Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chuuya had always been a selfless guy. He never put himself above anyone else, believing that it was his duty to devote himself to the others.

He devoted all his efforts to protecting and helping others, to getting them out of difficult situations. He did this even when his own life was threatened-a fact he often ignored.

Dazai often wondered how such a ray of light could find its way to a place where darkness and pain ruled every living thing. In the Mafia, qualities like kindness and mercy simply had no place. So why is this guy such a sweetheart?

The former Mafioso fell in love with a reckless, stubborn, and unruly boy who would not allow anyone to hurt his loved ones for anything. This boy confidently insinuated to everyone that he would grow up and definitely become better, stronger, faster. He insisted that he would surpass himself and prove that he could be counted on.

The current detective married a caring, hardworking, and loyal to death guy whose smile would pull the ground out from under his feet. This guy always made the people around him feel protected, giving them a sense of comfort and inner peace.

At least that was what Dazai believed.

As he watched the man get lost in his search for a suitable costume, the grin on Dazai's face couldn't help but appear.

Dazai loves his husband more than anything in the world. But sometimes he just can't resist the urge to tease him, to get a few harsh words or a kick in return.

He stood up and moved closer, leaning against the wall.

"God no, Chuuya!" began Dazai reluctantly. "You can't go to work like that!"

Hearing this, Chuuya examined himself from head to toe in the mirror.

"Oh, really...?" he asked in a quiet, embarrassed voice. "You think I won't fit in?"

Smiling even more, Dazai walked over to him and planted a light kiss on his cheek.

"Don't get me wrong, honey, you look incredible. So beautiful that I'd marry you again."

Feeling his cheeks flushing, Chuuya turned away.

"But I think this outfit still suits your old, serious mafia self. Don't you want to try something new?"

"Something new?" asked Chuuya, looking at his black gloves and high black boots. "But I like the clothes I have."

"I don't doubt that, Chuuya," Dazai said with a smile. "I like them too. But my coat would look so cute on you!"

"Don't even think about it!"

***

Leaving Dazai's idea only for his sweetest dreams, Chuuya drove the two of them to a huge shopping mall.

Chuuya went in and out of various shops, looking for clothes in lighter and softer shades.

"Here, look," holding up a rack of dark gray pants, Chuuya turned to his husband. "What do you think?"

Dazai tried to hold back a smile, not wanting to offend the man. "My love," Dazai said gently, touching his hand. "Is that a bright color for you?"

Chuuya looked at the pants and then at Dazai, confused. "Well, it's not black."

This time, Dazai couldn't resist. Laughing softly, he led Chuuya to the opposite side of the store. After picking out a white shirt, a dark brown west and beige pants and coat for his husband, Dazai sent the guy to the changing room.

Stepping into the stall, Chuuya slowly began to remove his clothes. A few seconds later, Dazai pulled back the curtain and peered inside.

"Dazai," Chuuya began, looking at him through the mirror. "I'm not dressed yet. I just had time to take my clothes off."

"I know," when Dazai saw Chuuya blink a few times in confusion, he smiled and winked at his husband. "You're so handsome."

Embarrassed, Chuuya threw his shirt at the detective.

"Fucking pervert!"

Chuuya kicked Dazai out of the stall and put on his outfit. When he stepped out and looked at the guy, Chuuya turned around slightly. 

He looked so cute right now, waiting for Dazai's verdict.

"What do you think?"

Smiling gently, Dazai pulled him closer by his waist.

"I think I'm the luckiest husband in the world," he replied, kissing Chuuya's forehead. "Though my coat would still look better on you."

Hearing that, Chuuya just rolled his eyes and smiled.

"Dream on."

*The next day*

Getting up early in the morning, Chuuya made breakfast for the two of them and took a quick shower. After washing up and putting on a pair of black boxers, he walked out of the bathroom, meeting his husband on the way.

"Oh," Dazai began, smiling sleepily. "What a nice way to wake up."

With a grin on his face, Chuuya stepped closer to the guy and ruffled his hair.

"Alas, you'll have to hold back today," Chuuya said in a teasing voice. "I can't afford to be late on the first day of my new job."

Dazai mumbled something in response, resting his forehead on the man's shoulder and hugging him around the waist.

"Samu."

"Five more minutes!"

Sighing, Chuuya slowly ran his palm over the naked back, giving the man a chance to come to his senses.

"Fukuzawa-san will be very pleased, you know."

Staring into his eyes, Dazai said confidently.

Such words made Chuuya's heart beat faster. Was it really true? Would the president of the detective agency be able to accept someone like him as a member? Wouldn't he consider Chuuya too much of a threat?

Chuuya was very worried that. He spent many sleepless nights thinking about his new coworkers. Would they be able to rely on him?

The guy still hasn't fully realized that he has to leave the Mafia forever - a place where he found a family. A place where he was accepted and raised, a place that taught Chuuya about different aspects of the world he had never heard of before.

The Mafia was an opportunity for Chuuya to learn how to write and fill out mission reports. It was an opportunity to meet people who would soon become his closest ones. It was even a chance for Chuuya to fall in love and be loved, as abnormal as that may sound.

Although from another perspective, the Mafia was also a place where Chuuya failed to find himself. Having spent his entire life searching for himself, he had no way of solving the mystery of his true identity. But how could he ever do that when his own boss was pushing him away from that truth in every way possible?

"Chuuya," Dazai called suddenly, interrupting his husband's train of thoughts. "You're thinking too much again, sweetheart."

Chuuya shook his head and mumbled an apology.

"Still worried?"

