Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dazai squirmed away, writhing and biting as Mori attempted to brush the small boy’s hair. “Gah—! Mori, stop! I can brush my own hair!” He complained. 

Mori only sighed and pressed a firm hand on his shoulder, “no, Osamu, you have matting from not doing it. This is what you have to endure.” He chastised, his grip around the comb tightening with a small stride through the brown locks. 

“Well, I hate brushing my hair.” He pouted, shrinking in on himself with a scowl directed towards the city-line. Mori hummed, “yes, I can tell.” He murmured, “your hair is of a different texture, but with the right care, it should he soft and pliable.”

Dazai just groaned in response, his dropping with an obnoxious, irritated sigh. 

It’d been two years since Mori found Dazai off the side of the road. Mori was just a doctor then, on his way home from the Mafia, when he saw a lump off in an alleyway. 

That was when he saw a small boy, far too skinny for his age—at least being twelve years old. 

At the time, Dazai had been fearful and scared of everything. He practically flung to his feet the moment he woke up in Mori’s office. It took hours just to calm him down.

That was when Mori had learned (very little, admittedly) that Dazai had run away from home because of a bad family life, but didn’t elaborate on what exactly. But Mori could tell from how Dazai held himself, alone.

Mori expected to have taken in a shy, awkward boy, but Dazai quickly changed that and became something of a wrecking ball.

He was constantly rearranging Mori’s supplies, stealing Hirotsu’s monocle, taken one of Kouyou’s teacups… he was a tornado that disrupted everything.

But, honestly, Mori didn’t care. 

Dazai was acting like a kid, and that was all Mori wanted from him. Sure, everything was more than a bit inconvenient (especially not knowing where the medical records on all of the Port Mafia members had gone off too), but it wasn't a big deal to him. 

Even now as the Port Mafia boss, Dazai continued to cause mayhem for Mori and his work. 

One issue with Mori’s promotion, however… Mori was sure Dazai had poisoned the former boss to ensure he would have died and Mori was his successor. 

He didn’t even know why or how Dazai managed to do that.

“Osamu, remember, you’re getting your braces tightened tomorrow morning,” Mori advised the boy as he entered his office. Dazai was sat on a large plush couch in front of the window, rigorously playing with a gaming console in his lap. “Whaaat?! But I hate getting them tightened!” 

Mori sighed, “I know.” He patted his head gently as he passed him on the couch. “Only a year until you can take them out. Don’t worry.” 

“A year is soooo long…” Dazai whined as flung his head back. He pouted, a low groan in his throat until he twisted his body and peeked his head over the back of the couch, idly watching Mori until he sat down. 

A loud, fart-like sound filled the room. Mori deadpanned, staring at Dazai as the boy erupted into wicked laughter. 

“How juvenile. Usually your pranks are much more dangerous.” Mori commented. He stood up and plucked the whoopee cushion out from under him, giving Dazai a curious, yet amused look. 

“It was either this or nails.” Dazai rolled his eyes and leaped over the couch to snatch the object from Mori’s hand. Mori chuckled. “Did you eat today?” He prompted.

Dazai sighed, “yes, dad,” he sarcastically replied, wiggling the whoopee cushion in his hands with a smirk. Mori narrowed his eyes. “All of it?” 

Dazai averted his gaze. “Mhm…” 

Mori rose a brow and peeked over to where Dazai was sitting, barely seeing any of the food touched. Even after a little over two years here, Dazai had yet to finish a complete meal. It wasn’t good for him, especially when he was still growing.

”What was wrong with it this time? Not something you liked?” Mori asked him, slowly approaching the plate on the table to inspect the food. 

Dazai nodded, “meatloaf is disgusting.” 

Mori hummed softly, nodding his head, “I didn’t like meatloaf either when I was your age,” he mentioned. “What would you like to eat instead?” 

“Not hungry.” Dazai shrugged. He jumped up onto the back of the couch and flopped down onto the cushions with an ‘ooph!’.

He wiggled around to get comfortable until the gurgling sound of his stomach broke into the silence. He froze in place, clutching his tummy embarrassedly. Mori laughed, “weren’t hungry, you say?” He mused.

