Archive of Our Own

1) The two of them are 14
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Ranpo stretches as he yawns. He was tired from the case he and Fukuzawa had finished up this morning. Something about a woman killing her boyfriend in a struggle after he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Ranpo shakes his head, he would rather not think of it.

Groaning, he raises his hand and rubs his eye as he walks down the street. He had broken off with Fukuzawa a few minutes ago to get himself something to eat while the older man finished up some paperwork. Fukuzawa had at first declined and offered to go with him but Ranpo had countered that he wasn’t on a case and was just getting food. Besides, Ranpo was already used to taking care of himself.

Ranpo bit his bottom lip, frowning. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Fukuzawa, in fact, he really liked the man. It was just… well Ranpo just wasn’t used to someone liking him. It had only been a week since the whole theater incident and Ranpo still had some moments where it felt like Fukuzawa was only humoring him. He knew that wasn’t the case but bad thoughts don’t stop just because you know they aren’t true.

In his field of vision, Ranpo sees a pair of feet (When did he start looking down?) before he hits a wall and suddenly, he’s on the ground.

Rubbing his backside to drive off the pain, Ranpo raises his head to see who he had run into before pausing when emerald meets crystal blue. Crystal blue connects to a pale face surrounded by soft wavy strands of ginger. Looking lower, Ranpo spots a simple white t-shirt and jeans. Looking back up, Ranpo parts his lips slightly as he tries to remember where he knew the other male from, because he definitely recognized him.

The two stare at each other for a long few seconds until Ranpo’s brain finally catches up to him, who then jumps up, and points an accusing finger at crystal blue. “It’s you!” He exclaims loud enough to startle a group of friends (Ranpo notices with a brain that won’t stop thinking that the oldest should try for the position she wants, and the guy should tell the blond her boyfriend is cheating) walking past the two of them.

The boy - Oda, something if Ranpo remembered right - tilts his head down to face Ranpo. He didn't even blink as he spoke, “You're the kid from the murder case.”

Ranpo glares as he crosses his arms, a pout forming on his face, “Yeah, the murder case that interfered with my job application. You still owe me for that by the way.”

Oda, something finally blinks, “I…do?” Then he huffs, “I didn’t kill the guy.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Ranpo whines, “You were still part of the problem, therefore the reason I couldn’t get a job.”

Oda(Ranpo should really get his actual name) is quiet for a few seconds before muttering, “Then I apologize but I was under the impression that you were in a better place now?”

Ranpo paused in his pouting as he tilted his head, “Yeah, Fukuzawa’s is cool but that doesn’t mean I still can’t be mad at you.”

“Then what it means, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin your application.”

Ranpo smiles and then he’s up in Oda’s face who takes a step back because of the closeness. Ranpo ignores it, preferring to instead grab the other’s hand and start dragging him down the sidewalk they were both standing in the middle of.

Oda, although surprised if the small noise he lets out is any indication, lets Ranpo continue to drag him. It was quiet between them until Oda spoke up as they crossed a road, “Where are you taking me?” You could hear the confusion tinted in suspicion in his voice but Ranpo decided not to bring it up.

Instead he just hums, “Well, you're gonna repay me. Where do you wanna eat?” Oda opens his mouth to answer but Ranpo cuts him off, “Trick question, I already know you like curry.” He giggles, “Now come on, I know a good spot.”
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It’s peaceful as the two walk. It’s peaceful as Oda watches the back of the boy who was at the office a week ago(what was his name again?) He still doesn’t know why he’s humoring the other, really he should have just ignored him. For some reason though, Oda was still allowing him to drag them to some curry shop.

Why?

For some reason, Oda doesn’t think he could answer that.

Sighing, Oda fastened his pace to catch up so he wasn’t being dragged anymore, “What’s your name again?” He asked so he could finally put a name to the face.

The other slowed down a bit to where Oda was in front, and without knowing where they were going, Oda stopped himself. Turning around, he stared at the other who had now stopped as well. He was looking across the street. Oda felt weird at the sight of dull eyes on a blank face. He was so expressive a second ago, was it because of the question he asked?

His chest tightened at that thought.

Opening his mouth to ask something else, Oda pauses when the other starts to harshly shake his head. Before Oda can try to ask what’s wrong, the other turns back to face him and answers softly, “Ranpo Edogawa.” Then his voice raises, “And you better not forget it!”

Ranpo Edogawa, huh…it was a nice name, Oda likes it.

“And your name?”

“My name?”

Ranpo makes an annoyed face and Oda can feel his hand tighten around his own. He huffs and mutters, “Yes, your name. I know it’s Oda but I didn’t care to pay attention to the re-”

“Sakunosuke,” Oda says, interrupting Ranpo, “Oda Sakunosuke is my name.”

Ranpo purses his lips and that dull look appears in his eyes again and Oda knows the other doesn't enjoy being interrupted. He didn’t say anything though but Oda still makes the decision to not interrupt him again.

Then the light returns to his eyes and Oda feels better at the sight.

Ranpo smiles, “Well Oda-chan, we’re going to Joto Curry’s. It’s only down the street.”

Joto curry, one of his favorite curry places. Looking at his smile, Oda gets the feeling that Ranpo knew that.

He nods, “Don’t call me Oda-chan.”

“Fine, fine.” Ranpo waves his free hand, “Well, let's go. You still gotta repay me, you know.”

Oda doesn’t reply but once again, he doesn’t stop Ranpo from pulling him along anyway. The two walk across the street and turn left before finally he spots the sign to Joto Curry. Walking inside, Oda ends up taking the lead to the counter.

Ranpo doesn’t let go of his hand and Oda doesn’t ask him.

The woman at the counter smiles warmly as she asks, “Hi, what can I get you?”

Ranpo leans forward, quickly rattling off his order (Oda almost wanted to take a step back from how sweet he wanted it) and before Oda can utter anything, Ranpo orders for him. Oda thinks he would have been annoyed if Ranpo didn’t order what he always got when he stopped at a Joto Curry.

Oda shakes his head at the thought and goes to grab his wallet. Ranpo lets go of his hand to head over to a table in the corner. Oda ignores how his hand feels cold as he hands over the right amount of yen. He thanks the woman and heads over to where Ranpo sat down.

Sitting down across from Ranpo he asks a question, “I thought I was repaying you, why curry?”

Ranpo, who was hiding his face in his arms, looked up a little, “Well, obviously we went with your favorite since I don’t really care so long as it’s sweet.”

