Chapter Text
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Today was the day. The tension in the Agency was so thick you could cut it with a switchblade. The Agency to Port Mafia transfer deal. Everyone thought it’d maybe be Atsushi- or even Tanizaki- Dazai has to admit, ‘Light Snow’ would make him a pretty good assassin, and he’s more than proven that he has a darker side capable of it. Having almost killed Mori- Thank goodness Kouyou stopped him- But no. Dazai knew how today was going to end. They’d had this planned for three years- today, the mission ends, and Dazai will be returning home.
~~~ 4 Years Ago ~~~
“You wanted to see me, boss?” Dazai asked, closing the large, ornate, double doors to Mori’s office behind him.
“Ah, Osamu. Yes. Please, take a seat.” Mori smiled, motioning with one gloved hand to the chairs in front of his desk. Dazai obliged, sprawling in one. Mori slid a manilla folder with ‘CLASSIFIED’ stamped on it in big, red, bold, letters, across the desk. Dazai arched an eyebrow.
“What’s that?” he asked.
“If you actually opened it, you’d know.” Mori said, drily. Dazai sighed- in that exaggerated way only a teenager can- and reached for the folder, pulling it towards him with an irritated groan. He flicked through his contents.
“You can’t be serious.” Dazai said, looking up at Mori.
“Oh, but I am.” Mori smiled- Dazai thought he looked a bit too much like the Cheshire Cat for his liking.
“You really this it’s a good idea to send me of ALL the people here- into an up and coming detective agency?? You saw what I did to that dude last week, right?” Dazai asked, incredulous.
“I’m aware. And I’m sure you’ll find a way to… manage. The president’s an old acquaintance of mine, he actually used to be my bodyguard- don’t give me that look, Osamu. The point is. I know him, he always had an annoying little knack for wanting to see the best in people. If you go in there, act like some poor teenager who’s been shunned from society or something with a tragic backstory, I’m sure he’ll take you in without a second thought.” Mori said.
“If you say so…” Dazai grumbled, looking over the files again.
~~~ Present Day ~~~
“Everyone, I’d like to speak with you for a minute before the Port Mafia boss arrives.” Fukuzawa said, entering the main office. Everyone quickly crowded around, Dazai stood a bit slower- stretching his back for a second before walking over. It really didn’t matter now… they’d all know the truth in less than a couple hours. Dazai was surprised to say… he’d miss them. He knew they didn’t feel the same, but he’d kinda become attached to this little family of misfits. He’d always belong with the Port Mafia, that much was obvious, but… he had to admit… the agency was a lot warmer than the mafia’s cold, echoing, bloodstained halls… whatever. It didn’t matter what he wanted, it was always going to end, he was the one who messed up and went and got attached to the mission…..right?
“I know you’re all, rightfully, nervous, maybe even scared, for the upcoming transfer. But I wanted you all to know, that no matter what… you’ll always have a home here. That will never change. If any of you need help, ever, please do not hesitate to reach out, either to me or your coworkers.” The president said solemnly.
Everyone… but me. I’m sure. I’ve never truly fit into this little group. Dazai thought bitterly, he’s not sure why this hurts so much… it’s just another mission. He’s been undercover countless times, it’s nothing new. So why… does it feel like he’s leaving part of himself behind? It doesn’t matter. Not anymore. Dazai slipped back to his desk while the rest of the agency members talked among themselves… like a family saying their last goodbyes at a funeral. Stop it. You’re being weak. Dazai literally shaked his head- like he was physically trying to dislodge the thoughts.
“Uhm… Dazai-san?” Dazai looked up at the voice- Atsushi was wringing his hands, something Dazai noticed he tended to do when he was nervous. A dead giveaway that’d get you killed in seconds in the mafia’s line of work.
“Ah~ Atsushi-kun! Whatever might I help you with?” Dazai said, smiling with that usual mask that slid on far too easily these days, Atsushi looks surprised.
“It’s just- well… wait, aren’t you nervous?” Atsushi asked. Ah- he should be, shouldn’t he? Well- too late to save face now.
“You heard the president, Atsushi. Even if our surroundings change, and we don’t see each other every day, we’ll still be a family. We’ll still be there for each other. That will never change.” Dazai smiled, opting to try for reassurance in an attempt to mask. Always be a family… what a bold faced lie.
“It’s just-” Atsushi started, but Dazai cut him, trying to lighten the mood for his student a little.
“If it somehow happens to be you, which I highly doubt, by the way- I’ll have a chat with Akutagawa to make sure he doesn’t kill you.” The mafia would kill him before Akutagawa ever could- Dazai smiled easily.
“But-” Atsushi was cut off by the door opening, everyone in the agency froze.
Everyone except Dazai.
Ōgai Mori walked in, calmly, with the air of a man who owned not only the room, but the entire building, flanked by Chuuya, Kouyou, Hirotsu, and a couple guards. Hm- Dazai’s pretty certain he pushed that guard into the port, once. Dazai locked eyes with Mori for a brief moment, exchanging a brief nod. No one noticed. Fukuzawa walked over to greet him and lead him to the meeting room.
Things are about to get messy.
Dazai settled himself into a chair near the end of the table, sending an infuriating smirk Chuuya’s direction. Ah… he’ll probably have some explaining to do, if Mori doesn’t. Mori’s the only one who knows his “defection” was actually planned. Him and Chuuya were basically brothers for a while… he knows it hurt him when he left, specifically the fact he didn’t ask him to come with him. But- well… Dazai left for a mission, he wasn’t actually leaving. Chuuya would’ve actually left- also… Dazai’s pretty sure him blowing up the slug’s car probably didn’t help- he had to make it believable, okay??! Dazai let his gaze drift over the room… over the agency’s side… it was bittersweet… knowing in just a few short minutes he’d be back with his family… they’re a twisted family… but they’re family… Dazai was snapped out of his thoughts by Mori’s voice.
“Dazai. Is there anything you’d like to tell the agency?” Mori smiled, his voice like velvet. That same voice that always meant ‘I know something you don’t.’
Well… it’s time.
Dazai stood up. It felt like there were a million pairs of eyes on him.