Work Text:
It was a very average day for Chuuya Nakahara. Doing mafia work, getting bothered by Dazai, the usual stuff. Except today had been different.
Extremely different. He was walking back home from rewatching The Boy and the Puppy. That play never failed to make him cry. He yearned for that kind of connection. He was passing an alley when he heard this shriveled whimper.
Quickly, he jerked back, looking to see what made the noise. He frowned. “Dazai, if that’s you hiding in a box again pretending to be a dog, I swear, I will murder you.” The redhead approached the moving box.
Slowly, he opened up the cardboard and his face lit up. Inside was a small shivering puppy, its fur was a dirty brown and it looked so small. Chuuya’s adoration became anger fast, however. “Who the hell left you out here?! This is no way to treat an animal!” Hesitantly, he reached out for the dog, lending out his hand, waiting for the puppy to accept him.
The small animal crept forward, licking at Chuuya’s gloves. With that sign, the mafioso lifted the puppy, holding it in his arms and cradling it like a baby. “Just when I thought humanity couldn’t get any lower… Who would throw away an adorable thing like you?” He cooed at the puppy, who was currently lapping at him, wagging his tail excitedly.
With the dog in his arms, Chuuya is back in his apartment. He placed the puppy into the living room, debating on what to do next. “Ah, wait… I need to clean the puppy first!” With the first plan in mind, Chuuya grabbed the dog again, directing it to his bathroom and putting it down inside of the bathtub.
“God, Chuuya, come on… You’ve read so many dog books already, what’s the first step…” The redhead muttered to himself. The puppy looked at him with curiosity. Chuuya turned on the shower head, adjusting the temperature so that it isn’t too warm nor cold. When it was just the right temperature, Chuuya lowered it over the puppy, who was shaking its fur and splashing the redhead. He didn’t mind it, though, and continued soaking the puppy.
Once he applied the dog shampoo (yes he bought dog shampoo before, don’t judge,) he saw the muck and filth starting to wash away. Now, instead of the musty fur, Chuuya could see and feel the soft brown fur. The color reminded him of somebody…
Soon enough, he was done washing the dog and began drying it with a towel. “There you go. Now, I need to make you some food…” Chuuya moved the two of them over to the kitchen, where the redhead searched for some dog food. He promised himself he’d feed his future dog steak, but right now he doesn't have any so the puppy will have to settle for some kibble.
When he finds the dog food, he puts it into a small bowl he finds in his cabinet and places it in front of the puppy, who quickly devours the whole bowl in less than a minute. “You’re really hungry, huh…” Chuuya smiles fondly at the small animal. He’s never had the chance to take care of an animal, so this was a new experience for him.
“Okay, what to do now… Well, it’s getting pretty late, how about we go to sleep, puppy? Then tomorrow we can go see the vet.” He brings the dog to his bedroom and puts the animal on top of his bed.
Chuuya himself goes to the bathroom to brush his teeth and prepare himself for bed. When he comes back to his bedroom, he sees the puppy already sleeping, making itself comfortable in Chuuya’s bed. Silently, he slides in next to the dog and falls into a deep slumber, the animal resting in his arms.
***
The following morning, the redhead awoke to the puppy licking him in the face. “Ack! Stop—Stop it, hey!” It tickles him. The puppy doesn’t stop so Chuuya snuggles it.
“Oh, the vet appointment is in an hour, we should get ready, puppy.” He rises from bed and fixes himself up before putting a leash on the puppy, (Dazai had bought him a collar and leash as a quip to make fun of him but turned out to be handy now. How ironic.)
The vet wasn’t too far, so Chuuya didn’t have to take his car. He figured walking would be better. It’s at least a 15 minute walk there, and once they arrive, they’re immediately brought into the clinic.
The veterinarian came into the room, she was a young looking woman with blonde hair. “Ah, Nakahara Chuuya? I’m Yoko Tanashi, I’ll be the one conducting the tests for today.”
The redhead looks up and nods. “Yes, that’s me. I set up an appointment because I found this stray abandoned and I wish to adopt it. I checked and he doesn’t have a tag or any sign of ownership.”
The woman glances over at the puppy and pets it. “Ah, yes. Strays are very common nowadays. This one looks quite young, when did you find him?”
“Just yesterday, Miss Tanashi-san.” Chuuya reaches down and pets the puppy once more.
“Alright. Follow me, we can start taking shots and tests in the next room.”
