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Kunikida knocked on the president’s door before entering. With his head still bowed he lifted his eyes to meet Fukuzawa’s.

“You asked for me?” he said.

Fukuzawa nodded, “Come in.”

Kunikida followed the order, sitting down across from him with his hands in his lap. “What did you need?”

“I believe we have a new recruit to the Agency.”

Kunikida’s shoulders tensed for a moment involuntarily, “Is that so?”

It wasn’t that Kunikida was ready to dismiss the recruit without having met them, that would be awfully petty of him. But he couldn’t help but anticipate the worst. One of the last times Kunikida had been called into the president’s office with talk of someone new at the Agency he’d been saddled with a suicidal maniac and enough trauma to last a lifetime. It wasn’t his fault that he was getting a little worked up. Fukuzawa occasionally had an odd affiliation towards those who probably couldn’t function in any other place in society but the Agency. All of them tended to be quite… strange… by normal standards. And so Kunikida could only imagine what kind of character Fukuzawa had found this time.

“You heard about the floods?” Fukuzawa asked, taking a sip of his tea.

“Yes… Utter tragedies…”

“Did you hear about the town that remained untouched?”

“Y-Yes… By some miracle, a small town in the heart of the floods survived relatively unscathed…”

“Not a miracle…”

Fukuzawa pulled out a case file and handed it to Kunikida. He flipped through it, heart beating faster as he did. He was putting together what this meant for the Agency. Whatever had stopped this could barely even be considered human. Whatever had stopped this could move literal mountains. Whatever had stopped this must have been Fukuzawa’s newest curiosity. And Kunikida was going to meet it. He slowly closed the case file and handed it back.

“What are you saying?” Kunikida asked.

“I had to settle my curiosity and visited the town… When I did… I couldn’t leave without him…”

“You’re telling me someone did this? Like… a person? And they’re — they’re here? ” 

Fukuzawa nodded.

Kunikida swallowed, preparing himself for the utter beast he was sure he was going to have to meet. If he was in charge of the entrance exam again, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to figure out something to test the thing that could probably snap him in half with a single glance. It wasn’t that he was afraid of their strength necessarily, but just the power they held. The power to move a mountain to protect their home. The power to do god knows what else. The power to destroy. The longer Kunikida had to wait to see the monster, the tighter the knot in his stomach would surely grow.

“And you asked me here because…?” 

“Ah. Of course,” Fukuzawa cleared his throat a little, “He’ll be moving in with you. And you’ll be watching over him while he assimilates into the Agency.”

Kunikida wanted to throw up, “Oh. A… A roommate… And … junior… And you’re sure I’m the right person for this job?”

Fukuzawa nodded, “You’re the perfect role model for him. And you’ve proven yourself capable of this before.”

Kunikida still sometimes wished he’d failed Dazai on his entrance exam. “I see…”

“I believe you’ll get along with him…” Fukuzawa added, sensing Kunikida’s apprehension.

“We’ll have to see…”

“Would you like to meet him, then?”

“N-Now?” said Kunikida.

“Yes. I could bring him in.”

“H-He’s here?!”

Fukuzawa nodded. “Downstairs.”

Kunikida took a deep breath before clearing his throat and composing himself, “We could go down to him. I think that’s best.”

“Okay.”

Fukuzawa stood and waited for Kunikida to do the same. When he did, Fukuzawa led him out of the Agency and down to the cafe below. Kunikida’s hands were shaking and no matter how much he tried to hold them still, they wouldn’t stop. It wasn’t just that Fukuzawa liked recruiting monsters, it was also the fear that whoever he was going to meet wouldn’t fit in at the Agency. Or he’d change the dynamics. Or something wouldn’t feel right anymore. The biggest fear Kunikida had when someone new approached the Agency was that suddenly he’d no longer be able to call it home. The change could be so little but he never knew if it would be the thing that changed everything. He was like the princess with the pea. Even if the tiniest thing was ever so slightly off, he’d be able to feel it, and he’d never be able to rid himself of the discomfort. To lose the comfort he felt in the Agency would be the most unbearable thing of all. So, he forgave himself for his shaking hands, knowing that they may have just had a premonition of the worst.

The elevator doors opened and they entered the cafe. Kunikida couldn’t see anyone there which automatically made him even more on edge. He turned to Fukuzawa expecting him to be surprised by the absence of his supposed new subordinate but, instead, Fukuzawa continued walking. Kunikida followed despite his confusion until he stopped and looked down into a booth. Kunikida’s gaze followed the same course. 

