Work Text:
Dazai was tired, really fucking tired. He can't remember the last time he's had a decent night's sleep. That wasn't unusual though, he's been a shit sleeper for a long time, even before his mafia days. So it didn't come as a surprise when it carried on until he joined the agency. And well, he could nap in the mafia. He could pretty much do whatever the hell he pleased, he was an executive. No one questioned him but Chuuya and Mori.
Questioning him was basically a death sentence.
But he's not in the mafia anymore, he's not an executive. He can't kill people anymore. And he can't take naps or do whatever he wants. He learned that the minute Kunikida was assigned as his partner.
Dazai groaned, leaning back in his chair. He was tired, he didn't want to do his boring reports. Maybe he could throw them onto Atsushi. But the poor kid already seemed swamped in his own work, so he decided against it. Along with that, Kunikida would also throw a hissy fit over it. He didn't want to risk getting on Kunikida's bad side today. Not when he himself was so tired.
He looked down at the papers, then at his laptop. He had a lot of emails to reply to, all from client's. The papers stacked mile high were all reports on missions he and Kunikida had done in the past few weeks.
The missions were nothing compared to what he did in the mafia, but still exhausting either way. He was always exhausted it seemed, no matter how easy or simple the work was. He'd always go home to his dull empty dorm room, drink a bottle or two, and lay in his futon until he eventually passed out.
He let out a long sigh as he laid his head down on his desk. He really wanted a nap.
"Dazai. Don't even think about taking a nap!" Kunikida shouted, glaring at Dazai from across the room. Dazai only groaned and lifted his head enough to give his partner a pitiful, over dramatic frown.
"But Kunikida! I'm so tired, I think I may pass out if I keep going any longer…" he wasn't exactly lying. He felt dizzy and light headed, from lack of sleep or from hunger, he wasn't sure. He watched Kunikida's glare soften and the blonde let out a sigh, fixing his glasses.
"If you believe you're going to pass out, get more rest at night Dazai."
Dazai huffed, stupid Kunikida with his stupid advice. He wished it was that simple, that he could just lay down in his futon, close his eyes and sleep. But it wasn't. His head was too fast, always thinking about something no matter what. It was annoying and so very tiring always being on alert 24/7.
"Whatever, Kunikida's so mean.." Dazai mumbled as he grabbed his pen and got to work. His head ached and the scraping of the pen against the paper grated on his nerves.
Everything seemed to make him even more exhausted, and with that came frustration. He bit his lip and tried not to throw the pencil across the room. It felt childish, to get so upset over something like this. It'd been so long since he'd regressed. He hadn't been able to bring himself to do it since Odasaku died.
Yea, maybe he should've since the whole reason for regressing was to cope, but his little self probably wouldn't be able to handle it. So he just drank himself silly instead, which was a far less embarrassing way to cope. Who needed to act like a baby anyways? Definitely not him.
But he really missed it. He missed Odasaku.
He got through about half of his work done before he gave up on finishing it today. It was nearly lunch break anyways and it's not unlike him to start his break early. He closed his laptop, set his pen down, and dramatically stood up from his desk, which he quickly regretted when he immediately stumbled back into his chair. His vision went blurry for a few seconds, and he could feel eyes on him.
Shit. He needs to be more careful.
"Ah, fellow employees.. I must get lunch immediately before I die! So I will be starting my break early." He exclaimed, getting out of his chair, this time slower.
"Dazai, you can't just start your lunch break early! It's not fair to the rest of us who actually do their work." Kunikida said as he jumped out of his chair. His glare was more scolding than threatening.
Stupid Kunikida, stupid work. Why couldn't he just leave him alone?
"Let him be Kunikida." Ranpo interrupted before Dazai could make a quip back. Thank god.
"But-"
"No buts, just let the guy get some lunch, yea?" Ranpo said, a grin on his face as he chewed on his lollipop. In front of him sat Poe(when did he get here?), who was sitting on the chair behind Ranpo's desk. Ranpo sat on top of it.
His hair was pulled back into a braid, with a soft blue bow wrapped around the end. His one eye that was visible was locked onto the book Ranpo had in his lap. He couldn't see what type of book it was from where he stood, but it was bigger than any chapter book he's seen. So it must've been a picture book. Why would they be reading a picture book?
He tried not to think about it too hard as he let out a dramatic sigh. "Thank you Ranpo, Kunikida's just so demanding! I don't know what I'd have done without your interference!”
