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The Agency isn't new to less than stellar clients. In fact, most of the higher pay clients are, at best, morally dubious. At the end of the day, the Armed Detective Agency is a privately owned business. A business who needs to keep the lights and water on somehow. Every member of the agency has worked for people they'd rather put behind bars than protect, once or twice, and learned to swallow their distaste under the principle of professionalism. Even Kenji, the undebatably most forgiving and compassionate member of the Agency, has encountered a client who made him doubt his loyalties.
Atsushi too, would learn to accept this hard truth of being a contracted detective. Or Dazai thought so. Despite what Ranpo said, Dazai thought Atsushi was more than ready to handle the simple case. One look at the file was all he’s senior detective needed to deduce “Yeah, no, giving this case to Atsushi is a horrible idea.”
He meddled with a small potted flower on Atsushi's desk. “You're so meannnn, Ranpo-san. Atsushi has grown a lot since he joined! He can handle himself well enough to deal with a mundane stalker of all things.” The workday had ended over an hour ago. He stayed behind because of a look Ranpo gave him when he had suggested to Kunikida that Atsushi should be put on the stalker case. It was the sorta look he imagined Kunikida used to give his students when they assumed the triangle on a test had been drawn to scale.
“It’s more of a, he shouldn’t then he couldn’t, do this case.” Another look sent his way. The petal between his fingers felt like silk, he plucked the white thing.
“Fineee.” The floor planks creaked when he jumped off his office chair, the chair continued to spin in his absence.” I'll go with him to make sure nothing goes wrong.” Satisfied with this conclusion, he spun on his heel and headed for the door. On the way, the now brown petal fell into a garage can before he reached the door. It would be a bit of a bother to supervise Atsushi on such a boring case but if it would get Ranpo off his back, he supposed he could bear with it.
“And here I thought you knew Atsushi.” He paused, fingers a mere hair away from the door handle.
“Oh, and you know him so well?” Was Dazai’s natural response, surprising himself. Dazai has never been the pridefull type of man, never caring if he won or lost a gamble, with in reason. Atsushi, for all of his kindness and drive, was a gamble from the start. One he likes to think payed off. Dazai put effort into Atsushi, the sort of effort that people who want to live put into things they love. Dazai be damned if Ranpo tries to even suggests he doesn't care enough to know Atsushi like the bottom of a sake bottle.
Glasses adorned Ranpo’s face, feet kicked up on of his candy filled desk in his usually arrogant manner, An orange glare casted across the lenses of the detective's glasses from the setting sun. Still, despite his words and behavior, the prodigy’s toxic green eyes alluded to a level of cautiousness. Having those eyes pointed at you with curiosity would be enough to scare to the normal person. Sorry be the soul who ever angers those jade eyes but Dazai is at a loss when it comes to the weariness in the childish detective brow.
“Nope you're right I don't know Atsushi well” He yawned, arms stretched above his head.The admission cooled his nerves.“-but I know him better than you do.” And they were on fire again. In a practiced manner, a smile slid onto his face, he was ready to play along with whatever game Ranpo was playing at.
”Enough to know it would be dangerous to let him take on this case.” Finally he turned to fully face Ranpo, back against the door he’d been about to leave through.
“Oh?” His mouth ticked upwards.”Do tell Mr.World's Greatest Detective what fatal flaw am I overlooking about our dear Atsushi-kun?” He doesn't doubt Ranpo's right, however that fact doesn't mean he is necessarily wrong.
“You’re smart, I shouldn’t need to spell it out for you.” Ranpo rips open a chip bag and munches away. The crunches grate his ears. For as much as he often leaves his others in the dark, Dazai prefers not to be the one out of the loop. He’s almost certain Ranpo is aware of this. Through his chewing, he adds, “ either way no matter what I tell you'll still do things your way...” Right as always.
“And Atsushi will get hurt.”
“It’s nothing he can’t handle. Atsushi isn’t a helpless child, Ranpo.”
“If you say so.” Loud crinkles filled the room as Ranpo crushed the chip bag into a ball and threw it in the garage can by Dazai. The brown petal became buried underneath the plastic.
“Hydrogen peroxide:a chemical compound with the formula H₂O₂. In its pure form, it is a light blue liquid that is slightly more viscous than water. It is used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent,”--” and as an antiseptic.”
“Didn’t know you were one for chemistry?”
“For years hydrogen peroxide has been used to clean wounds, yet in studies it’s been found to irritate the skin and slow the healing process of a wound. Interesting don’t you think?”
“You’ve never liked using long winded metaphors so why not get to the point.”
“For all the endeavors you put Atsushi through do you really think it’s helping him more than it’s harming him?”
“It’s kept him alive hasn’t it? I’d say that’s a job well done.” Ranpo sighs and plants his feet on the floor.”I won’t disagree with you on that, that’s for sure.”
“This is for his betterment, he’ll be fine. We’ve all done a case like this and it’s never gone wrong. I have faith Atsushi can do the same.”
“People are unpredictable and unreliable, having faith won’t change the outcome.”Plus-”With a grunt, he stood, the floorboards creaked when he walked around his work desk.” It's only been a few weeks since he found his headmaster.” The green-eyed detective’s shadow engulfed Dazai, orange light haloed around the Ranpo.
“I wonder what Atsushi would do if he knew you planned it?” He clenched his hands, a sudden tightness in his throat. Ranpo wouldn’t tell Atsushi, it would be illogical. It wouldn’t do any good or help in any way. He wouldn’t.
“We both agreed it was for the best.” Ranpo started to advance. Each step was louder than the last in his stride.
“I agreed to hand over the case to him because it was a personal matter for Atsushi. If Tanizaki didn’t offer to go with Atsushi you would've had him deal with the whole thing by himself.” Tanazaki was an unexpected variable to the initial plan but Dazai made it work in the end. Ranpo stopped a foot away from him. “I was with him.” Dazai looked down at the shorter detective to meet his gaze. Dazai was there with Atsushi to provide comfort and guidance. There was no better person for the job at that moment. Things couldn’t have gone better.
“It would've been better if you weren’t.”
“All turned out well, I don't see the issue.”
“The president wouldn't have approved of the plan if he knew about it.”
“Good thing the president didn't know then.”
“Dazai I won't stop you from sending Atsushi on this case because frankly, I have more important things to deal with but if you continue to harm Atsushi mentally or physically-”
“Physically? When have I ever-”
“If I need to tell you, then you’re more of a simpleton than I thought.” He remained silent.
“As I was saying, if you continue to harm Atsushi, intentional or not, then you and the President will be having a chat about your position here at the agency. Please don’t make me doubt the president's judgment of you. Now could you get out of the way, you're blocking the door.”
Whether from stupidity or pride he hadn’t taken Ranpo’s warning seriously.
The mission failed badly, horribly, and unmistakably crumbled to ash. The police took the culprit away for a proper investigation while Atsushi sat despondent in the car. Near the client’s building, Kunikida talked to the chief police of the municipality in what Dazai could only assume an apology on behalf of the agency. Lady luck appeared to be on their side today because the chef seemed to recognize Atsushi as “Hero of Yokohama” and decided to overlook the incident for now. Small mercies he supposes.