The procedure is fast, for the most part. The puppy doesn’t make a fuss and everything turns out alright. Tanashi checks over the results. “This dog is only 2 months old, sir. He doesn’t have any diseases, or illnesses so this one got lucky. No chip or any past ownership too, like you said. If you’re hoping to take this puppy in, I suggest picking a name for it already. Then you can drop by again tomorrow so we can put down the legal documents.”
Chuuya smiles at her and picks up the puppy, heading out the door. “Sounds good to me.”
He trots out the vet, walking with the puppy. Tanashi-san was right, he did need to give a name for this little one. He started thinking of dog names but the ones that popped into his mind sounded really stupid. Ones like, “Razor,” or “Buster.” They were very generic and Chuuya didn’t want to settle for that.
It seems with him wandering his mind, he forgot to pay attention to what’s in front of him, because the mafioso suddenly bumped into someone. “Ah—Sorry.” He faces to look up at the person but his expression quickly changes to annoyance.
“Ew, what’s a slug doing here?” It was none other than Dazai Osamu, his worst enemy.
“I should be asking you that!” He snapped at the taller man, and the brunette just laughed before averting his eyes to the dog walking beside him.
“Urgh! Chuuya has a dog now?!” The detective makes a scene by pinching his nose.
Chuuya rolls his eyes and pets the puppy in his arms. “Yes. I just need to think of a name for it…”
“Pfft, maybe you should name it Chuuya 2, since it’s so tiny like you are!” Dazai gets punched in the face but his comment gives Chuuya an idea for a name.
“Mackerel. You know, this dog kinda looks like you. Because of that, I’m going to name him Mackerel.” Dazai gives him a disgusted look.
“No way!”
“Uh uh.”
“You’re so weird… Anyways, I’m eating dinner at your place. I just want the steak you’re going to feed the mutt.” Ah, right, the steak. He needs to go buy it.
“Thanks for reminding me! I need to buy steak!” Chuuya looks around for the nearest grocery store and once he spots one, he dashes for it, Dazai trailing behind.
Once inside, he makes it over to the meat section and lets Mackerel decide. “Hmm… Which type of steak do you want, Mackerel? T-bone?” It’s silly, talking to a dog about different meat selections, but frankly, Chuuya doesn’t care.
“Yum! I think you should buy this one!” The other Mackerel points to a steak off on the side.
“I was asking the dog, you know.” He furrows his eye brows at the taller man but Dazai just shrugs.
“It’s not like the mutt will respond. And anyway, this meat is good. Just get it, Chuuya, I swear on my life you won’t regret it.”
The redhead chuckles at that comment. “Swear on your life? Doesn’t really mean anything, does it?”
“Just buy the damn steak, Chuuya.”
***
Chuuya finishes buying groceries and heads back home with the two Mackerels.
Right away, he starts on dinner. From behind him he can hear Mackerel barking and Dazai whining. It’s irritating. The two are fighting with each other. Soon enough, the steak is ready and Chuuya prepares two plates on the table and one food bowl for Mackerel on the ground.
Dazai’s the first to dig in. “Delicious! Perhaps maybe I can continue being your dog and just kick out that mutt over there.” The brunette points to Mackerel and the dog growls at him. Chuuya sighs, not paying any mind to Dazai’s comments.
Chuuya kneels down to play with Mackerel. He had been preparing for a dog for quite some time. He had a closet full of toys and Chuuya’s glad that it's being put to use now. He brings over a chew toy and Mackerel gnawing on it.
“Mackerel is so much cuter than you.” Instead of Dazai glaring at Chuuya, he glares at the dog instead, who at the moment is looking smug, cuddling against Chuuya.
“Definitely not. No way on Earth is that mutt cuter than me.” Chuuya laughs and brings Mackerel closer to him, kissing at the dog’s head. He doesn’t notice the way Dazai’s burning holes into the back of his own head.
***
Chuuya’s back at work, but he has a little friend with him. Hirotsu is the first to notice. “Ah, Chuuya. You’ve finally got a dog.”
Chuuya smiled proudly, like it’s an accomplishment. “Yup! His name’s Mackerel. Mori never had a rule about pets, so I figured I could bring him in.”
Hirotsu nods and the two art ways. Kouyou is the next to see his new companion. “Oh, who’s this little one?” She holds out her hand and Mackerel licks her, panting softly.
“Mackerel. I found him in the streets the other day so he’s mine now.” Chuuya smiles fondly and Kouyou shares the same expression.
