Work Text:
One thing that every detective hates more than murder is the tideous paperwork that comes with it. And that's what everyone at the ADA were stuck doing. Well, except for Ranpo of course, he's just too great for that sort of thing.
And obviously, there's the one person who doesn't do most of his work, bopping his head to the music of his headphones.
And, per the usual, Kunikida got on Dazai for not doing his work. The brunette slipped Atsushi about five-hundred yen to do his work, which he obviously obliged to. Poor Atsushi is incapable of denying Dazai of his pestering requests.
"But, uh, why can't you do it?"
Dazai sighed theatrically and pouted. "Because it's boring! And I got back from a very tiring case."
The younger male scratched the back of his neck. "Well—"
"Okay! How about this," Dazai began, "You do my work, and I'll pay you double of what I gave you." He smirked, leaning back against his chair.
Atsushi dropped his head in defeat. "Alright." The boy couldn't pass up the opportunity to get money he so desperately needed.
Dazai leaned back against his desk chair and sighed.
A couple more times to get Atsushi's attention.
Atsushi turned to Dazai with a raised brow. "What is it Dazai?"
The brunette folded his arms in front of him and smiled.
And that smile told Atsushi this probably wasn't going to be anything good for him.
"I have a question for you Atsushi."
The ash blonde nodded slowly for Dazai to continue. "What is it?
"Do you think I'm crazy?" Dazai raised a brow and grinned. Atsushi looked down, sheepishly fiddling with his pen. "What...? No! No."
The brunette cut his teeth and tilted his head, his brown hair falling to one side. "Atsushi! I'm not gonna be upset." Atsushi personally felt like this was a trap, but he sighed as he answered. "Well...maybe just a little bit."
The ash blonde saw the brunette's smile fall into an inquisitive expression. He immediately jumped to his own defense, his hands waving around frantically. "But—! But to be fair...who isn't?"
Dazai blinked in surprise before laughing. "Well, I don't blame you for that."
Atsushi's shoulders dropped in obvious relief as he sighed, glancing at Dazai. "We all know at least one crazy person in our lives." The brunette chuckled and shook his head a little.
This made Atsushi raise a brow. 'Is he speaking from experience?'
The younger detective cleared his throat and spoke up. "Do you know someone like that?" He was hesitant, but he had to know.
Someone crazier than Dazai? He was in for a trip and one hell of a story.
The former Mafia member smiled, almost smitten looking as he glanced down at his computer. "It was this girl I used to know."
Atsushi widened his eyes slightly seeing the look on Dazai's face.
"Who was she?"
Dazai turned to him and smiled. "You don't mind if I tell you about them?" Atsushi shook his head eagerly, practically on the edge of his seat.
The brunette twirled his pencil between his fingers. "I was still in the Port Mafia when we met. Maybe that's why she liked me so much. She liked the darker things in life. The fear."
Atsushi tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
"I was getting there!"
"Sorry."
"I was kidding. But basically, she liked doing things that could get her in trouble. It gave her a thrill."
Atsushi scrunched his eyebrows together and nodded.
"Her father was a detective and her mom was a lawyer, so obviously she didn't get a lot of freedom. But that didn't stop her. Not once."
"Stop her from doing what?"
Dazai gave a small laugh before answering. "Literally anything she wanted."
Atsushi raised a brow. "Huh. Well how'd you guys meet?"
The brunette looked down at his lap with a small smile. "She was hanging around mafia territory. Instead of leaving like I asked, she just started flirting with me."
The ash blonde laughed. "She sounds like fun." Dazai nodded in agreement. "She was. After that first day, she just kept coming back and trying all her new pick up lines on me."
Atsushi smiled. Seeing Dazai reminisce about a girl he knew was nice. It felt great hearing the older male tell him about his memories.
The brunette's smile faded into a small frown. "But, that's what made it so hard to let her go. All those memories."
The younger detective furrowed his brows with worried eyes.
"...because after that day, I never saw her again."
~~~
With a lollipop between your fingers, you eyed the brunette with a smug smile. "Came back for me?"
Dazai raised his head up, his usual stoic expression turning to a glare. "When will you get a life and leave me alone?" You laughed, a sound he secretly loved hearing. Almost like a god sending pouring rain after a long drought.