There was someone in the cafe. Kunikida thought this must have been some elaborate prank Dazai had come up with and somehow involved the president in. Or some kind of weird dream. Because the person sitting in the booth was just some kid. He couldn’t have been more than 15. He was a scrawny little boy with a bright smile and freckles. He was not the monster that moved that mountain. He was not the beast Kunikida had anticipated. He was simply some kid who must have gotten lost somewhere and ended up at the Agency by mistake. Fukuzawa must have been losing his wits. 

“Introduce yourself, Kenji,” Fukuzawa instructed.

Kenji stood up from the booth and landed in front of Kunikida, “Hey there! I’m Miyazawa Kenji! It’s nice to meet you.”

“How old are you…” Kunikida mumbled.

“14!”

“What are you—”

“Kunikida. Introduce yourself,” Fukuzawa said, firmly.

“Um. Kunikida Doppo,” he said, putting out his hand for Kenji to shake.

“Oh, I wouldn’t—” Fukuzawa attempted to intervene but was too late.

Kenji took Kunikida’s hand eagerly. Far too eagerly. Kunikida felt an immense shock through his body like terrible, burning, painful electricity. His hand was being crushed. He let out a pathetic squeak as Kenji shook it up and down with that innocent smile of his. He couldn’t tell whether he genuinely had no idea the pain he had managed to inflict or if he did it with malicious awareness. By the slight scrunch of Fukuzawa’s nose, he could only suppose it was an accident.

“Wow, you’re so tall! And with your strong arms, you’d work great in the fields!” Kenji grinned at him, “It’s a real pleasure, Kunikida-san. Fukuzawa-san speaks so fondly of you! I’m honoured!”

“Could you— Um. My hand. Please, let go,” Kunikida wheezed.

“Sorry, sorry!” Kenji’s hands came down by his sides, quickly, “Cityfolk sure aren’t as accustomed to extended displays of gratitude in meeting someone, I realised. That’s my bad. I’m still learning.”

“Try not to hold it against him, Kunikida,” Fukuzawa said.

If it were anyone else Kunikida would have glared. Alas, it was the president. “Mm, of course, not…” he said. He glanced down at his hand which had finally begun to regain its colour. 

“Kenji’s an ability user like us…” said Fukuzawa, “Super strength…”

“I see…” Kunikida sighed, finally putting it all together.

The thing that moved the mountain wasn’t a monster or a beast. It was merely some kid who didn’t understand the full scope of his power. An ability user who hadn’t yet quite learned what it meant to be one yet. But this also meant Fukuzawa’s ask was a hell of a lot bigger than first presented. Looking after Kenji wasn’t just keeping an eye on him during jobs. It meant taking care of him. Perhaps stepping in to parent him. Educating him about the ways of the world. As well as educating him about how to control his ability. Kenji wasn’t a monster but the task that taking care of him would entail was absolutely monstrous. 

“Fukuzawa-san said I’d be hanging out with you! I can’t wait!” Kenji beamed up at him.

“Uh… Y-Yes… That seems to be what’s happening….”

“Let’s do our best, Kunikida-san! I’m not really familiar with how things work in the city so I hope you’ll be patient with me!”

Kunikida nodded, “I will do my best to be…” 

“Fukuzawa-san said you were kind! I can’t thank you enough!”

“I haven’t done anything yet.”

“No, but I can tell you’ll be kind to me! Everyone’s kind at heart, they always have everyone else’s best interest.”

“Is that so?” Kunikida could imagine himself wanting to believe that. But Kenji seemed so genuine, he couldn’t find it in himself to dismiss it so easily.

“Yup! That’s the lovely thing about humanity.”

“Hmm…” 

As naive as it may have been, Kunikida couldn’t dis the sentiment. It was what he hoped he could shape the world into so if someone believed it, maybe everything he did wasn’t for nothing. Maybe there was hope. 

“Well, I suppose you can get acquainted down here for a moment. I’ll leave you to it,” Fukuzawa said.

“Okay…” Kunikida sighed.

“Okay!” Kenji grinned, slipping back into the booth.

Before Kunikida sat, Fukuzawa pulled him aside.

“Take care with him… Don’t mention the floods… He’s sensitive about it…” Fukuzawa whispered.

Kunikida nodded.

Fukuzawa waved at Kenji once more before heading out of the cafe. Now it was just Kenji and Kunikida. Kunikida sat across from the boy and concentrated his eyes on him. He really only had questions about the floods and so found he was sort of at a loss at what to talk about. If he couldn’t talk about the floods, were discussions of Kenji’s life before now also off limits? He didn’t know what was too far or too sensitive a topic and so, his solution was to stay silent. 

“Are all cityfolk so quiet?” Kenji blinked up at him.