And it's true, he was too tired to come up with an excuse good enough to get Kunikida off his ass, so he was grateful for Ranpo's input. He looked to the other members, who just ignored the whole thing. Except apparently Atsushi, who was giving him an odd look. Dazai simply gave him a strained smile and dashed out the agency door.
He could feel his stomach growl but he ignored it as he made his way down to the Cafe under the agency. He waved at the owner half heartedly and pushed the door open. He made his way to the agency dorms and stumbled his way through the hallways. His legs felt more wobbly than normal when he got like this, hungry but too damn exhausted to do anything about it.
He opened his door and closed it behind him. He didn't want to get too comfortable, he still had to go back to work later. That thought made him groan.
He shuffled into the kitchen and opened his cupboard, he knew there would only be canned crab inside. He didn't really care though, he was hungry. He can't remember when he last ate. He whipped out the can opener and opened the can. He didn't really have the energy to drain it.
He grabbed a fork and began to eat his pathetically sad meal. If Odasaku was here, he'd probably have made him a sandwich. He'd also ask Dazai if he was feeling okay, and if he should really be working right then.
Dazai huffed, stuffing the fork in his mouth and chewing. It tasted like dirt, but everything he ate tasted like that.
He ate it anyway. Odasaku would've scolded him if he didn't.
He only got about half way through the can before he became too tired to finish it. He set the fork aside and pushed the can away from him before leaning his arms onto the table. He put his head in his arms and closed his eyes. He didn't have the energy to walk to his futon. He probably should have set an alarm, but that was too much work.
He just sighed and let sleep take him.
Kunikida was gonna fucking kill Dazai. First, he tries and sleeps on the job, but that wasn't anything new. Then, he starts his lunch break early. Again, a normal occurrence. But the straw that broke the camel's back was when Dazai didn't come back from his lunch break. It fucked up his very crafted schedule, but he was more worried than he was mad, but he refused to acknowledge that. Worrying about Dazai wasn't something he did often, he worried more for the younger members like Atsushi, Kyouka, and Kenji.
He didn't have to worry about the older ones, seeing as they were adults. He only sometimes worried for Dazai, but it was rare.
That's why he was stressing out. He'd never seen Dazai look so exhausted before, and he kinda felt bad for telling him to just, "sleep more". He knew it wasn't that easy. Especially for someone like Dazai.
Kunikida sighed, stomping his foot outside of Dazai's door. He was contemplating on breaking the door down, running in, and grabbing Dazai and smothering him to death but decided against it. Instead he just knocked on the door a few times before waiting. He decided that if Dazai didn't answer the door after ten minutes he'd barge in, he knew the others' track record with trying to kill himself.
That thought made his stomach twist. He didn't know what he'd do if he walked in and Dazai was hanging by a noose. Or covered in blood in his tub. Or on the floor seizing next to a pill bottle- yea. That wasn't a pleasant thought.
He let out a curse as he tapped his foot against the ground. The ten minutes were almost up and he was starting to worry more. Fuck.
He knocked a few more times before eventually he just grabbed the door handle- huffing at the fact it was unlocked- and stepped inside. The dorm was depressingly empty, but was the embodiment of Dazai. Empty and hollow and sad. It almost made Kunikida sad. Almost. He examined the living room, there was nothing but a sad beaten up couch and a tv looking worse for wear pushed against the wall. No coffee table.
He turned and looked into the kitchen, jumping out of his skin when he saw Dazai slumped against the dining table. He brought a hand to his face and pinched the bridge of his nose. He tried not to get upset, Dazai was clearly struggling. If the bottles of alcohol that were cluttered on the table didn't say that, then the sad emptiness of the dorm room did.
He tried not to focus on it too much as he stepped towards the dining table, Dazai was breathing, thank god, but was still fast asleep it seemed. Which was odd, normally the man was a light sleeper. Waking up to any small noise possible, so why didn't he wake up to Kunikida knocking?
He looked at the sad, half eaten canned crab next to Dazai and fixed his glasses. He was painfully aware of how unfilling of a meal that was for a man of Dazai's height. The man had always been pushing being underweight, but never fully fell to that point. It almost seemed purposeful, keeping himself fed just enough to live but not enough to be healthy.
He tried to not let that affect him.
Kunikida looked down at Dazai, he couldn't see the others face but the way he looked before he left made his stomach twist uncomfortably. He reached his hand out, and shook Dazai's shoulder not too harshly but enough to disturb him.