"Only if you give me a kiss!" You smiled at him playfully and Dazai snorted. "Yeah, no thanks."
"Aww, come now, I know that's bullshit."
Dazai raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
You grabbed his tie, pulling him closer to you. "You like me, don't you?" You asked him, an almost mocking undertone in your silk-like voice. It was hard for Dazai to hide the effect you had on him, but he stood his ground as best as he could.
He swallowed thickly. "I would have to be heavily drugged." You raised a brow and laughed, a little harder than the joke called for. "I was just kidding, dude. You didn't have to be mean." There's that look again. Your eyes, too pretty to look at.
Dazai scoffed, keeping his attention on the dirt ground below him. You got on your knees in front of him, trying to get his eyes on you again. "Hi." The brunette practically huffed like a bratty child, his arms crossed as he turned away.
You laughed again. He hates it. He really does. But he just can't stop listening.
"You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're not happy to see me." You clasped your hands behind your back as you stepped directly in front of him.
"When am I ever?"
You smiled, your eyes gleaming. "You are, you just don't want to admit it."
That...was true. But was he going to tell you? No.
Dazai sighed. "What do you want? Shouldn't you be at school right now?"
"Shouldn't you?" You stepped closer to the brunette before you. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "I don't need to, I have more potential, unlike you."
You nodded, seemingly taking that into consideration. "Hm. Okay, fair point." You turned away from him, your emerald stoned ring flashing from the sunlight as you waved for him to follow.
Your ring was beautiful. You always wore it. The dark forest green stone that was encased into the silver ring was a heavy one with an even heavier price. That one piece of jewelry probably costed as much a car. Or even a small apartment.
Despite wearing a school uniform, you still managed to display your status with your jewelry and overcoats. Rings, necklaces, jackets, and shoes of high quality. Quite exorbitant.
"What are we doing?" Dazai grumbled, looking around anxiously.
He'd die before Chuuya could see him like this. Following a girl around like a lost puppy. Maybe the ginger would judge him less if he saw how gorgeous you were.
"It'll be fun."
"That's not an answer."
You snickered, grabbing his wrist and tugging him along.
The two walked for a while until they arrived at the front of a large school with a black gate around the perimeter.
Dazai had to hold back from gawking. The school was humongous. A marble pathway that lead to a skyscraper of a building. There was a large gate that surrounded the perimeter, the front door within their reach. You fished around in your backpack for what looked like your school ID. The gates slowly opened automatically as you turned to look at him.
"Close your mouth before a bug flies in it."
"Shut up."
As they wandered throughout the school, Dazai couldn't help but feel amazed. Everything looked so beautifully built and top notch. Not a single spec of dust on the marble stairs at the entrance of the school they walked into.
Once they passed through the main corridor, they set foot in a building that was a girl's dormitory. The brunette tensed up, seeing a few of the girls in the hallway.
"Are you sure I should be here?" He asked, making eye contact with one of the suspicious girls that walked by. You only laughed in response. "Come on, you work for the Port Mafia, you break rules for living." The brunette rolled his eyes at your comment as she opened the door to your dorm room.
Dazai looked around the place, clearly already knowing which side belonged to the girl in front of him. It was your signature. Your way of displaying your essence.
"Nice room." He said, awkwardly sitting on your bed. You smiled in response. "Thanks!" You knelt down before him, on your knees as you looked up at him. Dazai's face colored pink as he scoot back. "Hey! What're you—" You tapped his knee, gesturing for him to move his legs. The brunette never let out a light sigh of relief.
You then proceeded to pull out a pricey bottle of whiskey along with two shot glasses. You set them down on the little coffee table and poured the whiskey until it rode the rim.
"Oh, uh, no thanks." Dazai mumbled, leaning back against the bedframe. You scoffed with the...prettiest smile, Dazai will admit it. "You're not getting out of this, Osamu."
He felt a chill down his spine every time you used his first name. It rolled off your tongue so elegantly.
"Come on...!" You pouted the tiniest bit. "Don't be such loser, just try it." Peer pressure is a problem, of course, but trying new things is a part of life, is it not?
With a heavy sigh, Dazai takes the shotglass, sipping it slowly. You laughed softly, the back of your fingers curled against your mouth. "You're so scared, huh?" You taunted, touching the bottom of the shotglass and urging him to drink it all. The brunette haired male grumbled in protest, tossing the bitter alchohol to the back of his throat.
