Chapter Text
A crow's caw loudly fills the room, and startles Edgar Allen Poe awake. His eyes start opening slowly and he sits up. He's stunned for a moment then a piece of paper that was stuck on his cheek peels off and floats onto the ground. As he realizes the loud noise was merely his cell phone. He starts patting his hands on his clothes searching for it and answers with a tired voice.
Hello? Who is-
Ranpo cuts him off and talks quickly not letting Poe get a single word in as he excitedly rambles.
Hey Ed! Finally up? I called you so many times. I need you to bring me a book all about freshwater fish. You have a big library at your place, you must have one! Then meet me at Sea Paradise as soon as possible. Got that all? Oh, I've got to go, da- the president is almost done making breakfast see you soon... hopefully! Haha, I have no idea how to ride the train all the way there. Bye, now Poe.
Poe's expression is still tired but now a little worried as he lifts the phone away from his ear and sighs.
Ah- again he has called me to his aid. Oh, Ranpo I can't seem to say no to you. Although... this is the perfect opportunity! Laughing manically to himself he as I've just finished the perfect mystery that I will absolutely defeat my dear Ranpo with this time!
Outside the door to the library a faint scratching can be heard. The door inches open and a small furry head squeezes through the crack.
Karl hurry over now.
Poe pats his lap and Karl tilts his head curiously.
Sighing Poe pulls a cat treat out of his pocket and Karl saunters over, hopping onto his lap, satisfied with the bribe.
Karl today will be more stressful than usual, it's a weekend and Ranpo wants to meet me in such a crowd. How about you come with me to meet him?
Karl eats the treat and turns his head to look at Poe then goes back to eating. Poe makes a dejected face and rises from his work desk once his pet is done using him as a dining table. He grabs the only just recently finished mystery novel and it places it under his arm. Searching the shelf for a book about fish he finally finds it tucked away in the top corner of the bookshelf at the edge of the room. he grabs it and retreats to the master bedroom of the mansion. After feeding Karl his breakfast he gets ready carefully minding the time. Rather than wearing his usual outfit, he had decided to dress differently this time. However, he finds himself in a crisis. With clothes tossed all across his room, three outfits lay on his bed. He groans to himself about the last few choices.
Ah- .. no ..
Recognizing he's running out of time he reluctantly chooses and put it on an outfit looking at himself in the mirror he sighs and looks at his phone. His eyes widen and he rushes off grabbing a tote bag he placed the books for Ranpo and his other things. He feels that it is unusually heavy but chooses to ignore it anyway, and rushed off anyways ignoring the fact it's heavier.
Ranpo walks out of Fukazawa's apartment. He accidentally went there instead of his own because he was drunk the night before. Since Yosano urged him to have one too many drinks. Being thankful that he didn't experience a hangover this morning. He glides down the steps to the street. Climbing into the pre-called chauffeur that's headed to the train station. He thinks to himself he did not remember calling this ride. He shrugs to himself figuring it's safe. He eventually reaches the station to go take the fifty-minute ride to the aquarium. Staring at the direction board for a few moments, then giving up, he wanders into the turnstile down to the steps to the train platform and then steps into the first train that opens its doors to let passengers in. Ranpo had gotten off at the wrong stop because he played on the game console he had brought along with him for too long. He somehow encounters the entrance to the aquarium after riding different taxis from place to place for an hour. In the process losing most of his extra money for food and souvenirs. Waiting for him there is Poe holding their place in line. Ranpo runs up to him and leaps on his back making him lose his footing a bit.
Poe catches himself from falling and turns his head to the side to attempt to see Ranpo who is still clinging to his back. Poe moves his arms under Ranpo's legs to keep him from slipping and he laughs softly.
Ranpo, I was a little worried when I heard that you do not know how to ride the train... But I'm glad we somehow managed to make it safe and sound.
Then the tote bag shuffles randomly and Karl flies out and crawls up the side of Poe, onto his head.
Ranpo smiles widely.
Did you bring a wild animal to such a crowded place so I would be able to find you?
Poe makes a tight dispirited expression like he was caught but insists he didn't know Karl came along.
I had no idea he was hiding in my bag- I..
