Work Text:
“I’ve never been the particularly-religious type, but I can see why people find comfort in community.”
You had joined Dazai Osamu at a local place of worship. He seemed like he needed a friend – he had been a bit more depressed than usual. You sat through the service with him, politely going through the motions in support of him. By the end of the small congregation, his spirits seemed to be lifted. The both of you sit outside on the steps, loitering as the small crowd dissipates.
“The last time I came to one of these places was for a funeral.” A wistful expression crossed his face and he let out a soft breath, almost as though he were exhaling the painful memories. “Those days are long gone, but I can’t help but wonder what it’d have felt like if I had gone to his…”
Dazai trails off and he glances up at the trees nearby – they overarch the building as though they were pillars of gates. The atmosphere is that of serenity, which contrasted the words of which he spoke.
“Heh, you know…” The brunet glances toward you and nods back up at the branches. “It’s little coincidences of nature like this that make me wonder if sticking around is worthwhile.”
As you follow his gaze upward to the tree limbs, you spot a sleek white dove and a robin beside each other. The robin began its gentle song, while the dove preened its feathers beside it.
“Those two species aren’t even native to this region. I’ve never seen them before in person.” Dazai breathes, chuckling in amazement. “It’s like the world stands to surprise us at the most unexpected moments.”
The lanky man suddenly stands up, stretching. The two birds startle and fly away in the same direction, leaving a feather in their wake.
“Like the birds, I suppose it’s time to go. There’s always time to rebuild, whether it be a nest or your entire being.”
He bends over with a soft smile and beckons you close.
“This is for you.” Dazai gently places the feather into your hair with a soft smile. “Never forget to live.”