He grimaced from the taste and said, "There, happy?" You smiled sweetly, nodding. "Congrats! You just had your first shot." You clapped your hands with a smirk, your head resting on his knees.
The look in your eyes as you stared; it was flirtatious once more. That couldn't be good for him, not one bit.
Not because he didn't enjoy it, but because he knew he'd make a fool of himself.
After a few seconds, you spoke again. "You know," you stood, sitting on the bed next to him, "You haven't had a lot of firsts have you?"
Dazai's cheeks dusted a faint pink as his whole body stiffened.
You smiled, swinging one leg over his lap. The brunette swore he felt his heart jump into his throat, his hands on either side of him. Toying with his tie, you loosened it little by little.
Dazai was already socially awkward as is. This happening to him felt unreal. He could've passed out if someone didn't come in.
His saving grace was standing at the door, a dark brow raised.
"Should I come back later, or...?"
Your roommate was a petite little thing. Definitely not anything over average height. Pin straight black hair that reached her lower back, with pale skin and vibrant green eyes.
Gabriella. 'Pretty sure that's her name.' Dazai thought, urging Gabriella with his eyes to stop this whole thing.
You turned to Gabriella, that playful smile on your face. "Gabi...I need some privacy!" The raven haired girl raised a brow with a smile. "Yeah right. Let him breath!" You pouted and hopped off Dazai, sitting beside the coffee table.
The brunette never felt so conflicted in his life. On one hand, he was relieved that he wasn't given a chance to embarrass himself, but...
...part of him wanted you to stay for a little. You smelled nice. Your body was warm, but your hands were cold. The perfect combo in Dazai's opinion.
"Did you want some?" You asked your roommate, holding up the bottle of whiskey. Your roommate almost always declined, shaking her head somewhat regretfully. She only had a drink occasionally, but only after a rough day.
You shrugged and poured yourself another shot, finishing it in mere seconds.
"Slow down with the shots will you?" Dazai grumbled, laying down on your bed. It was filled with the scent of you.
"Why?" You spoke through a laugh, probably finding stupidity in his question. The brunette sat up with a small glare. "If you act the way you do sober, I definitely don't wanna be around you when you're wasted."
Gabriella laughed, her hand on her forehead.
You gasped dramatically, hand to your chest. "I never get wasted! Not around guests." You walked towards Dazai, tugging at his shirt. "I only get a little tipsy." You whispered, placing a soft kiss to his cheek before pulling away. There was never a moment where his heart wasn't racing. Nothing was ever dull. Not with you around.
In fact, everyone at school loved you for that same reason. Tranquil, yet wild; always a free spirit.
You sighed and said, "We should go do something." Dazai snapped his head in her direction with a raised brow. "Uh, why?"
You laughed, your hand over your mouth. "Man, you don't get to have a lot of fun, huh?" His gaze shifted away from you as his face colored a faint pink. "...shut up." He muttered. Although, you were somewhat right. With mafia work to do and being an executive, there's barely any room for leisure.
In a way, he needed this. He finally got the break he needed despite all the potential embarrassment.
Gabriella spoke with her soft voice, a playful smirk on her lips. "Come on Dazai, don't you wanna hang with us?" The raven haired girl subtly gestured to you as you poured another shot.
Gabriella. She was always one hell of a wingman. Giving all this advice to get Dazai to win her heart while disregarding all his attempts to deny his feelings.
He's in too deep now to just give up. The very fact that he caught the attention of a girl like that must have been a sign. So, to hell with it. Might as well, right?
"Ugh, fine, if you'll stop being annoying, I'll go." The brunette mumbled, leaning against the bedframe. You stood up, stumbling a little from the alchohol, but not yet tipsy.
"Awwww..." you cooed, "Osamu, let's be honest, you'd come with us regardless." You tugged his tie a little before grabbing your sweater and slipping it on.
It was funny; it was kind of like you knew about Dazai's little crush on you, but never asked him about it. He's not the only one though, and it tears at his heart a little.
Everyone likes you. Everyone. Just because of how free you choose to be. Your laugh and your smile; even the way you talked. It always made people nervous. The brunette saw it in their faces when you'd talk to other people.