"Hey, you maniac, wake up." He said as he shook Dazai's shoulder, letting out a slightly relieved sigh when the other whined and sat up slowly.
Kunikida bit his lip when he saw the hazy look in the others' eyes as he turned to look up at him. Dazai looked at him for a few moments, the thick haziness in his eyes grew a confused look to them. He opened his mouth, but closed it shortly after, seeming to think about his next words.
Dazai never did that, Kunikida thought. He didn't think before he spoke, even though everything he said was calculated, but he didn't need to think in order to do that.
"Kuni'da? What're you doin' in my dorm.." Dazai mumbled as he leaned back into his arms. His head hurt and so did his stomach. Maybe he should've been slower when eating that crab.
"I was just making sure you didn't die, you didn't come back after your lunch break." Kunikida explained, the hand on Dazai's shoulder never leaving its spot.
Dazai looked at him for a bit before humming and pushing his face back into his arms. "'M alive.. can go 'way now."
"I can see that." Kunikida huffed, "I'm not gonna leave, you're clearly ill or something of the sort. Do you want me to call Yosano?"
Dazai sat up in his chair, a little too fast after he immediately was hit with blurry vision. He lowered his head back down, closing his eyes. He did not want Yosano here. That's the last thing he wanted. He wasn't even sick, just hadn't been eating enough. He's fine. But his head was becoming too foggy to voice that, which was beginning to stress him out more.
He didn't want to be little right then, he didn't want to regress. Especially around Kunikida of all people. He knew the other was good with kids, he loved kids, but Dazai was not the kid people wanted to deal with. Even Odasaku had his hardships when it came to him.
He shook his head firmly, "Don' call her." He insisted, curling further into himself.
"Alright, fine I won't call her. Tell me what's wrong Dazai. What happened? Are you sick? Injured?"
Dazai was beginning to grow irritated at Kunikida's questions. Why did he have to be so stubborn? What's with it and people bothering him when all he wanted to do was wallow in his own self pity and drink until he couldn't remember his own name? He was getting sick of it.
"Nothin'. I'm okay Kuni'da. You can leave now."
"I doubt that. Cmon, tell me what's wrong Dazai."
Dazai's lip wobbled, why did Kunikida have to be so dumb and persistent? Why didn't he just leave him to rot in his chair? His eyes grew watery and he rubbed at them, the hand on his shoulder left.
He heard a soft hum come from above him, and the hand was back but this time it rubbed his back, up and down. It was a soothing motion, a familiar one. He tried to bite down the sob that clawed its way up his throat but failed miserably, he pressed his hands against his eyes as he felt tears begin to flow.
He felt pathetic, crying in front of Kunikida like this. He took big huffs of air and whined when he heard a voice shushing him softly.
"Alright, it's okay." Kunikida hummed as he knelt down next to Dazai. He rubbed his hand up and down the brunette's back, he hoped the rhythmic motion soothed the other man.
He felt bad for being so stubborn and insistent. He was determined to help Dazai in a way that would be beneficial, but he couldn't do that if he had no clue what was wrong.
He thought at first he was just sick because of his slurred way of speaking and his hazy eyes and flushed cheeks. But maybe he was just tired? He certainly looked exhausted. He was really starting to regret yelling at him, he was so obviously upset. It was hard to watch Dazai cry, he cared for the man. Even if he didn't let it show that much.
He'd probably change his entire schedule if that meant he could help Dazai get better. But he'd never admit that out loud.
He felt his heart twist uncomfortably when Dazai let out a little whimper. It sounded so small and vulnerable. He's never seen Dazai cry like this before, sure he's seen his eyes grow watery or foggy but he's never seen him full on sob like this. It felt raw, like he shouldn't watch. But he wasn't about to leave Dazai like this, a sobbing mess at his kitchen table with half eaten canned crab next to him. Kunikida wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he left Dazai like this. He tried not to let panic overtake him too much when Dazai started breathing quicker.
"Hey now, it's fine. Just breathe, it'll be fine." He hoped the reassuring words soothed him. He wasn't sure how to comfort Dazai, as he's never done it before. He was just going with what he usually did when Atsushi panicked like this.
He wanted to hug Dazai, because usually he did that with Atsushi. But with him curled into himself like this, he wouldn't be able to do it in a way that would be comfortable, and he wasn't about to ask him to move. That would be cruel and stupid. He knew he didn't seem the most reliable when it came to caring for and comforting other people, but it was really the opposite.