Oda leans his head against his palm, “Do you only eat if it’s sweet? That seems unhealthy.”

“Of course not, dummy. I eat other things, I just like it best when it’s sweet.” Ranpo mutters as he raises back up and Oda looks at the black and white turtleneck he was wearing, the two colors split down the middle. It looked nice.

Ranpo lowers his head again and the front disappears from Oda’s sight.

He turns his head to face the window.

“It makes the headaches go away…”

Oda looks back over at Ranpo at those whispered words. His face was turned to the side, half buried in his arms again. Oda could only see one emerald eye but it disappears just as fast when some of his bangs fall across it. He doesn’t say anything about the comment.

It’s silent between the two of them, a silence that Oda usually wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with but his hands feel twitchy anyway. If the sight of Ranpo who was trying to hide his face even more said anything, he probably felt it as well.

Thankfully, it only lasts a few more seconds before the woman from before walks over to them and sets two bowls of curry down on the table.

“Enjoy!” She says bubbly before turning around and leaving.

At the sight of the curry, Ranpo sits back up, a smile forming on his face. He pulls his bowl closer to him and immediately takes a bite… only to drop his spoon and cover his mouth just as fast. Oda just watches as the other waves one of his hands near his covered mouth to try to cool down the mouthful he refused to spit out.

He only starts to get a bit worried when he spots small tears beginning to form at the rim of his eyes, “Are you alright?” He decides to ask.

Ranpo nods as he swallows, “Just hot.”

Oda sighs with amusement, “Maybe try blowing it on your next bite. I’d rather my repayment food not burn off your tongue.”

Ranpo doesn’t reply. Instead he just continues to stare at Oda, hand still covering his mouth. Oda ignores it and takes his first bite. It was really good, spicy just how he liked it.

He takes a quick glance at Ranpo before returning his focus back to his curry. He pauses just as fast though when he realized that Ranpo was still staring. He looks across at the other and notices his shoulders shaking.

Oda blinks, was he mad or trying not to laugh? Did he say something wrong?

He opens his mouth to ask when Ranpo bursts out into giggles that quickly turns into genuine laughter. Oda just stares at the other’s laughter. It sounded so nice, Ranpo looked so nice. He wanted to hear it more just to see this sight again.

Oda’s mind stutters at the thought. Since when did he start getting thoughts like that? Looking at Ranpo once again though and seeing those full, blushed filled cheeks, Oda couldn’t deny it. Not one bit.

He watches as Ranpo laughs so hard that small tears begin to form in the corner of his eyes. The way the sun was shining just right that it enhanced all of the detective’s features, only causing Oda’s thoughts to blur as they became filled with laughter and sweetness with every second that passed. He huffs before smiling as he takes another bite. It was just one of those facts of life he supposed. The sky was blue, it was Wednesday, 3:26 PM and Ranpo looked beautiful laughing.

Oda finds himself wanting to hear this sound again and again.

2) The two of them are 16
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Ranpo hums a small tune as he and Oda walk down the street. After the repayment lunch the two of them had almost two years ago, they had ended up running into each other a few more times before deciding, ‘fuck it’ and started to meet up on their own free will.

Ranpo will never admit that he kinda wanted to cry when Oda asked to exchange numbers.

Seven months later he and Fukuzawa saved Yosano.

Nowadays, Ranpo has a sister, a friend, and Fukuzawa(He really wanted to call the man dad but everytime he tried he was reminded of his father…maybe it wouldn’t hurt as much when he was older).

The humming continues and Ranpo swings his arms, the thoughts that were gradually becoming worse disappearing. The humming becomes high and fast before lowering into a slow remorseful melody as the ending to the song he was humming draws near. It finally ends with a floorwish as he and Oda arrive at their destination.

Yokohama Cosmo World.

Ranpo had been the one to propose the trip. Last week when the two of them were at the park after clocking out of their respective jobs Oda had mentioned being free all Friday. They both had ignored how he basically told Ranpo that no one would die that day - at least by Oda’s hand.

Then a duck tried biting Oda’s hand and Ranpo laughed.

After leaving the park Ranpo had offered to go to Cosmo’s World Friday. Oda had responded by telling him that he didn’t have a free day. He had just waved his hand saying that Fukuzawa would let him take a week off if he asked. Oda had huffed but ultimately agreed.

So here the two of them were, standing in front of the amusement park.

To his left, Ranpo spots the dark purple tank top tucked into blue jeans that Oda was wearing before he hears the other start to mutter as he checks the time on his phone, “It’s 4:17 right now, so we got about five hours to enjoy ourselves.”

Ranpo grabs Oda’s hand - a habit of his that always seemed dormant until the redhead was by his side - and begins to pull him along, and like always, Oda just goes along with it.

Quickly passing others, they enter the park.

Oda looks behind him, only not running into someone thanks to Ranpo leading him. Though Ranpo pauses in his steps when Oda catches up to his side and questions, “I thought you had to pay for these types of things?”

Ranpo blinks, “Wow, that’s sad that you’ve never been to an amusement park,” Before he shrugs his shoulders, “But to answer your question, nope~. Entrance is free, what you gotta pay for are the rides.”

“That sounds expensive.”

Ranpo nods, “Yea, a little bit but we can get a discount book.”

Not waiting for Oda to reply, Ranpo starts pulling him along again to the ticket booth. The wait in line takes a bit but neither of them mind very much though Ranpo does start getting a little antsy at the end. After exchanging pleasantries with the worker, they buy discount books before leaving the line.

Oda looks down at the small book in his hand, “Where should we go first?”

Ranpo swings their hands between them, actually thinking about the question for a second. Then he hums, “Since this is your first time here we can start easy, I guess.”

“So…?”

Ranpo giggles, “Just follow me, silly.”
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It was Oda’s first time at an amusement park and he thinks he likes it. The two of them had started small and simple just like Ranpo had said. They went on a carousel first, Ranpo had rode on the panther after spending a good ten seconds debating which one would go up and down the most.

He didn’t mind personally so he went on the jaguar that was right next to Ranpo’s panther. Oda’s face didn’t change much when the ride started up but he would never deny that it was fun … actually he would totally deny it if someone asked (And if Oda was truthfully paying more attention to Ranpo who wore such a simple outfit - consisting of a tie dye t-shirt tucked into light blue denim shorts, and flip flops the color of the sun that maybe should have clashed with the rest of it but just made everything brighter in his eyes - but still shone like stars and laughter that was akin to rain falling in a desert, then the ride itself, well no one had to know).