”Can I get crab…?” Dazai mumbled. Mori thought for a moment, tilting his head. “I suppose so. I’ll throw in a healthy snack as well, you’re a growing boy, after all.” 

Dazai lit up, “yes!” He cheered. He watched as Mori walked back over to his desk, the man picking up his phone and dialing.

”Hirotsu? Could you request the kitchen staff to prepare a crab salad for Osamu? He’s hungry.” He glanced at Dazai with an amused raise of his brows. “Yes. Thank you.” 

“What’s that mission on your desk about?” Dazai suddenly asked, plopping down on the chair in front of his desk. Mori blinked, looking at the form to his left. “Ah. That one. It’s a bit dangerous.” He slipped it under another stack of papers.

Dazai made a face. “So? What’s it about?” He crossed his arms bitterly. Mori hesitated, letting out a sigh, “I’m not sure telling you is the best course of action…” 

“C’mon, Mori! I’m fifteen now, I can handle a little mission like this!” Dazai complained and rested his chin on Mori’s desk, pouting. Mori stared at him, his eyes narrowing. “That won’t work on me, Osamu, I taught you all the manipulation tactics you know.” He reminded.

Dazai batted his eyes, “please… dad?”

Mori stared at him, his resolve slowly chipping away. “Fine.” He relented.

Dazai perked up with an excited kick of his legs, grinning brightly. Mori remembered why he took in Dazai permanently. He was just so much like him.

”You remember the old boss, don’t you?” He asked. Dazai curiously nodded, straightening his back and scooting further into the seat, bringing it closer to the desk. “Well, obviously. You know what I did. But what does that have to do with anything? He’s dead.”

Mori rested one hand over the other, “and that is why this mission is dangerous. The old boss is back and has been sighted in Suribachi City. If anyone hears what happened to him… I’m afraid you’d be in trouble.” He gestured to Dazai.

Dazai hugged his knees to his chest. “So I just have to deal with this, don’t I?”

”Well, not you, but it will be dealt with.” Mori corrected, a firm shake of his head.

Just as that, the door swung open and Hirotsu entered, Dazai’s crab salad in hand. “Hirotsu! Let’s get that salad to go, because you and I are going to Suribachi City!” Dazai sprung to his feet and grabbed Hirotsu by the scarf, running off.

Mori sighed and rubbed his temple tiredly. “Rambunctious little boy…” 

By the time Dazai returned with Hirotsu, they had apprehended a boy Dazai called ‘Chuuya’. But, oddly, Dazai was sporting a cast when he returned to Mori’s office. 

“Osamu,” Mori began, not even paying Chuuya any mind as he started to approach Dazai. The brunet hummed softly and looked at him. “Yeah?”

”Your arm.” He motioned to the cast, gingerly poking at Dazai’s shoulder with confusion. “You can thank that pipsqueak.” Dazai shot a glare at Chuuya, biting his cheek in annoyance. 

Mori sighed and shook his head, “and that is precisely why I didn’t want you going on this job…” he murmured. 

Dazai rolled his eyes. “I’m fine, Mori.” He urged.

”This old guy your dad or something? No wonder you’re a total freak.” Chuuya remarked, shooting them a glare from where he was restrained. Rando stood behind Chuuya as glowing boxes entrapped his hands and feet. 

“What?!” Dazai yelped, his face suddenly red, “no! He’s not my dad! Mori just took me in.” His voice trailed off meekly. Chuuya snorted mockingly.

Mori patted Dazai on the shoulder, “Rando, we’ll be fine from here on, you’re free to leave.” He told the man. Rando shivered and bowed his respects before leaving the room. 

“Would you be interested in affiliating with the Port Mafia, Chuuya?” He prompted.

”Huh…?!” Chuuya seethed. The floor around him twisted and contorted, making Mori wince slightly. “Well, I suppose I should've expected that.” He admitted. “I still believe that our over-all goals are probably in alignment. Give it some time and think it over. You can make a decision after we determine what we can offer each other.” 

Chuuya glowered, “Don't you dare make it sound that easy. You forget what you've done to this city?” He snapped.