With a few parting words to the officer, Kunikida approached Dazai, who leaned up against the agency car currently holding Atsuhsi, the man’s eyes lingered behind Dazai.
“How's the kid holding up?” If he looked closely enough Dazai could swear there were new strands of gray hairs on Kunikida’s head.
“Well he's certainly been through worse. Though he did take what Ranpo said to heart.” He shrugged, in truth Dazai was a little shaken up as well from the incident. This was bound to happen eventually he knows, he couldn't shelter Atsushi forever but this was unexpected. Despite Ranpo's warning, he hadn’t expected Atsushi to do what he did. When Kunikida first received the call he expected to hear about a small hiccup on Atsuhsi’s part, not… not this. Still, Dazai couldn’t help but be thankful to Ranpo for lecturing Atsushi for him. However, Atsushi's reaction to Ranpo disappointed him. He wished the rough treatment would result in the same kind of revelation Atsushi had back at the train station. That revelation evidently never came this time around, instead of rising to the occasion and breaking out of a self imposed mental barrier, Atsushi spiraled further into self-pity. Self pity? No, the word curled around his tongue in a way that made him want to gag, hurl until the word was a mere memory. Until he forgot the close entanglement he's had with the disgusting sentiment. He refuses to let it poison Atsushi too.
“I didn't ask if he would be okay, I asked how he was doing.” Kunikida clarified, the corners of his mouth pulled downward. A familiar sight.
“He’s gone quiet.” No one would describe Atsushi as outspoken but the boy was far from the quiet type. A day without Atsushi's exasperated responses to Dazai's antics, left a hole in the agency routine, a hole everyone felt but never mentioned in fear at, if acknowledge, they might be accused of the crime of going soft.
Kunikida pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh.”Normally I would be scolding the kid for what he pulled but it would appear Ranpo has done more than enough of that. I wish he hadn't been so rough with the kid.” He hummed in response. What exactly Ranpo said to Atsushi to elicit such a response from the boy, Dazai had no idea. An old sense of sick curiosity nags him for an answer. He'll ask about later.
The reprimand was a relatively light punishment all things considered. People were injured and the client was not protected because of Atsushi’s actions. Not only will this incident reflect badly on the agency’s reputation but it’ll cost them a good dime in damages.
“It's just words. Atsushi is smart, he'll take this as a learning experience and not do it again.” Well that's what he hoped, with the way Atsushi is staring blankly at his lap like he's awaiting death row made him doubt it.
A vein started to bulge from Kunikida's forehead.
“Message received, don’t get your panties in a twist now” ”My what in a twist!-” “-I'll talk to him but you need to drive us somewhere.”
“Why can't you drive?”
He raised an eyebrow. ”If you so insist, the damages are on you however~” It was common knowledge around the agency, Dazai's driving skills were on par with his cooking. Despite this, the man some how managed to receive his drivers license.
Kunikida paled. ”I take it back, don't you dare go near the steering wheel!”
Aside from the low rumble of the highway, the drive was a silent one. The occasional joke or quip he gave to tease Kunikida proved meaningless, the man gave little to no reaction to them. His focus on the road ahead remained unbreakable apart from a glance or two to the overhead mirror. To Kunikida's disappointment, Atsushi's state changed much, eyes glazed over and body slumped against the car window. Dazai found himself also giving Atsushi the occasional glance to insure the boy wasn’t replaced with a corpse when his back was turned.
Kunikida tapped his finger on the steering wheel.
"Dazai where the hell are we going? I'm nearly certain we're in Port Mafia territory by now! The last thing we need is a fight breaking out-”
Familiar restaurants and alleys started to surround them. It should be somewhere around here.
Quickly he whipped his head left and right. He's pretty sure they passed the building by now. They could use the walk of fresh air anyway.
“Stop the car!” He shouted.
Brakes screeched and they all jolted forward straining their seat belts, Atsushi released a small yelp.
“What is it?! Why did I need to stop the car?!” Kunikida urgently asked, the blond couldn't care less about the annoyed beeping of the cars behind them.
“Oh I wanted you to drop us off here. “ He said hopping out of the car onto the sidewalk dusting off the wrinkles of his overcoat.
“YOU BANDAGE WASTING-!”The car door shut before he could finish. A few steps to the left and he was at the passengers' door. Dazai swung the door open with the care of a butcher and a lamb. Atsushi almost fell out but was caught by his seatbelt. Dazai unbuckled the thing and the boy faceplanted on the sidewalk like a bag of potatoes.
“HOW DARE YOU SHUT THE DOOR ON ME I DROVE YOU HERE-!” The car door was shut.
Before Kunikida got the idea to roll down the window, Dazai snatched Atsushi's wrist and dragged him away.
Maybe it was the pain of face planting into pavement or the fact he was suddenly in an unfamiliar place, but Atsushi had somewhat woken up from his despondency, enough to ask “Where are we going, Dazai-san?” The boy's voice still lacked the liveliness it usually had sadly, on the bright side the boy didn't seem so dead inside anymore. Good, a quiet Atsushi had started to make his stomach quell.
He smiles at his mentee, “We’re going out for drinks of course!” It took all his self control to stop from cackling at the look of utter confusion Atsushi gave him.
“-why don't you stay and have a drink with me.” a red headed man with an overcoat asks him.
“But I'm 18, Dazai?”
“I'm 15.”
“I am aware.” The older man said
“The legal drinking age is 20.”
“Indeed it is.”
Dazai stopped. He's done worse things. It would be ridiculous if the Demon Prodigy drew the line at underage drinking.
Atsushi stopped, and so did he. A few people who passed them, glared for blocking the walkway, neither of them paid them any mind.
Several cars whizzed over a loose manhole cover, if it jumped any higher there's no doubt it would dislodge. Atsushi stared at the sidewalk. “Can't we just go back to the dorms? It's been a long day and I just want to go to sleep?” Atsushi attempted to tug his wrist out of his mentor's grip, Dazai held it tighter and continued to walk leaving the boy stumbling behind.
“Have one drink with me then if you still don't feel up to it we can leave.” It wasn't up for debate, they both knew it. Whatever Dazai said, Atsushi would do because how could he ever go against his savior, Dazai has never been wrong in the past, right?. The walk to the bar was quiet, he wonders what kind of havoc the manhole cover will cause when dislodges.
A neon red sign illuminated in the darkened streets, a cartoon of a writer depicted on it. The sign read “Lupin”. It hung out from the side of a building, its windows cracked and old wooden doors ready to fall off their hinges. Despite the decrepitude there were still lights on inside along with people coming in and out of the establishment. On the way to the front entrance, Dazai took a sharp turn and led Atsushi to the side of the building. The green glow of an open sign above a black door waited them in the tight corridor. He remembers stumbling out of this alley many times, content and so very drunk. Odasaku would have an arm around his shoulder to guide him to the cab waiting for them, of course the man was equally inebriated so occasionally they would trip over each other and fall face first into dirty concrete. Ango would be right behind the both of them sighing disappointed but eventually assist in guiding them to the cab with minimal damages, on a good day.
