Chapter Text
The day had finally come. Poe had meticulously planned just how this would go, carefully ensuring that nothing would get in his way. He’d been keeping an eye on the Port Mafia, and knew that things were going to be chaotic. So why, pray tell, was Ranpo Edogawa knocking on his door at 7 in the morning? Poe hesitated for a moment, before sighing. He hoped it was just going to be a quick visit…
“Coming!” Poe called out, scrambling to get on a coat so that his arms could be covered.
He swiftly made his way down the stairs, unlocking the door. His eyes widened when he saw his lover, adorned in a suit and tie, holding a bouquet of flowers.
“Surprise!” Ranpo exclaimed, giggling afterwards. “We’re going on a date~ mind if I hang out here while you get ready?”
Poe was a complete blushing mess as he took in Ranpo’s appearance, “y-you- I.. Yeah, yeah sure…-”
Ranpo laughed again at how flustered Poe was, before allowing himself into the house. Poe barely moved from his surprise, only turning his head to watch as Ranpo went into the kitchen to get a vase to put the flowers into.
“S-some warning would’ve been nice…” Poe said slowly.
He didn’t want to hurt Ranpo’s feelings, but today was meant to be perfect… He should’ve already been bleeding out by that point, should’ve already made an incision on the artery in his wrist-
“Sorry~” Ranpo’s voice was almost singsong as he snapped Poe out of his trance.
Poe could hear the faucet being turned on as Ranpo filled a vase with water, and the crinkling of plastic as the flowers were removed from their bouquet.
“You gonna close the door?” The detective’s voice sounded teasing as he turned back to look at Poe.
Poe hadn’t even realized he’d zoned out again so quickly, and turned around to shut the door, locking it too.
“Oh, plan to keep me around for a while?~” Ranpo teased further, making Poe flustered.
“Just habit..” He mumbled a bit anxiously. “I- I’ll go g-get dressed-”
“Let me come with!” Ranpo was suddenly running back out of the kitchen, and in front of Poe. “You have so many options; I wanna play with your wardrobe a little bit!”
“O-okay..” Poe was still hesitant, but he didn’t want to seem suspicious or anything.
He led Ranpo up the stairs, and into his room. What he didn’t account for however, was that he’d still had the tools for his suicide out.. A pre-tied rope was stuffed in the corner of the room, and on his desk were a few blades. Ranpo however, seemed focused just on Poe’s wardrobe, walking right past the blades and heading towards his closet. He rummaged around, before pulling out a couple different outfits for Poe to try on. He laid them out on the messy bed, and then pointed at the first.
“I like this one the most! But you can pick whatever~ they were all picked out by yours truly, after all!”
Poe was anxiously scratching at his arm, and immediately just agreed with Ranpo, “t-that one looks great!” He put on a smile, before grabbing the outfit Ranpo had been referring to. “I’ll be right back..”
Ranpo seemed like he wanted to say something, but decided otherwise as he plopped down on the bed, waving Poe off, “I’ll be waiting~”
Poe went to the bathroom, and looked at the outfit he’d picked. He realized quickly that Ranpo had included his binder with the suit, and couldn’t help but smile at the thoughtfulness of it. He undressed himself, taking a moment to look at his scarred body in the mirror, before quickly redressing and exiting the bathroom. Ranpo had been waiting right outside the door, and grinned at him when he finally came out.
“You look amazing!” He punctuated his sentence with a small giggle, “do you like it?”
“I love it,” Poe smiled back at Ranpo. It was genuine, too.
The constant nagging voice in the back of his mind decided to be louder however, and as if Poe wasn’t allowed to be happy, he suddenly frowned. This wasn’t how the day had been meant to go. He could faintly feel a hand on his shoulder, but he couldn’t ignore the thoughts running through his head. He should’ve been bleeding out, should’ve been trying to pull the noose over his head-
“Ed,” Ranpo’s voice was firm. He could feel hands cupping his face and he realized just how far gone he’d been for a moment, “better now?”
“Better,” he rasped, “thank you.”