Mori sighed. “Our previous boss' rampage... It was he, and his tyrannical rule, that led this city into a state of chaos and still haunts people to this day. But he is no longer with the living. I witnessed his passing myself.” He explained. Dazai shifted awkwardly. “That's why, if rumors exist that his rule of violence and terror has returned, we must discover their origins. For the protection of our people.” 

“Mori...” Chuuya muttered. “I've heard some damning rumors about you as well. They say the old boss didn't die of illness. That you actually murdered the bastard. It is a little hard to swallow that right before kicking the bucket, he'd give his position to his doctor.” 

Dazai shrugged his shoulders and stood beside Mori, pointing to himself. “Actually, I was the one who did it.” He nonchalantly mentioned. Chuuya flinched, staring at Dazai in disbelief. “You?!” He shrieked. Mori sagged his shoulders, “that is not the type of information you give out so simply, Osamu…” Mori dejectedly whispered.

—

Dazai had returned from the assigned mission with Chuuya, even insisting that Chuuya himself became a member of the Port Mafia. 

“It sounds like a splendid idea.” Mori hummed, nodding in agreement at Dazai’s reasoning. Dazai blinked. “Yeah?” He murmured.

”You need someone around here who’s your age. The adults are far too serious for someone like yourself, and little Elise, as much as I love her, cannot fill that role for you.” Mori explained. He propped his elbows onto the desk, his head tilted to the side as he interlocked his fingers. “Osamu, do you remember what I asked you?”

Dazai hesitated, his brows furrowing. “You have to be more specific.” 

“You said life had no meaning… do you still feel that way?” Mori implored. Dazai flinched, looking visibly shocked as he averted his gaze, bashful and red. “I..” he paused, grounding himself. “I figure it’s worth giving a shot.” He meekly replied.

Mori let a small smile cross his lips, nodding his head. “I’m glad to hear that. Someone of your age should not be chasing death with such vigor. Enjoy your youth while you can. You’re still just a boy, after all.”

Dazai stared at him, looking for the right words to say, but nothing came out, merely bowing. 

“Boss, I don’t know what to do!” Dazai ranted, he paced back and forth in front of Mori’s desk, hands in his hair and eyes squeezed shut in frustration. 

“You could just tell him, Osamu.” Mori reasoned with a sigh. Dazai squeaked in surprise. “Tell him?!” He gasped. “You mean pour my heart out to someone?! No!”

Mori rose a brow. “You’re being dramatic.” He commented. Dazai scoffed, “telling him how I feel means having to be vulnerable! I am physically incapable of doing that!” He groaned and knelt down on the floor, head in his hands. 

Mori rounded his desk, crouching before Dazai with a small tut, “then what do you call what you’re doing right now?” He asked.

”Ranting.” Dazai mumbled. 

“No.” Mori shook his head, making Dazai peek out from where his face was hiding, “no?”

”No.” He repeated. “You’re pouring your heart out and being vulnerable.” 

Dazai blinked, but hid his face back into his hands. “That’s different. I’m talking to you.” He whined.

”Perhaps, but it’s a step into the right direction. You’ll be able to tell Chuuya how you feel eventually.”

Dazai shot up, his brown eyes wide, “w-what?! Who told you it was that stupid slug?!” He yelped.

Mori deadpanned. “Osamu, I’ve watched you pine after him for almost a year now.” He poked at his forehead gently, “I’m not as oblivious as Chuuya is.”

Dazai groaned loudly, “stop, Moriiii! You’re embarrassing meee!” 

Chapter Text

Chuuya let out a long, annoyed sigh as he trailed behind Dazai, his legs lazily trodding after the (slightly) taller boy in front of him. 

“Tell me, Dazai,” Chuuya started, the brunet hardly acknowledged he even spoke up, looking to the side as he took in the scenery. “Why do you do so much for Mori?”

Dazai made a face, “why is Chuuya suddenly so interested in why I do what I do?” He puffed out his cheeks sassily, turning to face Chuuya completely. They were on a job, currently following leads. It somewhat mirrored their first job together back when Chuuya was initially scouted by Mori.

Chuuya scoffed, “because you’re the most enigmatic jackass in this place! If I’m going to work with you, I want to at least know what makes you tick.” 