“U-Uh… No…”

“Oh. But you’re quiet?”

“S-Sometimes… I guess…”

“Fukuzawa-san said you were the model employee of the Agency. Does that mean I should be quiet too?”

“He said that?”

Kenji nodded.

“Um, no you don’t have to be quiet. As long as you do your job and do it well, taking no shortcuts and putting in your all until you’re done… that’s all you need to do. Being loud or quiet doesn’t matter so much.”

“I see!”

“Do you shy from labour, Miyazawa?”

“Nope!” he smiled.

“Hmm…” Kunikida smiled internally. It was a refreshing change of pace from some of the other Agency members.

“I’ve been working in the fields for a long while now! It’s easy because it seems I’m built for it. I get a lot of stuff done a lot quicker than a lot of people so… I always help out best I can. It’s easy, when you’re strong, to help people who are less so… You know?”

Kunikida nodded. “You like helping people?”

“Yep! It’s how the world goes ‘round! If you’re kind and honest, people are kind and honest in return.”

“I think you’ll do fine at the Agency…”

“Really?!”

Kunikida nodded. “The only thing that is of… mild concern to me is… well, your ability.”

“Oh,” Kenji quieted slightly, “Well, Fukuzawa-san said that it’d make me a valuable asset and—”

“And it will!” Kunikida assured him quickly, “I just… do you have any way to control it? I mean, once you’re an official member of the Agency, the president will be able to help you out with that but… in the meantime… maybe don’t go shaking people’s hands…? or touching them at all…?”

“But… it’ll make me seem terribly unfriendly if someone offers their hand and I don’t take it, no?”

“Well, yes but it also doesn’t make you seem the most approachable when you almost break their hand in the first moments of meeting them.”
“Oh…” 

Kunikida regretted his bluntness as he saw the light in Kenji’s eyes fade. It was just for a moment, but for a moment too long. Kenji had an innocence about him, like he was untainted by the world. That was perhaps the oddest thing about him. Regrettably, everyone at the Agency had lost that spark. That’s why they fought so hard to protect those who remained unburdened. Kenji still looked at the world as though it were a beautiful place and Kunikida would protect that to the end — if the kid even needed protecting. 

“Do you think I’m unapproachable?” Kenji asked him.

“Huh? N-No.”

“But I… Your hand. Is it okay?”

“Oh, it’s fine!” It was still a little sore but if the effects were lasting he could just almost die in the field and have Yosano fix him up easily. “I’m tough enough to manage it, you don’t have to worry about me, okay? It’s more the civilians who… aren’t as accustomed to this stuff.”

“Okay!” Kenji returned to his grin, relieving Kunikida’s heart, “I’m in your hands Kunikida-san! I’ll be following your lead.”

“Well, um… I’m scheduled to see a crime scene in,” Kunikida checked his watch, “twenty minutes. You’ll accompany me.”

“I can’t wait! I’m sure I’ll be learning a lot over the next few days. I don’t expect you to slow down for me.”

“Well, perhaps, if you’re learning, it would be beneficial to take notes of your observations. I could lend you a spare notebook of mine?”

“That’s kind, but I couldn’t do much with a notebook anyway. I can’t write.”

“You—!” Fukuzawa really managed to find the most qualified applicants for the Agency. “It’s alright. I’ll teach you when we’re off duty,” Kunikida said.

“Really?! That’d be amazing! Kunikida-san, you’re so generous!”

“Well, it really just saves myself in the long run. Someone has to write up your reports and if it’s not gonna be you, it’ll be me so…”

“I’m a really quick learner! I won’t burden you, I swear on it. I hope you’ll rely on me, Kunikida-san. If not today, someday soon.”

Kunikida almost let himself smile. Maybe Fukuzawa wasn’t just saying it for the sake of placating him when he said he believed the two of them would get along. 

“Well, we have 20 minutes to spare. Shall I give you a tour of the Agency and introduce you to the others?” Kunikida offered.

Kenji nodded eagerly.

He followed closely behind Kunikida as they headed back up to the Agency. He marvelled at the elevator, exciting at the way the buttons glowed as you pushed them. Kunikida thanked God the building the Agency resided in was only five stories tall, though he still wanted to drill holes in his brain as the Agency had to reside on the fourth. 

“Just push the one you want to go to next time, okay?” He tried to hide his frustration. 

“Right!” Kenji nodded. “The buttons are really pretty when they’re lit up like that, though.”

Kunikida took a moment to view them. He couldn’t help the part of him that wholeheartedly agreed. He pushed aside the thought of the inconvenience, should anyone want to use the elevator in the next few minutes and enjoyed the display Kenji had offered to him. 

