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Chuuya Nakahara turns twenty two tomorrow and he's well aware that his friends are trying to organise a surprise birthday party for him. They do it every year and he's very grateful to them but he wishes they'd be less suspicious about it. After all, isn't the whole point of a surprise party that it is a surprise?
Mori-san kept assigning him missions that required him to be out all the time the whole week and Albatross offered to drive him the whole week to everywhere he goes, he's assuming it's because they don't want him to accidentally walk into any of their preparations.
Even Dazai hasn't broken into his house even once this whole week.
He's very glad for the peace but really his life has constantly proved to him that peace never lasts long so he's a little worried about tomorrow.
Laying in his bed he went through the emotional rollercoaster ride his life has been.
Victim of human experiments that turned him into a singularity bearer, the crazy stuff with Sheep, Joining the mafia, Having a mackerel as a partner, Fighting another singularity who is your brother in not blood but lab trauma and his amnesic partner, becoming an executive and one half of Double Black, getting abandoned by the other half, meeting again after four years of radio silence only to be on different sides of the law, fighting a eldritch being and a dragon and much more.
Life's a bitch huh?
No matter how questionable his life has been he's still content with it and how could he be not when he got to have so many people who loved him and are very awful at giving surprise parties.
With a small smile on his face, he drifts into sleep.
———
"CHUUYAAAAAA~"
With a startled yelp he threw back the blankets and jumped off the bed and came face to face with an annoying Mackerel screaming over his bed and banging the spoon and utensil in his hand to wake him up.
"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT DAZAI!?!?"
"Don't tell me you forgot your own birthday!? I knew that hat was chewing off your brain"
"Dammit, of course I remember but what was the point of all this!? There's a civilised way to wake up someone, no??" Dazai grinned and put the material on the bed table.
"Yeahhh but it's quicker and It was so funny when Chuuya woke up all shocked" He grinned again
With a sigh, Chuuya adjusted his bedsheet and blanket, knowing that there's no way out arguing with him.
"Isn't the whole point of birthdays is to have a good day??—" He glared at him before continuing "—Actually shouldn't you be at your shitty agency right now doing your leftover paperwork or something?"
"Kunikida-kun can handle a day without me and I'm sure Atsushi-kun will do my paperwork"
Chuuya drank a glass of water kept on his bed table quickly in one gulp as if it was an energy drink.
"My condolences to them for having to deal with you"
"Fu Fu, we can discuss the misfortune of my co-workers later. Right now go and get ready! We have a long day ahead"
The brunette haired man pushed the other towards the bathroom.
"Now go Sho! Sho!"
———
As soon as Chuuya got ready, they left for the car parked outside his house and got greeted by a very energetic Albatross.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHUUYAAAA, MY BESTIEEEE" The blonde sunglasses wearing man pulled chuuya towards the seat adjacent to the driver's and turned on the radio.
"So what's the plan for today?" Chuuya has a lot of work to do and paperwork to fill, he's punctual unlike someone sitting in the back seat but his friends would probably have his head if he dared to do work today so he's not willing to take that risk, he likes his head on his shoulders thank you very much. So instead he asked about what they had planned.
"It's a surprise! We can't tell you and besides we are about to reach the headquarters soon so have some patience chibi"
Chuuya fondly rolled his eyes and leaned back into his seat.
Soon they reached the five tallest buildings in Yokohama and went towards their destination, which is the main hall.
The way towards was eerying quite, no blasting notices of Kajji's lemon bombs, no Gin and Tachihara arguing, even there was hardly any subordinate walking in the halls. The Port Mafia headquarters are always tightly packed so it was a little off putting.
He soon noticed that his two companions aren't walking alongside him anymore and there's a note in the pocket of his coat caped over his shoulder.
'Go to Mori-san's office first then meet us in the main hall' It read and was signed with a smiley.
Following what the note said, he went to an elevator and pressed the no. for the uppermost floor which has the boss's office in it.
The guards on both sides of the door bowed their heads and wished him a happy birthday, he thanked them and knocked on the large doors. A young and chirped "come in" answered him from the other side of the door.
He got tackled by two young kids, one blonde with red ribbon and another bi-haired with a little hat as soon as he stepped into the room.
"Happy Birthday Chuuya!!!!!!" He smiled and ruffled both their hairs and replied a thank you.
Pulling his attention from the kids to the older man with a red scarf around his neck sitting on the desk, he took off his hat and kneeled down, bowing. "Boss, you called?"
"Chuuya-kun, A very happy birthday to you, I hope your life ahead is prosperous"
He got up from his chair and handed him a basket with two expensive wine bottles and a CD of The Boy And The Puppy movie he loves.
"I hope it suits your taste" He smiled and handed him the basket.