They went on a few more after that - all of which they (Mainly Ranpo but Oda was having fun too) had enjoyed.

What he doesn’t like is the weird feeling he got in his stomach after every fast paced-adrenaline inducing ride. Now usually that wouldn’t worry him, and it doesn’t! It’s just he only felt that way with half of the rides. Namely the roller coasters and a couple others that brought out that sinking feeling that made it feel like your stomach was about to rise out of your throat.

Except Oda isn’t stupid and it doesn’t feel exactly like that either. He would know; that sinking feeling is a part of his job description. Besides, he doesn’t usually start sweating and breathing hard and closing his eyes when that happens - unlike with the rides where he starts sweating as soon as he sits down, where he starts breathing hard when the ride starts, and where he closes his eyes when they do a drop.

…Was he scared?

Oda shakes his head as soon as the thought appears. He couldn’t be scared. Definitely not when his job brings so much worse to his life, he wouldn’t be so scared of a ride so simple compared to his life.

Right?

Oda breaks out of his head when a warm hand grabs onto his again and a voice that somehow has never failed to calm his person bluntly says, “You know, if you keep getting stuck in your head you're gonna miss everything.”

“I’m not stuck in my head all the time,” He huffs in reply.

Ranpo just tilts his head to the side away from him and Oda knows the other doesn’t believe his words, at least he was trying to hide his laughter (His thoughts betray them as they think how they wouldn’t mind if Ranpo had laughed). He scowls anyways.

He still lets Ranpo drag him to the next ride on his list he apparently thought up on their way here.

As they step into line Oda looks at the sign above them, Ranpo has chosen their next ride to be the Diving Coaster - Vanish!
A fun ride by the looks of it but his heart was still pounding and he could feel a small bead of sweat slip down his temple. Alright, so maybe Oda was scared of roller coasters. A silly fear for him but he wasn’t one to deny his feelings - ignoring his monotone personality that he knows Ranpo is determined to change (Though he’s pretty sure Ranpo doesn’t actually mind since he never tries too hard).

The line gets shorter and they get closer and Oda doesn’t say anything. He feels Ranpo’s hand tighten against his and his heart calms down slightly. Well, if Ranpo really wanted to go on this Oda had no reason to say no so he won’t say anything about the newly learned open secret between them unless needed.

The line shortens again and now it’s their turn. They get strapped in the very first row and Oda can feel himself go a bit pale, he really wishes he didn’t realize this fear of his. He hears rain in the desert beside him and Oda is determined to not get scared.

The ride starts and Oda immediately fails at not being scared.

…Well at least he hasn’t passed out like the guy behind them whose wife was just laughing next to him. Maybe it was a common occurrence with him?

They get to the top and Oda sucks in a sharp breath. They start falling and Oda wants to close his eyes but he’s determined to see this through. They go down into the tunnel surrounded by water and Oda clenches his hands against the bars until their ghost white. They go around the three loops and Oda thinks that he does enjoy roller coasters (Though definitely not as much as Ranpo if the gleeful giggles he can hear beside him says anything) but god is he scared of them.

At least he doesn’t feel like he’s about to gag.

The ride ends and Oda has to reframe that statement.

The bars release and he immediately jumps out and runs over to the edge of the platform and proceeds to dry gag over the railing. Through heaves and coughing he gets out in a choked out whisper, “I am never doing that again…”

Ranpo - who had walked over in a much slower and calmer manner - just continued to pat his back but the smile he was trying to hide doesn’t help his case in how funny he found this.

“You’ve killed people more convoluted than this, and this is what scares you.” It wasn’t a question so Oda didn’t give an answer. Ranpo continues unbothered though notably not making fun of Oda and instead just talking about the ride itself, “This was was actually really tame-”

Not that that stops Oda from cutting the shorter one off as he grabs onto his shoulders and mutters in a voice that has seen war, “Shush.”

A few seconds pass and Oda turns to the side to calm his heart. He’s like 70% sure that at least some color has come back to his face. Then he hears jingles and feels like he’s drowning in the Sahara desert - a fate he wouldn’t mind because he knows what that means.

Turning around, he sees Ranpo in all his glory laughing. Laughing at the admittedly childish response that Oda gave him. He laughs harder and harder until he’s red in the face and is clutching his stomach.

Oda still sputters despite his body feeling warm at the laughter made of jingles.

Ranpo laughs all the way to the ground, and Oda never interrupts once (He will forever deny he was blushing, whether from embarrassment or his emotions feeling warm not-withstanding). Why would he, when that laughter is the sweetest part of his life.

When Ranpo finally calms down a few feet from the exit of Vanish he sports a deep blush and his eyes gleam with more silent laughter.

Not a single time does he try to stop Ranpo from laughing though. He would go on a thousand more roller coasters far worse than Vanish just to hear that beautiful laughter again.

He feels warm and Oda has the sudden urge to wish on a shooting star for this moment to never end.

Ranpo lets out a few more small snickers before grabbing his arm and joyfully says, “Then let's do something that you’ll enjoy.”

He’s tempted to tell Ranpo that he would enjoy whatever Ranpo did but he, like always, doesn’t stop Ranpo from dragging him.

They end up where a bunch of carnival games stood and Oda’s steps felt lighter as Ranpo dragged them to the first stall, this was something that he knows he’ll excel at. They had started at a balloon dart game, one that Oda beat in only one round. Ranpo chose a matching pair of keychains - a pair of crows that were cuddled together when put together - for the reward.

The two walk to another stall and Ranpo hands Oda one of the crow keychains. “For you.” Ranpo mumbles as Oda gently grabs it. With his hand free again, Ranpo grabs his phone and quickly attaches his crow to the bottom of his phone case. He waves his phone with its new addition and smiles, “Now we match.”

He stares for a second before smiling as well as he grabs his own phone to attach his little crow, “I guess we do.”

They go around the game booths, both(Oda) playing and always winning at least something small to the point they have to buy a gift bag to carry everything.

It was fun.

It’s dark when they end the day by riding the Cosmos Clock 21 ferris wheel. They were lucky and were able to snag the gondola with a see-through floor. They were even luckier to have no one join them…somehow. Oda thinks Ranpo has something to do with it but he wasn’t gonna bring it up.