They walked through the door and Kunikida looked around, demanding the attention of those who should have been diligently working in his absence. They weren’t. Of course. Ranpo was fiddling with a game console while feeding himself an absurd amount of sweets as always. Dazai was asleep at his desk. Yosano wasn’t in his line of sight but he could surmise she wasn’t doing anything productive either. Kunikida led Kenji to Ranpo’s desk and patiently waited for the sound effects from his game to quiet before he interrupted.

“Kunikida, I don’t know if you know but there’s a little guy behind you,” he said without looking up.

“I am aware of that, yes. Can I introduce you?”

Ranpo paused his game and placed it on the desk in front of him. “Go on then…” he sighed.

“This is Miyazawa Kenji. He’s the Agency’s new recruit.”

“New recruit?” Ranpo was always cold when new people arrived. He didn’t spare Kenji from it. “What would the Boss want with another one?”

“His ability’s strong… He’ll be helpful to us,” Kunikida nudged, gently. 

“Hmm.” Ranpo hummed before he picked up his game to continue playing. 

Kunikida sighed. “That’s Edogawa Ranpo-san…”

“Pleasure to meet you!” Kenji chirped to deaf ears.

“Don’t mind him,” Kunikida said, “He’ll warm up. Maybe… He’s a genius. He can solve any case in an instant. If he were more motivated the entire police force would be out of the job.”

“That’s right!” Ranpo interjected before he went back to tenaciously tapping buttons.

“Wow…” Kenji’s eyes sparkled, “To have that amount of brains… Incredible!” 

Kunikida nodded, “He’s the Agency’s prized possession. None of us would be here without him. You should always be grateful for him.”

Kenji nodded, “I’m sure I will be.”

“Ranpo-san, if you get a case can you let us know? Miyazawa would be an eager audience for your Ultra Deduction, I’m sure.”

“Ultra Deduction…” Kenji mumbled to himself in awe.

“Fine,” Ranpo said bluntly, worn down by the praise.

“Thank you.”

“And Kunikida?”

“Yes, Ranpo-san?”

“The kitchen’s out of the good snacks…”

“I’ll have them restocked shortly.”

Ranpo gave a nod of thanks.

Kunikida then led Kenji over to the sleeping waste of space. Not wanting to immediately resort to violence in front of a kid, he attempted to civilly call out Dazai’s name. But he was ignored. He called again. But was again ignored. Not wanting to waste his breath again, he blocked Kenji’s view with his body before neatly striking Dazai in the side. Dazai’s head shot up, almost headbutting Kunikida.

“I was having such a good dream, Kunikida-kun!” Dazai pouted, “I’d found this gorgeous woman and she’d agree to—”

“Shut up! It’s one thing that you’re not doing work, it’s another that you ignored me like that!”

“You won’t even listen to my dreams,” Dazai sighed, “You’re so cruel to me.”

“I can easily guess how you were going to finish that sentence and I insist you do not. I have someone to introduce to you.”

Kenji stepped out from behind Kunikida with a bright grin and waved at Dazai. Dazai went quiet for a moment as he looked Kenji up and down. He eventually joined Kenji in smiling.

“I thought it was about time you introduced me to your son, Kunikida-kun!” Dazai said, smile turning stupid, “Lovely to finally meet you! I’m Kunikida-kun’s beloved partner, Dazai Osamu! I’ve heard so much about you, the old sap can’t keep his love to himself.”

“Dazai!”

“Mm, I think you must be mistaken, Dazai-san. Kunikida-san and I only met today. Whoever his son is must be very lucky though!”

“No!” Kunikida said, “Dazai’s being an idiot! I don’t have a son.”

“Are you sure, Kunikida-kun? He’s your spitting image!” Dazai continued to antagonise.

“He’s not!” 

Dazai chuckled, “I jest, I jest. It is a pleasure to meet you, kid. I wasn’t listening for your name; remind me of it?”

“Kenji!” he said, brightly

“Kunikida-kun’s the one looking after you, Kenji-kun?”

Kenji nodded, “Uh huh!”

“What a coincidence! He’s still looking after me too, isn’t that right, Kunikida-kun? See, Kenji-kun, we already have so much in common!”

“Oh, why do you need looking after? Are you a kid too? Or from the country like me?”

“No, he’s simply an idiot who’s never known a productive day in his life…” Kunikida sighed.

Dazai only giggled. “Pay him no mind. It’s best to stay as far away from him as you can,” Kunikida added.

“Got it!”

“Turning the newbies off of me already? But I’ll grow all lonely! I’ll wither away! I suppose I’ll just have to demand even more of your attention, Kunikida-kun, it’s the only way to save me.”