He moves his head back forward and it hangs lowly
As usual, you are right I was originally planning to bring Karl for that reason, yes. Your deduction is truly flawless Ranpo... but I still had no idea that he came along until this moment!
Ranpo's feet meet the ground as Poe set him down in his defeat.
Let's just hope he won't get us kicked out. Right?
Karl slides down Poe's torso and drops himself into the bag once more.
The line moves forwards and they make it to the entry booth.
Poe looks down into his bag, then he pulls out his wallet. He faces the ticket booth worker and begins to shake while pulling out 11,200 yen.
Thank you have a good rest of your day at Sea Paradise!
As the worker says this and Poe mutters in response to them and shamefully grabs a map...
Y-you too.
Ranpo breaks his concentration off the posters plastered on each of the booths and rushes past Poe. Since he gave no time for Poe to react as he goes farther and farther into the crowd.
As he notices that he's getting left behind he trys to pursue him. It's just that Poe notices that he and Ranpo are wearing similar outfits that are comparable to a matching couple's outfits. So he stops following in astonishment at the coincidence. He feels his face getting warmer.
C'mon, or you'll get left behind~!
Ranpo walks into a large area that was parallel to the outside of the building. The fish tanks let out a charming glow that danced on the dark walls. The environment of the main area was definitely dimmer than the bright sun outside. It branched off into different halls that all bleed out different colors from around it's corners. In the center of the room next to the reef tank is the directory with a vague spotlight on it. The reef tank is a huge column that held a differently colored coral with fish circling the interior.
As Ranpo waited for Poe to find him he focused his concentration on the large tank and the directory. And proudly acknowledged his perfect idea; which was visiting the aquarium.
Ah, a column-shaped fish tank! Too bad though it looks like they're aren't any freshwater fish here, but the big fish tanks here are a sight to be seen, I don't think i'll get bored here. Fufufufu, there are so many different kinds of fish here. I wonder if you can eat this one...
Poe gets brought back from his trance then he follows Ranpo quickly. He pushes his bangs out of the way just a bit; making sure he didn't lose him. Just as he finally catches up Ranpo stops in his tracts to stare up at the tank that could steal anyone's looks, his included. Once Poe finally was almost caught up he turns around quickly and takes a few steps forward. Poe nearly crashing into him.
You brought the book I asked you for right?
Ranpo Looks at Poe expectantly.
Yes, of course.
He pulls out the heavy book from underneath Karl and he hops out from the bag once more bounding up to Poe's head. Poe passes the book to Ranpo. He thinks to himself that with Karl here there was no point in all that trouble with trying not to stand out too much. He recalled to the fact that he and Ranpo are both dressed as each other's couple. Arbitrarily looking happily at Karl. As he looks at the fish swimming leisurely around after he had inattentively let Karl stand on his palms; to let his paws claw at the glass.
Ranpo flips through the book about the types of fish there are and begins walking while reading.
Did you know people can eat freshwater fish? I wonder how they're cooked... I thought I'd find out at an aquarium but I didn't even know how to ride the train here! I'm so good, I don't even need to use ultra deduction to have good fortune.
Poe is reminded that he had dutifully finished his book just in time to meet Ranpo.
Speaking of your ability, I also had just finished my mystery novel. Im sure that even someone as advanced and highly intelligent as you will struggle greatly!
Ranpos's smile rises higher.
I'm sure glad you showed up with a new mystery novel, Poe! Sadly everyone at the agency was gone today so it's just me and you today.
He closes the book and slows his pace down to Poes, they now walk side by side. He places the book back inside the tote for him and then begins to shuffle in his bag. Pulling out the mystery novel and taking a look at the cover. He grins even more and places it back.
Where should we head to?
Poe regains his composure and focus after he was unexpectedly so close to Ranpo. Beginning to fold open the map from the entrance. Pointing at it in concentration, so he could answer him as best he could.
Well here it says that we could go left to the penguin enclosure or to the underwater tunnel, the dolphin show is about to in a couple of hours, but we-
Let's go over here!
Ah- yes, sure but..
Poe looks up from the map and sees Ranpo wandering off again. He automatically moved forwards, then grabs Ranpo's hand to stop in his tracts subconsciously.