“Dazai why are you stopping, the entrance is over there?” Atsushi pointed to the front of the building.
“This isn't just any rugged alleyway, Atsushi-kun” he spun to face Atsushi like a performer on a stage greeting their giddy audience. “This is the one and only entrance to the Lupin Bar!” His performance is rewarded with silence. Not the best start to easing the boy’s guilt for failing today, he’d admit but after a drink or three Atsushi would forget all about today for at least a few hours. It was going to be fine, Dazai would make sure of it.
“Just one drink and we can go home, right?” Tired eyes asked him for a response. For some reason those words felt the same as a bullet, he turned to face the alleyway instead of Atsushi.
“Yeah just one and we can go home.” He tugged on Atsushi's wrist urging the boy to follow him inside, Atsushi refused to move.
Finally he faced Atsushi. “I promise.” He added. Sometimes a white lie is necessary, it can't be helped. The boy has nobody but himself to blame anyway, he should know better than to trust someone like Dazai.
Atsushi went laxed and allowed Dazai to pull him into the bar.
Little had changed in the bar aside from the stairs leading down having a few new cracks. The warm lights above still hung dimly, the stools were still worn, the wall still held the same off white color to them and hell the same red vest bartender still worked there. Speaking of the bartender, the man recognized him the moment he walked in. If Dazai didn't know better he would think the side eye the old man threw at him was judgmental. No, no, the man has seen many more noteworthy things than an Ex Mafia member bringing a coworker out for drinks.
The Lupin Bar was a small quaint establishment located in the basement of another business. The Bar never has had many patrons and is known by the locals as a hotspot for the criminal and powerful so most sensible people knew better than to mistake it for a fun night out. As it stands the place was currently empty, except for the one and only bartender.
He let go of Atsushi and plopped himself down on the stool in front of the bartender. Atsushi scanned the empty bar in slight curiosity before he took a seat next to Dazai .
“One shot whiskey to start off my good sir!” The old man kept a stone face while he prepared the glasses. The bartender glanced at Atsushi expectantly. “Oh um- I guess something with not a lot of alcohol in it?” Atsushi blurted out, the man shook his head at the request. “ Ya gotta be more specific than that kid, we have many options if ya ain't sure, I could recommend some opti-” Dazai cut in, “He'll have a shot of undiluted Everclear.” The bartender narrowed his eyes at Dazai. “Just so you are aware that has-” Dazai didn't let him finish “- has a strong taste, yes we are both aware thank you.” Dazai flashed a sharp grin at the bartender.
The old man glared at him, but after a moment he resigned to minding his own business. The man had enough gray hairs.
The sound of trickling liquid echoed off the basement walls. Light gray, nearly white hair, caught his attention then tired sunset eyes do, both a stark contrast to their dim surroundings. Atsushi has his hands fisted in his lap while he stares vacantly at the bartender opening cabinets, trying to find where he placed the Everclear bottle last. It’s all wrong. Distant laughter arose to the forefront of mind. Memories, he buried at the bottom of a bottle in recent years, attack him.
“That’s why you always get tomato juice?!” The counter shook as Dazai cackled.
Ango’s face grew redder and redder. “You said you wouldn’t laugh, you liar.” Even the stone faced bartender had cracked a smile. A muffled sound came from beside the both of them. Turning they saw Oda doing his best to cover his laughter under a hand. “I’m leaving. I have better things to do than drink with you two idiots.”
Dazai laughed harder.
The rasp of glass sliding over woke him. “Enjoy.” was all the bartender said before going back to wiping down perfectly clean glasses.
“Are you okay, Dazai-san?” Atsushi asked, brows furrowed. He shook his head, he needed to get his shit together, he was here to make Atsushi feel better, not take a stroll down memory lane.
“Of course I am,” He chirped.
“You were kinda just staring at the wall without saying anything.”
“I got lost in thought, that's all.” Atsushi bit the inside of his cheek debating whether or not to say what was on his mind. Dazai decided for him, snatching up the shot glasses in both his hands. “Whatever else you want to say can wait until after we enjoy these~” He held out Atsushi’s shot of Everclear for him to take, a hint of excitement spread across his face. Ever since they discovered Atsushi’s secondary regenerator ability a dark part of his mind has had questions. If he could regenerate entire limbs, what other injuries could he heal? What effect would poison have on the boy, what about drugs or diseases? What about alcohol? Would it have an effect at all on the boy? How much would he need to consume in order to become wasted? Given the boy hasn't ever gotten sick in the times he's known him, Dazai was willing to bet a lot.
Atsushi hesitantly took the small glass from him. “Just one and we can leave, right?”
“Of course” he smiled gently, raising his glass for a toast “Cheers to-'' He scanned the room for ideas, his eyes caught on to the stool next to Atsushi.
“-to commemorate today. To remember we were here.” The familiar words sat in his mouth in just the right places.
“Okay? cheers I guess?” Atsushi chuckled, clinking his glass against Dazai’s. In one swift motion the bitter liquid goes down like it has many nights. From the corner of his eye he sees Atsushi do the same so he quickly puts his glass down knowing what's going to happen next.
As soon as the liquid hits Atsushi tongue the boy gags hard before he can spit the beverage out Dazai shoves his hand over the boy's mouth then grabs his jaw with his free hand tilting it upward. Atsushi's eyes are wide as he tries to pry Dazai off, desperately but can't.
“Swallow, you promised you'd have one drink with me. You can't be going back on your promises now, Atsushi-kun.” He says, calmly watching his mentee struggle in his hold. After an excruciatingly long minute Atsushi gives in and swallows what's left of the drink in his mouth with that finally done he lets go of the boy and returns to his seat. The rest of said drink is on Dazai's hand along with generous amount of saliva, not the most atrocious thing to cover his hands but he'd be lying if he said he didn't scrunch his nose even a little at the sight of it. Atsushi is coughing violently in his seat when he asks the bartender “Do you perhaps have a sink in your backroom that I could use?” Dazai knows the answer, but it's always best to mind ones manners.
The bartender points a finger to a wooden door behind the counter. Dazai cheerfully gets up and heads to the door. When he passes by Atsushi, who is still in the process of catching his breath, he whispers “We still need to have a chat after I come back so don't think of leaving just yet.” Atsushi's shoulders slumped.
It takes him a few minutes to come back, which was apparently enough time for tea to be made seeing as Atsushi had a cup white in his hand. He sat back down roughly making Atsushi startle, almost spilling his new drink.
“I wasn't aware you were so comfortable spending other people's money, Atsushi-kun.” He teased, Atsushi had taken his words as a threat, however, quickly jumped to explain himself.
“He didn't order it. I gave it to him, it's on the house. Now stop scaring the boy Dazai-kun. It's clear he had a long day.” The bartender said.
“Since when are you so generous? You've never given me anything for free before and I've been coming here for years.”
He doesn't get a response. There are few things that get under Osamu Dazai's skin, being ignored is one of them.
“Dazai-san, can we leave?” Atsushi asks, voice raw and cracking.