No matter how hard Chuuya tried to pretend to be confident, he would never be able to hide his true feelings from the eyes of Dazai.

It even seemed to him that Dazai knew his thoughts and feelings better than Dazai knew his own. That's what a long partnership does to people, huh?

Chuuya lowered his eyes and nodded silently. There was no point in lying - Dazai could easily see through his lies. Besides, hiding the truth from the one person Chuuya trusted completely would do him no good at all.

Smiling lightly at him, Dazai pulled him closer, leaving a quick kiss on his forehead.

"I'll be here for you," he replied softly. "I promise."

Nodding, Chuuya put his arm around his waist and let them enjoy one last quiet moment before the busy day.

When he heard the rumbling in Dazai's stomach a few seconds later, Chuuya smiled slightly and retreated.

"Let's go to the kitchen, I made an omelet."

Dazai leaned over and gently kissed his husband on the lips, intertwining their hands.

"You're the best."

***

It wasn't easy for Chuuya to enter this building.

It wasn't the first time he had visited the detective agency, because his fool of a husband always forgot his lunch at home, and Chuuya just couldn't let him find a reason to complain for the rest of the day.

But this time it was different. Chuuya isn't just visiting the agency, he's settling in and adapting to his new job.

He didn't understand which emotions were the most normal in such a situation. On the one hand, he was madly grateful to be given this chance, but the guilt for the Mafia still lingered in his chest. 

He felt that he should not be here, that he simply could not. He is clearly taking the place of someone more worthy of life in the sunlight. After all, Chuuya is no saint - his hands are stained with blood, too. So why did he suddenly think this was a good idea?

He was distracted from his thoughts by the palm of his husband's hand, which lightly pushed him inside through his lower back. Looking up at Dazai, he received only an approving smile and a kiss on the top of his head.

"You'll be fine."

With a heavy sigh, Chuuya nodded, walked deeper into the building, and called for the elevator. When they reached the floor that suited them, the boys stepped off the elevator in silence and headed for the agency's door.

Chuuya exchanged a last look with Dazai before he opened the door and went inside.

Silence.

The only thing that could be heard was the sound of the keyboard coming from the hard-working Kunikida at his desk, and the sound of the fan moving around above his head.

Now, Chuuya hadn't expected a warm greeting or congratulations on his entry, but still he was sure that he would at least be noticed.

But not a single member even looked up from their sheets or computers. As if Chuuya wasn't even here. As if Chuuya wasn't expected here.

Maybe it's not too late to run away for good - to completely change all the information that exists about him?

"Your attention please, my dear colleagues!" Dazai called enthusiastically. "This is my husband, as you all already know, Chuuya Nakahara."

Smiling wider, he looked around the room.

"From this day forward, he will work side by side with us. Please accept him as a member of the family. It will mean a lot to both of us."

Shyly, Chuuya nodded and waved to the rest of the guys. He received a few nods and smiles in return, but nothing more, as if the other members still considered him a threat.

Chuuya noticed that there was a red-haired guy at the other end of the room who was whispering something in the girl's ear while he was looking at him.

"Why is he here again?" Tanizaki asked his sister.

"I heard Dazai and the president talking," Naomi admitted. "They said something about the Mafia boss starting to overuse this mafioso's true gift, endangering not only the Mafia and its subordinates, but all of Yokohama."

Chuuya, unable to hear a word they said, hoped he wouldn't be hated from his first day here. He knew some of the detectives who worked here, but all those introductions were under the pretext that Chuuya was an enemy. It's different now. It should be different.

"Come, Chuuya," Dazai called. "I'll show you where you will be working."

Gently taking his hand, Dazai led him to the other end of the room and pointed to a small office.

"This wasn't here before, was it?" Chuuya asked, looking around. "How long has it been here?"

"Since recently," Dazai replied calmly. "It's all yours, sweetheart. Make yourself at home."

Glancing over the bookcase, Chuuya noticed the many different files and books neatly stacked on the shelves. On a nearby desk were stacks of papers, marked with a red pen that read "urgent matter."

Chuuya looked at Dazai and pointed to the pile.

"What's that?"

"Hmm? Oh, right," slapping his forehead, Dazai sighed. "I completely forgot. Kunikida wanted to talk to you."

Stepping back and calling out to his colleague, Dazai walked back into the office and made himself comfortable in Chuuya's black chair. A few seconds later, the tall blond knocked on the door and entered silently. He took the papers in his hands and read them quickly, nodding to himself.

"This is an important mission that President Fukuzawa warned me about," he began to explain. "He wants us to start today. He said it's a very urgent operation."

A frustrated whimper sounded from Dazai's side, who dramatically covered his face with his hands.

"Not again!" He shouted. "Another difficult mission!"

Ignoring what the man said, Kunikida straightened up and turned to face Chuuya.

"Ahem, Nakahara-san," he called out cautiously. "You should be there as well. Fukuzawa-san wants to see you in action."

"Ah, of course," Chuuya replied in surprise, looking at Dazai. "Are we going now?"

Nodding, Dazai got up from his chair and walked over to them. He put his arm around the guy's shoulder and kissed the top of his head.

"Yes, and I'll go with yall."

Kunikida just sighed and rubbed his temple tiredly in response.

"Please don't let yourself get shot because you were too distracted."

Such words caused laughter from Dazai, who kissed Chuuya's head once more.

"You don't have to worry about that, Kunikida!"

"Could you stop drooling over me in front of your colleague?" Chuuya asked unhappily. "It's embarrassing."

