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It is almost the end of the year, around christmas time. Snow dusted the stress of Yokohama, softening the city’s sharp edges into something like in a storybook. Twinkling lights clung to lampposts and storefronts, warm golden glows spilled from cafe’s- casting elongated shadows across the icy sidewalks. Shoppers bustled past in thick scarves and puffy coats, voices muffled by the hush of winter. I stand in the middle of the street, my hands buried deep in my coat pockets. I could see each breath I took, curling like smoke due to the cold air. I tilt my hat down just enough it could protect my face from the harsh wind and snow. I was annoyed, even though this time of the year was supposed to be a good time- I had a mission. I hated how dumb this was, but- I lost track of time and now I need to hurry.
I need to find a present!
Not just for anyone- a present for Dazai.
I had gone shopping and got all the presents I needed for everyone else- but the little store had no toys available due to the holidays. I tried but I also had work- So time went by and I am now searching for a present on Christmas eve. What can I buy for a stubborn little who only likes his plush fish? I have been searching for hours, I almost have to leave to head to that ADA’s christmas party. I groaned as I kept looking around, I went into every little store that had been opened. All toy shelves are empty as anyone would expect. I cursed under my breath then kicked a pile of snow, what do I do!? I pull my phone out to see what time it is, I cursed again when I saw I would be late if I didn’t leave now. Not having a present is one thing- but not showing up at all would be devastating to him. I pursed my lips then started heading to the agency. He’s going to be so upset- How can I not find a gift for him!? As I walked down the snowy street, I pulled my phone out. I called up Yosano, we’ve talked a few times. We got closer since she’s been helping me and Kunikida with Dazai. She likes wine, so we’ve gone drinking a few times. I hate to admit those detectives at the agency aren’t too bad. The phone rang four times before she picked up. I hear music in the background and it seems Ranpo and Atsushi are little, I can hear them screaming and laughing as Kunikida tries to calm them down.
“Everything alright?” She asked, she’s shouting over the music and screaming. I paused, letting some kids run by me as their parents chased after them shouting for them to stop running ahead.
“Yeah, I just- How’s Dazai doing?” I asked, as I keep looking around in hopes I have a miracle and find a gift for that baby. I still don’t see anything, the stores are closing and I’m sure everyone is heading home.
“He’s having fun, he’s even playing with the other two. We got him in a cute little christmas onesie and a christmas hat.” She said, then I heard her laugh a little then she whispered. “Kunikida even got Guppy a elf hat, Dazai was so happy.” She sounded amused, I’m sure it was funny- Kunikida doesn’t usually do stuff like that. He gets embarrassed.
“So he’s happy…. That’s good.” I sighed as I saw I was getting closer to the agency, there aren’t any stores near this area. I lost my chance to find him something, I have no choice but to show up without gifts now. I’m a terrible caregiver- I’m not even a good friend. Am I?
“What’s got you so upset? It’s Christmas eve.” She pointed out, then I heard a loud crash and Kunikida shouting about how this is why we don’t run in the office. Yosano laughed again then sighed, “Sorry, Atsushi just knocked over some stuff.”
“Ha.. You’d think they’d learn by now. Anyways- I-.. I haven’t found Dazai a gift. I looked everywhere but-” I cursed then kicked some more snow before stepping on to the pavement, I saw the agency in the distance. Damn it! The closer I get the worse I feel.
“Hmm… Don’t worry about it, I’m sure he won’t mind. I think all he wants is you. You and Kunikdia make him happy, not fancy gifts.” She made a good point, but I still didn’t feel good about coming without anything to give him. I make it to the front of the building and I see her standing by the window. “Come inside.” She hangs up, I huffed as I heard the call end then I shoved my phone back into my pocket.
I walked up the steps then made it to the entrance of the agency’s office. I sighed then opened the door and stepped inside, right away I’m hit with the smell of hot cocoa and some food. I see some candy on a table that’s being watched so the littles don’t get it. I saw all the decorations around the office, it looked nice. I see Ranpo and Atsushi running around, Kunikida has given up chasing them. Then I saw Dazai, he’s sitting with Yosano and Kunikida as he’s sucking on a candy cane. I smiled when I saw him, Yosano was right- he’s really cute in his onesie and hat. I shut the door and walked right over to him. Once he noticed me he instantly smiled and dropped the candy cane on Kunikida’s lap.
“Chuu!” He squealed as he kicked his feet, he reached for me and I picked him up without hesitation. I chuckled as he clings to me instantly, I hide my face in his hair as he grips my shirt in his fists. His hat fell off when I picked him up, he didn’t seem to care. He looked up at me and smiled, “When does Santa come?” He asked softly, “You think I was good?”
“I’m sure you were very good- He’ll come when you’re asleep, baby.” I said as I brushed his bangs out of his face. The hat had made his hair a little frizzy with static. Looking at him, I feel even worse that I couldn’t find a gift. When he’s little like this- I want to do what I can to keep him happy. I hope he doesn’t stay upset when he realizes I didn’t get him anything. I wish Mori didn’t overwork me as much as he did this month. I swear you’d think he did it on purpose!