“No.”
“But you promised-”
“-and you promised to have at least one drink with me before leaving.”
“I did have one drink!”
“You had at most half of one. The rest you slobber all over my hand.”
“It burned and tasted horrible!”
“I don't remember asking, Atsushi-kun. Most drinks don't taste good, you'll need to get over it like you need to get over what happened today.” Atsushi flinched back at his words like he had been burned. Dazai would admit what he said came out harsher than he intended them to, if the downcast of Atsushi expression was anything to go on. Atsushi focused on drinking the rest of his tea instead of continuing to conversate with Dazai.
Bar had gone quiet again, he shifted uncomfortably.
Suddenly Dazai heard a murmur from Atsushi that made his heart freeze over. “You remind me of him sometimes.” The headmaster went unsaid. He pretended to not hear anything.
“Can you get us one more round of shots?” If Atsushi wanted to dwell in self pity for the remainder of the day then so be it but he would at least have to get drunk with Dazai. The bartender refilled his whiskey and went back to cleaning.
“Both of us.”
“Does he have an ID?” His left eye twitched, why was everyone today being so difficult?
“Since when do you check for an ID, Barkeep?”
“Dazai-kun it isn't safe for him to-”
“Oh shut up,” he groaned. “Since when do you have a moral compass?”
“Dazai-san, I think he's right. I don't want to get drunk, Kunikida would probably have a stroke if he found out.”
Sighing, he pinched his nose.” Kunikida won't find out because we won't tell him and he won't see you until tomorrow.”
“What do you mean we won't see each other until tomorrow? Isn't he going to come pick us up?”
“No, we're taking a cab back. We wouldn't want to disturb Kunikida more than we already have with all that has happened today. The man is obviously stressed more than usually he at least deserves some rest. Don't you think, Atsushi?”
“Yeah I guess you're right, sorry.”
“Barkeep another shot of pure Everclear, I might even leave a tip after”
The bartender rolled his eyes at his antics.
The bottle was brought out again, pouring into Atsushi shot glass. He took it hesitantly, pushing his empty tea cup away. “Are you ready this time? All you need to do is keep it down then we can leave.” Dazai raises his glass toward Atsushi,” I'll try my best.” Atsushi smiles.
Glass clicked and they said “cheers”. Dazai's whiskey goes down easily again and he gets ready to stop Atsushi from spitting all of his drink but surprisingly the boy gulped, with much struggle, the entire shot in one go.
“Look at you go, Atsushi-kun~” He teases, slapping Atsushi on the back, hunched over the counter coughing, in congratulations.
“Speaking of going, can we leave? I feel sick and my throat hurts.” Atsushi pleads.
The bartender responded, “ Yeah, that tends to happen when you drink raw hecking Ever-” “Raw alcohol for the first time!” Dazai interrupts cheerfully for what feels like the millionth time today. Atsushi raises an eyebrow at his antics. He clears his throat “ What Barkeep meant is that, your throat tends to feel sore after your first time drinking. You’ll get used to it though.”
“I don’t ever want to do this enough to get used to it.” Atsushi mumbles, deciding to rest his head on his arms against the bar counter. As dramatic as ever he gasps, hand on his chest. “ And here I thought I found my new drinking buddy.”
When Atsushi doesn't respond he continues. “In regards to your previous question, no, we can’t leave just yet seeing as we came here to talk about today.” He softened his voice, tilting his head. He smiles and hopes it comes off as reassuring. Atsushi turns his head away “Why do you always do this?”
“Why do you always do this?” His black hair subordinate complains, hands shoved deeply in his coat pockets.
“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean Akutagawa-kun.” Dazai grins, the men behind him point their guns at the pale boy.
“You asked me if I wanted to try a new training method and I told you if it involved anything revolving guns I'd not rather see as the boss has asked me to refrain from injuring myself before tomorrow's mission.”
He waved his gun in an aimless gesture “You're point being?” he drawled.
“You then promised this training would not involve guns and that if it did then I had permission to leave and head back to my apartment. And yet despite all of this I find myself at gunpoint in a locked and heavily guarded room with no means of escape.”
“I don't see how your naivete is my problem Akutagawa-kun?”
“Dazai-san I have devoted my blood, loyalty and life to you following your every word. So why do you still feel the need to deceive me into doing what you want? Why even give me the illusion of choice! I wish you would for once tell me what you want of me!” Under his bandages his skin itched. A trigger pulled back and a cacophony of bangs followed. A bloody pile of barely breathing flesh was all that was left of Akutagawa that day.
As quickly as it came the memory faded again. Dazai ignored Atsushi's comment.
“Needless to say, what you did today was stupid.” The boy shrunk in on himself, face buried in his arms. “-but I think Ranpo scolded you enough for one day. I will tell you one thing though Atsushi, this will happen again.” He lowers his voice, “No matter how hard you try to do better, you will fail again and hurt people.”.
“Then what do I do, Dazai?” Sunset eyes stare up at him.The admiration in those eyes hurt him more than any suIcide attempt he’s ever failed. Why can he still look at Dazai like he holds the keys to the world? Why can he still see Dazai as human?
A person like Atsushi should never look at something like Dazai that way.
“You keep living, Atsushi. That's it. That's all you can do.” Ironic coming from him.
“What if my existence serves to hurt people? Isn't it better for everyone if I'd just go ahead and die?”
“I-uh, I don't know.” Go ahead and die? No, something like that didn't suit the boy basked in the side of light. If the boy did decide to follow his example of suicidality it would have to be after his successful. Dazai couldn't handle losing anything else he holds dear, even if fate demands it.
“I'm tired. Can we go home?” He doesn't respond, only signaling to the bartender for another round of shots.
The bartender makes no complaints this time, only pouring the beverages into the glass again and saying, “Oda-san wouldn’t like this.”
He grip his shot of whiskey tight, if he applied a little force it would shatter. “Guess I’m in luck, corpses tend not to judge.” he snatches the whiskey and downs the shot. The barkeep glares at him when he slams the glass down.
“Dazai, I don't approve of this, if he were my subordinate I would treat him with patience not discipline.”
“I don’t recall asking for advice.”
“He's a child Dazai, you're a child.”
“I am not one of your pitiful orphans Odasaku.”
“I know but-
“ -me and Akutagawa-kun are members of the Port-Mafia. We lost the privilege of childhood the moment we joined.”
They're quiet for a moment. “Are you gonna tell me the real reason?”
He sighs, “nothing gets past you does it, Odasaku?” The man doesn't reply. “ So touchy, fine, fine.” he took a sip of his whiskey. “ The boss isn't happy, apparently the clean up crew couldn't get to the scene in time to get rid of all of the guards ' bodies. Normally if it was one or two people we kill and leave out on the street the authorities don't make much fuss but Akutagawa didn't just kill one or two people.”
“How many did he kill?”
“Let's just say enough to make me look like a saint!” he laughs. Odasaku stays quiet for a moment then says” I hope you know I still don't approve of this.”
“I know, but it's the only way I know how to deal with a rabid dog.”
