Work Text:
Atsushi sighs, walking up all four flights of stairs to the Agency's office. It’s after hours, which means the elevator is turned off, and which also means that he was halfway home before receiving a phone call from Dazai concerning some files that Kunikida needs right now.
Because, of course, only Atsushi can get it. Not Dazai nor anyone else. He sighs again and decides to suck it up. He could make the most of his forced outing by checking out some supermarket sales on the way home again.
Just before he gets to the door leading to the Detective’s office, his Tiger’s hearing picks up some strange whispers and rumbles, but nothing in detail. Maybe someone else stayed behind?
He opens the door, only for confetti to burst into his face with a loud pop. He nearly transforms on the spot, heart fit to burst from his chest.
“Happy Birthday Atsushi!”
The entire office has been transformed, decorated with yellow and violet streamers tied into bows and made into curls. One block of combined desks hosts plenty of food, with a three-tiered cake in the center. While the other block features wrapped presents stacked together.
But the best part is seeing the smiling, bright faces of his coworkers and Lucy (his family), as if they’re truly happy to see him. His eyes water and he struggles not to let them fall, the voice of the Headmaster still breathing in his ear.
Kyouka steps forward at Lucy and Yosano's insistence, large blue eyes shining, and takes his hands. “I hope you like it, Atsushi-nii-san.”
The terrible memories that threatened to overtake him burst into bubbles that fill his chest. The tears come forth and he ugly cries, great heaving sobs.
The festivities continue on, and Atsushi has never felt more loved in his life.