But it was the good kind of nervous. The fluttering feeling in their stomachs.
Not to mention, you had the prettiest eyes too. Dazai secretly felt that's how you always got your way. 'Unintentionally' batting those lashes of yours with that cute little smile.
Anyway, you were bold and unafraid and people were so envious of that, but more so in a way of admiration. They wished on so many stars to be you, even asking what your 'tips' were. You never had any. That was just how you were.
Gabriella gasped. "Can we go on a snack run?" Usually, when this question was asked, you two never truly went to get just snacks, and Dazai knew that.
He groaned, despite wanting to get something for himself also. "Again?" He grimaced a little, arms crossed over his chest.
Gabriella cut her teeth at him. "You complain a lot for someone who doesn't suggest anything." The brunette male rolled his eyes and stood up, opening the door for the two of you. He watched as you go, a small smirk on your face as you looked at him over your shoulder.
'So it's not just a snack run, is it?'
Dazai bit the inside of his cheek. This night was definitely going to be different.
When they finally did reach the gas station, the girls had laughed, ushering Dazai inside. "Gabriella, get Osamu a slushie." You had winked and the dark haired girl nodded and walked over to the dispensers. Dazai didn't trust that at all.
He snapped his head in your direction, narrowing his eyes at you. "What are you putting in there?" You cut your teeth at him. "Come on, just trust me!" The brunette haired male grumbled. "Why the hell would I do that?"
You grabbed his tie yet again and whispered, "Because I know you will." He stiffened and his breath hitched. "Whatever..." He said, not as confident as he wanted to sound. You laughed and smiled at him. You were right though, he can't resist her requests. Not even if he tried.
Gabriella had walked up to the two of them, offering the boy the slushy cup that was halfway filled. Dazai raises a brow at her as he grabbed it from her. "That's it? In this enormous cup, you only filled it halfway?" The raven haired girl laughed, looking at her friend. "Oh man, you haven't learned have you?"
You pat his cheek before pulling the brunette haired male to where the liquor was, looking through the bottles. You grimaced at the various 'choices' and turned to Gabriella. "Let's go, I have another idea." You grabbed Dazai's hand and Juliette followed behind the two of you.
The tall brunette groaned. "What are we doing now? We better not get arrested."
You laugh. "Since when do you care about breaking the law?"
Dazai rolls his eyes. "You know, you say that a lot and it gets annoying. I'll be in prison forever if they found out who I was."
You smirked, clinging to his arm. "I guess we'll just have to go to prison together." Dazai's lip curled in faux disgust, but he knew you weren't buying his act, not one bit. "Come on." You said through a laugh. "Let's dip, I know a better store."
And by better, you meant expensive. Dazai knew you wouldn't take any ordinary gas station liquor. You needed something stronger.
You had hailed a cab for the three of you, taking you to downtown Yokohama.
Dazai has been on the 'nice' side of town before, but he never had the chance to explore it...or enjoy it.
Once the cab had pulled over you, the three of you had walked out and wandered around town. It felt odd. Dazai had felt eyes on him, but he had a feeling that they were on you.
You had a presence. Everywhere you went, people would've never forgotten your face.
Gabriella opened the door to the liquor store and the three of you walked in. Of course, there were a few questioning stares from customers and employees, but that wasn't anything you couldn't handle.
You turned to Dazai and smirked. "Do you trust me?" The brunette shook his head with a heavy sigh. "Do I ever?" You laughed, turning to look at the sales clerk with a charming smile and flirtatious wave.
The clerk, who looked no older than 20 timidly waved back with a nervous smile.
The tall brunette raised a brow in confusion. "Is he gonna set up with something?"
"No." Gabriella nodded, heading near the expensive vodka near the back corner. Dazai's eyes widen slightly and his tone dropped to a whisper.
"What the hell are you two doing?"
"Have trust in the process."
Dazai scoffed. Wasn't the first time he's heard that.
You sauntered over to the cashier who nervously shuffled his feet as you leaned against the counter. Distracting him with your smile and charm as you spoke, Gabriella had time to run out of the exit door in the back of the liquor store.
Dazai's mouth was slightly open, shocked at the scene. This definitely wasn't the first time you two pulled off a stunt like this and he knew it wasn't going to be the last.