Whats wrong Ed?
Ranpos's face is a little dumbfounded and flushed.
The same happens to Poe and he clears his through and tucks the map away still holding onto Ranpo.
I'd just feel better if I didn't lose you in the crowd. I still need to get used to this type of setting... just bear with me.
Ranpo keeps a brief silence between them and he collects himself.
Sure thing. Only if you get me that turtle melon bread I saw on the poster on the ticket booth!
Poe meets his gaze as Ranpo smirks and turns around walking forward once more. All the while tugging Poe behind him
Yes of course ...
Poe hasn't seemed to calm himself yet as he gets redder to the tips of his ears. He is just glad he is the one following Ranpo as he has always done for years now.
They walked to one of the halls that had a light blue reflection inside. There is no roof over the top so sunlight shines in, creating ripples that spread onto the floor. Dolphins and colorful fish swam by as Ranpo led Poe through the tunnel in a hurry to see it all.
This is so pretty!
Poe unable to keep his attention off Ranpo couldn't help but agree.
Yes it really is... but Ranpo you move quite fast...
They make their way through the whole tunnel and when they get back out Karl jumps onto Ranpo's shoulder.
Let's go see if they have any sharks here!
Ranpo rushed down another random spot and it held different smaller tanks scattered around a touching tank in the center, with rays and smaller sharks. The room was full of kids, especially near the touch tank. Ranpo briefly let go of Poe's hand and Ranpo rushed over to the center. Karl perched on the edge of the tank, and Ranpo learned over them
Poe looks happily upon Karl as his curious little eyes follow the fish swimming leisurely around. He walks up behind Ranpo and peers over him wondering what they are finding so interesting.
Karl, I see you are also finding the fish at the aquarium very interesting...
Karl reaches his paws inside the tank and pulls out one of the sea urchins and opens his mouth to try and gnaw on it.
Hrm? You cannot do that. The fish here are not meant to be caught or eaten... ah karl!
Poe grabs Karl and cautiously takes the urchin out of his hands and places it back into the water as gently as the could.
Karl squirms out of Poe's hands and runs off down the hall more
K-Karl you musnt run!
Poe chases after Karl and Ranpo seemed oblivious as he explored the room.
Ah, I've eaten this fish before! it's actually pretty big... huh? where's Poe run off to? it's not going to be my fault if he gets lost... oh well, guess ill see what's over there!
As Poe was chasing Karl he reached a part of the aquarium that had the whole wall used as a glass to see into a huge tank that had sharks and other kinds of fish swimming inside of it. Even in front of something like this Poe couldn't stop thinking about Ranpo. He can't even remember the last time Ranpo wasn't at the back of his mind.
Let's go back and find Ranpo to see this shall we Karl? Or will you run off again?
Karl creeps back into the bag again as they make their way back. He looks around but can't seem to notice him anywhere.
Ranpo... I would like to take a break now... Ranpo? Ranpo~?! oh no, he has wandered off alone... Ranpo what have you done? You know very well that you cannot return by yourself!
He takes out his phone to call Ranpo asking about where he is.
Hello Poe! Can't find me huh?
Yes, can you please tell me where you are?
No clue.
Oh, Well then maybe... what you see?
A room with lots of jellyfish!
That works just perfectly-
Shaking open the map and carefully scanning it he finds the general area.
I'll be able to find you easier now. Don't roam around again... I'll be there soon.
Alright, once you find me let's go eat I'm starved.
Click
The phone call ends.
Roaming the building Poe discovers a panoramic enclosure that shows moon jellyfish inside the walls, and the floor. Their luminescence is the space's only luster making the place not well-lit. looking among the silhouettes he finds Ranpo and walks over.
This is a beautiful, peaceful space.
I was wondering how you could've stayed here this long so I could find you.
You're here! Took you long enough. Let's go!
Ranpo turns around to find the cafe, his hands clasped together at the back of his head as he gladly leads the way.
Poe follows him next to him compliantly. A little worried about if they will find a cafe that Ranpo will be satisfied with. They end up at a cutely decorated cafe that was located in the aquarium grounds. He starts reading the sign placed by the entrance that advertised, "a free dessert for taking a photo together as a-" He feels Ranpo yank on his sleeve and lead them inside.