"Thank you so much boss, but may I ask where you got to know about this movie?"
"Ah well Dazai-kun told me that it's your favourite movie"
Chuuya muttered something that sounded a lot like 'that bandaged bastard' and Mori chuckled at the dramatics of the teenager he watched growing up.
"Chuuya!! It's our turn now!!" Elise and Yumeno handed him two handmade cards written with glitter pens and decorated with stickers and crayon drawings.
"We made these for you!! Do you like it!?"
"I love it, Thank you so much" He once again ruffled both the kids' hairs, carefully not to ruin Elise's ribbon or Yumeno's little hat.
"Take both of them with you, I have some work left but I'll join you all soon in the main hall"
"Alright" He held one of each in both of his hands and went out of the room, only to be stopped again.
"Oh and Chuuya-kun, The Port Mafia is glad to have you, you are a loved part of this family and an amazing leader"
Stopping dead in his tracks he rubbed his arm on his eyes, he looked back on his shoulders and smiled in the same boyish way he always did.
"Are you crying?"
Chuuya just smiled and shook his head but the kids saw and it warmed their hearts.
———
On the way towards the hall the trio came across two French men coming from the opposite, the black haired one holding a gift bag in his hand. The blonde one was dressed in a cream and black coloured suit with the coat over his shoulders the same way Chuuya had his, while the other was dressed in warm winter clothes with a red scarf and earmuffs.
"Chuuya-kun, Happy Birthday and good luck in your life ahead"
"Little brother, I hope everything you ever wish for comes true, a very happy birthday"
"Thank you so much"
Chuuya greeted them and showed his regards when Rimbaud handed him the bag he was carrying. That's when he realised a sweet scent coming from it.
He looked curiously towards his brother and his partner, asking them what's in it.
"See it for yourself"
Chuuya took out the contents of the box and saw some boxes filled with French sweets, a little box which was revealed to be an expensive watch and a journal.
"This smells so good!!!"
"It is!! I'm sure you'll like it"
"Definitely, also what is the journal for?"
"It was Arthur's idea, he journals a lot and living with him so long I picked up his habit a little too so he thought it might be helpful for you too"
Chuuya grinned and arranged the gifts back in the bag.
"Journaling your day is very helpful specially for in our line of work, It always helped me take my mind off things"
"Oh I see, I'll try it too and let you know! Thank you!"
Chuuya was pleased with his day so far and then the exact moment, a shrieking voice came.
The one and only Dazai Osamu aka Chuuya's headache.
"CHUUYAAAAAA"
"Why are you screaming dammit??"
"You took too long so I thought your chibi legs probably couldn't handle the long hallways"
The brunette swiftly dodged a punch coming his way.
"Stupid Osamu, we are coming and Rintaro will be in a while too. So go away"
Elise stuck out her tongue at him and Yumeno copied her too.
Verlaine just seemed amused while Rimbaud laughed at the display.
"Oh you little shits"
"Hah! Roasted by little children"
"Are you counting yourself in it? because you surely look like one"
Another punch missed Dazai by a centimetre.
"Alright, that's enough for you two. Behave like the adults you both are"
The argument fortunately ended after Rimbaud's interference and they all reached the Main hall.
Just as Chuuya entered the room, Multiple guns got aimed at him
and on the cue they all fired it but what came out of it wasn't bullets but confetti.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"
"This is so stupid, Couldn't you guys have done it in the normal way"
"Chuuya-kun that is so hurtful, we wanted to recreate the moment from your first anniversary at Port Mafia" A man with grey eyes dressed in fully black and white replied in fake remorse, even his hairstyle followed the piano colour theme.
"Of course, It was your idea wasn't it?" Pianoman smiled at the accusation.
"Indeed, Who else would have?"
"Now now Chuuya-kun, Don't be mad! Look how delicious your cake is"
A blonde haired man with ethereal beauty turned Chuuya around to look at the cake. He had side parted bangs and two moles under his eye.
The cake in itself was a three tier cake which was suited considering the amount of people present at the party. It was a dark chocolate cake decorated with flowers, leaves and vines made of various coloured creams. It had 'Happy Birthday Chuuya' written into three parts of the three levels of the cake. The uppermost had a cartoonish golden crown made of cream on it.
Just then the door opened and a man with dual bangs on each side and a low ponytail, wearing a long red scarf entered.
"Ah the cake looks so delicious, the black lizard did an excellent job at it" The newcomer looked at the trio standing at the left side of the cake.
"Hirostu-san, Gin and Tachihara made it!?! Damn, why didn't you tell me about this talent earlier??"
"We are touched by your compliments boss and Chuuya-san" The good old Hirostu said on behalf of his fellow commanders, Gin nodded and Tachihara grinned.