You waved goodbye at the cashier who shyly waved back as you left the store with a big smile, Gabriella smiling as she met up with you and Dazai at the front of the store.
The brunette male kept his head down, feeling very paranoid and cautious as he followed closely behind you and Gabriella.
"Where to next?" The raven haired girl inquired, shaking the bottle of vodka. You thrusted your slushie against Dazai's chest, making him hold it and pouring the vodka, filling up both your cups with the alcohol.
Dazai's jaw dropped as he pulled his cup away. "What the hell are you doing?" You laughed in his face, your hand over your mouth. "Geez, just drink it! You'll like it, trust me."
"Since when have a trusted you?" Dazai raised a brow. In response, you rolled your eyes and crossed your arms over chest. "Fine, be a square. I'll call Chuuya, he would've at least tried."
The brunette stiffened at the mention of the ginger's name. There's no way in hell that he's gonna be considered no fun compared to Chuuya.
So, he sighed, taking a long sip.
'Hm...not bad.'
You smiled. "You like it?"
"Shut up."
Gabriella laughed before asking, "What about the park? We can hang there." You had gasped and nodded with a smile.
Dazai objected with a scoff. "What, are you guys five years old or something?"
Gabriella raised a brow. "Okay, then you come up with something."
The brunette sighed, rolling his eyes. "Fine, whatever."
You pointed at him lazily and laughed in his face. Dazai rolled his eyes, taking another sip of his drink.
Eventually, the three of you took a cab to a park a few blocks away from the boarding school you and Gabriella attended. You had smiled, jogging over to jungle gym and sitting beside the slide. Gabriella followed, Dazai trudging behind her begrudgingly.
"Put some pep in your step." Gabriella said, smirking as she climbed up the rockwall, sitting across from you. Dazai sighed heavily, walking up the steps of the playground, sitting across you and Gabriella, making a triangle.
You sipped on your drink before putting on some music, soft jazz emanating from your phone's speaker.
"Hmm...nice." Gabriella hummed, satisfied as she swayed her head to the music. "Right?" You smiled proudly. "My aunt and I danced to this kind of music all the time. I kind of miss it."
Dazai listened to the music, gently bopping his head to the beat. You scoot closer to him, smiling. "It's nice right?"
The brunette slowly nodded, listening to the music. You tilted your head as you watched him. "Hey Osamu, can you dance?"
Dazai raised a brow. "What?"
You scoffed playfully, grabbing his hand. "Can you dance?" Dazai stood up with you as he shook his head. You laugh, pulling him close to you.
"What are you laughing for?" Dazai asked, tensing up when you put his right hand to your waist, his other hand in yours.
"I figured that since you're in the mafia that you'd go to all these fancy galas. Guess I was wrong."
The brunette rolled his eyes. "You watch too many of those mafia movies. Not everything is like Good Fellas."
Gabriella laughed and nodded, pointing at Dazai in agreement.
You shot a playful glare in her direction before starting to sway to the music with him. "Well, Good Fellas has nothing to do with the fact that you can't dance."
Dazai scoffed, shaking his head as he twirled you. You gasp in surprise. "So you can dance..." He sighed before saying, "It's literally not hard. We're just waltzing."
Gabriella chimed in with a sneer. "We just didn't know you did anything fun."
"Oh ha, ha, very funny." Dazai said, pulling away from you and sitting back down. You sat down beside him with a small frown. "Gabi! He was just starting to have a good time."
Gabriella put up her hands in defense before picking up the vodka, pouting when it was empty. "How did we finish it already?" You laughed, taking the bottle and placing it in the middle of the three of you.
"Relax, there's multiple uses for an empty bottle." You smiled and spun the bottle before it stopped on Gabriella. You two laughed it off, lightly pecking each other on the cheek in a playful fashion.
Dazai sighed, his chin resting against the palm of his hand. "This is stupid. Can't we do something else?" Gabriella sighed and you laughed, punching his arm. "Come on don't be a buzz kill."
Dazai groaned. "'Buzz kill' my ass, this isn't fun in the slightest, it's just dumb."
You hum in thought, taking in what he said.
You laughed softly and grabbed Dazai's face, turning him towards you. "Is it actually dumb, or are you just saying that because you never had a first kiss?"