“Oh, lots of things make me tick! Uhh, let’s see.. suicide.. reading.. oh! Making people suffer! And stealing! I really like stealing.” Dazai grinned. 

“Don’t be stupid! Just answer my question.” Chuuya kicked at Dazai’s leg, making the boy teeter back with a whine, “Chuuuya! Why’re you being soooo meeaaann?” He pouted. “Your shoes are steel-toed!”

”Yeah, so answer my question, or the next kick is up your ass!” 

Dazai huffed, “Chuuya’s so mean to me.” He murmured, but sat down on a step, hands propped between his legs as they draped down the stairs. “But, if you insist!” He smiled.

Chuuya stood in front of Dazai, looking at him expectantly. “It’s a very long story, Slug. Sure you don’t wanna sit down?” Dazai hummed, his head tilted to the side. 

The redhead narrowed his eyes. “The one time I ask you to talk, and you pull this… just tell me, asshole.”

”I’m just being considerate! But, whatever. Not like Chuuya the Brute knows anything about that.” Dazai rolled his eyes, “it started about… three years ago.” He poked his finger to his face in thought. “I was twelve at the time, and Mori had found me in an alleyway, half-dead and skinny as a twig, or so he described.” 

Chuuya looked at him funny. “The hell were you doing in an alleyway?” He grumbled. Dazai  hesitated, a flash of uncertainty in his eyes that could have been missed if you blinked. But Chuuya caught it. A low grumble emitted from his throat. 

“I ran away from home.” Dazai shrugged. “It was raining, so I ducked out into an alleyway and just hid there. Guess I just passed out for too long.” 

Chuuya tilted his head like the dog he was, “you had a home before the Mafia?” He softly questioned, brows furrowed and almost taken aback. “No, Chuuya, I just spawned in out of nowhere.” Dazai sarcastically rolled his eyes. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if that was true.” Chuuya muttered bitterly. Dazai stuck his tongue out at him, his nose scrunched up. “After Mori found me, he nursed me back to health. He took pity on me, so he took me in and I’ve been by his side ever since!” Dazai stretched his hand across the air with a dramatic gasp.

”That was frustratingly vague.” Chuuya commented. Dazai stood up, “welp, you asked.”

Chuuya growled, “you said it was a long story!” He shot back. “It is! I just didn’t say I was gonna tell you what it was! I had to simplify it for your little dog brain.” Dazai pinched his fingers together and pressed them to Chuuya’s forehead. 

“I’m not your dog, dammit!” Chuuya yelled. 

“Osamu, your bath is ready—oh.” Mori spotted Dazai lounging on the couch, the boy sighing dejectedly. “What’s wrong?” Mori asked.

Dazai sat up, “one, I’m fifteen, why are you still drawing my baths? Two, Chuuya kicked me and my leg hurts! And three, he asked me about how we met and now I can’t stop thinking about it.” He chewed the inside of his cheek like a cranky toddler, but Mori saw past the childlike act he was putting on.

Mori approached him and patted his shoulder. “One, I still draw your baths because you won’t bathe if I don’t. Two, I’ll check your leg after you’re done . And three, do you want to talk about it?”

Dazai grumbled, looking at his lap. “Not really.” He said quietly. “I think about it enough as is.” He mumbled as he picked at the bandages on his forearm, his brown eyes dark and gloomy. Mori hadn’t seen his eyes like that since before Chuuya had come along. He felt a pang of guilt strike him in his heart. He and Dazai had never discussed what it was like before Mori had found him—aside from the teen’s bleak description of ‘I wanted to leave’. 

“Go take your bath and I’ll prepare something to cheer you up.” Mori urged. Dazai looked up at him, a glint in his eyes Mori had never seen before. “Why did you save me, Mori?” He asked.

”I’m a doctor. I strive to save everyone I can.” Mori explained. Dazai shook his head. “No… I mean..” he sighed, “why did you save me.. as in why did you take me in?”

Mori blinked, staring at Dazai as his resolve slowly cracked and crumbled. “I suppose… because I had always wanted to be a father, but was far too busy to find that life for myself.” He spoke slowly, contemplating each word that left his mouth. “And I have come to think of you as my son.” 