“I don’t have time for that!” Kunikida roared at him, “Shut your stupid mouth and get to work. Kenji can’t become a good employee if everyone around him behaves like children! Be a role model for once in your life, Dazai.”

“I don’t think yelling at your poor, sleepy coworker is the best model for Kenji-kun to follow either…”

Kunikida fought the urge to lunge forward, take Dazai’s neck in his hands and squeeze. “We’re going to go visit Yosano-sensei. I want that report of yours done by the end of today. You’re already two days behind!”

“Yeah, yeah…” Dazai waved him off. 

Kunikida had a feeling it hadn’t quite sunk in but the only way he thought it might, would be by beating it into him. That was something he needed to avoid with Kenji around, should he begin to think that behaviour was acceptable. Dazai was fragile. Even he had to restrain himself from using his full strength when handling him. Kenji didn’t have the power to control that strength of his yet. He was afraid it’d land Dazai in hospital if not kill him. Killing Dazai was still Kunikida’s honour, after all. 

He knocked on the door to the infirmary, peeping inside to spy for Yosano. She sat at her desk, reading, eyes lifting upon hearing the noise. 

“What do you need?” she asked.

“I need to introduce you to someone…” Kunikida said.

Yosano stood and walked over to the door, “Who?”

Kunikida and Kenji stepped inside. “Miyazawa Kenji. New recruit.”

“Hi there!”

Yosano smiled, “Aw. He’s so little.”

“Apparently we’re hiring minors now…” Kunikida sighed.

“Oh, the President’s always been like that. You and Dazai were actually the exceptions.”

“Don’t group me in with that bastard…”

“My apologies,” Yosano let out a chuckle, “Anyway. Thank you for bringing him to me… It’s just such a shame he’s in one piece…”

Kenji tilted his head in confusion.

“Actually, I believe he’ll forever remain that way,” Kunikida began, cautiously, “His ability um… Super strength. Perhaps to the point of invulnerability…”

“What?! No fair!” Yosano whined.

“I… I’m sorry…”

“You don’t have to apologise for that,” Kunikida said. 

“No, but Fukuzawa will… This makes the second new recruit I can’t even tear open… What’s the point?” 

“Huh?”

“D-Don’t mind her either… Don’t mind any of them actually. Honestly, forget I even introduced you to any of them,” Kunikida said.

“Oki doki!” Kenji agreed easily, making Yosano chuckle again. 

“Uh… Tanizaki’s out right now so we can meet him later, I guess…” Kunikida checked his watch again, “I suppose we could head to the crime scene early?”

“Whatever you think’s best, Kunikida-san!”

“Take care of him, Kunikida… Maybe even throw yourself in jeopardy so I can take care of you, ” Yosano said.

“I think I won’t be doing that.”

Yosano clicked her tongue in disappointment.

Though he’d decided against it, Kunikida found himself doing exactly what Yosano had suggested. He didn’t know how he got here but everything had gone to shit. Kenji had pissed off the wrong people by being a little too friendly with them and now they were surrounded. Kunikida’s only goal was to get Kenji out of here without a single scratch. The number of people around them would prove that to be difficult, however. He didn’t have the brain to think or the muscles to move. Before he knew it, he was struck down, feeling blood flow freely from his side as if it had been waiting to escape his body. 

“Kuni… kida…san?” Kenji’s voice broke ever so slightly making Kunikida’s heart break a million times over.

“Get outta here, Miyazawa!” he called out, regretting Kenji had to see this at all. All he wanted to do was preserve the light in Kenji’s eyes. But he’d instead been the sole reason he lost it.

“What did you do to Kunikida-san?” Kenji’s voice was emotionless. Even if Kunikida could have moved, he didn’t want to see the blankness he guessed was in Kenji’s eyes now. “Why would you hurt him? He’s kind… And he’s good…”

Kunikida heard people laughing at the boy’s lamentation. It gave him the energy to pull himself together. Clutching his side, he winced as he sat himself up.

“I’m fine! Get out!”

“Look at all the blood you’ve spilled…” Kenji wasn’t listening.

“Miyazawa! That’s an order!”

But he didn’t listen. Because when did anyone in the Agency ever listen to him… 

Kenji began walking forward much to the alarm bells that rang in Kunikida’s head. The boy was going to die. He was going to die right in front of Kunikida and he was helpless to stop it. In a desperate attempt, he pushed himself to his feet and quickly stumbled after Kenji. Despite his efforts, he tripped, stretching the wound further open. He shrieked as unmanly as it may have been. He wished he hadn’t. It must have only spurred Kenji on. 