“I can’t wait!” He giggled, then looked around. He starts watching the two littles on a sugar rush as they run around the office some more. Fukuzawa had started to try and calm them down. Who’s great Idea was to give them so much sugar?
The night went well, the party was fun. I made sure Dazai didn’t have that much sugar. I did not want to deal with a little on a sugar rush- or a baby with a stomach ache. They opened a few presents, only because Ranpo demanded he wanted his now, and Atsushi never really had a Christmas with family before. Once it was Dazai’s turn, he looked right at me and smiled. Oh- he looks so excited. He told everyone I got the best gifts, Yosano gave me a sympathetic look then I looked away. How do I tell him?
“Minnow, about your gift…” I started, picking at my gloves as I grew more anxious. I did not want him upset on Christmas eve. I saw him slowly stop smiling, he tilted his head and now looked confused. “I.. I wasn’t able to-” Before I could finish, the agency door busts open. I should say- it was completely destroyed, I saw a familiar black tentacle break the door, then I saw Akutagawa step inside. Not now!
Wait-
Why is he wearing reindeer antlers? He looks mad.
Higuchi runs in also wearing the same hat, then Tachihara, Gin, Kouyou- oh she’s Mrs.Clause, Mori walks in he isn’t wearing anything specific just a christmas sweater. Elise is wearing a Christmas themed dress, then Hirotsu- oh my god he’s santa. I fight the urge to laugh. He looks hilarious. Mori walks over to Akutagawa and pats his head. “We said not to destroy the door, bad rudolph.”
I snorted, then looked over at Dazai who was laughing, he hid his smile behind both his hands as he giggled. Higuchi smiles, she seems to be having fun. “Merry Christmas!” She shouted, holding her hands up in the air.
“We have some gifts for a special baby!” Mori exclaimed as he looked over at Dazai, I watched Dazai get a little shy- I smiled softly then picked him up so he was more comfortable. He clings to me and hides his face in the crook of my neck. He glanced over at Hirotsu and watched him closely. “Don’t worry, we have gifts for the other two as well.”
I walked towards Hirotsu who had set a huge red sack down on the floor, he started pulling gifts out. Some were big, some were small, but there was definitely a lot. Dazai gasped as he watched, he looked at me and smiled. “All mine?” He asked hopefully.
Kouyou laughs softly, then pet Dazai’s head. “Course, this was all Chuuya’s Idea.” She said, but that was a complete lie. I frowned as I looked at her- I was glad Dazai couldn’t see my face because he was distracted. She winked at me then as I set Dazai down to look at all the wrapped gifts she pulled me aside to explain. “This was my idea, I told boss how it wasn’t right he overworked you. I saw how upset you were since you couldn’t find a gift for your little Minnow.” I let out a breathy laugh then ran my fingers through my hair in relief. Leave it to my big sis to save the day.
“Thanks…” I whispered back, then looked over at Dazai who was having a blast with all the gifts. Higuchi and Gin were helping with handing out the gifts, they were in charge of making sure Ranpo, Atsushi and Elise didn’t try to take any of Dazai’s. They gave them their gifts while Hirotsu focused on Dazai. I should go help. “I should go help them…” Some of the agency members had to help due to all the gifts. How much did they all get!?
Two hours of opening presents later- I think everything was finally opened. All caregivers were exhausted- all the littles and Elise were playing with all the toys. I sighed as I finally sat down for the first time in those two hours. Kunikida sat next to me and fixed his glasses- Ranpo had accidentally headbutted him when he got too excited and hit his glasses. I’m sure they’re broken. I laughed then watched Dazai playing with Kouyou, Gin and HIguchi. The two younger girls were having fun and thought he was cute. Akutagawa surprisingly was playing with Atsushi. I would have thought he would hate Atsushi like this. Guess not. I looked over at Kunikida and smirked. He looked so tired, but I’m sure he’d never admit it. We had agreed Dazai would stay with me, only because I have a bigger place. He doesn’t get much time with Dazai due to work or his living conditions. Agency dorms aren’t that big and he has to do extra work due to having three littles in the agency. Maybe- I should give him a break.
I sighed as I sat up then nudged him. “What?” He asked as he sat up as well. He fixed his glasses again, he was getting irritated at how crooked they were.
“First, give me your glasses.” I demanded, he hesitated before taking them off and handing them over. I used my ability to bend the metal frame and fixed his glasses no issue. I handed them back and he was surprised at how easy that was. He thanked me then waited for my next part. “Second… Do you want to come over for Christmas? I’m sure Dazai would love it.” He looked surprised again, then he nodded. I’m sure he won’t admit how happy he was I offered. He’s too prideful.
It’s crazy how things worked out, The port mafia and ADA spending Christmas eve together and I’m taking care of Dazai again. If someone told me this the last four years- I’d never believe them.
I’m glad this is how it worked out though.