“I see. I’m happy you’ve got the dog you’ve always wanted.”
“I know right? Me and Mackerel are going to have so much fun together, isn’t that right?” The redhead leans down and pets the dog, Mackerel happily lapping at him.
The rest of the day is spent the same, everyone eyeing Chuuya’s dog and him gladly introducing Mackerel. Of course, Akutagawa isn’t surprised by this, the younger man has caught him reading a book about dogs anyway.
Work ends faster than Chuuya expects. Usually, the day goes by so slow. Today, however, it went by too quickly. Him and Mackerel are back in his apartment and to no one’s shock, Dazai’s on his couch, lazing around.
“Oi. If you’re going to be here, then at least help clean up the mess you’ve made.” The redhead gestures to the dirty plate and utensils that Dazai had used.
The brunette doesn’t move. Instead he yawns and continues to lay there. Chuuya huffs and goes to brush out Mackerel’s fur.
He notices the detective actually moving and puts away the dirty dishes and Chuuya cracks a smile. Dazai sits down next to him and tiredly lays his head on Chuuya’s shoulder. “I don’t think me and Mackerel will ever get along. I hate dogs and I think he hates me equally…”
“He doesn’t like you because of the way you’re acting. At least try to be nice to him.” Chuuya moves closer to Dazai, leaning on the other man as well. Mackerel doesn’t like that, and begins snarling at Dazai.
“See?” Chuuya sighs. These two…
***
It’s been a whole month since Chuuya’s had Mackerel and the puppy he first met has now grown significantly. The executive has already taught him tricks. He’s grown so much and Chuuya’s proud.
That is until Mackerel suddenly disappears.
It was completely unexpected. He never would have thought Mackerel would just leave. He knew something was off when he didn’t wake up to his dog licking at him, That morning Chuuya looked everywhere. He was desperate.
Once again, he bumps into Dazai. “Ah, it’s the little fairy. Where’s that mutt of yours? These days you two are practically inseparable…” The brunette says it like it’s an insult but Chuuya doesn’t care.
“Mackerel’s missing… He wasn’t in my apartment. I have no idea how he got out, but I can’t find him. Can you… Can you please help me?” Chuuya has never asked Dazai for help, so this plea shocked the detective. Perfect opportunity though.
“Of course! You know, the ADA is perfect for this sort of thing. I’ll bring you there.” Dazai starts leading the way and Chuuya follows.
They entered the ADA building and all of Dazai’s coworkers were staring at them, specifically Chuuya… “What business does the Port Mafia have with us?” A blonde man with glasses is the first to speak. Chuuya remembers him, Kunikida Doppo.
“Don’t be so grumpy, Kunikida! As of right now, my lovely Chuuya is a client in need of help from the ADA,” With that comment, the blonde man’s eyes go wide.
Chuuya speaks up. “My dog is missing. This bastard here told me you guys specialize in this sorta thing. Will you please help me? I can pay whatever amount, just name your price…”
The redhead uses this moment to take in everyone else in the room. There was that other blonde boy, Kenji, if he remembers correctly. He took him out for beef bowls once. Nice kid. Then there was Atsushi, the weretiger that Akutagawa was obsessed with and Dazai’s pupil. Also a nice kid. Then there was Yosano and Ranpo, the pair of devils Chuuya regrets ever meeting, Him and Yosano drink together actually, and Ranpo sometimes tags along. The genius detective made him feel weird, in a way. It was just strange how easily the raven haired man could read Chuuya. Not as well as Dazai, of course, but still well.
And of course Ranpo is the first to say something out of everyone else. “Oho? Mr. Fancy Hat has a pooch? I never would have guessed!” He says it in a mocking voice and Chuuya glares at him.
Atsushi comes up to him next. “Chuuya-san! Of course we’ll find your dog for you! As a friend of Dazai’s, we’ll be happy to help.” The white haired boy beams at him and Chuuya smiles.
“Thanks, kid. I really hope you guys will be able to find Mackerel. He’s like a son to me…” From beside him, Dazai rolls his eyes.
“Mackerel?” Yosano snickers at the name. Very peculiar for a dog, certainly not a common one.
Before he can say anything, Dazai cuts him off. “Mackerel because Chuuya loves me so much and decided to name the mutt after me!” That earns him a smack to the head and Dazai swears he just heard Kunikida laugh. He rubs at the back of his head and grumbles something.