Sitting at a free table they open up the menus and Ranpos eyes light up as he sees the options. An employee comes over and asks what they would like to have.
A turtle melon bread, dolphin banana split parfait, and penguin mochi, would be great thank you!
And you?
They turn to Poe.
Ah- Some black tea with nothing in it and, this sandwich and uh... and this vanilla ice cream cone, please...
He points to the menu trying to avoid making any awkward direct eye contact.
Alright. Just come up when the buzzer goes off for your order. Oh and drinks are at the front too.
The employee leave.
Karl comes out of the bag once more from the smell of the food in the cafe and sits on Poe's lap. Poe pets him as he chitters.
Ranpo I found out that they have a dolphin show soon in around twenty minutes. Would you like to go?
Definitely! let's try and get the best spot too.
The buzzer goes off and Poe rises out of his seat with Karl cradled in his arms.
Keep an eye on him for me he seems to not want to behave today. I can't really think of a reason why...
He places Karl into Ranpo's lap gently then walks to the front of the cafe.
Picking up the tray and paying for the food. He keeps in the back of his mind why Karl had acted that way at the touching pool. as he is mostly very behaved when Ranpo is around.
The only reason he would act like that is if I was only barely giving him enough attention.
His dazed expression fades as he becomes no longer lost in thought Poe realized he had automatically grabbed a ramune for Ranpo and he immediately understood why. He quickly returned to the table and set down their lunch.
Ranpo immediately was eating the food Poe laid out. So instead of interrupting, he beckons Karl over to eat the fruit that was placed on his ice cream as his snack. Karl immediately moves over and snatches the fruit. He chews happily and becomes preoccupied.
Ranpo pops open the ramune and drinks it along with his food as they both eat Ranpo pauses just about as he's about to take another swig with a mouthful of food still in his mouth and he absent-mindedly says aloud.
Wr. I dirnt over vis?(what. I didn't order this?)
Poe's last bite of gets caught in his throat a bit from his shock. He swallows it down quickly but still coughed into his elbow anyways and finally clears his throat.
Yes, I got it from the fridge up at the front. Uh, is something perhaps wrong with it?
Ranpo swallows his food.
Thank you, Edgar. I was so busy enjoying it that I didn't notice, at first!
Ranpo watched Poe as he finished his meal. He saw that his look softened, his face had gotten rosy, and his hands moved to pass the last of the fruit to Karl; since he was greedily yanking on his cardigan.
Your welcome Ranpo. It's no problem at all. Anything you want... I will do it for you.
In that case, stay right here. I'll be back.
Huh?
Poe's expression remained the same but his eyebrows become raised. He places Karl back into the tote just as he finishes his snack.
Ranpo got out of his chair and went up to the front of the cafe. He came back two minutes later with an employee holding a camera.
If you could come with me and sit over there on that couch, please? Here are some props too please choose what you would like for you two to use. Just tell me when you are ready!
Ranpo places the otter ears on Poe's head and his own. Then, sits on the couch.
Ready!
Poe sat down next to him in compliance realizing Ranpo must have just wanted the free dessert. Still nervous about taking a photo all of a sudden he makes an awkward peace sign.
Ready.
The photo emerges from the camera.
You are all set ill go get your desserts from the back right away.
Not satisfied enough to the point you needed a free dessert huh?
Not exactly!
He begins walking back to the table.
Hm~ if you say so...
Excuse me?
Huh? Oh, yes?
Would you like me to send the original photo to the gift shop to pick up on your way out? It would cost around 721 yen at their checkout.
Poe's eyes light up slightly.
I'd be happy if you did that.
Of course sir! Please show them this card with your order number on it. Have a good rest of your day here at Sea Paradise!
Poe nods to the worker ashamed as he was reminded about his awkwardness before. He goes to follow Ranpo back and they both sit at the table. And their dessert comes out almost as quickly after they had sat down along with the check. It's a tiramisu with a strawberry on top of the coco powder-covered cream.
This looks so good! Ranpo eats it quickly without noticing very fast that Poe hasn't touched his.
Why won't you eat yours too full?
