Work Text:
Armed Detective Agency: Yukichi Fukuzawa’s office. 19:16
Yukichi is signing paperwork, scribbling on it with a fountain pen. The soft scratch of the pen on the paper echoing throughout the quiet room. His desk is neatly organized, stacks of paper and reports placed next to each other. Unfortunately, he had forgotten to take home his kanji brushes, which are now laying in their box at the edge of the wooden surface. Yukichi spots some lonely gummies at the corner.
‘Ah, I see Ranpo-kun left sweets on my desk, too. That boy, I swear.’
It’s already quite late, he can’t head home knowing there’s a whole lot of work waiting for him. The dim moonlight is shining through the curtains of his office. His actual source of light, however, comes from the desk lamp he bought last year. It’s a dark grey one with a small black and violet cat pattern on it. He had paid for it before actually realizing what he had chosen.
“Fukuzawa-dono.”
Yukichi whips his head away from his paperwork at the voice of the male he so despises, Ougai Mori. The leader of the Port Mafia is standing there, hands behind his back, with an unusual attire for Mori himself. Blue jeans paired with a dark red sweater with collar, his hair is let down, hanging loosely around his sharp features. It suits him, although Yukichi would never dare to admit that.
He was about to draw his sword on instinct when Mori speaks again: “Fukuzawa-dono, I assure you I’m not here to hurt you or to execute a plan. I’m simply visiting.”
“And you expect me to believe that, Mori?” He says, dazzled, raising an eyebrow. The chuckle he hears in return tells him enough. The man before him doesn’t do things for fun or without having a logical reason. That he’s sure of, as he has fallen for his traps enough times.
“Mori, how did you manage to get in here? I’m sure I locked the door.”
Mori, in question, has his usual smile on his face. If you’d ask Yukichi, it was a meaningless and empty smile, like nothing lives behind it. He always questioned it, as Mori has used the same smile for as long as Yukichi knew him, since that day twelve years ago, when he met him.
______
“A bodyguard mission?” He had asked, confused, as he, at the moment, wasn’t working as a bodyguard anymore. The man in front of him was slim and good-looking, the black hair fitting perfectly against the male’s face and the slight stubble on his chin that was showing up, seemingly unnoticed, was something marking this ‘Mori Ougai’ as a citizen, yet, something isn't right.
“Yes. I’ve heard that Fukuzawa-dono is quite a capable bodyguard.” The other had said with a smile, the smile was full of life, eyes shimmering, but even back then, something wasn’t right about the way the man acted, as if he was hiding his emotions so deep even he himself couldn’t notice them. “Ah, you don’t suppose you could help move these medicine boxes? We’re badly understaffed right now.” Mori had said politely. It was unasked for to be a duty cleaner for the physician, so Yukichi had straight-up ignored the request.
“I’m currently not working as a bodyguard. Now…I’m preparing to establish a detective agency,” He let out an almost inaudible sigh, “I only came here because of Natsume-sensei’s instructions.” In his mind he added: ‘Which were a lot, by the way.’ Right after he said this, he spotted a little girl in the corner of the room drawing. Her blonde and curly hair along with the red dress and patterned socks, as well as some small red shoes, gave a doll-like vibe. It sent shivers down Yukichi’s spine.
He looked back up at the black-haired, who had looked indifferent, saying: “Not working? It’d be bad if your skills became dull.” The comment annoyed Yukichi, who tensed slightly and huffed. ‘As if.’ he had said in his head, not wanting to waste his energy on Mori, the one he had no choice but to protect.
“Doctor!” The metal door flies open with a rattle and hits the wall with a bang, “My comrade was shot! Please save him!” At that moment Yukichi had caught a cold gaze on Mori’s face, despite the smile. One that screamed that the man wasn’t as okay as he acted, however when he addressed the two men who barged in, the empty look disappeared.
“That’s not a problem, but don’t start fighting in here!” Then the other added: “Because the person who shot him is also receiving treatment here!”
Yukichi gave Mori a blank look with scrunched up eyebrows, not wanting to concern himself about such a shady person. Although, wanting to help people has always been one of his traits he couldn't ever deny.