“Hey Dazai, how old are you?” He turns to face Atsushi who is sprawled out across the bar counter, eyes misty. He chuckles; looks like the alcohol is finally starting to set in. “How rude! You know you're not supposed to ask your elders their age, Atsushi-kun.” He shakes his head and tsks.
“Sorry.” The sincerity in the boy's voice makes his heart melt.
“It's alright I forgive you Atsushi.” No matter what happens he would always do what's best for the boy. Even if it hurts, even if it stings, even if their wound fizzle and bubble and never heal. He would do anything to ensure Atsushi survival. Never again will he allow something he loves to leave him, may fate ben damned and his hands bloodened further, he won't let Atsushi become another forgotten story. Not in this universe.
“You just look tired…like Kunikida.”
“You look tired, why don't you stay and have a drink with me.” a red headed man with an overcoat asks him. Dazai will never need to come here alone again. He'll never need to forgot ever again.
“You think Kunikida looks old?”
“I didn't say that!”
“I'm gonna tell him you said he looked old~”
“ Please don't.” Atsushi grabs onto his coat, teary eyed. A tinge of guilt stabs him and from the corner of his eye he sees the bartender shake his head, disapprovingly. He should've known Atsushi would be the emotional kind of drunk. He places a hand on Atsushi's head before reassuring him “ I was only teasing Atsushi, I won't tell Kunikida a thing, promise!”
Atsushi's grip on his coat tightens .“You also promised we could go home but you lied.”
A black tendril imbeds itself into the wall, it misses his head by an inch.
“You lied!” Akutagawa bares his teeth, almost foaming at the mouth to rip him apart. They both know the boy in black poses no serious threat to the ability nullifier. Despite this, Dazai dodges to the left avoiding a tendril aimed straight to his head. The wall cracks at the impact.
“Indeed I did.” he says, turning his back to the boy to exit the Mafia's lobby room.
“I trusted you!” a soft blue light comes from behind him presumably stopping whatever attack Akutagawa attempted.
“And that was your first mistake. You have no one to blame but yourself. Best if you learn that sooner rather than later.” He yawns leaving the lobby, careful not to further break the glass doors at the entrance.
“Gin was hurt because I trusted you.” Akutagawa whispered.
He left without a word. He was going to be late to drink with Ango and Odasuku after all.
“ I hurt people today because I trusted myself.” Atsushi said, words slurred; when had he let go of his coat? The boy sipped his 3rd shot absent minded.
“ Only Ranpo got mad at me. I know I deserved it but-” Atsushi chews on his bottom lip “ it felt too nice?”
“ Too nice?” He has a few ideas of where Atsushi is heading with this.
“Not even Kunikida yelled at me and he always yells! I hurt someone! Why is everyone pretending I didn't!”
“We're not pretending nothing happened Atsushi-” God what should he say? It was too nice, but nothing can change the past, the might as well move on.
“No you are cuz last time when I hurt Naomi at the train station you didn't pretend. I deserved it, I know but why aren't you doing it again? How is this different?!”
“Doing what?” He prodded despite knowing the answer. Q ability was a horrifying thing, he hadn't expected Mori to release them for such a benign issue. When he saw Atsushi spiraling on the platform of the station, muttering ridiculous illogical self-hating things to himself like a mad man, Dazai had to put a stop to it any way he could. If he let Atsushi dwell any longer he would fall into an inescapable nightmare, into a void where everyday a thorned collar would choked him for sins that were never his in the first place. At least Dazai held sole responsibility for his ghosts, not Atsushi though, he didn't deserve to suffer through the pain of hating himself each time he breathed. He had hoped the light reprimand would prevent future spirals of self-pity from getting out of hand. If today was any indicator the lesson didn't stick the way he wanted it to.
“You hit me. You didn't hit me hard and you only hit me once but it was still better than what happened today. And I guess I wanna ask why? What I did today was way worse than me hurting just Naomi. Not that what I did to Naomi wasn’t bad, it-it was and I deserved what I got for hurting her but why aren't I getting what I deserve right now?”
“Are you asking me why I'm not hurting you for failing?”
Atsushi made a non-committal noise, bringing the glass to his lips. He should really stop the boy, the first half shot would've been more than enough to get the desired effect.
“Hurting you won't fix what you did nor would it be helpful in this situation.” Dazai was a changed man, he was on the side of light now. He wouldn't kick a hurt pup or rather kit when it's already down. Not anymore.
Atsushi shook his head like he had just tasted something vile, maybe because he was still drinking the everclear. “No, no, that's not right, you're lying. You did it once, you should- I wanted you- I need…”
Atsushi pauses to ponder how to articulate his next words.
“ Please hurt me.”
Dazai's eyes were wide and his mouth parted. Dazai was a changed man. He was.
“Hurt me!” Akutagawa yelled close to tears.
He collects himself, plastering a sinister grin. “Careful what you wish for Akutagawa-kun.” Dazai had been pent up recently with all the diplomatic missions Mori has given him.
“I don't care, anything is better than you ignoring my existence completely.”
“Well aren't you a little attention seeker~”
“It's been months since you even dared to glance my way.”
In reality, Dazai had been too busy to deal with his subordinate's fiery personality. He hadn't even gotten to go out to drink lately.
“Did I do something to upset you? Did I fail in some way?” It would appear Akutagawa took the lack of communication personally. How annoying. He really didn't have time for one of the boy's tantrums right now.
Under the fluorescent light Akutagawa's skin blended in with the hospital tiles of the infirmary unit. His black coat draped over his limbs as if it were on a dingy hanger. He decided Akutagawa needed some encouragement to start taking care of himself. After all, he can't have the Mafia's rabid dog dying on them.
“I'm not interested in wasting my time on hurting the weak and pathetic.” Without a second glance, Dazai leaves Akutagawa in the hall.
“St-stoppp looking at me like that Dazai-sannnn.” Atsushi whines.
Dazai shakes his head trying to ground himself.
“Sorry I was just thinking about a new suicide method I read about, hey Barkeep do you got any bleach on the menu?”
“No.”
“What about-”
“No.”
“Yay!” Atsushi cheered out of the blue.
“Yay? Why did you just shout yay Atsushi-kun?” Dazai chuckled at Atsushi's drunken behavior.
“ Cuz you failed.”
“ Sadly I have, that’s nothing new, my luck with suicide surpasses that of convicing a young maiden to join me in my attempts.” he puts a hand over his heart in mock despair. Atsushi doesn’t laugh.
“That’s not-” A hiccup”-funny, Dazai.” Atsushi mummers slumped over the bar counter, gaze transfixed on the way the dim yellow lights reflected in his empty shot glass.
“Who’s to say I was joking?” His voice lacked the usual jovialness it normally had.
Atsushi turns his head to face him and teary sunset eyes meet his brown ones. “ I get scared when you say things like that.” Atsushi has always been a bit too emotional for his tastes.
He looked away. “Death comes for us all, Atsushi.” The clock on the wall ticks. It’s already midnight. Perhaps, this outing wasn’t the best idea in hindsight. His joints crack as he stretches in his seat. “If you ask me-” He signals the bartender for another round of drinks.”- everything in this world is just a way to kill time until we die.” Some things will always remain true no matter how much time passes.” But I’ll have to admit living in the light is a more pleasant way to kill time.”