They sat across from each other, just taking in the sights. Next to Oda was the bags of prizes they(Oda) had won, and next to Ranpo was a Manned Wolf plushie as large as Ranpo himself. Oda had won it at the game booth where he had to climb a wobbly ladder that was most definitely rigged to ring a bell at the top without falling off or turning upside down.

He was very thankful for his assassin’s abilities at that moment.

Now though, Oda found himself turning his head away from the outside to stare at the one who came from the stars themselves.

…Huh, the stars were a perfect way to describe the one in front of him.

A guiding light.

His guiding light.

Oda smiles and closes his eyes at that thought, such a silly thought it was, and yet he can’t find himself to deny it.

He looks at Ranpo again to find the other had propped up the Manned Wolf plushie against the wall and was leaning on it as he sat sideways in the chair, legs bent at an angle and arms crossed over his stomach and a serene smile laying across his lips.

Oda’s heart speeds up as he finds himself wanting to see that smile over and over and over.

He speaks before he can think, “We should come by again.”

He watches as Ranpo turns to him, his smile growing bigger and he gives a soft laugh, “Alright.”

Oda finds himself wanting to hear that laugh even in death.

3) The two of them are 18
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Ranpo looks to the darkening sky, his hands behind his back as he leans against the brick wall as he waits for Oda to arrive. It was New Years and while he usually spent it with Yosano and Fukuzawa(He was finally able to call the older man dad, though it was never constantaint…maybe another few years) and then he and Oda would hang out sometime later in the week.

This year though, Ranpo wanted to spend it with the man who made butterflies float around in his stomach. It was such an open secret between them and yet neither of them could bring themselves to take the next step.

Ranpo hated how every time he tried to bring the secret up dread would fill his lungs and his bones would feel heavy.

It kept happening and Ranpo was getting pissed off. Oda certainly wasn’t helping with how he liked to pretend something wasn’t happening and did his best to change the subject.

Ranpo wanted to change that tonight though, which was why he asked the redhead to join him this year. Laughter rang out in front of him and Ranpo looked up just as a couple kids ran past him. A few seconds later, a teenager goes rushing past, yelling at the two younger ones to slow down.

Ranpo sighs at the sight, Oda was late and now he was feeling self conscience. Him, the great detective, feeling self conscience, such a funny thought. Of course this idiot makes him feel like this.

Ranpo makes his way to a bench a few feet away when he gets tired of standing. He pulls out his phone, the crow keychain dangling happily and sends Oda a text. He puts his phone back in his back pocket and huffs a grumble. Ranpo crosses his legs and leans into his hand as he looks towards the crowd in front of him.

Well on better news, Oda had given up on the assassination business after talking to some guy with a book and they had a conversation about writing one. Ranpo’s pretty sure Fukuzawa knew him (Mori as well but Ranpo frankly didn’t care) but he didn’t continue the conversation so Ranpo left it be.

Just as he finishes the thought a pair white sneakers and orange basketball shorts pops up into his vision and Ranpo looks up to a black t-shirt with a band print. Further up Ranpo comes eye to eye with crystal blue eyes and a head full of red.

Oda gives a wave and Ranpo scoffs, “You’re late.”

The idiot just shrugs, “Sorry, I took the taxi and the traffic was bad.”

“Of course it was, the Spring Festival is coming up, traffic is always at its worst this time of the year.” He replies, not caring to hide the smugness in his voice.

Oda makes a face but doesn’t refute it so Ranpo knows that he won.

Despite the lateness, the taller one brings a smile to Ranpo’s face and he gives a soft laugh that cuts off just as fast before uncrossing his legs and jumping up. Pulling his arms above to stretch, he hums as he looks to the sky. It was getting dark already and they had maybe two hours left of sunlight.

Ranpo turns to Oda, “Well, let’s make the most of today.”

Oda - who was checking the time on his phone, his own little crow keychain that connected to Ranpo’s sways in the air as he puts it away - says nothing but he does immediately start to follow him when Ranpo starts walking.

Ranpo begins to hum a small tune as his hand latches onto Oda’s own.
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He was content to let Ranpo drag him all over the place. The other was in a white tank-top covered by a cream color sweater with teddy bear patterns. The bottom two buttons were latched leaving the top one open causing it to slide down his shoulders halfway. It was complete with a pair of skinny jeans and open-toe shoes.

The two of them had met up right in front of Ishikawacho Station. Ranpo had wanted to do the countdown in Mazu Temple this year and Oda had yet to find the strength to tell him no. Most people of Yokohama spend New Year's eve at home with family or friends, but Ranpo without fail had always wanted to go out. Usually though, he went with Fukuzawa and Yosano while the two of them would get together sometime in the week and then spend a good chunk of the Lunar Festival together when it came rolling around in February.

Oda can’t help but think that the other had something planned.

Right now though, he was pulling him down to a few stalls closer to the bay since they still had a good few hours until the countdown for the new year happens. It was simple to go along with the older (It had been years yet Ranpo still went into cackles whenever the fact was brought up) whenever he wanted to check something out.

He has to slow his pace as Ranpo turns on a dime to a mochi stall. Walking up Ranpo immediately takes control of the conversation before the worker can even greet them. He rattles off enough that both the woman at the cashier and the teen who had begun to make the orders start to sweat. Oda sighs, cutting Ranpo off, “Do you really need that many? You're gonna use up all our cash.”

“Shush,” Ranpo mutters, his hand coming up to pat his cheek, “And two strawberry and vanilla ice creams mochis.”

“Will that be all?” The woman asks as the teen sets another complete mochi into the package.

“Uhhhh, yep.” Then he blinks slowly as he seems to remember something as he turns to Oda, “Did you want something?” Oda shakes his head at that. He did but Ranpo had already ordered what he wanted and he wasn’t keen on buying extra.

The woman nods and goes to help the teen make the rest of the orders.

After the two of them pay they walk away, Oda holding the box of mochi as Ranpo digs in to grab one. He holds one up to Oda’s lips and he doesn’t hesitate to open his mouth, and takes a bite when Ranpo settles the sweet on his tongue.

It was good.

“Didn’t realize I ordered your favorite."

Oda looks down, “You didn’t?” Ranpo offers the mochi again and he takes another bite.

Ranpo hums, “Yeah, I was just ordering anything that looked yummy.” He grabs another sweet, “Which means everything -”

“-Except for chocolate ice cream, yes I know.”

“It’s not my fault that chocolate ice cream was made by the devil.”

Oda looks at the shorter, “You don’t even believe in the devil.”