Mori turned to him with a smile, “Don’t worry about it,” Yukichi cocked his head slightly, “This clinic is neutral ground,” The raven haired placed a hand over his chest as a social gesture, “And since my patients are from the underbelly of society, they bring great stories, so I’m never bored.”
‘Mori Ougai, the ‘underground doctor’, is truly a suspicious man.’ Yukichi wondered, ‘Why would Natsume-sensei want to protect him?’
______
“How I entered through the door? I lock-picked it. What else did you expect, Fukuzawa-dono? Maybe that I crawled through the window? That wouldn’t make much sense if there are easier ways, and, above all, it’d be uncomfortable. This old man’s not getting younger, you know?” Mori dramatically places his hands on his lower back to emphasise his comment.
Yukichi sighs at the complaints of the Port Mafia boss. He’s still bothered by the fact that Mori’s subordinates respect him so dearly, since there's not much of a reason to be loyal to a manipulator. He stands up and walks to the other, his arms tucked in his sleeves.
“I mostly wonder about what you’re wearing. Or did you plan to walk around like an overly ripe tomato, Mori?”
He squints as said tomato huffs and rolls his eyes, fidgeting with the sleeve of his sweater.
‘Hm, I’ve never seen Mori do things like tic-nerveux. There must be a reason he’s here?’
“Fukuzawa-dono, I must remind you that you always walk around like a christmas tree. Do you plan that too?” The man retorted, most likely offended, but not wanting to hurt his dignity by admitting that. “Plus, I think I look great in this, Elise-chan picked it for me, after all!” Yukichi can’t do anything else but watch as Mori makes a small twirl. It looks stupid, that’s all he can, and will, say.
“Let’s not turn it to me. That’s not important, anyway,” he sighs before continuing, “Why are you here, Mori?” He asks accusingly and troubled, the way a person would ask their old partner why they’re at their doorstep at 3 am.
“Ah, right, my reasoning. You see, I was forced by Elise-chan to go outside, as I have wasted away for days, sitting inside.” Yukichi isn’t surprised about that, Mori always has been more a workaholic, and alcoholic in general, not that that's important in this instance.
“That still doesn’t explain why you came to me. You could’ve gone anywhere else.” Yukichi says annoyed.
He hears Mori sigh amused and Yukichi doesn’t notice the faint red painting the other’s cheeks as he speaks. “Well, Fukuzawa-dono, I was bored of simply walking outside, so decided it would be nice to see an old friend.”
“I don’t have any business with you, and would appreciate it if you just leave me alone, and,” Yukichi turns away, planning to sit back down so he can continue his report, “don’t call me a friend, it was only a short time I saw you as one, if I ever did.”
“Come on, Fukuzawa-dono, can’t we catch up a little?” Yukichi turns his head towards the man and sees the small crease form between Mori’s eyebrows, most likely due to pondering, rather than annoyance or hurt. “Although, it is true that I’m still inside, like this.”
Yukichi hardens his gaze and digs his fingers into the skin of his arms, to not lash out and do something he’ll regret after. It’s out of sight for the raven-haired, happening inside Yukichi’s sleeves. “Well, then, Mori, I already asked you to leave this building. If you don’t intend to, I’ll happily kick you out the window.”
Mori takes a few steps to Yukichi’s desk, causing the black-haired to reappear in Yukichi’s line of sight, and leans on the edge of it, his gloved right hand elegantly placed on the surface. His left hand tucks the uncanny strand of black hair -that never seems to stay out of the way- behind his ear. Yukichi already knows it’s only wasting energy, the strand always ends up sticking out. He doesn’t brood over the fact that he knows that, not wanting to come to conclusions that will only agitate him.
“Ah, I’m quite tired, but a walk outside would still be better for my health.” Yukichi barely hears the muttered words, it unsettles him that Mori talked to himself, as it signs that he’s too tired to actually keep a full facade.
Yukichi notices the dark circles under the man’s eyes after said man speaks. He also notes how red his eyes are, bloodshot and unfocused. Yukichi wonders if he should make Mori attend to the fact that he doesn’t rest enough, but throws away the thought before it can fully form in his head. (It would show yet another time that he cares enough to make the ex-doctor take care of himself). ‘Why do I even bother, that man is nothing but a menace, he can do what he wants with his health.’