“Mhm! Now let’s get going! I made a reservation for us at one of those fancy restaurants you like!” Ranpo had a giddy smile on his face as he told Poe about their plans.
“T-then I suppose we’ll have to get going, huh?”
“Yep!”
//
The food was nice. It was midday by the time they’d finished in the restaurant after getting a full three course meal. It’d started to rain, and Ranpo hadn’t planned out the whole day, so now they were stuck out on the sidewalk enjoying each other's company.
“T-today has been really nice-” Poe had been distracted for the entire date.
He hated being like this. He hated not being able to enjoy his time with his lover, especially since it was probably the last time they’d see each other. Ranpo’s phone had been practically buzzing all day, he was clearly wanted at work.
“Today has been nice!” Ranpo happily agreed, “and it’s not over yet! How about…” He had to take a moment to think, “we go to a library? Would you enjoy that?”
Poe’s face slightly reddened and he looked away, “we don’t have to go somewhere that you don’t want to-”
“I insist!” Ranpo continued to grin at him, trying to hold eye contact and keep Poe focused.
At that point, the author was almost certain that Ranpo already knew his plans. Why else would the other put off everything for him? Take him places that only one of them would really enjoy, try and keep his focus at all times? There was a clear answer, and it made Poe feel incredibly guilty.
“Ranpo! Ranpo!” Kunikida’s frustrated voice rang out from across the street, catching the couple’s attention.
“Ugh… I’ll handle this, just one moment.” Ranpo took a few steps away from Poe to approach where Kunikida was crossing the street.
Despite their limited interactions, Poe could tell that Kunikida was much more frustrated than usual from Ranpo avoiding work.
“Do you even know how chaotic today has been?!” Kunikida was clearly pissed off with Ranpo, and Poe couldn’t help but wince at knowing he was a part of the reason.
“It’s not my fault you’re always pushing me! I said I needed a break!”
Poe immediately stilled after hearing that. A break? Was that really all this was? Poe’s heart fluttered. Did Ranpo not actually know? A part of him had an awful sinking feeling, but at the same time, this gave him a bit of hope. He decided he’d approach the arguing pair.
“Hey, I think we were just wrapping things up anyways..” He spoke as calmly as he could, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
Ranpo gave him an incredulous look, almost betrayed? It only pushed Poe’s idea that Ranpo didn’t know, however.
“No! We were just about to go to the library-”
“Enough!” Kunikida snapped, reaching forward to grab Ranpo’s wrist.
“But we weren’t done yet!” Ranpo whined, earning another glare from Kunikida.
“We need your help, Ranpo. The Agency was built around you and your ability. You’re needed for it to function, whether you like it or not.”
Poe felt slightly guilty, but there was relief and hope in his chest. Was it finally happening?
“You don’t have to look so happy about it, y’know..” Ranpo grumbled, and Poe slightly flinched.
“Sorry - this has just been a really tiring day for me..” Poe quickly excused, taking a step back.
Ranpo frowned, “you’ve been enjoying it though, haven’t you?”
“Of course!”
Kunikida scoffed, “I’m sure he had a great time paying the bill. Now c’mon, you’re coming back to the Agency with me.”
“But- but-!” Ranpo whined again, earning another glare from Kunikida.
Ranpo ignored it however, and pulled his arm away, approaching Poe and wrapping him into a hug, looking up at him with hopeful eyes. Poe gave a small chuckle, before leaning down and pressing his lips to Ranpo’s forehead. It wasn’t quite what the other wanted, but it was enough to satisfy him into letting go and turning back to Kunikida.
Kunikida had a faintly amused expression now, but still didn’t hesitate to grab Ranpo’s wrist again, pulling him along back to the agency.
Poe was alone now.
Nobody to stop him.
Nobody to interfere.
He felt giddy with relief, but there was also this horrible sinking feeling in his stomach. Was it really worth it? He’d be missing out on days like these, and so many others… But it was almost perfect, better than he could’ve possibly planned. To spend his last day alive with his lover. He couldn’t have possibly wished for anything more.