“Kenji watch out!” he forced out as he watched the men ready their guns.

But Kenji didn’t watch out. He walked straight up to one of the guys, put his hand around his throat and lifted him in the air as though he weighed nothing. He probably did weigh nothing to Kenji. When the guy began gasping for air, the others got distressed. And when distressed people get cornered…

“Kenji, stop!” 

But it was too late. The group of them open-fired on Kenji, not even thinking about who else they could hit. They were scared. And so they did what they had to. Kunikida closed his eyes so tight he thought his eyeballs might be squeezed back inside his head and collide with his brain like some gruesome failure of dodgeball. The gunshots made his ears ring and he found his breath eventually matching the rhythm of them. It had been one day. It had been a single day and Kenji was already dead. He had to have been. No one could survive a beratement of bullets that brutal… And it was all Kunikida’s fault. It took him everything not to begin sobbing right there. He’d lost someone again. Even after he swore it wouldn’t happen, he’d failed again. Some poor country kid has spent one day in the city only to get shot dead by an army of thugs. The worst part was that death wasn’t the thing that snuffed Kenji’s innocent light. It was Kunikida’s failure. The second he’d gotten hurt… Kenji no longer believed in the world. The thing he wanted to preserve so desperately had been crushed by his own hands. He selfishly wished the gang would turn their attention to him and put him out of his misery. He couldn’t face the Agency after this… A kid… Kenji was only a kid… 

The gunshots eventually stopped but Kunikida barely realised it. They echoed around his head, haunting him. He felt he’d hear them for eternity. But really his heartbeat was just growing louder in his ears due to the pace he was bleeding out. He hadn’t had the chance to call Yosano. He could only hope she knew him well enough to keep an eye on him. Other than his pounding heart, he realised there was an unbreakable silence that overtook the area. Kunikida couldn’t tell for what reason. He hadn’t dared open his eyes knowing only Kenji’s obliterated body could be lying before him. But the silence was so deafening, it began to overtake his heartbeat. And so he dared.

When Kunikida opened his eyes he wasn’t met with a pool of blood other than his own, nor a poor kid’s body. Kenji still stood on his own two feet. He still held the man in his hands above the ground. Kunikida rubbed his face with the hand not covered in his own blood to hopefully clear up his vision. Kenji wasn’t only standing. He was completely unscathed.

“That wasn’t very nice…” Kenji said, quietly. His light had not returned. But Kunikida still had the chance to reignite it. He was alive.

Before Kunikida could truly revel in his relief, Kenji snapped. A body flew over Kunikida’s head, landing with a pathetic thud. Once Kunikida had taken the time to blink, a pile of bodies was growing behind him. Kenji wasn’t just strong. He was a monster. Kenji piled up all the men, having dazed all of them, seemingly just by blinking in their direction. Kunikida was only glad that Kenji wasn’t his enemy. He didn’t have time to process it before Kenji was then standing over him. 

“Kunikida-san?” his voice was still flat.

“K… Kenji…”

“You’re alive…” There was almost a sigh of relief in his words.

“I told you… I’m fine…”

“You’ll die at this rate…”

“Yosano-sensei will save me, I’m… fine…”

Kenji squatted down beside him, linking Kunikida’s arms behind his neck before he lifted him up with ease. Kunikida didn’t have the brain capacity to fathom it nor the breath to comment on it so he didn’t. The repercussions of there being a pile of unconscious men in the middle of the road would have to be dealt with later. If it weren’t for Kenji, Kunikida wouldn’t have been able to walk into the president’s office. That was why there was no doubt in his mind when he insisted Kenji had passed his entrance exam. 

“That’s wonderful news,” Fukuzawa said.

“We need him.”

Fukuzawa nodded in agreement.

After work, the two went home together. Kenji acted as though nothing had even happened. He marvelled at the car they drove in. Same with the elevator in the dormitories and the locks on the doors. He really was a weird kid. But Kunikida didn’t mind it. 

“The President did tell me to leave a spare room open in case it ever needs to be filled by someone else but I… did not listen to him assuming making people live with me would only be a punishment for them and myself. So, I don’t have a room for you right now. I’ll clean out my office by the end of the week. In the meantime you can take my room,” Kunikida said.

“No, I don’t mean to intrude on your space at all! I could sleep outside?” Kenji offered.

“No, that would be… ridiculous. You can take my bed. I’ll just sleep on the couch for a bit.”

“The couch? I really think I should be sleeping there, not you, Kunikida-san.”