Caring for people was something that brought him great satisfaction, but it was difficult when routine and structure was also something he valued and eased him. With Atsushi, it was never planned. Whenever he needed comfort or panicked and cried, Kunikida always felt a tickle of frustration and irritation prickle under his skin. It wasn't because he didn't like Atsushi, or because he didn't like taking care of him and making him feel better.
It was simply because he never planned for it. It sounded stupid, but that's just how Kunikida managed.
He wasn't irritated right now, as he anticipated Dazai probably not being in the best spot when he marched over to his dorm, but he didn't expect him to be sobbing on the counter with a hazy look in his eyes familiar to Atsushi's. It also resembled the haze Poe had when he and Ranpo were speaking to each other a few hours prior.
When Poe was there, Ranpo had been reading him a book. Which was odd but Kunikida didn't question it. Poe seemed happy and had a pleased look on his face, and Ranpo seemed to enjoy reading a children's book to the other.
He was getting off track. The point was, Dazai had the same glassy hazy eyed look as Poe. And Poe was acting like, well, a child. Maybe it was the same for Dazai?.. That wouldn't make sense. It couldn't, why would he feel like and act a child? Dazai wasn't a little. It wasn't realistic. Dazai was too.. Dazai.
But there was still a chance that was the case, and Kunikida wanted to cover all his bases before coming to a conclusion. If Dazai was little, he was going to snatch him and take him back to his own apartment. He had supplies there for Atsushi but he was sure the other wouldn't mind sharing. If Dazai was sick, he'd still take him back to his dorm and take care of him.
They were partners. Kunikida cared for Dazai, even though he had peculiar ways of expressing it.
"Alright Dazai, it's okay. S-Sweetheart," he felt pathetic stumbling over the nickname, "It's alright. What do you need right now Dazai? I want to help you, will you let me do that?"
Dazai only let out another heartbroken whine. Kunikida calling him Sweetheart reminded him of Oda. He was always so patient with Dazai when he was small, and used soft nicknames like, 'honey' and 'sweetheart'. So hearing it again, even though he isn't fully in headspace, made him crack. His resolve for staying big and keeping it away from Kunikida fell and he let out a loud sob. This was the hardest he'd dropped into little space in years.
He immediately removed himself from his arms and tumbled into Kunikida's arms. He was tired, small, and his tummy hurt. He just wanted someone to hold him, and the only person there was Kunikida. Not that he was complaining, he'd rather it be Kunikida than anyone else at the agency. Maybe Fukuzawa. Kunikida was definitely better though.
He felt Kunikida quickly wrap his arms around his waist as he stumbled backwards from Dazai jumping into him. Once he was situated into a comfortable position he began to rub his hands up and down Dazai's back. It was a soothing gesture, and it made him immediately melt in Kunikida's arms.
"There you are, it's okay. Just breathe for me, can you do that Love?" Kunikida asked, and his voice was so soft and Dazai couldn't hold back the sob he let out. He tried to follow Kunikida's instructions, because he was being so gentle with him in a way that only Oda was with him.
He tried to copy Kunikida's breathing, listening intently to the blonde's soft encouragement and counting that indicated how long to hold his breath, or when to breathe out or in. It was a similar method Oda used with him, and it made his heart ache. Everything seemed to remind him of Oda. Maybe it was because he was small. It'd been so long since he was little, the last time he regressed he was with Oda.
It was a month before he died. Dazai had been working himself to the bone, and was tired. He couldn't handle doing reports anymore and needed a break, so he went to Oda's house.
The man let him in immediately once he saw it was him. He led Dazai to the living room, sat him down on his beaten up old couch, and asked him ever so softly, "Feeling small, 'Samu?" And he immediately dropped.
It's been four years(?) since then. Pushing back his regression for so long was definitely not the best idea. But he didn't really have a choice, he didn't have anyone to care for him and he didn't trust his little self with being alone. It was so much easier to drink and smoke and other things Oda would've scolded him for.
He failed a few times to get his breathing under control. But Kunikida, ever the patient man when it came to children, just assured him it was okay and to try again. It took him several minutes until he was fully calmed down and not hyperventilating anymore. He was still lightly crying however, just not as harshly.
"Good job Dazai.. you did good. I'm proud of you."