“My point still stands.” Ranpo mutters with a pout, “I say jail time for anyone who actually likes it.”

“Of course you do.”

Ranpo just laughs before pulling on his arms and dragging him to wherever he wants to go next. Hours pass by like this, Ranpo leading and Oda just going along. They had long since finished the mochi and now the detective was chewing on a sucker he had swiped from a store that overpriced their sweets.

Oda pretended he didn’t see anything while he sipped a can of soda.

“Really, eleven hundred yen for a single sucker? It’s not even that good.” Ranpo sighs as he bit off a piece of the sucker, “At least it’s cute I geuss…” To that, Oda had to agree, it was in the shape of a corgi. Cute but definitely not worth it.

Ranpo looks up at the dark sky as he pulls out his phone to check the time. The crow dangles with a shine in the incoming moonlight, “We should get to Mazu Temple now, it’s 11:37.”

Oda just gives a small nod and the both of them turn on their heels to head further into Chinatown. It only takes a little over ten minutes but Ranpo was groaning as they walked up the stairs. When they get to the top, he leans a hand against the wall and bends his knee to bring his foot up and gently rubs it to try to take away the pain.

“I am so glad I wore these shoes.” Ranpo mutters as he slides a finger between the base of his foot and sole of his shoe to massage. Oda doesn’t blame the other for complaining. It had been hours since they had been on their feet and unlike Oda himself, Ranpo was a detective not an ex-assassin.

Oda hums, “I can carry you if your feet are hurting.”

Ranpo shakes his head, “Na, I’m fine. We’re here anyway so it doesn’t matter.” He takes a little bit to rub his other foot before setting both back on the ground and continuing further into the temple. On the way he takes the finished sucker from his mouth and throws it away.

Oda crosses his arms with a frown but goes along with the other’s wishes. They get to the very middle and he can’t help but smile at the sight of the young detective’s face being filled with joy when one of the shrine maidens hands him a few incense.

Ranpo turns around and waves the sticks in the air, “I’ve got them,” He pauses in front of him and hands a stick over, “Where do you wanna light them?”

He shrugs. To be honest he thought they were lighting them at the temple like it was tradition but count on Ranpo to not want to do that. He should have known when the other said he wanted to spend New Year at a temple. Ranpo groans, “And I can tell you mean it too.” He sets his hand on his hip as he cocks it out, his other hand waving around his own incense stick, “Right, good thing you have me. Now come on, I wanna get some dango before New Years and we only got about twelve minutes.”

He begins to walk off, only flinching in pain slightly. Oda doesn’t hesitate to follow. They come across a dango shop with only a couple minutes to spare and he would be worried they wouldn’t reach wherever the other wanted to go if Ranpo wasn’t still calm as he orders a plate full. As they leave the shop Ranpo bites into the first stick, humming, “I really should get dango more often.”

Oda sighs as he grabs the incense stick that was close to poking Ranpo’s eye out, “Stop eating so carelessly.”

Ranpo looks at him and huffs before pointing his half-eaten dango stick upwards, “I wanna go up there.”

The both of them slow to a stop as Oda looks up at the roofs around him to find where Ranpo was pointing and spots a flat one with a rail. It was high but no problem for him, even with another in his arms. Turning to Ranpo he shoves their incense sticks in his back pocket and maneuvers his arms to pick the shorter up princess style.

Ranpo yelps but brings the plate closer to his chest as he leans his head against Oda’s shoulder. He takes a breath and then jumps high, surprising the others around them if the screams are anything to go by. He lightly lands on a light pole before scaling further up. Near the top he shifted Ranpo so he was held safely with only one arm. Ranpo doesn’t say anything as he moves around to be comfortable.

With his other arm, he grabs onto the rail lining the roof. Leaning his foot on the wall he takes a second to adjust before swinging up and over the railing. He sets Ranpo back onto the ground just as the fireworks shoot up into the sky.

Ranpo gets right back to business as he sets his finished dango stick back onto the plate and hands it over to Oda. He takes it and starts to eat his own stick as he feels a hand grab the incense sticks from his pocket. When Ranpo’s hand leaves he turns around to lean against the railing and takes a large bite out of the sweet.

The sound of a lighter is heard and then Ranpo hands a burning incense over to him. Oda takes it after setting his dango stick down and Ranpo giggles, “Happy New Years, Oda Sakunosuke.”

“Happy New Years, Ranpo Edogawa.”

They knock the sticks together.

Oda sighs and leans back against the railing, just watching the sky as the fireworks ignite behind him and the incense slowly burns in his hands.

Ranpo hums, “Not gonna watch the fireworks?”

He shakes his head as he shifts his incense sticks into his hand holding the plate and grabs the matcha dango he was chewing on only a minute ago. Ranpo picks up another stick and takes a bite before he answers, “I’ve seen enough and just want to watch the stars now.”

It's silent, the only noise being the fireworks and then Ranpo bursts into laughter, “You're such a weird guy.”

“Maybe I am.”

“Hehe,” Ranpo tries to hold back from laughing at him even more (You would think Oda wouldn't be able to tell but Ranpo giggles always go high pitched whenever he is laughing to make fun of him) but he ultimately fails, “Heh, silly silly, Oda. You barely saw the fireworks and now you wanna watch something you can see every night.”

He takes the last bite of his dango and sets it on their plate. He doesn’t say anything which was telling enough and Ranpo continues, “Sure, you can also see fireworks plenty of times during the year but they're always special.” He doesn’t elaborate and he doesn’t ask.

Oda frowns before turning around, “Better?”

Ranpo gives no answer but turns around to watch the fireworks with Oda. In both of their hands the incense sticks slowly burn and the dango disappears. It’s peaceful as Ranpo laughs before gently grabbing Oda’s hand and saying, “Come on, I know a better spot for the stars.”

Oda follows easily enough and Ranpo laughs.

It’s a sound he’ll never forget.

4) The two of them are 20
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Ranpo crosses the street when the walking light turns green. Already the sky was darkening but that was alright since he was heading to Oda’s place for dinner. The other had texted him and he didn’t hesitate to send a confirmation in the form of an emoticon giving a thumbs up with cat ears. He then hurried to throw on a quick outfit - a dark blue t-shirt, one that actually fit him correctly, tucked into black jeans that flared out towards the calf and a pair of moccasins - before rushing out the door.

He had left about an hour ago - curse the ex-assassin living so far away - and about twenty minutes ago he had sent a text to Yosano that he would be out tonight when she texted asking where he was.