Kunikida sighed. He really was a change of pace from the other Agency members but he was still no less stubborn. “I really think that you should—”

“You were hurt today, Kunikida-san, I absolutely insist you take the most comfortable spot in order to rest up the most well. I barely had to lift a finger… I don’t need it…”

Until now, it seemed Kenji had almost entirely forgotten what had happened. He didn’t mention it. He didn’t ask how Kunikida was feeling, nor did he ask about what happened with all the people he’d hurt. Kunikida thought it may have been some sort of dissociative amnesia due to him not being able to process the trauma. Though he wasn’t physically injured, Kunikida had still forced his hand in an unpleasant way. 

“Okay…” Kunikida agreed, hoping it would ease Kenji’s concerns in some way. It seemed to do just that as Kenji began smiling again.

The two prepared and ate dinner together, Kenji insisting to assist in any way possible throughout the entire process.

“Kunikida-san, can I set the table?”

“Kunikida-san, can I wash the vegetables?”

“Kunikida-san—”

Kunikida just agreed to all of it. Kenji was frightfully diligent and almost overbearingly helpful. It made him smile.

“Mm! This is so good!” Kenji said, food still in his mouth, “You’d make an excellent wife, Kunikida-san.”

“Thank… you…?” Kunikida mumbled out, “Make sure you’re chewing with your mouth closed though… It’s impolite to do otherwise.”

Kenji nodded and quickly closed his mouth. 

Kenji was fairly oblivious and mostly incompetent but he was an exceptionally quick learner. Perhaps naive and idealistic but… so was Kunikida when it counted. Out of all the people Fukuzawa could have brought to him, Kenji must have been one of the most perfect. It would be difficult to teach him how to control his ability, how to work at the Agency and just how to live in society and grow up all at once but… he believed Kenji would be able to handle it. 

“Um… Kunikida-san?” Kenji’s voice was soft as he stared into his empty bowl.

“What is it?”

“Do you…” he bit at the inside of his cheek, anxious, “My memory of the day seems a bit hazy… Could you fill in the gaps for me?”

“Uh…” Kunikida swallowed down the lump in his throat, “Why don’t you tell me what you do remember?”

Kenji nodded, attempting to recollect. “Well, I met you. Then Ranpo-san, Dazai-san and Yosano-san. Then we went out on a case. We talked with the victims and gathered evidence. Then we were following a lead and… and there were a lot of people. There were a lot of them. And you… You fell down…” Kenji looked down at his hands. They were shaking. “That’s all I remember. We were back at the Agency after that and you were introducing me to Tanizaki-san.”

That was after Yosano had healed him. Kenji didn’t remember the way he went ballistic nor the true extent of Kunikida’s injury. Kunikida almost preferred it that way. Though, Kenji wanted answers. And it would have been neglectful to sugarcoat. “Oh, you’re not missing much.” He couldn’t help it. “You found an escape route and lifted me out of there. Then Yosano-sensei fixed me up and everything was fine.”

“Did we solve the case?”

“No… Not quite yet. But we won’t be working it anymore, we’ve done all we can. Another Agency member will take care of it for us.”

“Why?”

The real reason was that Kenji's face was now emblematic of death and destruction. There was no chance they could get anywhere close to the people they needed with Kenji in tow. “Oh, we just got a more pressing case to deal with. I’ll brief you in the morning.” He’d have to email Fukuzawa in advance to snag something else. He didn’t like lying. He felt like Dazai. Though he knew Dazai didn’t sweat profusely when he lied. Lies flew out his mouth as though they were plain speech.

“Oh. Okay!” Kenji tried to return to his smile but it looked forced.

“Kenji, you saved me…” Kunikida said, “I need you to know that you did good… You saved my life. Okay?”

Kenji nodded slowly as though he were trying to believe it.

“Are you feeling alright?” Kunikida didn’t want to push but he found he had no other choice.

“Mhmm! Just thinking,” Kenji said.

“What are you thinking about?”

“The Agency is a place where people save people, right?”

Kunikida nodded.

“Good… I want to do that…”

“You already have… Thank you…”

“You shouldn’t thank me for something I can’t even remember. But it really is no problem, Kunikida-san.”

“Well… I remember it. And I will be forever grateful.”

“But you see… the only time I don’t remember things is when I’ve gotten upset. Really upset. And… well…”

“Kenji, listen to me. We’ll figure it out, okay? The President’s ability assists with controlling yours. I’ll teach you best I can. What’s done is done… it cannot be undone… So, let’s focus on the future, okay?”

“Did I scare you?”

“Huh?”

“I did, didn’t I?”

“You did. But it was because I thought you’d die… I thought I’d gotten you killed…”

“I’m not talking about that…”

“Your ability ensures your safety… That’s the greatest gift I could have asked for in a junior. It doesn’t mean I won’t worry over you, it just means that those fears will never come true,” Kunikida said.