But just because Chuuya had asked Dazai to stop it, it didn't mean that the guy was actually going to listen to him.

Kunikida and Dazai spent the time arguing as Dazai teased Chuuya all the way to their destination.

It ended with Chuuya slapping Dazai, who spent the rest of the ride whimpering on Chuuya's shoulder. Well, at least he had stopped.

Using the moment of silence, Chuuya turned to Kunikida.

"Who else from the agency will be there?"

"Besides us, Atsushi, Kenji, Ranpo, and Kyouka will also be there," the guy listed. "The mission is serious, so we need a large number of people."

Chuuya nodded silently and bit his lip. Damn. There would be many members of the agency, which meant that half of the detectives he would be working with in the future would be watching Chuuya today.

Sighing, Chuuya tried to distract himself from thoughts of criticism from his new colleagues. But how could he, when everything depended on today? What if he failed and embarrassed himself?

What made it worse was the presence of Kenji and Kyouka. Chuuya cherished those kids more than anything, and setting a bad example for them wasn't on his to-do list.

Chuuya glanced at the rearview mirror and saw his husband's hurt face, his lips and cheeks pouted like a little child. Smiling, he ran his hand through his brown hair, lightly massaging his head.

"What's wrong?"

"First Chuuya hits me and then he ignores me," he muttered. "Quit overthinking."

Sighing a second time, Chuuya squeezed Dazai's palm into his own, leaving his comments unanswered.

A few minutes later, the car pulled up and the three guys finally got out to stretch after the long ride. Looking at the huge hangar in front of them, Chuuya couldn't hide his surprise.

He'd been living in this city for years, but he'd never been to a place like this. Even when he rode his motorcycle around Yokohama, he had never seen a hangar of this size. 

What kind of mission was this? The size of the place didn't help Chuuya with his fear of responsibility for the members of the agency.

"Let's go inside," Kunikida called suddenly. "The others are already there."

With quick steps to the door, Kunikida used his notebook to create a special key for the doorhole. With a slight flick of his hand, he opened the heavy hangar doors, which immediately made an unpleasant creaking noise.

"Holy shit, how old is this thing?" Chuuya inquired. "It's going to pile up on us and fucking crush us."

Without filtering his speech, the guy murmured. Dazai, noticing the expression on Kunikida's face, laughed.

"Chuuya is such a grump."

"Oh, Dazai, shut up."

Walking further into the depths of the hangar, Chuuya looked around. There was nothing here but huge empty crates and spare parts. There was a lot of dust, which made them sneeze from time to time as they looked around.

Finally, at the other end, Chuuya spotted the rest of the agency members. 

"Chuuya-san!" Kenji shouted enthusiastically, scooting closer to the guy. "I've been waiting for you!"

Chuuya could hardly restrain himself from cradling the boy in his arms like a cute little puppy when he saw the sincere joy on the boy's face.

At times, Chuuya thought he would go blind from the brightness of this teenager's smile. Kenji was never shy about his emotions, expressing them with confidence and pride. 

Especially now, when Chuuya was at the peak of stress and worry, he needed such a burst of happiness.

"Hey, Kenji-kun," Chuuya said with a smile. "New hat?"

"You noticed!" Kenji strolled over as if beaming. "Yes, it's new. The villagers gave it to me as a thank you!"

Smiling even wider, Chuuya nodded in approval.

That's what he appreciated about the teenager - he never forgot to help people. No matter what the situation, Kenji was always in a hurry to do a good deed and spread his positivity and optimism to people.

"Hello, Chuuya-san," Kyouka greeted in a low voice. 

Turning around, Chuuya noticed his former employee. Smiling slightly at her, the man nodded back.

Kyouka's situation was different. Kyouka is not as open and friendly as Kenji. She needs to understand a person and spend a long time with them before she decides to confide in them. Kyouka won't spill her guts to you easily, even if she shows interest or respect for you. 

She won't allow herself to show a single extra emotion so as not to give anyone a chance to see her weaknesses. But once you win her friendship, she will never leave you alone. Kyouka will give in to her feelings and impulses, giving you a chance to get to know her better and have a good time with her.

In a way, these two teenagers reminded Dazai of Chuuya. Perhaps that was why the children were so drawn to him? They probably felt safe meeting someone who could understand them without a hint of judgment.

Smirking at his thoughts, Dazai stepped closer and ruffled Chuuya's hair.

"So, ready to get started?"

"Readier than ever!"

A friendly shout from everyone made Dazai proud of himself.

"Well done!" he smiled. "Then I'll quickly explain the nature of today's mission."

After a brief discussion of their goal, the detectives divided up the tasks-a few for each member. When it was Chuuya's turn, he had to search the entire hangar for the documents that had been hidden here years ago from the eyes of the enemy.

Chuuya was a little surprised by such a task. Looking for papers in a huge hangar with a bunch of boxes? It was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

To be honest, Chuuya had expected a tougher and more important assignment for him. Did the detective agency underestimate him? Did they think he couldn't handle something more complicated? After all, the papers on his desk read urgent, and Chuuya had the feeling that he had been given such a job just to keep him out of the way and not to distract the others.

He was about to object, but suddenly he remembered Dazai. He was a man who was fully aware of his skills and abilities. Dazai wouldn't let the others look down on him, would he?

Deciding to trust his partner, Chuuya went in search of those documents. As he walked past the boxes, he carefully opened them one by one, trying not to damage any papers they might contain, but all his efforts were in vain. In most of them, Chuuya found only old tools that had long since rusted and were no longer usable.

