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As Dazai grabbed Chuuya and cradled him into his arms nullifying him, he whispered “If you only knew how pretty you really are”... Chuuya in a state of half-consciousness, the rest dooming sleepiness, chuckled and said, “Oh shut up you idiot”. Dazai just stroked his hair, holding him tight, while thinking to himself that Chuuya might be the prettiest thing he had ever seen. It didn’t matter if he was covered in blood, his body weak and limp from fighting; or if he was nicely put together in a suit, hair tied back neatly. Chuuya was absolutely beautiful and Dazai couldn’t help but stare.
Dazai could compliment Chuuya a million times and it would never be accepted. He was constantly told to “shut up” or “save that bullshit for someone else”. No matter how much certainty and sincerity there was in his voice, Chuuya never believed him, or at least never showed it. Persistent and meaningful, Dazai didn’t care. He didn’t care if Chuuya ever accepted the compliment, or returned one, he just wanted him to hear it. Hear the words spoken, by Dazai.
Still holding Chuuya tightly, he walks with him over to his car. Chuuya needed to rest, and the last thing he needed was a ride home on public transportation, just to be shoved into his apartment alone. Chuuya had spent the night with Dazai countless times before, they were close after all. Mostly out of convenience or lack of alternatives, but there were other times when alcohol and the promise of a good time got the best of them. They were way past “familiar” with each other, to the point where they could read each other’s senses, able to pick up cues without even looking at each other. They were exceptionally close, although neither of them would admit it. Still choosing to pick at each other and deny anything more than an ordered partnership. Imagine if someone found out they considered each other friends, to them it would be the end of the world. And if they were to find out they were something more, more than platonically tolerable, oh god, it would be even worse.
So Dazai takes him home, holding his hand gently the whole car ride. Chuuya sleeps, not a deep sleep but more of a dazed trance, mind blank; slightly squeezing Dazai’s hand back. When arriving, Dazai picks up Chuuya again. Chuuya stirs but doesn’t protest as he wraps his arms around Dazai’s neck and rests his head against his shoulders. Dazai whispers again, “So. Fucking. Cute”. Chuuya grins slightly, before resting his face.
Sitting him down on the bed, so he can lean against the headboard, Dazai rushes to grab clean clothes. Chuuya usually keeps an outfit or two at his place in case of instances like this. He places a shirt and sweatpants in a stack on the bathroom counter. Turning on the water, and checking the temperature, he fills the bath with soap. He does this with careful consideration thinking, the last thing Chuuya is going to want to do is to wash up, but he has to or he’ll be even more uncomfortable in the morning.
He carefully nudges Chuuya right before he is able to fully doze off. He says, “Come Chu, your bath is ready.” Chuuya groans as he stretches and stumbles over to the tub. He nods his head at Dazai to signal, I’m okay, I’ve got this.
Dazai turns to leave to start prepping something for Chuuya to eat when he feels a tug on his shirt. Chuuya doesn’t say anything, just looks up at Dazai. He wraps his arms around Dazai and says, “Thank you, love. It means so much.”
Dazai turns every shade of pink, unable to hide how flustered he is that Chuuya used that name for him. Sure they’ve said it before, but to hear it from Chuuya while he is vulnerable, and in a state of pure, tired-induced truth, is rather amazing.
Dazai hugs him tight and says, “Of course. Now go get cleaned up. I'll grab you something to eat,” winking at him as he exits the room.
Chuuya comes out to the living room just as Dazai is setting down a plate of food and a glass of water. He’s wearing Dazai’s sweatshirt, and Dazai can’t help but smile at the sight. He must’ve grabbed it from the bedside, intentionally. Just thinking of this brings a smile to Dazai’s face. Chuuya sits down, and Dazai sits next to him, leaving no room between them.
He feeds Chuuya his food, watching as his partner grows sleepy once more. He pushes the plate aside, and pulls Chuuya to his chest, his back resting against him, pulled into a close embrace. He strokes his arm saying, “Chuuya you’re beautiful, you know that right?”. Chuuya replies with a playful tone, “Haha, you’re funny. You never stop with the jokes huh?” Dazai starts to leave kisses along his temple replying, “But Chuuu~, It’s not a joke. I think you’re the most beautiful. I think you’re pretty any way you look. The verge of death, full of life, it's all the same; beautiful. I could get lost in a trance staring at you for hours on end, you’re the prettiest boyf- p.. pers-…” Dazai trails off, embarrassed at himself for almost labeling whatever it was they were doing. Silently cursing to himself hoping Chuuya is way too tired to realize or remember, he feels Chuuya shift his gaze to look up at him. Chuuya smiles and lightly grabs Dazai’s face with his hand. He pulls him down towards him and kisses him gently; just simply placing his lips on top of Dazai’s. While softly brushing their lips against each other, he turns to wrap his arms around Dazai, weaving his legs between the others. As Chuuya drifts off to sleep, Dazai smiles down at him knowing he is safe and happy and his.