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A hot, Summer night… Like there used to be.
It had been a long time since they’d done this. Too long.
“Hey, Chūya.” Said the brunette, his eyes lighting up under the evening stars.
Chūya sighed, removing his hat before replying.
“What, mackerel? Can’t you see I’m doing something?”
Chūya was currently bent over by the cooler, taking out an expensive bottle of wine.
“Wow, Chūya. That’s a fancy one. You really gonna let me try some?”
Dazai was joking, obviously. He didn’t even like wine that much. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder if it was good or not… Chūya always had good taste, after all.
Chūya scoffed.
“Yeah, as if. Oh—who am I kidding? Of course you can. I wouldn’t have brought it out if I wasn’t gonna let you have a sip or two.”
Dazai raised an eyebrow, his expression melting into one of puzzlement and worry.
“Are you okay?”
“Huh?”
“You’re acting weird…”
“So… I can’t be nice once in a while—“
“Not that!”
Chūya’s eyes widened as he felt Dazai’s hand on his shoulder.
“Can you not touch me, please?”
“You’re sluggish, Chūya. Your face looks different. You’re tired. Did something happen?”
Normally he’d be mad. But…
Dazai watched in shock as Chūya broke down in tears. Somehow, he felt sympathy for him…
“Chūya-“
“What the f#ck is wrong with you? How could you forget—“ He was cut off by a sob, before covering his mouth and turning away.
“What did I do?”
When Chūya sat down, Dazai sat next to him. It was almost as if they were, well, friends.
“It’s not you… It’s just…”
“What?”
After a moment or two of sobbing, Chūya looked up again, his eyes now focused on the night sky.
“My friends, The Young Bloods… Today’s the anniversary of their passing.”
“Oh.”
“How could you forget?” Chūya exclaimed, a hint of resentment present in his voice.
“Just… Didn’t cross my mind, I guess. C’mere.”
Dazai held his arms out, his position softening to make room for Chūya.
Chūya glared, a confused look present on his face.
“Yeah, no.”
“Aw, c’mon—“
“Fine!”
Chūya felt trapped. On one end, he really didn’t wanna touch that guy. When was the last time he showered? But still, it felt nice to be held once in a while…
Finally, after a moment of careful consideration, Chūya took the bate.
It was a bit awkward at first. He’d never hugged him before. But something about it just felt natural.
It was the first time in years where he’d actually felt someone else’s warmth. Real warmth, that is. Of course he’d had affairs over the years, he was a good-looking guy. Most women didn’t seem to mind his height too much. But they were water under the bridge. They weren’t anything worth remembering.
“Chūya?”
“Huh…”
“Do you ever… Wish you were with your friends?”
“Sigh. This again?”
“I mean it.”
His voice was serious. His face was free of expression. It was like conversing with a mannequin.
“Sometimes…” Chūya said, his face now matching Dazai’s.
“Me too. Do you miss them?”
“I wish I could say no…”
“I miss Oda, too.”
Chūya looked up at Dazai, who refused to look back.
“It’s hard not to. Before you meet them, they’re nothing. When they’re finally in your life, you appreciate them and all, but they’re still just people. Then one day they’re just… Gone. And you realize just how much you were losing before you had them. And how much more you’re gonna be losing now…”
“Yeah…”
Silence. A comfortable one. Finally, something they could both relate and agree on…
Then, Chūya spoke up again.
“But… They’re counting on me. I can’t go out just yet. And besides, I’d miss the ones I have left.”
Finally, he looked down. He was calmer now.
“We’ve lost a lot. More than anyone should ever lose. What’s there left to live for?”
“Well, for starters… Your friends, your job, us.”
Dazai chuckled a bit, his hand now resting on Chūya’s head.
“We were pretty cool, weren’t we?”
“Tell me about it. Those were the days… Remember when we took down Randō?” Chūya replied.
Dazai looked down again.
“Ugh, how could I forget… Poor guy. Chūya?” He said, his tone more hushed now.
“What this time?”
“I’m glad you’re here. Annoying or not, I’m glad someone understands.”
Chūya smirked at the backhanded compliment, rolling his eyes.
“Gee, thanks. You’re still a pain in my a##.”
Dazai groaned, pretending to be offended.
“Aw, c’mon, Chūya! We were having a moment here!”
“Yeah, yeah. Anyway, back to dead people. Do you think they can see us right now?”
Dazai thought for a moment, peering up at the stars and the moon.
“Hmm… Maybe.”
“I hope so. If I can’t see them yet, I hope that they can atleast see me.”
“Yeah…”
Oh, Oda… Can you see me?
—————————————————————————
On the roof of an abandoned building, sat a duo known as “The Double Black.”
It was a hot Summer night, like there used to be. In the golden years.
Where did all the time go? The people?
All of those questions were answered that night.
Some say the two talked for hours, others without any words at all.
It didn’t matter. Because no matter what happened, they could always count on each other. Whether they were willing to admit it or not.