tail. Opening a door, he quietly says “Parden my intrusion” before looking around in awe. It was a giant library, some of the books were on the ground. It had a high celling, beautiful lights and a large chandelier. A large staircase leads up to another level of the library with even more damage and books scattered around. It looked like no one had been inside in many years.
Nodding slightly to himself, Atsushi started to look around more, a feeling inside him telling him he’s in the right room. Tripping over the messed up and soaking wet rugs, Atsushi looked up and was met with the face of a snarling dragon, the black and red paint was still clinging onto the statue, most of it either chipped away or peeled off over the aging years. He smiled softly at the dragon, moving back some before getting up and bowing.
“Excuse me, I apologize for my intrusion.” He says quietly before clasping his hands together and starts to pray, closing his eyes as he starts. He didn’t want to be selfish and ask for much. “Mighty dragon, please allow me to leave unharmed. That is all I ask. I am willing to pay for my foolish actions for entering without permission. Thank you for all you’ve done.”
He opened his eyes and was taken aback. He could swear the dragon was in an intimidating pose and snarling. Brushing aside his growing panic that he shouldn’t be there, he teaches over and tickles the tail of the dragon. Black smoke surrounded the room as soon as Atsushi stopped, causing him to stumble backwards. He would’ve fallen over if it wasn’t for someone catching him. Looking behind him shakily, he sees a slender man with inky black hair with tips as white as cotton. His eyes were a granite grey, his cold hands lacing their hands together, keeping him safe from falling. A black and red dragon mask was on the side of his head, seemingly close to falling off but with every movement of the strangers head, it stayed in place. “Are you ok?” The man said to him, causing Atsushi to shriek and get away from the man. “You should be more careful, you almost fell, human.” Atsushi was sure that the man had more to say, but he would never know. He ran out of the room as fast as he could to freedom.
“You may not leave.” The voice called out to him, seemingly not following him. Atsushi tripped on the way out, the old planks breaking and sticking itself into Atsushi’s pale skin, causing him to whimper slightly. He stepped out of the house and fell onto all fours on the pillowy soft grass. He wished that he could’ve looked around more and see where the black smoke came from, or better yet where the unknown man with piercing grey eyes came from.
“Nakajima Atsushi.” Dazai said, making Atsushi look up, quite confused as to why Dazai sounded so upset. “Although you were able to meet the objective, you didn’t clear one of the qualifications. You couldn’t get hurt and it seems like you impaled yourself with a plank. You are not allowed to work at the Armed Detective Agency, nor will you be able to retake the test.” Kunikida said. Atsushi looked down at his wound and immediately felt all the pain rushing through his body. “We’re sorry, Atsushi, but we don’t make the rules.” Dazai said in mock sympathy, patting Atsushi’s head as if he was a dog. “We’ll give you some first aid supplies, but you must figure out how to heal yourself. Do not come back and seek us out, Atsushi.” Was all that Atsushi heard before the two people who he thought would help him walked away. He let out a quiet wail before sobbing into his hands, the pain from his injuries and the fear that he will be back in the streets overwhelmed him.
Unknown to him, while Atsushi composed himself, bandaged himself and walked off, a figure watched him from one of the unbroken windows in the large building. They frowned to themselves, not sure why they feel so upset that their summoner was in pain and upset. They walked out of the building and followed the albino boy, the blood trail that was being left behind helped them not loose the boy. No one could see them currently, not even the boy. ‘Perhaps I should watch for a little…see what his life is like before introducing myself.’ They thought to themselves, nodding slightly when they come up with a good plan.
Atsushi limped to his small apartment that he shared with one of his co-workers. Looks like she’s going to have it all to herself. Atsushi can’t say he’s upset about it, she deserves everything good like this. ‘I’m sure Kyouka will be better off without me.’ Atsushi thinks to himself before walking in.
“Hey, I’m home…” He said weakly, sad that it would be one of the last times he’ll ever see her in a positive way. He looked around the quiet apartment and frowned when he saw it was empty. ‘I’m sure she’s on a job.’ He tries to reassure himself as he gets into the shower to get one last proper shower before going back to the streets like he knows he belongs to. He quickly got out and redressed his wounds and started backing a bag of some things he knows he’ll need. His weapons he was given, some non-perishable food, a blanket to keep himself warm, two sets of clothes, some scissors and some hair ties. The scissors could be turned into a weapon if needed to or to keep his hair out of his face.