Dazai froze, his eyes widening slightly. “You… you have?” He whispered. Mori nodded, a fond smile crossing his features. “Of course I have. How could I not? You’re an energetic boy with a concerning outlook on life, but I have grown to care about you as if you were my own flesh and blood.” He watched as a myriad of different emotions crossed Dazai’s face before he just hugged him.

Dazai hugged him. 

Dazai was iffy on forms of physical contact. It took six months before Mori could pat Dazai on the shoulder, or allow him to brush his hair. 

They’d never even hugged. Until now, that is. And Dazai was the one to have initiated it.

Dazai was crying into his chest, thin arms wrapped around Mori’s torso, practically squeezing him to death. But Mori allowed it to happen. Little Dazai was his son, no matter what. 

“Can’t you do your own paperwork, Shitty Dazai?!” Chuuya hissed, shoving the stack of papers Dazai had placed on his desk onto the floor. Dazai frowned and glared at the sheets as the fluttered to the ground. “Chuuya, you’re making a mess!” He pointed at the papers vehemently.

“They’re yours! I’m not doing your work for you, you suicidal maniac!” Chuuya snapped. Dazai plopped down on the large plush sofa in their shared office—just down the hall from Mori’s, his feet kicking back and forth boredly. “But I’m the favorite!” 

Chuuya huffed. “The hell does that have to do with anything?!” 

The door opened to reveal Mori, Dazai perking up immediately. “Daddd! Chuuya made a mess!” He looked at Chuuya, his tongue sticking out and eyes squeezed shut. “Because you’re a lazy—wait.. dad?” Chuuya froze in place, staring Dazai down with his blue eyes blown wide. Mori walked over with a curious look on his face. “I thought you said Mori wasn’t your dad?!” Chuuya shrieked.

”Not by blood.” Dazai rolled his eyes. Mori picked up the stack of papers and set them down on Dazai’s desk, the brunet pouting. “Osamu, you need to do your own work. Or would you rather be cleaning your room top to bottom when we get home?” He crossed his arms.

Dazai grumbled, shrinking in on himself. “I can’t see without… my glasses…” his voice was barely audible. 

“You need braces and glasses? What kind of geek are you?” Chuuya snickered before becoming full blown laughter. “It’s not funny!” Dazai whined. “Daddd!” 

Mori seemed a bit amused, but reached into his coat to pull out a glasses case, “you left them in my office the other day.” He handed them over to Dazai, the boy sheepishly putting them on his face with a very obvious attempt at hiding what he looked like with them on from Chuuya. 

“Is that why you came over here, boss?” Chuuya asked, peeking over Dazai’s shoulders to properly look at him, grabbing his shoulder as he tried to turn away. He grinned when he caught a glimpse, small giggles escaping him.

”That, and because I wanted to ask if you would like for Osamu to tutor you.” Mori said. Chuuya froze, his laughter ceasing the moment Mori finished talking. Dazai looked flustered and turned to his guardian with a look of disbelief. “What?! I have better things to do with my time!” 

Chuuya scoffed, “like what? You don’t even do your own paperwork, you lazy mummy!” He rolled his eyes sassily. Dazai turned away with a humph, “since Chuuya’s being so mean, I won’t share my plan with him.” He gave the ginger a sharp glare.

Mori clapped his hands to gain their attention, a low grumble coming from both teens. “Chuuya, it has come to my attention that you are often struggling with schoolwork. And it makes sense, seeing as how you spent most of your childhood running an organization… but you do need to catch up. Which is why I want Osamu to tutor you.” He gestured to the brunet.

”Is Dazai really even that smart? Look at him.” Chuuya made a face of disgust. Dazai mocked him in a high pitched voice, “I’m Chuuya and I’m as small as a fairy!” 

Chuuya growled and whacked him upside the head. “You’re hardly even taller than me, jackass!” He snapped. Dazai let out a whine as he rubbed his sore spot. “Taller is still taller!” He argued.

”One.” Mori started, raising a finger. Dazai immediately sat still and looked up at Mori—but not without shoving at Chuuya with a sly smirk. Mori sighed. “Could you please do it, Osamu? I’ll let you have crab for dinner.” He prompted.