Maybe he should just introduce her and Fukuzawa(he could finally call the man dad without feeling like he was sinking, but nowadays boss usually left his lips before both dad or Fukuzawa) to Oda but was it wrong to not want to? For being so smart Ranpo couldn’t give a real answer to that. These three were the most important people to him but that was for him. Was it wrong to keep the people he cared for apart? It's not like he was hiding information. Yosano and Fukuzawa most definitely knew he had someone outside of them but they never asked anything further other than when he would get back so why should he elaborate?

Taking a sharp left he walks for a few more minutes before turning up some stairs and pulling out his ring of keys. Flipping through them he grabs a plain sliver one and quickly shoves it into the lock. Twisting it he opens the door and pulls the key out.

Immediately he hears the sound of the TV playing.

Walking around the corner he spots Oda sitting on the couch watching the same anime they had started last week. For the life of him, Ranpo couldn’t remember the name of it but he remembers it being a show he could turn his mind off to. It was a dumb comedy but a good kind of dumb.

He leans against the wall and watches for a few seconds, “You started it without me?”

Oda pauses the TV and looks up at him, nodding, “Only about ten minutes ago.”

Ranpo looks down at the younger as he makes his way over to the couch. He was in a white t-shirt and blue pajama pants, no doubt having lost his pajama shirt already. Ranpo sighs, “Did you seriously lose your shirt? You got this pair just last week.”

Oda didn't answer and that was reply enough.

Ranpo groans as he flops into the corner of the couch and grabs the remote, “I’m not getting you another one.”

“That’s fine, I can buy my own.”

“Right, and then what? You lose it again in a week's time.” He points the remote at the TV and unpauses it. “Well nevermind that, are you gonna make dinner or do you want me too?”

Ranpo didn’t mind making dinner. He wouldn’t call himself a god of cooking but he knew his way around the kitchen at the very least. It certainly helps that both Fukuzawa and Yosano were horrible at it. They could make something edible (Or at the very least Fukuzawa could since the man had to learn to cook when he took him in) But edible was as far as Ranpo would take it.

At the look on Oda’s face though, he knew he wouldn’t have to. Which was good, Ranpo will always prefer the ex-assassin’s food compared to his own. It wasn’t perfect, in fact a lot of times it was a little burnt but what was the saying? ‘Your food will always taste better when made for someone else’, whatever it was Oda seems to embody the quote.

Ranpo huffs a tiny laugh, look at him being so damn sentimental. Guess that’s what happens when you love someone.

He comes out of his thoughts when soft fabric lands on his head. “Eh?” He mutters as he pulls the fabric down - which in the back of his mind he notices is a small blanket that Oda usually keeps in his bedroom - and looks up to see Oda standing above him. When did the other leave the couch? He turns around slightly as he wraps the blanket around his shoulders, “I’m not giving this back until I leave.”

A small smile forms on the other’s face, “That’s what I expected.” Then he walks away from the couch and into the kitchen to start supper.

“That man…” Ranpo hums as he moves around until he’s curled up on the cushions and tunes into the anime playing on the TV.

Not even ten minutes later, his eyes were slipping close and he was happy to let sleep take him.
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Sighing, Oda opens the fridge door. He had absolutely no idea what to make, especially since he hasn’t gone to get groceries since the start of last month except for when he had bought another jug of milk on a whim about a week ago when he passed his usual store.

So all the accumulates to him not knowing what to make for dinner, because he had nothing for dinner. At least not in the fridge. Closing the door, Oda bends down to open the freezer. Again there wasn’t anything but two packs of ground beef, good to work with only if he can find something for the meat to go with. He won’t throw it in the microwave before he finds something to go with it so he shuts the door again.

Walking over to the pantry Oda hits gold. Nothing(Or at least nothing useful) in the top shelves (He really did a horrible grocery hall didn’t he?) but on the very bottom shelf were some boxes of hamburger helper. Quickly grabbing two boxes of the cheeseburger type he throws them onto the counter and opens the freezer to grab the packs of meat.

He sets one down and tears off the plastic before throwing it into the microwave for three minutes. While it’s running he grabs a pot from below and turns the stove on and then waits. When it beeps he grabs the pack and dumps it into the pot, small noises of sizzling already ringing out. He ignores it as he rips the plastic off the second one and does the same. When he starts the microwave Oda goes to throw away the trash he already had and then waits.

When the machine beeps he tosses the now thawed meat into the pot before going to throw out the trash. He grabs a pair of chopsticks as he moves back to the pot and stabs the meat before tearing it into pieces and making sure it wasn’t sticking to the pot. He sets the chopsticks down and grabs the lid to set it on.

Walking out of the kitchen he enters the living room. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. was still playing but it seems Ranpo was hardly paying attention with how his eyes were barely open - only a sliver of emerald green. The blanket was pulled further over his shoulders, actually he had pulled it up and over his head just a bit. He was leaning against the corner of the couch and was practically asleep.

Oda smiles as he sets his elbows onto the back of the couch. He’s glad Ranpo was sleeping - or at least practically asleep - lord knows he needs it. He had a bad habit of working more than he was sleeping. The police also had a bad habit of throwing more cases at him then they should, though Oda knew on that front that the homicide department leader that his favorite detective was friends with was pretty good at keeping his subordinates in line.

At the end of the day though, cases were one thing, he knows Ranpo can get through those pretty fast (Even if he did do way more than the average person). No, the problem was the paperwork. It was long and boring and shut off the mind. The worst part was that it was needed.

Oda hums mutely. Sometimes it got real bad, like just last month where Ranpo had actively passed out only a few minutes after he had arrived. He had left to grab his phone from his bedroom and when he came back, Ranpo was stretched out on the couch and fast asleep. He couldn’t bring himself to wake him up.

Truthfully, the main thing Oda liked about his old job had to be the fact that he didn’t have to do paperwork. He doesn’t envy Ranpo a single bit.

Shaking his head, Oda tunes back into the TV right as that rich kid goes to make fun of the main group (Actually Oda was pretty sure he was also part of the main group but semantics) but gets cold and tells the driver to put the window up before driving away.
Bracing his hand against the back of the couch, Oda hops over to instead sit on the back. He stretches one leg and sets the other on the arm. Once settled, Oda watches the TV as he waits for the meat to cook through. The episode he walked in on finishes and the next one starts to play. It’s peaceful as the minutes tick by, the only noise being the TV and if he listens, Ranpo’s soft snoring. Oda looks over at the noise and sees even the slight emerald green he saw before now hiding behind thick dark lashes. It seems he finally fell asleep. He walks back into the kitchen just as the credits start and the countdown for the next episode begins.