Dazai stiffened before trying to maintain a stoic expression. "That's not important."
Gabriella laughed, her hand to her mouth. "Tragic, really."
The brunette groaned. "Who cares? It's just a stupid teen cliche that you guys are feeding into because you're bored."
You tilted your head. "Well I care. Are you nervous? Never kissed anyone?"
Dazai huffed before giving in. "No. Don't care, don't have the time." Gabriella nodded slowly. "I kinda think that now's the time, don't you think?" She smiled and Dazai looked at her with caution as she continued. "I mean, you're not busy, plus, you're with people you can trust." She says, subtly gesturing to you.
You smiled and grabbed his arm. "Yeah, don't be shy! Show me your skills."
Dazai's eyes widened briefly in surprise. "What do you mean...? Like, just go all in?" You nodded slowly. "I won't laugh," you pointed to your friend who watched with excitement, "and neither will Gabi."
Dazai stared in shock. "Wait, you're serious?" You laughed and nodded. "As the plague. There's no harm in practicing."
The brunette looked from your eyes to your lips before sighing. "This is so dumb." He looked back at you to see you smiling, patiently waiting for a kiss. Dazai eventually caved. After all, he could never refuse that smile.
He grabbed the back of your neck somewhat awkwardly, leaning in to kiss you. His kiss was surprisingly tender, his hand cradling the back of your neck as the two of you kissed.
Dazai slowly pulls away, not meeting your eyes. He certainly was awkward, but it was a sweet kiss, nonetheless.
You smiled, tilting his head back to you. "Not bad." Dazai scoffed, pushing your hand away, but there wasn't even the slightest hint of him not wanting your touch.
"Okay, okay, no need to get all grumpy." You say, grabbing his hand. The brunette looked at you through his lashes, his fingers slowly intertwining with yours. Albeit with some resistance, he still complied, staring off into the distance.
It was only because he was unsure. He didn't want to mess anything up.
Gabriella watched the two of you with a small smile. She feigned answering her phone. "What's up? What? Oh, okay, I'll be right over."
Dazai's eyes widened. 'What? No, that's bullshit, she can't just leave!'
Gabriella 'hung up the phone' and stood up with a sigh. "I have to go, there's something wrong with my dog."
You laughed. "Aw, okay. I hope everything is okay." Gabriella nodded and walked down the stairs of the jungle gym. "Bye. Have fun you two!" She said it snidely. Dazai could hear it in her voice.
'That liar!'
The brunette grumbled under his breath before you spoke.
You started with a small sigh. "Hey Dazai, you like me, right?" Dazai snapped his head in your direction. "What?" When he saw your face, you weren't smiling. You looked...worried.
You didn't even seem like you wanted to ask the question once more. "I said, do you like me?" You asked with some reluctance, sounding a little scared of what he'd say.
Dazai swallowed thickly before leaning in to kiss your cheek.
You raised your head from staring at the floor before smiling, leaning your head on his shoulder.
Dazai tensed up a little before relaxing, tightening his grip on your hand. For the majority of the night, you two sat there together at the park and enjoying each other's company.
You just magically appeared in his life as a fallen angel; the one that changed him the slightest bit and altered the way he saw life.
And to you, he was the one that made you feel like you belonged. Even with all the people who adored you, with Dazai, you felt less lonely.
Which is the very reason why losing him was so hard.
~~~
Atsushi nodded as he heard the brunette tell his story.
"Wait, so, this girl...she seemed so sweet. What happened to her?"
Dazai stiffened at his question. "Ah! I forgot I told you about that."
Atsushi pressed his lips together, not knowing if he should've pressed any further.
The brunette sighed before continuing his story. "You know how I said she liked to do what she wanted?"
The younger detective nodded, his face showing that he didn't like where the story was going.
"Well..." Dazai bit back a heavy sigh, "her willingness to try new things is what got her in trouble."
~~~
It was a nightmare to see. His heart dropped to his stomach, shattering to pieces. Dazai had stopped by to see her just because he wanted to. You didn't even have to ask this time.
The police had your hands in cuffs behind your back. They didn't even pay attention to the fact that you couldn't even walk straight. They thoughtlessly dragged you towards the police car like a worthless piece of garbage.