Dazai’s eyes sparkled. “Crab…?” He murmured. Mori nodded.

”Okay! I’ll make Chuuya as smart as he can be with that little peewee brain of his!” He grinned. Chuuya shouted and kicked at his side, causing him to fall off the sofa. 

Dazai kicked his feet back and forth as he happily ate his dinner, “so, dad,” Dazai started, sipping his drink. Mori hummed in acknowledgment. “Why did you pick me to tutor silly Chuuya?” 

“Because I know how you feel about him.” Mori replied nonchalantly. Dazai’s face flushed, “you’re meddling in my love life now?!” He clutched his face and hid it in his hands, a loud, obnoxious groan followed. 

Mori shrugged. “He won’t like you if you keep making fun of his height, you know.” He gave the boy a pointed look. Dazai made a disgruntled sound. “If I treat him nicely he’ll know something is up. Chibiko isn’t as stupid as he looks.” He remarked.

“Isn’t that what you want? Why not start small. Give him gifts, do your work.. help Chuuya fit in. Be a friend instead of just work colleagues. You care about him, don’t you?” Mori tilted his head curiously.

Dazai ducked his head in embarrassment, heat rising to his cheeks as he meekly nodded. “Mhm…” 

Mori smiled. “Then act like it. You don’t have to be over the top hugging and tugging, but show Chuuya you care about him.” He bit into his dinner and took a small sip of his drink. “Let Chuuya know he belongs here and that you’ll be by his side. You are partners after all.”

”When did you start giving dad advice?” Dazai muttered, shoving the crab in his face before grabbing the rag from the side to rub his cheeks. Mori shrugged, “last week. Is it working?” 

Dazai laughed, shaking his head. “You’re getting there.” 

There was a pause.

”I’m not gonna be nice to Chuuya.” He declared.

Mori sighed. “Of course not.” 

Chapter Text

A low beep of the monitor tracked Dazai’s heart rate. It was slow, but he was stable. Mori stared at the boy, his shoulders sagged and bags under his eyes, his hair unkept. 

The door clicked open, revealing Hirotsu. The man bowed to Mori and stepped closer, an uncomfortable silence now filling the room. 

“The arrangements for Sakunosuke Oda’s funeral have been made as you wished.” Hirotsu announced. He kept his head bowed in respect for the hospitalized Dazai. “How would you like me to proceed?” 

Mori sighed softly, a hand on Dazai’s shoulder before standing up. “I am not in the right frame of mind right now, Hirotsu. Consult Kouyou on this matter. I must stay by Osamu’s side.” He told him.

Hirotsu nodded. “Yes, sir. Sorry to disturb you. Would you like anything in the meantime?” 

“A cup of jasmine tea.” Mori replied. He sat back down and closed his eyes, sighing once again. 

Mori shuffled through his paperwork like normal, humming to himself and pressing a stapler into the corner of one of the stacks. His peace was cut short when the sound of running footsteps came into his line of hearing and Chuuya burst into the room, panting and catching his breath. His door splintered off its hinges. 

“Chuuya? What is the meaning of this?” Mori asked, standing up from his seat and walking towards the boy. Chuuya looked frantic, his eyes wide and panic-stricken. “I-It’s Dazai! He’s not responding!” He gasped out.

Mori felt his heart stop. “Not responding? He’s unconscious?” 

Chuuya nodded fervently. “He’s—Kouyou’s with him right now, and she told me to come get you!” He pointed to the side, hand on his chest as he continued to catch his breath. “I didn’t know where to find you, and he’s all the way,” Chuuya swallowed, “all the way back at that bar called Lupin! I was looking for him for like two hours, and he wouldn’t answer my calls, so I don’t know how long he’s been like that! The bartender said he thought he was asleep!” He stressed. 

Mori set his hands on Chuuya’s shoulders, easing the boy to calm down. “Go to the infirmary and tell them to set a room up for Osamu, I’ll head over right now.” 

Chuuya nodded again and watched as Mori rushed out of the office, a phone in hand as he began ordering whoever was on the other end around. Chuuya clenched his fists worriedly, but quickly made his way over to the infirmary.