“ When did you become a philosopher, you damn mackerel.” Oh, he had almost forgotten they were in Mafia stomping grounds.
“Chuuya, long time no see, you haven’t grown one bit, huh?” He teased while a toothy grin spread along his face, Chuuya’s right eye twitched. It was always fun to tease Chuuya, like Atsuhsi, the hatrack is quite emotional just in the opposite direction.
“You’re in Mafia territory, why I outta-” Chuuya rolled up his sleeves to fight when he suddenly paused, much to the relief of the elderly bartender. “ Who’s the kid? Hey kid! How did you even get in here?”
“Oh! You two haven’t met, have you?” He straightened in his seat. “This here is my dear mentee, Atsushi Nakajima. Atsushi this the shortest member the Port Mafia has to offer, Chuuya.”
“Who the hell are you calling short, you tacky bastard!”
“Oh the irony!”
“You wish you could be half as stylish as me!”
“m’s nice ta meet you, Chuuya-san.” Atsushi slurred, face resting completely on the counter.
“-and you’re wasted.” Chuuya deadpanned but his face soon contorted upon further inspection of Atsushi."The hell is wrong with your eyes!”
“Dazai I don’t like your friend hez mean” He’s mentee whined.
“Be nice Chuuya, Atsushi-kun was born with heterochromia for your information. In my opinion I think his eyes look like the setting su-”
“-God I'm not that much of an asshole, I'm talking about the kid’s pupils; they're fucking saucers!” Oh, that's not a good sign.
“Dazaiiii the weird hat guy ez bein mean again!”
“Atsushi, could you look at me for a sec?” He couldn't help the bit of panic that leaked in his voice.
“No. ‘M tired.” He was tired, and this outing hadn't gone the way he wanted to. Now not only does he have to deal with the consequences which are a drunk Atsushi and a growing dizziness hazing his judgment, but now there is something wrong with Atsushi's eyes. Maybe if he was a bit more sober he would've been a bit more gentle or patient with his inebriated mentee. However the Dazai in the bar that night had just drunk three shots of whiskey in one sitting and was slightly panicking from the ongoing mess in front of him. So in classic Dazai fashion he does the most out of pocket thing one could think of, grab the white haired boy by the chin and force him to look at Dazai.
“Don't grab him like that you dickhead!”
It was exactly how Chuuya had mentioned, Atsushi pupils were dilated to a concerning extent like someone who had taken one too many unknown drugs. “How interesting..” Atsushi’s attempts to pry the hands of remained unsuccessful, without the strength of the tiger the boy was no stronger than your average thug...
“Please, I'm sorry” tears ran down Atsushi's flushed face.
“Let go, can’t you see you’re scaring him!” A gloved hand snatched his wrist. “Do you have to be such an asshole all the time!” A snarky remark was on his tongue when Atsushi stumbled out of his seat. A sickening crack reverberated throughout the bar as the boy hit the ground.
“Atsushi?” No response. Well…shit. SHIT! Dazai shot out of his stool and appeared crouched next to Atsushi in an instant. The boy had landed facing away from Dazai so his face was obscured.
“Jesus christ, how much did this kid drink?” He barely registered it, but Chuuya had also ran to Atsushi's side. He knew Atsushi was likely still alive. Logically speaking, people don’t die that quickly. He’s found out during his numerous attempts. Despite logically knowing Atsushi isn’t dead, he couldn’t help but put two fingers on his neck to check for a pulse. As expected he found one, he became just a little less tense. Once he rolled Atsushi into the recovery position he let himself ponder.
“A better question would be what did he drink.” Finally replied.
Dazai knew the answer, but it didn’t explain Atsushi’s sudden collapse. Everclear shouldn’t be drunk by itself, any normal person likely would’ve only needed half a shot glass full of the stuff to be wasted, unless it was a small proof. Atsushi wasn’t normal though, his body would react differently to the effects of alcohol which might've explained the boy's dilated pupils. He tilted his head toward the elderly bartender. The man seemed to be debating whether or not to call an ambulance or to just kick the trio out and forget about the incident in front of him. “Don’t worry we’ll be out of your hair soon, I just need a moment to think what’s wrong with my buddy here.”
“What is there to think about, he clearly blacked out because he was drunk! I warned ya raw everclear isn’t meant for consumption!” He’d known that but Atsushi healing ability should have accounted for it. And it did. The boy was wasted but not so severely he would blacked out. The more he thought the more his head hurt. Chuuya was half way through the door by the time the answer had come to him.
“And where do you think you’re going, chibi?”
“ I’m going home, I don’t want to be a part of this shitstorm.”
“ But you seemed so worry about poor Atsushi here just a moment ago, what changed?'' He pouted.
“ I wasn’t worried! I don’t give a damn about your new subordinate, I just didn’t want the old man here to need to deal with getting rid of a body. Plus the kid’s gonna be fine ain’t he? He’s the weretiger, he got that insane healing ability. He’s not gonna die because he drank too much liquor.”
“I suppose you're right, you may leave I guess. So sorry for ruining your nightly drink, chibi.”
Chuuya paused and whipped around. The look on his face was priceless, if only he had his phone out, he could take a picture and forever immortalize this moment. “What the hell are you up to?” Chuuya was surprisingly calm for the amount of annoyance he felt.
“Me? Up to something” he mocked. “Never.” A moment passed, Chuuya still hadn't moved an inch. “Only it would be a shame if Mori somehow got word that a certain cargo ship sinking wasn't due to an engine failure but from a reckless gravity ability use who happen to see a roach on board.”
“Of fucking course you know.”
“Chuuya people don't come to this place to drink just for fun-”
“Ey! I'm still hear ya know, I may be old but my hearin ain't gone yet!”
“No offense but this place has kinda lost its touch, Barkeep. As I was saying people come here to forget how badly they fucked up.”
“That doesn't explain anything. I hope you know that.” Chuuya grumbled. “ Just tell me what you want so I can go home already.”
“About going home, let's all have a sleepover at your place.”
“No.”
“Fine by me, I can just send a quick text to Akutagawa then-”
“God, I hate you.” Translation: fine I'll do it. Dazai threw his hand up joyfully.” Yay! You're the best Chuuya. Dazai stood from his crouching position and dusted off the dirt latched onto his overcoat. “Are you just going to leave your subordinate on the floor?” Chuuya crossed his arms, tapping his foot, waiting for Dazai to explain. “Of course not!” Dazai grinned at Chuuya.”However, you'll have to carry him to the car.”
“You lazy piece of shit, I’m not carrying him for you, the kid’s taller than me!”
“Chuuya if I’m right about the hypothesis then the only thing keeping Atsushi alive right now is his healing ability.” The pieces slid into place for the occupants of the bar. The reason Atsushi had collapsed had not been for the overconsumption of alcohol running through his system but because Dazai made contact with his skin. Each time Dazai had touched Atsushi with aggression or fondness he had been unknowingly killing Atsushi. Fate, again, seemed to hate him.