But you still looked beautiful, even with that cocaine dusted below your nose. You had caught Dazai's gaze, flashing him that beautiful smile. It wasn't as big, wasn't as bright, but you still gave it your all.
And it broke Dazai's heart. Sent butterflies to his stomach within seconds from that smile.
He swallowed thickly and felt his lungs tightening like he couldn't breath. He started to feel dizzy, his legs weak as he almost dropped to his knees.
His eyes wouldn't dare watch as they shoved you into the police car. God, it made his blood burn with hatred. It made him glad that he worked against the law.
Once the car took off, he stayed there in the middle road, watching helplessly as the car got smaller and smaller.
His gaze drifted to Gabriella, who was standing outside of the school, watching Dazai with tears in her eyes. She ran to his side, standing beside him.
Dazai was choked up. He couldn't speak. It felt as though someone was choking him with all their strength. He felt suffocated.
Especially since Gabriella hugged him from the side, making it worse. "I know." She said through a sigh. Her usual bright green eyes seemed so dim as they filled with tears. He could tell she was barely holding herself together.
Gabriella took a deep breath before speaking. "I have something for you." She spoke softly, not meeting his gaze when he turned to her.
She glanced at him briefly and sighed. "Her sweater from when you guys first met. Just so you don't forget her."
Dazai bit the inside of his cheek as he held the only thing he had left of you. He opened his mouth to speak before closing it. He had no clue what to say. The dark haired girl hugged him and whispered, "Stay strong."
That was the last thing Gabriella said to him before heading back to the school. In fact, the was the last thing Dazai and Gabriella said to one another entirely. You were the glue that held everyone together. But with you gone, what was the point?
It was odd for Dazai to see her so gloomy in front of him, but Dazai knew this cut her deep. Since that day, he hasn't forgotten about you. He wasn't planning on it. You had taken a part of his heart, and as typical as that sounded, it was true. He couldn't forget you, and it killed him.
~~~
After hearing the whole story, Atsushi felt horrible for merely asking about what happened. As his older companion told the story, he saw that it pained him with every word.
When he was done, Dazai smiled. It didn't reach his eyes, and that's when Atsushi felt he really messed up. "I'm sorry, I—"
The brunette held up his hand. "It's okay. You were only curious." He gave him a small smirk. "Well, I have to head out. If I don't leave now, Kunikida's going to lash out!"
The younger detective scoffed softly, shaking his head.
'Same old Dazai...'
Dazai stood from his desk and grinned at Atsushi, turning to leave the agency.
But for once, Dazai wasn't actually trying to escape his work load; he wanted to celebrate. A nice gesture for an old friend.
Instead of going to the Lupin Bar, he strolled past the very boarding school you went to and arrived at the park you both went to as teenagers.
He laughed to himself, walking up the stairs that seemed so small as he sat down in front of the slide. He leaned his elbow on his knees, his cheek resting against his knuckles.
The would set soon, casting a orange and pink glow on the sky. Dazai hadn't moved a muscle since. One would've thought he was part of the park.
He heard footsteps from behind. Probably some kid climbing the rock wall. Dazai sighed as he stood. It would probably be best to move before the child accuses him of disrupting their playtime.
As he descended down the stairs a voice called put to him.
"Aw. Leaving already?"
He stiffened. That voice sounded a little too familiar. He slowly turned before his jaw dropped ajar, eyeing the person in front of him as if trying to make sure his eyes weren't deceiving him.
"You..." He raised his finger to poke your shoulder.
You laughed softly, gently pushing his hand away. "Rude much? Is this how you greet all your friends?"
Dazai's lips curled into small smile. "Shut up."
You reached for his hand, stroking his knuckles. "Missed me?" You asked quietly. Dazai smiled, grabbing your hand. "Always."
You looked at him, sighing. He looked so different from the stoic and cold hearted boy he once was. He was a little taller than the last time you saw him. His right eye wasn't covered with bandages and he was smiling like he sort of meant it. Even his clothes were different.
"Stop staring at me, weirdo." He said with a grin. You shake your head with a laugh. "Where were you headed?"
Dazai hummed in thought. "Nowhere in particular. Would you like to accompany me for a drink?"