When Mori saw Dazai, his blood ran ice-cold. Kouyou was by the boy’s side with him laid out along a string of chairs. Mori crouched down by Dazai’s head, holding a hand in front of his nose to feel the breath faintly hit his skin. Mori let himself ease up slightly, grabbing Dazai’s wrist to feel for a pulse. It was weak, but it was there. 

“Did you see him take anything?” Mori asked the bartender frantically. The bartender shook his head. “I went out to the bathroom for a second, but when I came back, kid was already passed out. I figured it was because he was tired from mourning that man he would come in with, but he wasn’t moving. I didn’t know what to do until that red haired kid came running in.” He explained.

Mori furrowed his brows with worry, but nodded his head. The bell on the door dinged, telling Mori that Hirotsu was there. “Boss, everything’s ready to bring him back to the infirmary.” He stated.

”Be careful with him.” Mori ordered.

Chuuya would regularly visit Dazai’s side when he was recuperating. As it turned out, Dazai had overdosed on a myriad of pills that should have killed him, so his body was more than a little weak at the moment. 

It wasn’t until Day Four did Dazai finally open his eyes. His eyes were still a bit dialated, but he was breathing, and that was all that mattered to Mori right now.

”Oh…” Dazai’s weak, shrill voice sounded, he grumbled lowly. “Didn’t work.” 

Mori stood over the boy with wide eyes that softened when Dazai looked at him. Dazai’s lip trembled. “I thought I—“ 

“Osamu, please… just rest.” Mori urged, a hand on the boy’s shoulder, rubbing it gently. “But—“ Dazai cut himself off this time, swallowing a lump in his throat as he shook his head. Tears rolled down his cheeks. “No…!” He cried out. “No, no, no!” 

“You’re in pain.” Mori murmured. “I hate it!” Dazai raised his voice. Mori hummed and nodded his head, “you hate pain, yes.” He spoke quietly. 

Dazai let out a soft sob as he covered his eyes with his arm. “I’m tired of this…” he whispered. Mori’s gaze saddened, patting the boy on the head. “Grief is one of the hardest things to cope with… right now, focus on yourself. Take as much time as you need, Osamu.” He advised.

”Don’t leave me too, dad…” Dazai begged, his voice broke as he met Mori’s eyes. Mori sighed, “Osamu, the thought of it has never, and will never, cross my mind. I’m here for you.” He assured him. 

Over the course of the next few weeks, Dazai’s body slowly recovered, but his mental state only seemed to worsen. 

He wouldn’t eat, hardly slept, and cried in Mori’s arms more times than he could count. A few times when apologizing for what he did (even though Mori assured him he was just glad he was okay), and others for the fact he missed Odasaku.

It was at its worst when Dazai attended Odasaku’s funeral. Mori, Kouyou, and Hirotsu set it up just how Dazai wanted it. Just how Odasaku would have wanted it. 

Dazai didn’t think he could’ve cried as much as he did that one day, clinging to Mori’s side as the Mafia fired off their guns to the sky, something they did to commemorate a fallen mafioso. 

Chuuya was currently just sitting with Dazai in silence, Dazai leaning on Chuuya while Chuuya just sat still and stared at the ceiling. It’d been three months since Odasaku’s funeral, and Dazai seemed to be improving the more time passed. 

They’d been like that for an hour or so, at this point. 

Dazai suddenly grabbed Chuuya’s hand, staring at it before he slipped the glove off. Chuuya furrowed his brows and looked at the brunet in confusion. “What?” He murmured. 

Dazai cradled Chuuya’s hand in his, his thumb gently dragging along the skin. Dazai was usually quite touchy and affectionate, but ever since Odasaku died, he’d been even more so. Like a tick. Chuuya didn’t particularly mind anymore. It was just routine for them.

”What Chuuya have done if I really did die that day?” He asked. Chuuya flinched, his eyes blown wide. “You’re not planning on doing it again, are you?” He asked.

Dazai shrugged. “Odasaku would be upset if I did.” He whispered, “I wouldn’t want to do something that would make him mad.” 