Chuuya arrived at the same conclusion and begrudgingly with much complaint reached out a hand and a red glow enveloped Atsushi as the boy began to float.
“Come on, I’ll call a cab.”
Dazai was about to follow behind before the bartender coughed loudly to get his attention.
“You're Tab Dazai-kun.” The man clarified. This was the worst part of going out for drinks, the price. “ I don’t suppose I could get a discount for being a long term customer of yours?”
“No.” It was worth a try.
After paying the bartender, Dazai's wallet had been left empty, much to Chuuya amusement as they rode in the back of a black business car. “Shut it, slug.”
“Hey, I’m not the one who decided to order a shot of whiskey and everclear. What did I think it was gonna cost?” Atsushi slumped against Chuuya's shoulder and Dazai averted his eyes. Dazai was the one to suggest that Chuuya sit in between him and Atsushi for the boy’s safety. Chuuya huffed but compiled without needing much convincing. Still he couldn’t help but feel a little jealous despite the growing guilt at the back of his mind.
“You were planning on making Nakajima pay, weren’t you, you damn mackerel?”
Dazai continued to stare out the window. Chuuya rolled his eyes.
“Didn’t you leave the Mafia to become a better person or some shit?”
“ something like that.” He muttered
“Hey, Chuuya, did you talk with Odasuku?” He was not quite sure why he was asking.
“The scrub you used to hangout with? The one who refused to kill?”
“He actually did end up breaking that vow.” Why did he feel the need to say all this?
“…He should’ve never joined the Mafia.” Dazai hummed in agreement.
The past the road where Kunikida left them, the manhole still jumped each time a car past over it, never dislodging from its place.
“Before he died he told me there is no place in this world that'll be able to fill my loneliness and that I’ll forever be in the dark.” He should stop. He isn't in the right mind right now.
“What a friend you had there.”
“At the time those words scared me, they made me feel helpless. So in desperation I asked what I should do.” The words spilled out his mouth, he'll likely forgot saying all this come morning. Or at least he hopes so.
“ He then told me that since both sides were the same, I should become a good person. Save the weak, protect orphans.” He chuckled at how ridiculous those were to say to someone like Dazai.
“ You’re not doing a very good job of it if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Do you think he would be disappointed?”
The red head sighed, probably annoyed at Dazai's sudden serious mood. “If he was such a good friend I think he would’ve known you wouldn’t be good at” Dazai stared at Chuuya like a lost puppy or perhaps like a stray dog begging for food. Chuuya scratched the back of his head, attempting to find the words to articulate his thoughts.
“Well you know… I don’t think the goal was for you to become a good person. You seem… different now.” Chuuya made a vague gesture with his hand. “ you’re more sane than before. You’re still you but more human I guess is the best way to put it. You don’t have that look in your eyes anymore either.” It’s the same look Atsushi had in the bar, the same look Odasuku had when Dazai begged him not to go. Apathy, the kind that only comes from despair. He wonders when he lost it. Maybe it washed away in the river where Atsushi first saved him from? Its gentle waters taking care to clean his ugly wounds and scars with such love, he didn't even feel the slightest of pains.
“He seems to be doing better.”
“Who?” He responded.
A sharp pain inserts itself in his skull. Yeah, he deserved that.
“Your subordinate you damn mackerel!”
He turns his head to inspect Atsushi's condition. Atsushi's face regained some of its peachy color and his breath came at a deeper steadier tempo than they had at floor of the bar. The sight quelled a small part of the knot in his stomach.
“Why the hell did you even take him to drink? You never brought Akutagawa out to drink when he was your subordinate.”
“ Good question,” he paused. Why did he think this was a good idea? ” Perhaps I really wanted a new drinking buddy.” Chuuya scoffs.
From out the window, various shops passed in a blur. Shops he used to frequent a couple of years ago, either to collect a loan or to be a regular customer. The owners of the shops were never happy to see him, understandably so. A dilapidated apartment-like building came into view as they neared the port. Well there was a small noodle shop owner who always greeted him with the toothiest smile.
The car turns left, the building disappears over the horizon. In a couple years the building will be destroyed, all the memories of happy families along with it. It would be like they never existed. He envies them.
“Dazai-san?” A voice crooked from the opposite side of the car. “The name's Nakahara, kid.” Before Atsushi could start panicking about being in an unknown car next to an equally unknown stranger, Dazai poked his head around Chuuya and waved. “Good morning sleeping beauty~”
Though Atsushi’s eyes were glazed, they still shone a spark of recognition at seeing Dazai's face. Dazai wasn't expecting for Atsushi to be sober but he'd hoped the tiger part of him would make his mentee at least a bit more lucid. Atsushi's gaze hovered over his surroundings, eventually landing on the shoulder he was still leaning on. His head crept up to look at Chuuya. Chuuya looked back at him, indifferent. Atsushi's once pale skin faded to a light pink.
“S-sorry!” His words came out slurred as he struggled to lift himself off of Chuuya, evidently failing.
“Stop moving so much! It's not a big deal.” Atsushi didn't listen, and continued to struggle against the invisible weight gluing him to Chuuya's shoulder.
“Fucking hell just-” In one swift motion, Chuuya wrapped his arm around Atsushi shoulder locking him into place.
“Go to sleep. If you keep squirming around like a worm I'll knock you out.” The threat was enough for Atsushi to settle down. If he was a bit more sober Atsushi would've protested more, but as he was now it only took a few moments for his eyes to droop into slumber once more.
Now's the perfect chance. Dazai crept his hand into his right pocket of his trench coat, fingers grasped a rectangular device silently pulling it out as one would pull out a murder weapon. He entered the pass code, found the right application, then aimed and fired. A shutter sound followed. “Aw, I’ll make this my wallpaper from now on!” Chuuya twisted his head around so fast Dazai was a little concerned it would snap right off.
“Delete that!” Chuuya shot out his only available hand to nab the cursed device. Unfortunately for him Dazai’s reflexes were still as sharp as ever. Dazai, phone held far away, smushed against the driver's seat, placed a finger to his grinning mouth. “Shh-” Clothes rustled and a groan came from the other side of the car. “ You’ll wake the princess.” Chuuya looked back at the white haired boy he had in a shoulder hug. “As soon as we get there, I’m leaving the weretiger on the couch and I'm hunting you down.”
“Ooo. I’m so scared.” Chuuya rolled his eyes. The apartment was still a couple minutes away, it should be enough time for him to figure out a plan on how he was going to hide what happened tonight. That is if Ranpo hadn’t already deduced it. He doubts it, after all Kunikida was the only one to know he and Atsushi didn’t go back to the dorms tonight. Unless Ranpo asked Kunikida about their whereabouts, he should have until morning before Ranpo catches whiff of today’s escapade.
------
----
-
The car took a left into an impressive condon complex. Ah, how he missed his old mafia paycheck.
“So have you figured out how you’re going to hide the fact you got your subordinate black out drunk, yet?”
“I’m not.” he chirped.