Turning the stove down he grabs the chopsticks as he pulls the lid off and tears the meat up more before straining. Setting the pot back down, now with oil free meat Oda grabs the boxes and dumps the pasta in. Grabbing the milk from the fridge, he doesn’t bother to measure and pours until he’s satisfied. Then he does the same with water. Finally he puts the seasoning packets in and stirs.

This time he stays in the kitchen playing on his phone, keeping an eye on the time.

Ten minutes later Oda turns the stove off after stirring again. Placing the lid back on he turns to the living room, from the mess of blankets and dark hair Ranpo was still asleep. Looks like he slipped down further some time after he came back to the kitchen.

Huffing in amusement, he grabs the handles to the pot, planning on bringing it to the table. He’s only able to get halfway across when suddenly the weight in his hands feels ten times lighter. His eyes trail down in what could only be instincts and all he sees are his hands clutching onto two silver handles as the pots fall to the ground.

“SHIT!” He exclaims, quickly dropping the now useless handles and tries to grab the bottom and side of the pot. He grazes it before flinching back so hard the pot tilts even further, the glass lid falling off, “Fuck, that’s hot.” He mutters as it slams into the ground, the food scattering everywhere mixing with the glass of the lid as it shatters.

The sound of the disaster reverberates throughout and distantly he can hear Ranpo shoot up with a gasp. He’s still staring at the mess on the floor as he hears the other turn the TV off with a deep sigh and then soft footsteps tamper on into the kitchen with him.

They both just stare at the food and glass on the floor before Ranpo asks, “What happened?” His tone told Oda he knew exactly what happened. Still he tries to answer.

He takes a few more seconds just watching doom in the shape of ruined food and a broken pot on the floor before muttering, “The food broke…”

It’s completely silent for a full minute before joyful laughter echoes throughout the kitchen.

The noise gets Oda to finally turn his head and he spots Ranpo covering his mouth as he tries to muffle his giggles. Once again, Oda can only stare, though no longer at the food on the floor. Rather, he stares at the angel in front of him. The person in front of him had to be a hallucination, or maybe he was from another realm entirely. Because there was no way Oda was lucky enough that the man in front of him - who had given up trying to stop his laughter and was now clutching his stomach as pain was no doubt beginning to appear. His eyes were squinting in amusement as small tears form in the corner of them - was real. What god had blessed him for someone like Ranpo to willingly enter his life.

It doesn’t even cross his mind to try to cut it off.

In the end, Ranpo had moved to lean against the counter. He’s breathing hard as he wheezes out choke up giggles. When he’s finally able to calm down he walks back over to the mess and bends down to pick up the larger pieces. Oda silently kneels to help. Dinner was ruined but with the comforting (Minus the small snickers that kept passing Ranpo’s lips) silence He thinks it might be fine.

The thought is confirmed when Ranpo looks at him once the mess is cleaned up and hums breathily, “You look like a wet kitten.” Oda purses his lips and Ranpo gives another soft laugh before stepping across the now clean kitchen and reaching up to press a gentle kiss to his cheek, “Lets just order out, we have a movie waiting for us, love.”

Oda nods, a small smile forming and Ranpo copies him with one last laugh.

If this is the price to being in love then Oda will pay it a thousand times over just to hear the sound that lights his heart on fire once more.

5) The two of them are 22
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Ranpo gives a soft groan as he shuts his apartment door. Without looking, he twists the tiny nobs to lock it before walking off further into the apartment. He was tired and would prefer to just crash into his bed but what do you know? He still had shit to do. He tosses his hat to the side, not bothering to pay attention to where it lands.

Slowly he pulls his tie off and throws it over the back of his couch, then Ranpo does the same to his inverness while at the same time he kicks off his shoes. He pulls off his socks and trudges over to the kitchen once his feet are free of their confinement.

Entering, Ranpo immediately bolts over to the coffee machine. Ripping open the cabinet above, he grabs the bag of coffee grains (Truly he would have preferred hot chocolate but that didn’t help him keep awake like coffee did and he was pulling another all nighter) and sets the machine up. He starts it up before heading over to the fridge to grab a snack. Scanning the shelves, he grabs the half empty box of Daifuku, filled with cream and bits of oranges.

Ranpo finishes the box as he waits for his coffee to finish.

He swallows the last of the snack just as the machine beeps. Ranpo tosses the now empty box into the trash as he makes his way to the other side of the kitchen to grab his usual coffee mug. It was a solid black one, maybe a bit unusual for him but it wasn’t like he was prancing it around.

He pours until only a sliver of the inside of the mug could be seen. He doesn’t bother with a creamer. Ranpo walks out to the living room, mug already tilting against his bottom lip and he ignores the burning sensation as the hot, black liquid slips down his throat.

Ranpo does pause at the sight on his coffee table. It was covered in cases that he was planning on doing tonight which was how he had left it. No, what makes him pause is the very middle of the table where an envelope sat innocently. It was face down so the sealing was facing towards the ceiling, and the cases - which were in neat piles when he left - had been all pushed to the sides so the letter was by its lonesome.

He couldn’t help but smile fondly at the sight of messy tape sealing it shut. He gets around the couch and sets his mug down. Falling into the couch he leans forward to pick up the letter. Flipping it over he huffs as he sees who it's from.

It was from Oda, exactly like he thought.

Using his nail, he tears into the seal, completely ruining the letter. It’s been 22 years since he came into this world and he still couldn’t open a letter without it becoming shreds. In the end though, Ranpo doesn’t pay attention to it as three waxy pictures and a folded up letter falls into his lap.

Picking them up Ranpo can’t help but huff a small laugh at the sight of Oda and the kids. The five kids were adopted by Oda last year after they were orphaned during the Dragon’s End Conflict. They were cute kids in his opinion, just way too many at once. Ranpo was always better at interacting with them when they were split up rather than together.

Speaking of the Dragon’s End Conflict… Oda had gone and become friends with the Black Wraith sometime in the last few months. Ranpo hums, how does that man do it?

Tuning back into the pictures, his smile returns. All six were posing for the camera in what looked like the nearby park. Looks like they got someone to take a few pictures.