Chuuya hummed, leaning his head on Dazai’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t know what to do if you died. It was pretty scary seeing you unresponsive like that, to be honest.” Dazai squeezed Chuuya’s hand slightly, a tension in his shoulders forming. “At first, I think I wouldn’t react. Still process it… but after a while and it really settled in… I think I’d just leave.” 

“Leave?” 

“The mafia.” 

Dazai held Chuuya’s hand close to his chest, just over his heart. “Chuuya has nothing to worry about.” He told him. Chuuya looked up at him. “I sure hope not.” 

“Why would Chuuya leave just because I’m dead?” Dazai asked, his thumb traced the lines on Chuuya’s palm, it made Chuuya relax against Dazai’s body. “Well, you’re the only reason I joined. What’d be the point, sticking around, if my partner was gone for good?” He rolled his eyes. “Sure, you piss me off sometimes, but… I do like you. You’ve saved my ass more times than I can remember.” He scoffed.

Dazai smiled, pressing a soft kiss to the back of Chuuya’s hand. “Chuuya’s stuck with me.” He mused, a lightness to his voice that Chuuya didn’t know he missed. He relished in it. Chuuya chuckled and brought his hand to Dazai’s cheek. “Bummer.” He sarcastically quipped. 

Four years. 

That was a damn long time. 

Since then, Dazai had become Mori’s righthand man as well as being the Port Mafia’s successor, should Mori ever step down. 

In these last few years, the Port Mafia’s main enemy had been a group of do-gooder gifted people in the Armed Detective Agency. 

Dazai himself had a run-in with them himself when two of them—a blonde man with a rat tail and a ginger boy—had come to one of their meetings to try and disrupt a trade.

Seamlessly, Dazai shut it down immediately, and he and Akutagawa were able to distract them while the others managed to get away with the supplies.

Unfortunately, however, this event led to an all out war against the other as Akutagawa’s ability had significantly harmed the two to near death before their special doctor managed to come in just in time to save them. 

During the planning period, the Agency had disrupted yet another trade, resulting in the Mafia relocating where they usually did their business. 

“We have a meeting tonight to discuss how we proceed with our next course of action with the Armed Detective Agency.” Mori explained to Dazai over dinner, Dazai had moved out at 20 to live with Chuuya in a rather luxurious apartment further uptown. Dazai hummed. “Oh? Let me guess… we send the Black Lizard Assault Team to send a message and, as a result, take that weretiger boy the Agency has been harboring and give him to the Guild for their reward fee?” 

Mori laughed. “Not quite…” he started. Dazai rose his brows, “do tell.” He smirked. 

“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait till tomorrow’s meeting. I want to hear what all five executives have to say about this situation. In the meantime… how is Akutagawa’s training coming along?” Mori prompted, interlocking his fingers after he set down his fork.

Dazai grinned. “Well, he’s improving nicely.” He nodded, though, a different glint appeared in his eyes. Mori perked up, concerned. “Osamu, what is it?”

”Akutagawa… he has this lung sickness that he’s never told anyone about until Gin herself came to me with worry.” Dazai explained. “Apparently, his condition has only been worsening as of late. She’s worried it may be fatal, at this point. He must’ve gotten it from when he was living on the streets… but I can’t help but wonder… is it my fault he didn’t say anything?” He sighed.

Mori nodded slowly. “Yes… that is worrying. I don’t think it has anything to do with you, more so him not wanting anyone to be concerned for his wellbeing. I’ll have him summoned up to my office for a checkup after the meeting tomorrow.” 

Dazai looked deflated, relief showing on his face. “Thank you. I… he’s my apprentice, I don’t want anything bad to happen to him.” 

“Now do you finally understand why I took you in when you were twelve?” Mori chuckled, tilting his head to the side with a smile.

Dazai laughed. “Yes, dad, I finally understand.” He playfully rolled his eyes.

Mori now had a new objective in mind.

Akiko Yosano must be retrieved in order to heal Ryuunosuke Akutagawa’s fatal illness. He’d have to call in a few favors, maybe even a sit down with Fukuzawa, but the life of Akutagawa was at stake, and this was a request from Mori’s own son.

How could he say no?