“Alright, alright. Atsushi, you can go with Dazai and Nakahara-kun to go search for Mackerel. We’ll be here if anyone needs anything.” Chuuya nods at the blonde haired man and him, Dazai and Atsushi leave the building.
They look pretty much everywhere in Yokohama, but Mackerel isn’t seen anywhere. Chuuya’s close to breaking down, but he must stay strong for his dog.
“Where did you last see him? And what would make your dog just suddenly leave?” Atsushi flashes him a worried look and Chuuya doesn’t blame him.
“I have no idea. Last I saw him was in my own home, of course, but I’ve already searched my apartment and he’s gone. I think he might’ve gone back to that alley I first found him in…” Chuuya scratches his head, pondering.
“Of course Chuuya picked up a stray…” Dazai yelps as Chuuya punches him in the stomach. Atsushi winces from the side but doesn’t say anything.
Chuuya leads them to the alleyway and there he sees Mackerel. He runs for his dog, embracing him. “Where the hell have you been huh?!” He’s been worried sick but he couldn’t stay mad at him. Mackerel barks at him and nuzzles against him but turns away shortly after. Chuuya follows where Mackerel was going and sees three more puppies laid in a box. Why was there so many?
“What is this, Mackerel? Are these your siblings?” Chuuya bends down to pick one of them up. They looked even younger than Mackerel when Chuuya had first found him.
As if answering his question, Mackerel barks in return and nudges him toward the three puppies. Well… Chuuya does want more dogs. “Why the hell not? They’re coming home with us, Mackerel! No need to worry!” The mafioso scoops them all up into his arms and continues walking ahead, ignoring the look of betrayal splattered all over Dazai’s face.
“They’re so cute, Chuuya-san!” Atsushi is just as equally amazed as he is and he brings one of them over to the white haired boy to pet. Mackerel seems to like Atsushi a lot.
“Cute?! Those things are hideous!” Dazai is utterly disgusted but this time both Chuuya and Atsushi shoot him a dirty look.
Dazai sighs in defeat as the two merrily skip back to the ADA. Chuuya was a man of his word, of course. When they’re back at the ADA, he places a large wad of bills in front of Kunikida, whose mouth was hanging open.
Yosano is just as surprised as him. “Damn, little red! You’re rich!”
“Well, I need to thank Atsushi and you all for helping me. I wouldn’t have accepted a mafioso at all if I were in your place…” Chuuya rubs the back of his head and Mackerel trots behind him.
Everyone takes notice of the dog quickly and they all start fawning over him. “He’s so cute! You didn’t say you had 4 puppies, Mister Fancy Hat!” Kenji is kneeled down next to Mackerel, scratching his belly and everyone else is doing the same.
Everyone else except for Dazai who was busy sulking in the corner.
“Hm, I think I should be getting home now. Thanks again. Come on Mackerel, and other Mackerel.” Chuuya gestures for Dazai to come along and the taller man does, following but still slumped over in a grouchy mood.
The agency doesn’t realize Dazai willingly left with a Port Mafia executive and is following him to his home. What does that mean…
“Wait, does Dazai-san and Chuuya-san live together?!” It comes as a shock to everyone but Ranpo, who was snickering while eating his candies.
***
At home, Chuuya’s on the ground in a fit of laughter as he and Dazai are washing the three puppies. All of them targeted Dazai, for some reason, and the brunette was absolutely soaked.
It was a golden opportunity for Chuuya to take pictures. “You’re so annoying Chuuya… You and your gang of mutts…” The detective whined as he peels off his wet clothes.
The redhead calms down a little bit and smiles at the taller man. “I’m… Happy.”
As they’re both settled in bed, Dazai wraps his arms around the shorter man and buries his face into the crook of his neck. “I hate those dogs… You’re paying more attention to them, than to me!” The brunette whined, but Chuuya embraced him back.
Just as he’s saying that, all the puppies jump into their bed, ambushing both of them. “I thought I locked the door!” Chuuya is grinning widely and the dogs slot in between the two of them, much to Dazai’s disappointment.
“Goodnight, Dazai. Love you. Goodnight Mackerel, love you too…” Chuuya presses a kiss on Dazai’s lips and one for Mackerel too.
“Love you, Chuu…” The brunette trails off as one of the puppies licks him in the face.
“Hmm… What should we name these three?”
Dazai groans and the puppy against him presses closer. He has to admit, it’s not so bad. “We can figure that out tomorrow. For now, let’s go to sleep.”