"Also Kouyou-kun will come soon too with the rest of the guests, so let's wait for them to arrive before cutting the cake"
"Huh, who's 'them'?"
"You'll see soon"
A few minutes passed and as said Kouyou returned with a few more people at her side, or to be more precise, The first one was an man with fluffy short hair in his mid forties, two young adults in their twenties, one with silver hair and the other with pink hair in a half side bun and last but not the least a brunette wearing a blue suit who was actually an humanoid android.
"Lad, I apologise I came so late"
"Yo, Chuuya!"
"Chuuya-kun glad to see you well"
"Chuuya-sama, thank you for inviting me. I hope my gifts are upto your wishes"
"YOU ALL!?"
After the shock has washed down, Chuuya went up to them and started conversations asking how they have been and what stuff they have been upto nowadays.
"Thank you for coming you all"
"Chuuya-sama, your eyes look very watery. Why is that? Birthdays are very important for human culture, a memorable day to celebrate one's birth with loved ones. Then why do you look sad? Is something troubling you?" Adam asked with a genuine sense of curiosity.
"I'M NOT CRYING DAMMIT TOY ROBOT"
"I see, according to my database, when humans experience intense happiness they let out tears to balance out and regulate the body. These tears are called happy tears.
I'm happy that you are happy, Chuuya-sama"
"Lolll Chuuya"
"Aww Slug, we love you too"
"SHUT UP YOU ALL"
"Chuuya-san cut the cake please I'm getting hungry just by looking at it"
The birthday boy took hold of the plastic knife and cut the cake into pieces, others helping him give out a plate to each guest.
"Chuuya-sama, here is my gift. I hope you like it"
The box had a little robot wearing a hat. The robot was about the size of his palm.
"I made it myself, although my creator and my partner helped me too. This robot will help you keep track of your schedule and will answer whatever questions you have. It doesn't have a name. What would you like to name it?"
"It looks like a Mini Chibi, Hah Adam your gift is the best"
"This robot is amazing. Oh, what about the name 'Fumiya'?"
"Perfect, I'll turn him on"
"Hello Chuuya-sama I'm Fumiya. I'm an assistant robot, My ID is 2904, I was made by AI investigators Adam, Eve and Professor Wollstoncraft" The little robot waved at the crowd.
"Awwww it's sooo cute" Higuchi squealed.
"Hey here you go" Yuan handed him a box of chocolates. But it wasn't just any chocolate.
"This is…"
"Yeahh, The same brand of chocolate we stole on your first birthday with us back in the Sheep"
"It was a headache looking for it since apartly the company isn't as popular as it was back in the days" Shirase huffed.
"Aww guys"
"Chuuya-san, This is from me!" Higuchi handed him a flower bouquet filled with numerous different flowers.
"These flowers are from my garden" She smiled.
"These are wonderful, Thank you"
"Lad, Happy Birthday. I'm glad I got the honour to mentor you"
Kouyou gifted him a traditional yukta of red and light blue colour.
"Thank you so much Ane-San and no the honour's all mine, thank you for mentoring me"
The Akutagawa siblings gave him a set of gloves and a bracelet.
"Gin you already worked hard with the cake, you didn't had to get me a gift too"
"Oh no don't worry, It was Nii-san who selected it"
"Damm kid you got taste"
"It's nothing much"
"I like it very much"
The older Akutagawa coughed and looked away hiding half of his face blushing from getting a compliment.
Kajji took out a box of lemons and everyone present there freakout before he explained.
"Do not be scared! These aren't bombs, these are Lemons made of chocolate!" He shoved one into Chuuya's mouth, who in return almost chocked.
"Is it tasty? Lemons are so amazing"
"It is, It is very tasty" Chuuya replied and coughed up a little.
"Chuuya-kun here's a necklace for you, Happy Birthday" Detective Murase gave him a necklace with a circle that had a Moon and Sun in a stylish design.
"It's beautiful"
"I'm glad you like it. My offer to join me is still up btw, the light would suit you"
"Ah" Chuuya sweatdropped at the detective's constant proposals.
"I'm happy here, I don't want to trade it for anything else"
"As long as you're happy, I'm glad"
"OUR TURN NOW" Albatross shoved a car key to him.
"After this party let's go ride in your new car around Yokohama"
"Suree Tross"
"Chuuya-kun I remember you liked this perfume so I brought one for you too" Some weeks ago Lippman was wearing a different perfume than his usual one, it was for some brand with whom he got signed as a brand ambassador. Chuuya thought the perfume smelled really nice but he's surprised Lippman noticed because he didn't told it himself. Ah well Lippman notices stuff quickly, comes with the whole job.
"I got it specially tailored for you" Pianoman showcased an shiny three piece suit of red and black colour.