Dazai almost started crying again at that. Instead he just pushed his face into Kunikida's shoulder and let out a whine. He was more exhausted than he was before, from the crying and a mini panic attack he was certain he was going to pass out any minute. He wrapped his hands into Kunikida's shirt and held on. He didn't want him to let him go, not right now.
"Alright, Alright. I'm here Dazai, I'm not going anywhere. Do you want to go back to my dorm? Get comfy in some blankets, maybe eat something?"
The offer was nice, exquisite even. But Dazai didn't feel hungry. He was too tired to eat. The blanket part was enticing though, so he just nodded his head. He couldn't convey he wasn't hungry right now, so he'll have to figure it out later.
"Can you walk, or do you want me to carry you?" His grip tightened further on Kunikids's shirt in response.
He heard the blonde let out a fond huff, and maneuvered them so he could pick him up easier. He was hoisted up onto Kunikida's hip and whined at being jolted around, but didn't complain any further than that. He wasn't keen on Kunikida seeing him as a nuisance.
He let himself be carried out of his dorm and taken quickly to Kunikida's. It was all kind of a blur, from him being so exhausted he almost fell asleep at Kunikida carrying him around. It felt nice, the way Kunikida kind of swayed when he walked. Dazai wasn't sure if it was being done on purpose, but he wasn't about to complain. The motion helped lull him further into falling asleep.
He was about to fall asleep when Kunikida went to sit him down on something soft. Letting out a soft whine he tightened his hold onto Kunikida's shirt. He didn't want to be set down, he wanted to be held.
"I have to get something really fast, okay? I won't be gone for long I promise." Kunikida reassured as he patted Dazai's back.
He didn't want to be put down or left alone, but Kunikida said he'd be gone for just a bit so it was fine, right? As long as he came back really fast it was fine. Slowly, he let go of Kunikida's shirt and let his hand fall to his thighs. He looked up at Kunikida who gave him a soft smile before gently brushing his hand through his hair. It probably felt gross.
He can't remember the last time he showered, let alone washed his hair. Nevertheless Kunikida still ran his fingers through his hair for a moment before removing his hand.
"I'll be right back alright? Just a minute, Sweetheart."
And then he left what seemed to be his room. Dazai looked around, it was very different from his own room. It had a western style bed, which he thought was off but didn't comment on it, and had a desk that was very neatly organized. Dazai's room only had a futon with beer bottles scattered on the floor and a dresser.
He fiddled with his pants, pinching and rubbing the fabric between his fingers. It was significantly harder to think, but that didn't mean he still didn't feel the overwhelming anxiety rolling in his gut.
He really didn't like being alone. He wondered when Kunikida would be back. Unless he left and only said that to mess with him? And he really actually left and didn't want to bother himself with a kid? Kunikida wouldn't do that.
Kunikida loved kids. Surely he could love little him too? No, but he was clingy and stupid. No one could love someone like that, someone like him.
He felt himself getting worked up again. Great, just proving his own point. He was stupid kid, stupid. Working himself into a frenzy because Kunikida left him alone. He was better than this, wasn't he? He used to be a mafioso. An executive in the Port Mafia. And now he was sitting in his partner's room sitting on his bed because he just had to act like a kid.
He was glad Oda wasn't here anymore to deal with this with him.
Kunikida dug through the closet in the hall, searching for Atsushi's little stuff he kept in there for him when he needed it. Technically, it didn't belong to Atsushi, but he was the one who used it most. The only other person that had used it before was Kyouka. So it wasn't really anyone's stuff, it was there in case anyone needed it, needed him. No one other than Atsushi or Kyouka had come to him for help, as all the other agency members seemed to be able to handle themselves.
Once he found the box of little supplies he pulled it out, instead of wasting time searching for anything specific he decided to just take the whole thing with him.
It wasn't a large box by any means, but it would've been difficult to carry it and Dazai. If he could've carried them both, he would've. He quickly made his way back into his room, and almost felt his heart stop when he saw dazai curled up in his bed in the same stop he left him. He set the box down once he made it to the side of the bed and put his hand on Dazai's shoulder gently.
He tried not to acknowledge the harsh flinch. "Hey there, I'm back just like I promised." He knelt down in front of Dazai, his hand still resting on his shoulder. "What are you hiding for, Sweetheart?"
He didn't want to push too much in case he overwhelmed Dazai in any way. The best approach was to be gentle, since that's what Dazai seemed to need right now. Gentleness. And Kunikida can be gentle.