Poe takes out the check and writes on it
I'm planning on taking it home with us.
Huh us? We are gonna be going to your place after this?
He counts the correct amount of cash to put into the leather check presenter and places it inside.
I am worried you won't be able to make it home on the train alone my place is closer anyways. You also have to attempt to crack the case of my mystery!
You are right... hm, and my feet have been starting to ache a bit anyways.
Ranpo finishes his dessert and leans back in his chair satisfied.
The server picks up the check and gives them a to-go bag. They walk outside together and Poe checks his watch and sees that the show is about to start in five minutes.
Ranpo... it seems we are going to have to rush over to the stadium. Are you sure you can you told me your feet were starting to ache.
His expression is a bit uneasy.
Yup, you are gonna have to carry me I'm afraid!
He darts his eyes between his watch and back to Ranpo. He then kneels down and Karl hops out since he could reach the floor easily to mount himself on Poe's head once more.
Ranpo climbs on with no hesitation. Letting Poe carry him from underneath they maneuver through the crowd. Karl without enough room on Poe anymore climbs onto Ranpo's head instead. Poe finds his way to the line for the show. The front of the line can't even be seen from all the way in the back of it. He sets Ranpo and Karl down and pulls out his wallet. His face is unfittingly serious.
Excuse me how much to cut in front of you?
Ranpo's expression turns from a satisfied expression from being carried to one that looks like he witnessed chapter 88 of bsd.
Sorry, what? Why would I let you do that? That's so petty-
10 000 yen.
Sure you can!
Poe keeps bribing people to become around the 5th group of people in the line before the show starts. He stands in line with a proud goofy grin on his face.
Poe feels a weak tap on his shoulder and turns his head over his shoulder to see Ranpo has a face that looks astonished and stunned.
Why the look of excruciating shock Ranpo? I could flush that amount down the toilet and it would still mean nothing to me.
You.. spent 170,000 yen... for a spot in line.. you are beyond stupid!
Ranpos's voice is monotone but he squeezes Poe's shoulder shoulder. The speaker system chimes with an announcement that the dolphin show is going to begin soon, filling the halls. Ranpo quietly sighs and lets go of Poe and starts walking inside the stadium. He glances around before quickly determining where to sit.
Let's go over here!
Hm? Where Ranpo? ... Ranpo?
Poe looks around and sees Ranpo suddenly positioned at a very inconspicuous spot waving his arms and yelling his name. That didn't seem like a good place to sit to him. The angle put the sun's glare from the opening of the stadium's dome onto the glass of the huge dolphin pool. barely anybody was even sitting there; he was truthfully happy about that though. Still, he paid that sum not for the show but for Ranpo's happiness. He uncomfortably shifts out from the crowd and walks up the stairs. Once he sits down he starts waiting for the show to begin. As Poe waited he watched the crowd of people flood in he spotted the many people he paid smiling a little harder than the others. As everyone became seated a loud humming sound came from above the dome. It started to close darkening the space and rather lighting up the pool with colored lights and spotlights. Simultaneously removing the glare from the glass keeping all the water inside. Revealing that this spot was absolutely the best spot among the many many hundreds. As the show starts he and Ranpo watch as the Dolphins jump through hoops, balance balls on their snouts, do flips, and synchronized dances.
Ranpos beams at the colors and tricks. He leans in subconsciously removing his hands from his lap and placing them to stabilize himself as he leans in. It feels uneven underneath his palm but he ignores it. Hyperfixated on the show he also omits the trembling.
Poe shakes because he realizes Ranpo won't move his hand from his. This time he had held his hand on his own not because he asked him to. He feels his face get hot and his attention is diverted from the dolphins as his eyes wander down to his feet. He thinks about how much he cares for Ranpo; from rivalry to friends, to even better friends. Finding it hard to know if Ranpo wants it to be even more like he does now. Poe always seemed to dismiss any kind of possibility before. He couldn't help but not be able to this time wondering why he wanted it to be true so badly this time. He knows Ranpo is a great detective all too well. Even just now he cherry-picked these perfect seats without even being here before in a split second. How would being together with him affect his great future as the best detective? He demarcates hypothetical possibilities of them together and it failing in many different specific ways.