“Mori. I won’t ask again this time. Leave and walk away, or I’ll make sure you won’t be able to walk away at all,” Yukichi says, annoyance clear in his voice.
He sees a blush appear on Mori’s face, the man’s gaze wavering and, even if only for a second, avoiding his eyes. Mori isn’t the one to back away from eye contact, strong-willed and hardly ever embarrassed. So, it catches Yukichi off guard.
“Ah…” Yukichi hears the other clear his throat before speaking, “I see. Well, that’s certainly quite a threat from you, the ‘composed silver wolf’.”
The silver wolf is confused for a second, unable to grasp exactly what the special thing is about threatening a rival, saying to wound them so badly they’ll need a hospital. But, when it hits him, he also flushes slightly. He hadn’t meant to put it as such a bold innuendo, especially to the man in front of him.
“I apologize, I hadn’t meant it in a sexual manner, Mori. But I don’t know why I expected you to take it any other way.”
Mori’s lips twitch up into a teasing smile. “Of course, of course. I was simply surprised that you, out of all people, even had it in you to threaten.”
The silver-haired scoffs and his hand takes a hold of the handle of his katana. “I’m perfectly capable of it. Don’t underestimate me.”
“Ah, ah, ah, now don’t go flaying me, I still have a request, at least hear me out,” Mori says with a small chuckle. “I should’ve expected a past assassin to be a little ruthless at times, especially with one he hates.”
Yukichi tenses at the mention of his past occupation, vile memories passing through his head. He had never meant to start liking it, yet, even the memories bring him a sense of satisfaction. Whether that’s due to the mere act of murder, or the unique feeling of getting rid of an enemy in society. He shouldn’t enjoy it, no matter what.
He clears his throat and nods stiffly. “Alright, I shall listen, but I can’t promise an answer.”
“Great,” Mori grins, “What do you think of accompanying me to a nearby restaurant?”
Yukichi frowns at the invitation. Why would Mori expect him to ever agree to getting dinner with his enemy? He just had a tiring work day and certainly he's too tired to deal with Mori’s talk. “I wouldn’t agree to going anywhere with you. There’s absolutely no benefit from it.”
Mori shrugs, a small but informating movement, as he starts speaking with a genuine -although it isn’t actually genuine, likely- smile, “Not everything needs a benefit, when it’s about relationships. And if you need one that badly, it is merely the act of giving me some distraction while I eat.”
Yukichi can’t stop his lips from pursing in a thin line, a wave of anger flaring through him. Not for a particular reason, just the idea that Mori could ask for company from him is a possibility playing out. Also, he said ‘distraction’, what is it that Yukichi could have to distract the other from. There’s a possibility it could be a remnant of his past eating habits. Which, even for Mori, is alarming. There’s not a chance that he’ll let the Port Mafia boss starve because of appetite issues. Still, he’d rather not stay in range of the black-haired man. “My endurance on you is running low, Mori. I don’t think it will bring anything nice for either of us to be close to each other in any way.”
He catches Mori’s eyes casting away with a flicker of something Yukichi can’t quite place. The other’s expression hardens, attempting to recover the facade he lost a bit ago, before speaking with a slight tremble in his voice. “I am aware that our relationship is strained, and that you don't enjoy being around me. But may I remind you, that I have done things for you more often than the other way around. You're simply returning the favor, no?”
“...” Yukichi sighs and closes his eyes, bending his head towards the floor. “Alright,” he looks back up, his lime green eyes boring into Mori’s violet eyes, a red hue shining over them, “Fine, I’ll tag along.”
Mori’s smile returns, wide and amused as he replies: “I knew you’d say yes eventually.”
Mori sways towards the door and wraps his hand around the handle, pushing it down and clicking open the old wooden door. Yukichi doesn’t miss the slight trembling of his hands with the action. Truly a confusing man, that he knows.
Mori’s voice pulls him away from his concerns, “Are you coming or will you stand there staring at my hands, Fukuzawa-dono?”
Yukichi opens his mouth and contemplates asking when he last ate, but decides against it. If he’s planning to eat when he comes with him, it’ll be alright.
So, he presses his lips together and nods, “Don’t worry, Mori, I’ll follow,” he says, stepping forward and walking inside his subordinate’s office place, the place as messy as always, even without the owners of the chaos.