After what seemed like an eternity of searching, fortune finally smiled on the man. Noticing a stack of papers out of the corner of his eye, Chuuya quickly grabbed them and wiped the dust off them.

"Hey, Dazai," he called. "Take a look at this."

But when Chuuya turned around, he did not see his husband. In fact, Chuuya saw and heard absolutely no one.

"Dazai?" In a confused tone, Chuuya called out again, his eyes sweeping from side to side. "Kenji-kun?"

Not a single soul.

This caught the guy by surprise and made him a little uneasy. Where could a whole bunch of people disappear to so suddenly?

Chuuya was so engrossed in finding the documents that he didn't even notice the sepulchral silence.

As he walked around the boxes, Chuuya looked in different directions for his new colleagues and Dazai.

Where did they go? Perhaps that was their intention? Maybe that's why Chuuya was given a seemingly insignificant task at the beginning of the mission? 

Maybe the agency just wanted to make sure that the guy would be able to adapt quickly to changes and take on full responsibility?

"Turn around," a mechanical voice called to someone. "Aren't they the ones you're looking for?"

Standing atop a mountain of boxes, a silhouette in a black suit and face mask pointed to the tightly chained members of the Agency.

"What the hell?" Chuuya shouted, scooting closer. "How did you even manage that?"

"Oh, it's not their fault, we attacked from a blind spot," the stranger panted. "It's your fault for leaving your coworkers like that."

Deciding to ignore how tightly his chest was clenched, Chuuya stepped closer to help the guys free themselves.

"Do not use your gift," Ranpo warned. "This chain is unusual - it cannot be destroyed by force."

"How do you know?" Chuuya grabbed the chain and did his best to smash it with his bare hands.

"Well," Ranpo sighed dramatically. "I'm the greatest detective after all, don't forget that."

Hearing a rustling behind him, the guy noticed the stranger in black suddenly disappear. Quickly, Chuuya looked around, trying to catch the slightest movement on their part.

"Listen, mister fancy hat," Ranpo called again. "You should avoid using your gift in a fight with them. It could come back to haunt you and all of us. This chain will dissolve on the condition that you solve the riddle of your attacker."

"You better explain to me how the hell one attacker tied you all up at once."

"Well... we didn't see it coming?" Dazai replied in a stunned tone. "But Chuuya is going to save us, right?"

Looking into Dazai's eyes, Chuuya sighed. Did he have any other choice? After all, he was responsible for every one of these detectives now. Even his idiot husband.

"Uh, sorry to interrupt," Atsushi began awkwardly. "Some of the boxes have symbols painted on them. I didn't pay much attention to them at first because I thought they were used to distinguish the materials they contained."

"Yes, I've seen them too," Kyouka confirmed quietly. 

Kenji tried to raise his hand in the air to ask for permission to join the conversation, but the poor thing couldn't even manage to twitch a shoulder.

"Sorry to bother you!" Kenji called with an equally excited voice. "There's a lock with a needed code right around me."

Sighing, Chuuya looked around. Great. He would have to play a game of detective, making random combinations of symbols to solve the code he needed. And that with an attacker on his tail while everyone else was waiting for him to save them.

Fantastic first mission. Chuuya already needs a vacation.

***

The search for the right characters to expand the code, while simultaneously fighting off the attacker, was a nerve-wracking task for Chuuya.

Chuuya ran up to the guys and clicked in the correct badges, taking advantage of the moment when the stranger fainted.

"What the hell is this quest?"

The heavy sound of metal hitting the ground pleased Chuuya, who was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. The agency members immediately rose to their feet, thanking Chuuya for his help.

"I knew Chuuya would save us," Dazai said with a smile. "Well done, partner."

Chuuya gave him a smile and a pounding heartbeat that, unfortunately or fortunately, Dazai couldn't see.

Suddenly, Kenji ran up and hugged Chuuya, completely confusing him.

"Thank you, Chuuya-san!" Snuggling closer, he thanked. "You're my hero."

Touched by such words, Chuuya gave him a small hug before looking into his eyes.

"You are your own hero, Kenji-kun."

The rest of the detectives rushed over to Chuuya, filled with enthusiasm and gratitude. They surrounded Chuuya, completely separating him from Dazai, who had stepped aside to get out of the way. 

Standing off to the side, Dazai watched his husband proudly until he was suddenly grabbed and dragged to the other end of the hangar.

Surrounded by attention, Chuuya did not immediately notice that someone was missing. In an instant though, everything became so quiet that it made him suspicious. 

He shook his head, trying to put the thought out of his mind. The worst was over, right?

The important thing now was that he had managed to save five of the agency's detectives. Which meant that-

Wait, five? 

Scanning the members in front of him, Chuuya suddenly realized that-

The mechanical laughter suddenly echoed through the hangar. Turning instantly, Chuuya saw another man in black. He held the bound Dazai against him and pressed the muzzle of his gun against the bandaged neck.

"Who told you there was only one of us?"

Chuuya's pupils narrowed and there was only one sentence in his head.

'Dazai needs me. My Dazai.'

"What the hell do you want?" Chuuya asked in a harsh tone. "Say, did Mori send you? Put the damn gun down."

"Or what?" Bringing the muzzle even closer to the sensitive skin, the assailant grinned. "You will use your gift on me? Well, you can try if you have the guts."

"Osamu!"

Hearing this, Dazai quickly shook his head in denial and glared at Chuuya.

"Don't move or I'll shoot you!" The second attacker shouted. "What a bastard."

Angered by such a scene, Chuuya was ready to attack, but when he saw movement behind him, he turned around and noticed the previous stranger.