"You okay with a hug right now Dazai?" He asked, he didn't want to do anything he wasn't comfortable with.
He got a shaky nod in return. He quickly stood up, sat next to the brunette, and pulled him into his side. He really needed to get Dazai into more comfortable clothes, and get his shoes off. It definitely couldn't be nice being in the stuffy work clothes. He would have to get him changed after he got him calm again.
He held the other man close, running his hand up and down his back in a soothing motion. He figured it helped because Dazai immediately melted into his side, unraveling himself and curling into Kunikida's side instead.
"There you are! Cmon Sweetheart," He pulled Dazai into his lap, making sure to be as gentle as possible. Dazai immediately cuddled his face into his shoulder, "Do you want to get changed, Dazai? Get into something nice and comfy?"
He didn't have any little clothes that would fit Dazai, most of what he had only fit Atsushi and would be too short on Dazai. He supposed he could put Dazai in his clothes. He had a few comfortable pairs of sweats and sweaters that would fit Dazai and wouldn't irritate the little skin he showed.
Speaking of that, he needed to change his bandages. Whether he helped or not depended on if Dazai wanted it or not. But he wasn't going to let Dazai sit in clearly dirty bandages.
He felt Dazai slowly nod against his shoulder, and Kunikida picked him up again. He carried him to his dresser and sifted through it, pulling out soft sweatpants that had fish on them. He can't remember where he got them from. He then looked and grabbed a big soft light green sweater. It wasn't anything special, just a blank sweater, but he knew the inside was soft.
Once he had the two articles of clothing he walked to the bathroom, he had bandages in there that Dazai could use. They were the brand Dazai liked as well. He had them in there after an incident.
He entered the bathroom and flicked the light on. "I'm gonna set you down Dazai, but I'm not going to leave you. I'll be right here the whole time, but you need to change your bandages."
He felt Dazai immediately tense in his arms, squirming a bit. "I know, I know. But they're dirty 'Samu. You need to change them." Kunikida explained softly- not even realizing he used Dazai's first name- and set him onto the counter by the sink. He felt his stomach turn when he saw the distraught look on Dazai's face.
"Do you want me to help you Dazai? Or do you want to do it yourself?" He knows Dazai doesn't like people seeing him without his bandages. He's never seen him without them except for one time.
He watched Dazai mull over the question, his hazy eyes that still held a distraught look to them looked at the ground. Kunikida could tell it was a difficult thing to think about. He was aware of how much Dazai cherished his privacy, especially when it came to what was under the bandages.
He wasn't going to push too much, but he preferred that they were changed right now.
He wasn't really sure how long it took Dazai to decide but eventually he pointed his finger at him. He was a little surprised at that, and tried to push down the giddy feeling. He shouldn't feel giddy over that, but he was happy to know Dazai trusted him like this. To be vulnerable around him.
"Alright, Do you want help taking your clothes off or do you want to do it yourself?" He tried not to give too many questions, but these things were important. He didn't want to cross any boundaries.
"Can do it m'self." Dazai mumbled as he reached to unbutton his vest. Kunikida stepped back a bit, to give him space to do what he needed to.
He was ready to step in if he was needed though, he understood how difficult unbuttoning stuff can be for children. Especially kids as young as Dazai seemed to be at the moment. He wanted to ask but he didn't want to scare him, or maybe he had it wrong and Dazai was just ill?
He didn't want to potentially embarrass Dazai if he wasn't a little.
He tried not to laugh as he watched Dazai struggle to get his vest unbuttoned. It wasn't really funny, but the focused look Dazai had on his face the way his tongue stuck out was amusing.
"Are you sure you've got this Dazai?"
"Yes."
"Whatever you say.." Kunikida said, a smile on his face as Dazai finally managed to get his vest unbuttoned and off. He watched him throw it on the bathroom floor rather frustratedly, Kunikida would pick it up and wash it for him later, along with his other clothes.
He watched as Dazai's hands hovered over the dress shirt buttons. He was definitely contemplating asking for help but Kunikida would wait til he asked for it directly.
"Help please.." It was kind of mumbled, and Kunikida almost didn't understand what he said but the way his hands fell to his sides he knew Dazai gave up.
"Alright, you did a good job getting your vest off Sweetheart. It's okay to need a little help." He reassured the brunette as he began to carefully unbutton Dazai's dress shirt.