“I hope they fire you.” Chuuya deadpanned. “ Or at the very least I hope that glasses wearing blond beats the shit out of you.”
“Kunikida?”
“If that’s the one that’s always yelling at you, then yes.” The car pulls into the parking garage. “You’re sleeping on the floor.” When the driver opens Atsushi’s door he glows a soft red and floats out, Chuuya climbing out after him. Dazai gets out as well. Chuuya’s condo is on the highest floor. One time Dazai had cut the wires to the complex’s elevator as retaliation for Chuuya “accidently” throwing his car at the enemy during one mission. Leading to Dazai having to walk back to headquarters when Chuuya simply used his ability to fly back to the city, essentially abandoning him in the middle of nowhere. Chuuya hadn’t even hit the enemy when he threw the car. So it was only reasonable for him to get his revenge. He remembers seeing Chuuya having to fly up the building with his groceries for at least a month before the complex managed to fix the elevator.
The condo is just as luxurious as he remembers. White marble counters and slick black furniture soft to the touch. A large flat screen T.V adorning the living room wall, right above an electric fireplace. The west walls are lined with tall, bullet proof of course, windows that lead to a pool balcony with a breathtaking view of the city. A wave of nostalgia hits him. He had a similar place if not bigger when he worked with the Mafia. The opulence was nice. It never felt warm though, unlike his current dorm at agency. Despite it being small and a little run down the dorms were comfortable, he preferred it to any other residence he’s bought.
“Jealous, huh?” Chuuya remarks as he plops Atsushi onto the sofa.
“Jealous of what?” He crosses his arms.” Why have a home this expensive when you never bring anyone over to see it?”
“You little shit!”
“If anyone is a little shit, it would be you. You might meet all the height requirements.” Chuuya is a moment away from strangling him on the spot when all his fight vanishes with a sigh.
“Whatever, it’s way too late to deal with your annoying ass. Unlike some people when I go to work I actually do stuff.”
“Hey I get stuff done as well! And didn’t you say you were gonna hunt me down or something when we got here?”
“Change of plans, I’m too tired right now, it will have to wait until tomorrow. The blankets are in the bathroom closet but you probably know that already.” Chuuya shuts the door to the master bedroom before Dazai makes a snarky remark.
In the bathroom Dazai found 2 blankets, a longer white fluffy one and a shorter gray thin one. He supposes this would work. He has a high cold tolerance anyway. Once he laid the white blanket over Atsushi he went in search of a trash can and water bottle. Hopefully when Atsushi wakes up he can aim most of the vomit in the trash can instead of the floor. It would be funny seeing Chuuya’s face if Atsushi does end up making a mess on the floor. Finding the trash can he shakes his head, no although it would be mildly annoying to Chuuya, it would send Atsushi a nervous breakdown of apologies.
After placing the trash can next to Atsushi’s head and the cup of water on a side table, Dazai allows himself to relax in a small arm chair across from Atsushi. The gray blanket is doing its best to shield him from the ice cold air conditioner but he can't stop the small shiver that runs through his body. What kind of freak sets the thermostat to negative 99 and something degrees? He turned off the lights a while ago, despite this the living room continued to be illuminated. Moonlight shining through the tall balcony windows, the pool glowing in response. The sleek marble floor acted as a guide for the reflected sunlight to spread throughout the room, casting a blue tint to the white condo. Unfortunately for Atsushi the sofa he slept on did not have arms to hide him from the moon’s glare. His hair took the same tint as the floors and walls. An hour or two passed, Dazai remained awake, sleep evading him. Before he knew it the glass of water he’d placed on the side table refracted and amplified the moonlight directly into Atsushi's eyes.
A groan alerted him of Atsushi’s returned consciousness.
“Da-zai?” When Dazai turned to face Atsushi he nearly screeched. If he wasn’t sure if Atsushi was awake, he was now. Two beady half-tone eyes pierced right through him, Atsushi's eyes were glowing in the dark like the eyes of a feline would. Perhaps Atsushi’s ability included some characteristics of the tiger as well, it would explain why his pupils were so dilated in the bar. It would also explain why Atsushi could decipher where to look in order to stare directly into Dazai soul. He’d have to conduct some experiments later to find the full extent of these external side effects.
“ Where are we?” Atsushi's voice was raw and quiet. He hopped off the armchair heading to the side table next. His shadow shields Atsushi from the glaring light of the moon as he hands the boy the glass of water.
“We’re sleeping over at a previous associate's house.”
“What happened?” He could still try to hide tonight under the guise of a bad dream. Even if Atsushi saw through his lies and remembered tonight, the boy would get the hint and do his best to never speak of the incident. Atsushi worshiped Dazai, Dazai was his savior, he owed everything to Dazai.
“We went out drinking after you got scolded by Ranpo.” Dazai already resigned to the fact he won’t try to hide his mistake tonight, it would be cowardly to take his word back.
It's quiet. Did Atsushi fall asleep again?
“You said we could go back after one drink.” What could he say? What do people typically say when they'd fucked up?
“I lied."
“I-”
“And the worst part-”he paused,” I’ll do it again.” He's not capable of change. The blood and void that stains him can’t be washed away, not if even if he drank all the bleach in the world would his twisted heart be purified.
“Do you hate me Atsushi?”
“Atsushi-” he moves to brush a long strand of hair. His fingertips connect to a few strands then… then…
Atsushi doubles over the side of the couch. Luckily he'd placed the trash at the right angle so all of Atsushi’s bodily fluids stayed in the black container instead of splashing on the marble floor like a grotesque water balloon popping. He'd almost forgotten about that part of getting drunk.
He holds Atsushi's bangs out the way, and the boy continues to purge his stomach. After he hands Atsushi the water cup he'd prepared, he wipes his face with the gray blanket he was using. Half because he couldn't be bothered to rummage around Chuuya’s apartment just for a napkin and half because he wanted to leave Chuuya a bit of a surprise when doing laundry.
“Wait what are you gonna use?” Atsushi asked.
“I've got thick skin, I don't get cold.” He replied
Atsushi stood, white blanket in tow.
“Where are you going?”
“I'm used to the cold, plus I'll probably get puke on it.”
“Ah,ah, ah, no you don't Atsushi-kun!”
When Chuuya woke up, an alcoholic smell mixed with acid filled his nose. The next thing he notices is a white fluffy blob lying on his couch. His brain buffers for a moment or two, memories of the late night drink gone wrong flowing in. Oh yeah he let stupid Dazai and the weretiger sleepover. Last he recalled the weretiger had taken to sleeping on the couch so where was the damn mackerel… unless..
oh, sweet sweet revenge.
All of his training has come down to this moment. A quick draw of his phone and he was on the move, floating over to the front of the couch he used his ability to peel the soft synthetic blanket away to reveal a tiger and a mackerel huddle together. The shutter of a phone camera poked the air of quiet. With his mission completed Chuuya headed to the doorway to put on his work coat for the day.
“Could've just turned down the thermostat, you idiot.” He remarked leaving the sleeping detectives to their own devices. As long as they were gone by the time he got off of work he didn't care how long they slept for.