He felt so weak and defenseless at that moment, collecting up the few things he would need and writing a note to Kyouka. He had been saving some money to help him get some new things at work, but now it seems they would be used to help him try and truly restart his life.
Heating up some chazuke, says thanks, then says a prayer for his own safety and that he would be able to get back onto his feet soon. That he wouldn’t die on the streets like he has a feeling will happen. He couldn’t help but break down into tears again, before continuing to eat his now slightly more salty food before putting his things away.
“Goodbye apartment…” he said softly, a few tears rolling down his face as he grabbed his bag and left the apartment for the last time. He needed to find a new job and fast. ‘I’ll just try and find a job, how hard can that be?’
Three weeks passed and he still had no job. Apparently, it was difficult for people to read his handwriting and that he needed actual school education for him to get a job. Tonight, he was near the city park, hidden in the back near the woods. Atsushi pitched a tent he (unfortunately) stole around a week ago. It was just barely big enough for him to sleep in, but it kept him dry from when it rained. He still got into his fair share of fights when he looked around for something, anything, he could try and fill his stomach with. Atsushi had found new clothes along the way. A large and torn up turtleneck that fit him quite well after he tried his best to fix it and a long, black jacket with a fur lined hood that was quite large. It helped him find warmer things and helped him hide himself more when he did have some nights where he was desperate and stole different foods.
As Atsushi walked through the woods to find some sticks to make a fire, he stepped into a bear trap. He wailed in pain as he quickly dropped the sticks he was holding to remove the trap before the hunters come.
“Over there! I hear it! I think it might be human! We can use him.” Atsushi heard in the distance, making him struggle and cut himself more while he tries to get the trap off. A hand wrapped itself around his mouth, then a familiar voice whispered “Shh. I’ll get it off, then you follow my lead,” before getting the trap off his leg. He was yanked up onto his feet, then pulled to follow this unknown stranger to wherever they were taking him. He sobbed quietly, every step was agony on his body. Looking at who was leading the way, Atsushi was met with the same grey eyes when he was in the palace weeks ago.
“Y-You-“ he stuttered out before being cut off with “I’ll explain soon. Inside, now.” The person commanded, opening the door to the same palace he ran from. Gingerly taking off his shoes, Atsushi was led over to a chair for him to sit on. “I apologize for frightening you.” The person said, their grey eyes seemingly inspecting him. “You look far worse than a few days ago when I checked in, what have you gotten into?” They said, sounding…concerned? That can’t be right.
“I hate to be rude, but…who are you?” The person sat in front of Atsushi holding a small bowl of water and a roll of bandages. “My name is Akutagawa Ryunosuke. This place was my home centuries ago, however I was cursed to stay as a statue until my other half wakes me.” The man, Akutagawa, said as he cut off the part of Atsushi’s pants to access his wound better. Atsushi frowned at what he said.
“Other half? What do you mean?” Akutagawa started to clean the wound carefully, making sure not to touch it too much. “I’m not quite sure myself. All I remember was the night of my twentieth birthday getting cursed to never wake and to stay forever locked in my palace until I other half, or my soulmate, I think was the best way to explain it. I had closed my eyes after telling my sister I would be ok, then when I opened them once more, I saw you and then you ran away.” Atsushi chuckled softly, quite embarrassed that he ran away.
“I apologize for running away, and I’m sorry to hear that happened to you…is there a name you wish for me to refer to you as, sir?” He asked, unsure whether to call him ‘mighty dragon’ or something else.
“You may call me Ryunosuke. I have been watching you for a few weeks now to see what your life is like. It is something we must do as protectors.” Ryunosuke explained, finishing bandaging Atsushi’s leg.
“What are protectors, Ryunosuke?” Atsushi asked curiously. “Thank you for bandaging my leg, how can I repay you? It seems like I have quite a bit of debt to pay you back with.”
“You do not have to repay me, human. Protectors are inhuman creatures that normally stay as statues on the day of their twentieth birthday until the person whom they’re destined to meet comes and asks them to grant them a wish.”
“Just like what happened to you…?” Atsushi asked, making sure he was following. It sounds like quite an interesting, yet sad thing to happen. Especially if you know when it’s going to happen.