Were they pretending to be unconscious?

While Chuuya tried to quickly find a way to free Dazai, the other stranger pulled a knife from his pocket and threatened to stab the detectives. He managed to corner them, smiling evasively.

A terribly loud and deafening metallic sound filled the hangar as the giant cage crashed to the ground, engulfing the remaining members.

Startled by the sound, Chuuya turned around.

"You've got to be kidding me."

There was another burst of mechanical laughter before the stranger spoke again.

"So, who are you going to choose?" He asked with a grin. "Colleagues you barely know, but whose lives are now in your hands, or your beloved husband?"

Chuuya felt the anger begin to overwhelm him and growled back at him.

"Who the hell are you to threaten me?"

Quickly assessing the situation, Chuuya sighed. With slow steps, he approached the stranger who was holding Dazai.

"Is he really going to...?" Kunikida wanted to say, but he was interrupted.

"No, look," Ranpo pointed out. "This guy isn't that simple."

Preparing to fire, the stranger put his finger on the trigger.

"One more step and your darling will be dead."

But Chuuya completely ignored him and came closer. Caught off guard, the attacker pointed the gun at the other man.

"Stop!" He shouted. "Not a single more step!"

"I made my decision, asshole," Chuuya replied caustically. "You think I don't understand why you're both here?"

Touching his forehead to the muzzle, Chuuya closed his eyes.

"Shoot me. I choose them," Chuuya began confidently. "All of them."

Lowering his weapon, the attacker pushed Dazai toward Chuuya and backed away. Chuuya caught his husband and hugged him tightly.

"Osamu, I thought you would..."

"Chuuya," he said sternly. "Congratulations."

Totally stunned, Chuuya looked up. The expression on Dazai's face was both serious and approving.

"What are you congratulating me for?"

But when Chuuya heard the chain suddenly begin to pull the cage upwards, releasing the other members, he only got more confused. The happy detectives surrounded the guys, talking again about some kind of congratulation.

"Congratulations," Kunikida said dryly. "You have passed the entrance exam and are now officially considered a member of the Armed Detective Agency."

Chuuya blinked a few times and pursed his lips. What does all this mean?

Feeling someone touch his shoulder, Chuuya turned around.

"Chuuya," Dazai called. "I'm sorry I didn't warn you, but I was forbidden. None of this was real."

Immediately after, Yosano and Tanizaki took off their black masks, confirming Dazai's words. 

"This was your entrance exam, and you passed it. You're one of us now, sweetheart."

The silence from Chuuya's side worried Dazai. Was he caught off guard? Surprised? So stunned that he couldn't even string two words together?

But for the first time in all the years of knowing Chuuya, Dazai did not predict his emotions. Angry and frustrated, Chuuya walked silently out of the hangar with quick steps.

 "Chuuya!" Dazai shouted. "Wait, where are you going?"

"Leave me alone, Dazai," he replied rudely. "Don't you dare follow me."

But of course the guy didn't listen to Chuuya. Running out of the hangar, the guy looked around for his man. Seeing him sitting on the hood of the car, Dazai slowly approached, unable to hide his worry.

"Chuuya, I..."

"You what, Dazai?" Chuuya interrupted in an emotionless voice. "Explain to me."

Sighing, Dazai began to play nervously with the end of his bandages.

"I...We always arrange things like this, it's a rule."

"I don't give a shit about your rules," he said through clenched teeth. "Tell me why were you involved in this crap."

Swallowing nervously, Dazai tried to control his emotions, not sure why he was having such a hard time.

"I always participate in these exams. It was the same for me, Atsushi-kun and Kyo-"

The man fell silent as soon as Chuuya jumped back to the ground. Walking up to the detective, Chuuya gave him a stern look.

"Why would you ever make me think that one extra move of mine could have gotten you killed?"

Blinking a few times, Dazai left Chuuya's question unanswered and allowed him to continue.

"You knew how important this day was to me. You fucking well knew," the man continued, raising his voice. "And you agreed to give me such an exam anyway, not caring what I would think or feel."

"Chuuya, listen-"

"No, you listen, Dazai," Chuuya held back with the last of his strength and sighed. "Why do you pretend you don't know me? Like you don't know how much your life means to me? As if you don't know that Mori could come back at any moment!"

Gently, Dazai grabbed Chuuya's hand and tried to get his attention.

"Mori won't come after you, he wouldn't dare."

"How do you know that?" He asked hysterically. "Don't act like you don't know what he's capable of."

"He's been begging me to go back to the Mafia for so long, and as you can see, I'm still here," Dazai reminded him in a calm voice. "Me and Fukuzawa-san won't let you go back there."

Laughing nervously and lowering his eyes, Chuuya shook his head.

"I was ready to die for you, Dazai. For you and your colleagues, for your happiness," Chuuya said quietly. "That's news to you, huh?"

"No, Chuuya, of course not-"

"Then why?" He repeated once more. "Why did you treat me this way? I trusted you."

But Dazai could not find a proper answer to his question. He thought it's best not to try to explain anything to Chuuya right now. 

Chuuya is too overwhelmed with emotions that cloud his mind, and Dazai can't blame him for that. He knew that Chuuya would trust him, but he had put him in this position anyway.

Getting no answer, Chuuya flew away, leaving this damned hangar forever. 

Dazai could only sigh and whisper a silent apology in response.

***

Dazai spent the rest of his working hours slumped over his desk. A distraught Yosano watched him in silence, feeling sorry for the poor guy.