"Send me a pic of you wearing it when you do"
"Definitely"
Doc had brought him new leather black shoes.
"These would look good on you"
"Thank you"
Doc smiled showing his sharp teeth.
"And as always, you are always allowed to come to me for treatment anytime"
"Iceman show yours too" Pianoman nulged the other to give his gift too.
"It's not much but—" He gave him a heavy box which contained wine glasses.
"Hehehe because chuuya breaks his glasses often by throwing them when he's pissed off" Doc cackled at Iceman's gift, Albatross joining him on the laughter stream.
"Fuck you Doc and Albatross. Thank you Iceman, unlike what some people here think, I'll not break your gift"
"This cake is so good, Seriously why don't you three open a bakery as a side hustle"
"Hahaha, if we did then Gramps, Gin what would you both name it?
"I'm not sure, I never had this thought before"
"How about Sugar and Sweets Bakery?"
Gin rolled her eyes.
"Very creative of you, Tachihara"
"Oh is that so Gin?? Then do you have any better ideas!?!" Tachihara cocked one of his eyebrows in challenge.
"No fighting here" They both returned to their non-hostile states after a glare from the older commander.
On the other side of the room.
"Arthur, what thoughts are causing you to be in deep thoughts right now?"
"Mhm, Just thinking how close we were to almost losing this all we have now, Paul all it would have taken was another single misstep, Brbrbrbr it's so cold here" Rimbaud shivered at the chilly air coming from the air conditioners attached in the hall.
"Didn't you tell me not to dwell in the past?"
"Ah well, I was wondering"
"Don't, All's well that ends well"
After everyone had finished their cakes, the main buffet opened and all sat down with their groups and partners to have dinner.
Chuuya and Dazai were seated in one of the seats, in front of each other.
"Chuuya, don't interrupt me. I have some things to say" Dazai put out a hand to stop him from answering. This talk was long awaited.
"I'm sorry I left without telling you anything four years ago, I couldn't bring myself to call you and you were also on a mission out of the country at that time.
I almost called you multiple times but turned off the phone before I could press the call, I didn't know what to tell you. It was all too overwhelming for me at that time so I was confused.
I almost lost Odasaku after the Mimic incident and the whole week he was in coma almost felt like I was drowning. I didn't want to meet or talk to Mori-san and Ango turned out to be a traitor. I don't hold it against him, really I don't and I was glad when he came to check on Odasaku. Then Odasaku recovered and left PM. I don't regret that, I was the one who negotiated his leave and I'm happy he's living his life as a writer with his orphans now.
But it was all so lonely, I have been alone often but never did I feel this amount of loneliness.
Before Mori-san arrived with the medics, Odasaku was lying in my arms and so close to death, he told me something, to go to the world of light and save orphans, he said it's beautiful and maybe I'll find my reason to live in the light since I couldn't find it in the dark"
"Dazai—"
"Pls let me continue" Chuuya looked at him, nodding.
"So I left PM, I didn't tell anyone, just packed and went. I put that bomb under your car so you'll get the memo to not try and find me. I was underground for two years and then with the recommendation of Taneda-san I got into ADA.
I am sorry but just know I never actually left you, I missed you and the others too"
Chuuya was taken aback by the full fledged honesty. He clenched his fist and continued.
"Oh I see, I read the files on Mimic Incident but it didn't specify why you left.
I was surprised and a little hurt too but I didn't go to look for you because of the message you conveyed via bombing my car. Honestly you should have called me or even text would have been sufficient. Two years of radio silence isn't really fun you know? I can't believe I'm saying this but during those two years I was worried everyday that maybe you succeeded in your plan for suicide and I'll never see you again, so much that Ane-San and Mori-san forced or more like threatened me into talking a month of leave, of course I didn't agreed because I can't just take such a long leave considering there was more work because of an empty executive seat you left. Then everyone else kept pestering me and I had to give in"
He took a deep breath and continued.
"I do not blame you for leaving if that's what you are asking. I would be glad if you finally found a reason to live, even if it's on the other side"
"I don't know if I will ever find it, Life sounds just bland to me sometimes but I do know something, I want to spend the rest of my life with you no matter how short or long it is, When I first met you at fifteen I felt this spark, the excitement, you made life sound a little more prettier, and I want to feel that spark forever" Dazai spoke.
"Goodness I can't believe because of you our Proposal anniversary and my birthday are on the same date"
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes bastard"
Dazai took out something from his pocket into his fist and opened it, it was two matching charms, one of a slug and the other a mackerel. He gave the slug one to his partner in every meaning of the word.
"Happy Birthday Chuuya, I'm glad you were born"
If anyone saw Dazai and Chuuya hand in hand then nobody said anything, they all were just secretly glad.