“Indeed, just like me. You’re catching on quickly, Atsushi, well done.” Ryunosuke smiled softly at Atsushi before standing up. “Follow me, we can continue in the guest room once you’ve changed. I’m sure you’d like to be in clean clothes.” Extending his hand out, Atsushi hesitantly took it before following Ryunosuke. Now that there was lighter, he could fully see the other. Ryunosuke looked almost the exact same height as Atsushi, perhaps maybe an inch or two taller. He wore a red and black traditional kimono, dragons and flowers seemingly hand stitched onto the beautiful cloth. He was quite pale, his body seemingly long and skinny if his hands are accurate. The constant clopping sound of Ryunosuke’s sandals hitting the floor was almost soothing.
“We’re here.” Ryunosuke said, showing Atsushi the beautifully decorated room. They both walked in, Atsushi looking around the room more and Ryunosuke finding an outfit for Atsushi to wear. “I have the outfit on the changing divider.” Atsushi nodded, then walked over to the divider as Ryunosuke sat on the bed, then started to continue once he saw Atsushi starting to change his clothes. It’s a good thing Atsushi just showered.
“Protectors are supposed to keep their mate safe, hence the name. The way their bond is made is through a day called “Endless Love” if I remember correctly. It is a day where the protector and the mate get closer together and bond skin to skin.” He smiled softly when he heard Atsushi says “w-wait, skin on skin?! Like sex?!” Ryunosuke shook his head and said, “It’s the day you show the other how much the protector cares for the mate, so they do whatever the mate wants, normally ridding themselves of clothes to show their weaknesses and growing strengths together.”
Atsushi sighed softly, then realized “Wait…am I your mate then?” He asked then he walks away from the divider and over to Ryunosuke, sitting on the floor in front of the other.
“Indeed. Only my mate would be able to awaken me. Nakajima Atsushi, please be my mate.” Ryunosuke asked, bowing his head slightly as he waits for Atsushi’s answer.
“Do…do mates have to be romantic mates..? I want to get to know you better.” Atsushi confessed, smiling slightly at the other.
“Of course not, however I suggest that we wait a little before you become my mate. We should both get to know each other, hm?”
And with that, the bond between Akutagawa Ryunosuke and Nakajima Atsushi grew. Atsushi moved in with Ryunosuke a few weeks after meeting after Ryunosuke had to protect him from thieves trying to steal the others things and had successfully harmed Atsushi. They both started to get closer and closer, Ryunosuke falling for Atsushi first, but it was in his dna to fall for his mate so then he would always want to protect Atsushi. It was sometimes extremely cruel. Around a year later, Ryunosuke couldn’t take it anymore.
“I believe we need more figs…” Atsushi said, writing down a few things to get when he goes to the market later to help make dinner. Looking up at Ryunosuke, he laughed softly when he saw how lost in thought the other was. “Ryunosuke? Are you ok?” Atsushi asked, tapping Ryunosuke on the shoulder. Ryunosuke gently took his hand, kissed it, then kissed Atsushi, making him gasp slightly.
Pulling away after a moment, Ryunosuke paled when he saw what he had done. “I-I’ll be in my study if you need me.” He said, getting up from the table. Atsushi also got up, kissed his cheek then said “I suppose I’ll see you when I come back from the market then?” with a happy smile. “My answer is yes, by the way.” He said cheekily. Ryunosuke pulled Atsushi into a hug and kissed him once more, more of love, desire and happiness than the first one he gave. Atsushi hugged back and kissed him, both their eyes fluttering close. Never in a million years would Atsushi think this would happen. Breaking away from the kiss, Atsushi rested his head on Ryunosuke’s shoulder, whispering “I would love to be your mate.” Ryunosuke kissed the top of Atsushi’s head, then said “We’ll have to reapply three times a day. I suppose we’ll have to start now then.” Atsushi looked up, then said “I never asked, but how do you bond someone?” Ryunosuke laughed then kissed Atsushi’s nose before whispering “I show my affection to you physically. Hugs and kisses are my favorite ways.” Atsushi nodded, then hugged Ryunosuke close. “Then always bond me…”
Years passed and they fell more and more in love, both vowing never to leave the others side. The night of their wedding, Ryunosuke permanently bonded Atsushi with his consent, whispering to him “Always and forever, darling…” before they both fell asleep. For centuries, they lived in their palace before it got destroyed, much to the couple’s sorrow. They found a new home, exciting both Atsushi and Ryunosuke as they look around the extremely modern house for the newest century they hadn’t been aware had passed by. If you look in the deepest and darkest woods in Japan, you will find an enormous traditional house where you can find the couple, spending the rest of eternity with each other and never regretting anything. I guess Atsushi’s prayer came true, he was able to leave the house unharmed and he paid for his consequences, but both can agree that they don’t regret anything.