~~~
On your way to the bar, you and Dazai did some catching up. After all, who wouldn't? You missed him just as much as he missed you.
"What about...Chuuya? Do you still talk to him?"
Dazai grimaced, making a sound of distaste. "Sometimes. But not at will. He's annoying." You gasped. "Why not? I always thought he was cute."
"Cute like Syphilis."
"That's so gross."
"Just like him." He playfully shrugged his shoulders as he opened the door to the bar, walking in behind you.
"So mean." You said. "He's not even here to defend himself." You say through a laugh, sitting near the counter with Dazai beside you. "Eh, whatever, we're not here to talk about Chuuya. How have you been after being...released?" He asked hesitantly.
You laughed. "Relax Osamu, it's not taboo." You put your foot in his lap, showing him your ankle monitor. Dazai scoffed with a smile. "Wow. How dazzling. How are you able to leave your house?"
You dismissively waved. "I won't spare all those boring details." Dazai shook his head. "Alright, but you're gonna tell me later."
"Fine." You say, leaning your elbow on the bar counter, your cheek against your palm. "So, I hear you're a detective...?" you mused, raising a brow. Dazai smiled proudly and nodded. "Yup!" He cupped his hand by his mouth and whispered. "No more Port Mafia for me."
'Thank god.'
"What made you quit?" You asked, admiring his features in the low light of the bar.
Dazai hummed, thinking about his answer. "And old friend said that I should live my life as a good man. So I decided to go through with that." You smiled. "I think that your friend was right."
The brunette nodded with a smile on his face. He really did come a long way, and you saw it too.
"So," Dazai began, "Where do you work now?" You sighed, shaking your head. "Grocery store. Cash register."
"How exciting."
"Right?" You say through a laugh.
As the night went on, you and Dazai talked over drinks, laughing as you two recalled memory after memory with one another.
The bar was playing nice jazz music, giving the place a light atmosphere.
You took a sip from glass before grinning at Dazai.
The brunette raised a brow. "What's that look for?"
You offered your hand to him. "Let's see if you're a better dancer." Dazai gasped dramatically with on hand on his chest as he took your hand. "How rude! I was always a good dancer."
You laughed as you stood up with him, one hand on his shoulder and the other interlocked with his hand. "I'll be the judge of that."
Dazai playfully rolled his eyes, gently swaying with you. "Whatever, you're all talk anyway."
You laughed, wrapping your arms around his neck. Dazai stared at you with a charming smile, his hands on your waist as he pulled you close.
He wouldn't mind doing this every night. Hell, he'd power through his work load just for more moments like this. Waltzing in a bar with you after a few drinks.
"Did Gabi tell you that she gave me your sweater after you were taken?" You looked at Dazai with surprise. "Did she really?"
Dazai hummed in response, smiling. "I still have it."
You grimaced playfully. "Creepy."
"Rude much?"
"I'm kidding." You say, looking into his eyes. "That's actually really sweet."
The brunette smiled. "I mean, I had to. It was all I had left." You laughed softly before speaking. "You know, she was always your number one wing man."
Dazai cut his teeth, rolling his eyes. "No she wasn't, she just wanted to leave because we always made things awkward."
"Yes she was! She was always rooting for you."
Dazai smirked. "I'm rooting for me, too."
You blinked in surprise before shaking your head. "Weirdo."
The brunette laughed softly. He lifted his hand to trace your jaw before leaning in to kiss you. You widened your eyes in surprise before grabbing his face and kissing him softly.
Even his kiss changed from the first time. It was gentle, yet passionate all at the same time. When you two pulled away, he didn't look down to avoid your gaze. Instead he smiled and playfully bowed, your hand in his as he kissed your knuckles. "You've been a lovely acquaintance."
You shook your head with the biggest smile. The one that Dazai held close to his heart. "Cut it with the theatrics already and take me back with you."
Dazai straightened out his coat with a small pout. "Geez, I thought it was a nice gesture."
You took his hand as you laughed a little, opening the door to the bar as you two left.
After so many nights as a young man, pleading to the stars that he thought could bring you to him, you came back, better than you ever were before. Dazai was at his best, and he wanted to show that part of him to you. You deserved to see it after seeing him in pain for so long.
And after all the pain and the healing, you could create memories of brighter days instead of stormy nights.