"Why don't you get him something?" Looking for a way to help the man, Yosano suggested. "Like a bouquet of flowers or a plushie."

Dazai replied with a heavy sigh and a shake of his head to the side.

"I'm too serious about him to try to smooth things over in a material way. Oh, and besides, I have no idea where he is right now."

"Well, all right," she continued. "How do you apologize to each other in general?"

Dazai shrugged and raised his head.

"We'll be distant for a while, and then... I don't know, we'll start missing each other?" Dazai answered uncertainly. "We often apologize at the same time, and then we lie in a quiet embrace."

Trying to hide her smile, Yosano rested her head on her hand.

"What's he like, your mafioso?"

"Hm? Chuuya?" Dazai asked. "The best," he answered confidently, not even hesitating for a second. "I don't know where I would be now if I hadn't met Chuuya."

Suddenly standing up from the table, Dazai became excited.

"That's right!" Dazai shouted enthusiastically and grabbed his coat. "Thank you, Yosano!"

Quickly, Dazai ran away, leaving the woman behind in bewilderment.

Why had he never thought of this before? The place they always visit after their quarrel is the clue to his husband's whereabouts.

After begging Kunikida for a few minutes, Dazai finally secured a trip to that very place.

Thanking his colleague and promising to finish his paperwork tomorrow, the man closed the car door and turned around.

Dazai stood in front of the huge arcade that brought happiness to so many children and teenagers. The arcade that one day brought together two wounded teenagers who failed to find their destiny in this life. Teenagers who stayed together forever, because their only piece of comfort was the smile of the other.

Entering the always crowded and noisy place, Dazai went straight to Chuuya's favorite machine. When he saw the redhead, he immediately noticed his husband's lack of attitude. He reluctantly and boringly pressed the buttons, causing the poor character in the game to lose more and more HP.

Carefully and without Chuuya noticing, Dazai sat down on the opposite chair and immediately joined the game. 

The former mafioso noticed how the new character suddenly joined the game, healing and protecting his. Surprised by such heroism, Chuuya's interest was piqued. Looking up, he noticed Dazai sitting across from him, smiling weakly at him.

Chuuya blinked a few times, trying not to give away his surprise, but he clearly failed.

"Dazai?" he called. "You came."

More of a statement than a question, Chuuya said quietly. The detective just nodded and sighed.

"Could it have been otherwise?"

Pursing his lips, Chuuya shifted his gaze somewhere to the side. Of course, he was still angry with Dazai. He wasn't ready to forgive him for such a betrayal and for playing with his feelings in such a cruel way, but he also couldn't ignore the fact that he missed the idiot immensely.

"Chuuya," the man called softly. "Can we talk?"

After a few seconds of consideration, Chuuya's eyes met Dazai's.

"Okay, but not here."

Once outside and sitting on a familiar bench, an awkward silence hung between the guys. Dazai wasn't ready to speak first because he wasn't sure if Chuuya would let him. Chuuya, on the other hand, was too proud to start a conversation.

After what seemed like an eternity, the two called to each other in unison.

"Chuuya."

"Dazai."

Frozen in place, the two looked at each other in surprise. This elicited a small laugh from Dazai, which caused Chuuya to smile weakly in response.

"Some things never change, do they?"

"Uh-huh," Chuuya agreed in a whisper. "We are sitting in front of the arcade."

"On the same bench," Dazai went on.

"For the same reason," they said again simultaneously.

Sighing, Dazai mustered the will to explain himself to Chuuya.

"Chuuya, I should apologize."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize," Chuuya interrupted. "Don't get me wrong...I still feel bad about what happened. But I shouldn't have put all the blame on you. After all, if I had been more careful during the search, I would have spotted the attackers sooner. I wasn't vigilant enough."

Dazai knew those were the exact words he would hear from Chuuya. He knew, and he hated himself for letting his husband believe such a thing again.

"No, Chuuya, you have every right to blame me for what happened," Dazai said with a sigh. "I was the one who organized this exam from beginning to end, even though I knew how it would finish."

Looking up, Dazai leaned his back against the bench.

"I just wanted them to understand you, Chuuya," he said guiltily. "I was trying to prove to them that just because you used to work for the Mafia doesn't mean you're a monster. Hell, you're the best person I know. I tell everyone that, and you know it."

"What do you mean by understand me?"

Dazai stared into the other's eyes and smiled tiredly.

"I want everyone to know how strong you are, Chuuya. Not only in your physical and mental abilities, but also in your soul. You are the bravest man in the world. The bravest."

Dazai spoke in a whisper, as if it were just the two of them and no one else.

"I want them to accept how kind, sweet, and caring you are. I don't want any dirty rumors or gossip about you. You deserve the best, and I...I just took that away from you. Isn't that ironic?"

Listening to his husband, Chuuya's heart sometimes skipped a beat. A lot of beats. How does Dazai even manage to say such flattering things so easily?

"You didn't take anything from me, stupid."

"Not true," Dazai insisted. "I should have let you uncover your personality traits by yourself, instead of pushing you off your limits on purpose."

Lowering his gaze, Dazai began nervously tugging at the top of his bandages again.

"I only decided to give you such an exam because I knew how it would end," the man admitted. "I knew you would impress the others and they would immediately decide to trust you. But I went too far, and now it's too late."

Dazai's voice twitched slightly, which was very uncharacteristic of him. He tilted his head down slightly, his bangs hiding his expression from Chuuya's eyes.

Biting his lower lip, he continued.