The show ends and clapping fills his ears the dome starts to open. He looks up startled by how quickly time seemed to pass his eyes adjust to the late afternoon summer sun. The image of the person in front of him is blurry and bright, after a few more seconds it is clearly Ranpo.
He was impatiently waiting for Poe to come to his senses. He lifts Karl on his shoulders and places him on Poe's.
The show has been over for five minutes now Ed...
Karl coo's in some form of agreement tapping his paws on Poe's head.
Oh.. I'm sorry let's go now.
Ranpo hops down the steps and walks out the stadium with the rest of the last few groups that stuck around. Tugging Poe along by the arm strap of his bag. The show was so good! Didn't you see how they did all those amazing tricks?! We should come back next ti-
He stops in his tracts causing Poe to stumble into him a little.
Poe composes himself and follows Ranpo's gaze to a Dolphin stuffed animal inside the gift shop window display on their way out of the aquarium. He almost forgot about the cafe photo! He immediately starts walking up to the gift shop.
Poe! You don't have to buy more.
He catches up a bit panicked that he's going to spend too much again. Poe places a basket into his hands. And Ranpo looks at him slightly fed up seeing him flaunt his wealth more than usual.
Can you take a look around and hold this for me, please? I need to get something.
Sure I guess. What is it?
Poe embarrassed he is mainly here for the photos of them together, quickly comes up with an excuse that he's going to buy the moon jelly plush.
Ranpo smiles remembering the amazing display.
Good choice! They were so stunning.
He wanders off in the small shop still clearly in view of Poe. Intently eyeing the dolphin plushie and sea animal-shaped lollipops and other sea-themed sweets.
Poe affectionately picks up a jellyfish plushie from the jumbled pile deciding he was going treasure it.
He walks up to the counter and places his item and hands the cashier the card. Cautiously waiting for her to find it.
After she hands him the photo and he tucks it in his pocket. Ranpo notices he's checking out and also goes up to the checkout with the basket. Pushing it onto the cashier's station happily. The dolphin plushie rests on top suspiciously jutting out from being stuffed in. The worker begins to pull out the dolphin and underneath is an excessive amount of candy and snacks Ranpo had stashed inside.
Ranpo hastily responds looking at Poe eagerly.
I'll pay you back! I just can't pass up any of this!
Poe pays and takes the many bags of snacks. Ranpo holds only his stuffed dolphin under his arm and a fish-shaped lollipop in his mouth. Heaving them all the way outside to call for a taxi the sun had slowly begun to set. The orange hue casts large shadows on the ground as they walk on the sidewalk. Ranpo spots a taxi and waves it down they both sit inside and make it to the train station boarding the train.
Poe slumps down causing Karl to get annoyed and hop onto Ranpo. Poe dutifully goes on his phone and pre-schedules a lift to pick them up once they make it to their stop. Feeling the weight of the day on him he starts to feel exhausted. In addition to the bad night of sleep and running after Ranpo he couldn't help but want to rest. He tries to distract himself and watch Ranpo play on his game console but eventually, he dozes off and falls asleep.
Ranpo feels a weight on his shoulder quickly peeking away from his games he can see Poe resting on his shoulder. When his focus was negligibly taken off his games he could hear his softy breath and he slept. He smiles warmly to himself and decides to wake him up in forty minutes. While forty minutes slowly pass, Ranpo becomes bored with his games and shuffles through the many bags of snacks and picks out a few, trying his best not to move around too much. Something from Poe's pocked flutters to the ground falling face down. Ranpo lifts it up and turns it around seeing the photo of them at the cafe he stares at it fondly and holds onto it for safekeeping.
Poe wakes up some time later dazed and wearing a sleepy expression.
Uhm.. How long has it been?
Only 45-ish minutes. I think we get off soon.
Yes.. hmm
He straightens up his posture and rubs his eyes from underneath his bangs.
Yes, we do.
The speakers chime and alerts of the station stop. They get off and sluggishly walk to the car and get inside.
Ranpo turns to Poe folding his arms.
You didn't need to call a car for me this morning you know? I could've just called a taxi.
Poe looks at him too and smirks. It's alright you owe me anyways... right?
Main story- END