“I hurt people… didn’t I? That must have been it…”

“You saved me…”

“Can you tell me how many I—”

“You saved me… Kenji.”

“But…”

“I beg of you, do not follow in my footsteps. You saved a person’s life. If nothing else, please let me teach you to focus on that above all else.”

Kenji went quiet for a moment before he gave a nod. “I’ll do my best, Kunikida-san.”

Kunikida fell onto his bed with a thud, utterly exhausted by the day. Kenji was a fantastic boy but he really was a handful. For all Dazai’s jokes, it really almost did feel like he’d adopted an entire kid. He had so much to learn and the scope of it was entirely overwhelming. He needed to rest. And meditate. And write out a plan. He needed the silence of his home to return and he needed to indulge in every second of it. The knock on the door caused Kunikida to stifle an audible sigh. He just wanted to unwind. He knew Kenji had no intention of doing anything to stress him out but his overly helpful nature almost had the opposite effect at times. 

“What is it, Kenji?” He didn’t bother sitting up, too exhausted to do so.

“I finished the dishes. I started drying them but I couldn’t find where you kept your bowls.”

“Don’t worry about it… I’ll pack them away tomorrow, just leaving them in the drying rack.”

“But, if I learn where you keep them now then I’ll be able to help for the rest of time!”

“Kenji…” Kunikida sighed, “You don’t have to help for the rest of time… It’s getting late, why don’t you watch TV or something until you’re ready for bed.”

“Watch TV? What’s that?”

Kunikida snapped his head up to look at him. “You don’t know what a—” Kunikida sighed again, “Nevermind, of course, you don’t. It’s the box in front of the couch. If you turn it on it’ll play stuff to occupy your mind until you’re tired.”

“Is this some kind of cityfolk chore?”

“No… It’s just to pass time.”

“Why would I want to pass time when there are still things that could be done?”

“You’re an odd kid, you know that?”

“You told me that I’d fit right in at the Agency but… I don’t think that was true. Not that you’re not all great! I’m really grateful to be here but I… I am odd, aren’t I?”

Kunikida hesitated for a moment. He’d been so worried about the efforts it would take to ensure his place in the world that he had failed to make a space for him where it mattered most. It was an oversight on his part. He had even filled in what should have been a spare room for him with stupid office materials. What should have been a home was just a reminder of the work they did. Kenji hadn’t quite adjusted to that work yet and Kunikida was selfish to assume he would do so so quickly.

“Kenji, come here…” he said, sitting up.

“In your room? What about the dishes?” 

“Don’t worry about that right now… Come sit down.” He patted the spot on the bed next to him.

Kenji obliged, treading into Kunikida’s territory cautiously. He hopped up on Kunikida’s bed and looked up at him curiously.

“Do you know why the Agency is my favourite place in the world?” Kunikida asked him.

“Uhhhhh… No.”

“Because everywhere I look, someone is doing something weirder than I am. And because not a single one of us has ever made the other feel bad because of it. You don’t know how to ride the train yet, right?” Kenji nodded. “Neither does Ranpo-san. You still don’t really know how money works? I don’t think Dazai has a single shred of fiscal intelligence. He’s worked here like two years now and the cafe downstairs begs him to pay his tab daily. You have an ability that… if you think about too hard, scares you a little? So does Yosano-sensei… You have no idea how to rest… and you need to be helpful and… and save as many people as you can so you feel like you’re making up for the things you think you’ve done wrong? To appease the guilt? Me too…” Kunikida broke eye contact, looking down at his hands in his lap, “You are really odd, Kenji… But if you weren’t, that’s when you wouldn’t fit in at the Agency. The fact that you are weird is the one prerequisite you need to belong with us. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to teach you that…”

“Oh…” Kenji said. After a moment’s consideration, he smiled brightly. “I’m glad the president invited me here. And I’m glad it was you who was tasked to care for me.”

“I’m really glad the president invited you too… You are a handful but I don’t think I’ve been able to relax as much as I have when you’re around…”

Kenji scooted closer to Kunikida and snaked his arms around his waist. It was a hug. Kunikida stilled for a moment, bracing the crushing pain on his ribs he thought he was sure to experience but… Kenji remained soft. He was no monster. He was just a kid who cared… Cared like Kunikida did. Kunikida awkwardly pat Kenji’s shoulder hoping it was enough to show even a fraction of the gratitude that grew in his heart. 

“Am I hurting you?” Kenji asked.

“No…” Kunikida assured him, “Be at ease… And remain that way…”