He made sure to go slow, but not too slow that Dazai would grow impatient. He wanted Dazai to know he could tell him to stop at any time. Once the dress shirt was unbuttoned he tossed it onto the vest, not really caring at the moment. He could always pick it up later.
He tried to ignore how thin Dazai was. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't healthy either.
"Do you need hope with your pants?" He questioned, watching Dazai squirm a bit.
Slowly, Dazai nodded his head. Kunikida hummed softly, a smile still on his face. "Alright, I can help you but if you want me to stop tell me okay? I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
After that he indicated for him to sit up so he could pull Dazai's pants down past his hips. Once they were off he threw them over to where the rest of the others' clothes were. Now they just needed to change the bandages, get him into new clothes, and maybe eat. Simple enough, right?
"Let's get these gross bandages off now, and then get you some nice clean new ones, yea?" Kunikida said lightheartedly, hoping to make Dazai feel a bit more comfortable.
Dazai only nodded, running his hands up and down the bandages on his thighs. Kunikida started with the ones on his legs first, kneeling on the floor in order to do so. He unwinded them until they were off completely, and balled them up and threw them into the trash by the toilet.
He made sure to go a bit faster with the ones on Dazai's arms and neck. He could tell Dazai was getting antsy from the way he was beginning to squirm around and clench and unclenching his fingers. He didn't want to drag this out, he wanted this to be quick so he could get Dazai dressed, fed, and into bed.
"You're doing good, Sweetheart. Just a bit longer and then we're all done and we can go eat something and go to bed, yea? Sound good?" Kunikida said, removing the last oif the bandages before tossing them in the trash.
He pulled out the ones he had stashed in his drawer and began to rewrap Dazai up. He made sure to make them not too tight, but enough to apply a bit of pressure. He knew Dazai liked that.
He started off with his neck this time, then his arms, and so on. Once he was finished he put the remaining- which wasn't much- bandages away. He grabbed the sweater he brought for Dazai and had the brunette lift up his arms. He pulled the soft sweater over Dazai's head and gave him a soft smile. He ruffled his hair softly before grabbing the sweats.
Getting the sweats on was a bit of a hassle, but they managed.
"All set now huh?" The blonde said affectionately, he lifted Dazai back up into his arms after the other reached out for him. He'd be lying if he didn't think it was cute.
"Hungry Dazai?" He felt the brunette shake his head. He'd really prefer Dazai ate something, but he saw Dazai ate at least a bit of crab for lunch and he don't want to push too much. If he wasn't hungry, he wasn't hungry.
But he'd definitely have him eat. Something for breakfast. That was not something to be argued. He simply let out a soft sigh, and made his way back to his room. He tried to lay Dazai down, but he clung to his shirt.
"Come on now, Love. I've got to get changed, I promise I'll be right back." He hushed as he removed Dazai's hand from his shirt. He watched as the other layed down, clinging to the sheets.
He made quick work of removing his work clothes and exchanging them with his pajamas. Once he was finished he went back to the bed, where Dazai was impatiently waiting.
It seemed even when he was small- at least he thought he was small- he was still bratty. It almost made Kunikida laugh. Instead he just let out an affectionate huff and sat down in the bed.
He maneuvered them around until he was on his back and Dazai was propped up against his chest. It seemed Dazai was too tired to make any jokes. He moved his head a bit, resting his ear above Kunikida's heart and let out a soft sigh.
Kunikida watched intently as Dazai sneaked his thumb into his mouth- he was definitely small then. He moved his hand around and pulled out a pacifier he had tucked away in his bedside table, removing Dazai's thumb- ignoring the whine he got in response- and slipped it into Dazai's mouth.
He made sure it was a clean one so he didn't have to worry about that. Dazai grabbed a fist full of Kunikida's sleep shirt, snuggling into his chest and pressing his ear against his heart, as if he was scared he'd disappear or his heart would stop beating. It almost made Kunikida sad. But Dazai looked adorable cuddled up in his arms with a pacifier tucked between his lips.
He moved his hand into the brunette rather unruly and greasy curls and began to scratch as his scalp. A gesture he assumed was soothing as Dazai relaxed further into Kunikida's arms.
"There you go Love, it's okay. I'm right here." He said gently, pushing his nose into Dazai's hair. He took his glasses off with his free hand and set them on the bedside table, making sure they were tucked away in their case.
He watched as Dazai slowly fell asleep, his breaths evening out and he completely went slack against him. Only then did he allow himself to close his own eyes and let sleep overtake him.