"I undermined your trust, I failed as a partner," he whispered shamefully. "I'm sorry, Chuuya, I'm really sorry," he repeated. "If you feel like it, you can choose another detective to be your partn-"

"That's a lot of talk for a dumb mackerel, Dazai," Chuuya interrupted. "I don't need another detective. I like the one I've got, even if he's a dumbass."

Not in a rude tone, Chuuya said, gently touching Dazai's cheek with the palm of his hand.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Noticing the way Dazai flinched, Chuuya asked. "It's okay, Osamu."

Noticing that his husband was shaking his head, Chuuya smiled weakly.

"I am grateful to you."

This surprised Dazai, who looked up in silent question.

"You were trying to find the best way to get the rest to like me. I can't blame you for something I wanted very much myself. Yeah, maybe it was a little over the top, but you didn't mean me any harm and I know it."

Sitting closer, Chuuya explained calmly.

"You have the right to make mistakes. Geniuses are human too, you know," Chuuya continued, smiling slightly at him. "I'm really grateful to you, and I'm sorry for yelling at you. I don't know where I would be without you."

Unwittingly mirroring Dazai's words, such a confession from Chuuya caused tears to flow down the detective's cheeks. A worried Chuuya immediately wrapped him in a tight embrace, burying his hand in his brown hair.

"I love you, Chuuya," Dazai whispered, clutching Chuuya's clothes in his fist.

Sighing, Chuuya smiled and kissed him on the head.

"I love you too, Osamu. Let's go home now. I'm really tired."

"Together?"

"Together forever, partner."

*The next day*

Watching his husband get dressed for work, Dazai noticed that the man was wearing his favorite black choker.

"No, no!" He shouted dramatically. "It doesn't fit!"

"What?" Chuuya asked irritably. "Can't I keep one thing to myself?"

"Of course you can," he replied with a grin, kissing the boy gently on the lips. "You kept me, after all."

After teasing his husband some more, they had a quick breakfast and headed off to Chuuya's first official day of work.

Dazai pushed him on purpose, trying to get to the agency building as fast as possible.

"Why are you so eager to work today?" Chuuya asked suspiciously. "In so many years, this is the first time I've seen you like this."

That only brought a broad smile to Dazai's face, who obviously could not hide his enthusiasm.

"Chuuya is interfering with my productivity!"

"What?" He asked, offended. "You are the one interfering me!"

Dazai laughed softly and repeated Chuuya's words in a teasing voice.

Tired of his husband's antics, Chuuya silently placed the palm of his hand on Dazai's thigh, running it lightly up and down and squeezing the inner part.

This sent a wave of goosebumps through the man's body, who immediately shut up in embarrassment and turned away in the opposite direction.

Upon reaching their destination, Dazai regained his former posture. Grabbing the guy by the arm, he quickly led them to the floor they needed.

"What's wrong with you, Osamu?" Chuuya asked as he opened the door. "Did you hit your head or something?"

"Yes, when I fell for you, I hit my head so hard that I blew out my brain."

Walking in, Dazai replied ironically, receiving a kick from Chuuya in return.

"Stop messing around."

That was Chuuya's last sentence before he distanced himself from Dazai and went into his office. 

Taking the opportunity, Dazai turned to the woman and whispered in her ear.

"How's it going?"

Looking up at him with a grin, Yosano nodded.

"Everything's ready, just give us a sign whenever you want."

***

Bored with his work, Dazai turned to the corner where Chuuya's office was located. Noticing the distressed expression on his husband's face, Dazai couldn't hold back a smile. 

Dazai got up from his desk and walked over to him, gently touching his head and giving it a light massage.

"Need some help, sweetie?" he asked patiently, leaving a light kiss on Chuuya's cheek. "Something got you confused?"

Looking up, Chuuya sighed and pointed to a question on the sheet of paper that lay in front of them.

"I'm not quite sure what to answer here," the man said quietly, embarrassed. "I think you've explained this to me before, but I can't remember the important details."

"It's okay, Chuuya, don't worry," Dazai said, smiling even more. "Let me see."

Placing one hand on the chair behind Chuuya and the other on the table, Dazai leaned closer to get a better look at the paper, ignoring any personal space of his husband.

Such sudden proximity flustered Chuuya, arousing many feelings inside his chest.

Don't get Chuuya wrong, though. He always reacted violently and harshly when Dazai made snide remarks about his height. But now, as he looked up at his husband, the man bit his lip. 

On more than one occasion, he had wondered if he could be seen at all behind Dazai's tall frame and broad shoulders. He later realized that he was enjoying the fact that the palm of Dazai's hand was covering half of his waist a little too much.

"It's actually quite simple, dear. Let me explain."

In the midst of his fantasies, Chuuya had long since forgotten the work he was assigned.

With Dazai being so close to him, Chuuya was able to get a whiff of the cologne he was wearing. Ever since the day he had told Dazai that he really liked that smell, Dazai had never changed it. Damn teaser.

Even though Chuuya was able to hear Dazai's calm voice, he did not pay any attention to his words, letting the meaning of them pass by his ears.

Not even noticing the slight blush in his cheeks, he just stared at his husband's face in silence.

When Dazai turned to look at Chuuya, he could not ignore what was reflected on the man's face: admiration, passion, love.

Chuuya was sitting right in front of him, staring at him as if he was the most precious thing in the whole world. As if nothing and no one else existed for him.

Not being able to resist such a tension between them, Dazai touched his lips with his own and gave all of the mutual feelings back to Chuuya.

Dazai kissed him as if there was simply nothing more valuable than what they had built up together over so many years. Kissed him in a way that numbed their lips, leaving them both breathless.

Chuuya buried his palm in the dark curls and tried to hold back a soft moan. 

The man melted into Dazai's hands as Dazai's tongue drew incomprehensible patterns on his.

Allowing himself to trust Dazai, Chuuya showed him his vulnerability again, as if to say, 'I'm here, and I'm all yours, the choice is yours from now on.'

Dazai pulled the man closer to him by his waist and deepened the kiss without a care in the world.

They hadn't noticed how quickly Chuuya had moved from the chair to the table. Feeling his husband's legs wrap around his waist, Dazai smiled against his lips.

Everything was so hot, so desperate, so inappropriate.

It literally drove Chuuya crazy. The constant sense of duty that he had to do everything perfectly, without making a single mistake, tired him out. Chuuya had to prove that he was capable and that he wouldn't disappoint his new colleagues. That no one would ever dare to embarrass him, because he would put the maximum effort into his work.

Now that he was in the middle of such a thing, Chuuya had the thought that perhaps such temporary outbursts were not so bad.

After all, Dazai is the only one in this building who has seen every bit of Chuuya. The only one who has grown to love every single trait he has and who will never judge him.

Dazai is the one Chuuya isn't afraid to be himself with. 

He knows very well that even if he makes a mistake, Dazai will never humiliate him. Chuuya may not be spared from his husband's stupid jokes, but at least his self-esteem won't be endangered.

Chuuya wrapped his arms around Dazai's neck, pulling him closer. Dazai bit his lower lip lightly in response, teasing and eliciting a small whimper from Chuuya's lips.

The two of them were interrupted and Chuuya's reputation was officially buried when the door suddenly opened and slammed into the wall.

"Ranpo, my dear colleague!" Dazai greeted as if nothing had happened. "No one taught you how to knock, I suppose?"

"And you weren't taught not to make out during your work shift, were you?" He replied with equal irony. "I came to ask mister fancy hat for the documents he found yesterday. But since they're under his butt, I don't need them anymore."

Ranpo turned and walked away, leaving the guys alone. An embarrassed Chuuya hid his face in Dazai's shoulder and let out an embarrassed whine.

"It's the end," he muttered dramatically.

"No, it's not the end," Dazai said with a laugh. "I actually enjoyed it."

Chuuya rolled his eyes and pulled away.

"I don't doubt it. Now get out of here, you damned seducer!"

With a ringing laugh, Dazai ran out of Chuuya's office, closing the door behind him.

***

After finally waiting for the end of the workday, Dazai abruptly rose from his seat.

"Here we go!" He shouted quietly and gestured. "Everyone to your places!"

Calculating the right moment when Chuuya would have gathered all his belongings to leave, Dazai and the other members of the agency prepared for his surprise.

As his door opened and the man stepped out of his office, loud clapping and the sound of party crackers filled the room.

"Surprise!" The members of the agency shouted in unison.

Chuuya blinked a few times in surprise, not believing his eyes. Everyone from the detective agency had gathered, even the secretary and President Fukuzawa himself.

Everything around him suddenly became so colorful and festive that the man's inner child's joy came out. He gave the detectives one of his brightest smiles, thanked everyone, and turned to look at Dazai.

He stood in the middle, smiling wider than ever. His eyes expressed the unlimited pride and love he felt for his husband. 

Dazai opened his arms wide, inviting Chuuya into his arms as he said:

"Welcome, Chuuya," Dazai said proudly. "Welcome to your long-awaited world of light."

Dazai pulled the emotional Chuuya toward his chest, covering him with his coat.

"Now no one can see you but me. You are safe here," he said in a soft whisper, as if this moment existed just for them. "But if you would like me to turn away, let me know, love."

Chuuya shook his head in refusal. Squeezing Dazai's shirt in his hand, he pressed against his husband and let out a quiet sob.

"Oh, you little one," Dazai said, smiling, knowing that normally Chuuya would punch him for such words. "Easy there."

Patting gently his hand against his back, Dazai ran his other hand in his hair and started massaging Chuuya's scalp.

"Am I seeing this right?" Tanizaki said, witnessing the scene. "Is the former mafia executive crying?"

Not even trying hard enough to hide the fact that he is gossiping the intimate scene in front of him, Tanizaki kept making questions to the other members of the agency.

It took him a few moments before he noticed the death glare coming from Dazai's direction, who protectively wrapped his arm around Chuuya's waist.

"Got a problem there, Tanizaki-kun?"

"W-what? No, of course not!" Tanizaki replied nervously. "Sorry."

Despite his apology, Dazai didn't take his eyes off of Tanizaki, keeping him aware that comments of such kind could cost him a bone or two. Hypothetically or not.

"Samu," Chuuya quietly called out of a sudden, catching his partner's attention.

"Hm?" Looking down at his husband again, Dazai's tone immediately switched to a much gentler one. "Yes, Chuuya?"

"Thanks," he said, giving a small smile. "I appreciate you."

Dazai couldn't help the giant smile that appeared right on his face as he heard such a thing. Cupping his husband's cheeks, he left a soft kiss on his lips, causing Chuuya to get a little flustered and look around.

"'S okay, mister fancy hat," Ranpo replied with a grin. "Got used to it already."

Laughing at Chuuya's cheeks getting red, Ranpo winked at Dazai who also had a slight smirk on his face.

"I hate both of you."

Dazai laughed in response and kissed Chuuya gently once more, slowly running his thumbs along his soft cheeks.

Finally, Dazai managed to fall in love with the man who helps him fight for his life every day without ceasing, for which he is eternally greatful.