All three were simple, just the kids making silly poses and making faces while Oda was stiff as a brick. The first one was the messiest. Oda was too stiff and the two youngest were climbing onto each other. The second one, they seemed to have gotten better. Oda was less stiff and he was waving, while the children had huddled together trying to give the other bunny ears.

The last one was definitely the best. Oda was standing in the back instead of the side now (Whoever was holding the phone had to have helped because no way would the love of his life make an actual photo good decision) his hands ruffling the hair of the two taller of the kids - Yuu and Kousuke - as they stood in front of him. The other three were in the very front, Katsumi and Shinji crouching while Sakura was sitting between them. They all had big smiles on their faces, even Oda’s was pretty big, at least compared to usual.

Setting them to the side, Ranpo picks up the folded up letter and opens it.

It was short, just Oda explaining how he would have texted but the kids wanted to do something a bit special with his birthday coming up. At the end Oda asks in messy writing, as if he was in a hurry if he would like to come over.

Ranpo can’t help it. He bursts into laughter, “Such a stupid man.” As he says it though, he picks up his mug to chug the rest of it before standing up, pictures and letter in hand. It wouldn’t hurt too much to put his work off to the side for a few more hours.

Ranpo leaves the apartment, now in new clothes, and his fridge now adorning both the letter and photos.
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He can barely keep the kids from running outside after Shinji yells how he sees Ranpo coming up the steps. Well, they were bound to see him with how they were all smoosh against the window of their room. Oda just wishes they would be a bit calmer as they try to run downstairs.

The old man at the counter certainly wasn’t helping as the kids ran past him with how he was boasting out into deep chuckles. “Ohh, don’t worry about them, Oda. They don’t get to see your partner very often.” Then he hands him the bowl of curry he was making.

Oda sighs as he takes the bowl as he sits down in the bar chair, “I know, but one of these days they're gonna trip.”

“Well then they’ll learn not to run.”

He hums as he goes to take a spoon full, it was spicy just how he liked it. The bell to the front door rings out. Suddenly, the curry shop is illuminated by the giggles of young children. Oda turns around, cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk, and huffs a muffled laughter at the sight of the kids dragging Ranpo across the room by his hands.

He swallows before asking, “Do you need help?”

Ranpo just shakes his head as he gently pulls his arms out of Katsumi’s and Kousuke’s grip and goes to sit on the bar stool next to him. Oda takes his appearance in and is not afraid to admit that his breath catches.

His hair was messy like he didn’t brush it before he left and it became windswept on the way over. Like always(In his biased opinion that he will gladly admit too), it still looked good even though Ranpo did absolutely nothing to style it. A water droplet falls from his bangs onto his cheek, it seems he took a shower and was letting it air dry. He was wearing an oversized white button-down shirt that he tucked in on the one side but left the rest. Over that was a charcoal grey knitted sweater vest with one large white star in the middle and two much smaller white stars surrounding it on both sides. The big star was uneven, one of its legs longer than the rest, but it just added to the outfit. To match it, he had on a pair of muted white oversized cargo pants, and chunky white sneakers that was giving him an extra inch or two. Pulling it all together was a thin necklace with a small silver star charm(If he remembers right, Yosano had bought it for him a couple years ago).

Well now he felt underdressed with how he was just in his usual outfit.

Not that it mattered. Oda was perfectly content just admiring the other.

Seems the kids were content doing the same. All five were quiet before Sakura gasps, “You're really pretty, Mr. Ranpo!”

Shinji nods along, “Like really, really pretty.”

Oda agrees with them.

Ranpo gives a tired smile and Oda notices the eyebags decorating his eyes. When was the last time he slept? He doesn’t get to ask though as the older of them waves down the old man behind the counter, “Sweet curry.”

The old man gives another deep laugh, “Coming right up, son.”

It’s quiet besides the kids chattering as he finishes his own curry. It doesn’t take long for a steaming bowl of curry to be laid out in front of Ranpo. The detective gives his thanks before digging in.

Once both of them finish their food Ranpo turns to him, “Where you planning on going somewhere?”

Oda nods, “We were,” Then he narrows his eyes at the kids who were now all looking at the ceiling like it was the most interesting thing in the world, “However, none of them seem to agree on what to do.”

At that Yuu furiously shakes his head, “Nu uh, we did agree on one thing.”

Ranpo hums softly as he turns to the five little ones, “And?”

“We all agreed that we want you!” Both Sakura and Yuu shout. The other three nod vigorously.

Oda can’t help but snort at the sight of blush forming on Ranpo’s face. No doubt he already had a good guess at what they were gonna say but actually hearing it still hit him apparently. At the sight of the heated glare the other gives him for the sound, Oda follows the children’s lead and suddenly the ceiling was the most interesting thing in the world.

Ranpo just huffs and opens his mouth to say something when Pops chimes in, “Well if you wanna go somewhere, the splash park and museum are good choices.”

It's quiet for exactly ten seconds before chaos.

“Splash park!”

“No, I wanna go to the museum!”

“But that’s boring!”

“Well the splash park is old!”

“Museum!”

“Splash park!”

“Museum!”

“No, Splash park!”

Voices upon voices that it all becomes a jumbled mess. The kids were screaming over each other, taking sides and cutting each other off. Oda takes a deep sigh, preparing himself to be an adult when in the corner of his eye he spots Ranpo raise his now finished bowl and before his eyes slam the bowl onto the floor, shattering it.

Well that’s one way to end the yelling if the complete silence was anything.

Everyone just stares at Ranpo, bashment in all their faces. Ranpo ignores them all as he lowers his head slightly and groans, “Stop yelling, my head is killing me.” Then he looks back up and doesn’t say anything as he stares at the kids until they all have some form of shame in their postures or faces.

“Sakura and Shinji want to go to the museum. Yuu, Kousuke, and Katsumi want the splash park. I personally want something quiet and Oda doesn’t care.” He slowly steps down from his stool and steps over the broken mess of glass that used to be a bowl just thirty seconds ago, “I’m going outside, and I’ll give you five ten minutes to decide where to go before I choose for you all.” When he reaches the door he turns back, tilting his head to the glass, “While you decide, clean up that mess.” Looking at Pop he mutters, “I’ll repay you for the bowl when we get back.”

Then he walks out.

Pops just huffs, “Oh, he doesn’t have to do that. Oda, make sure he knows he doesn’t have to do that.”

Oda nods as he turns to the kids who looked like they were about to cry. He sighs, “You know he isn’t mad at you guys.”

Katsumi nods as he rubs his eye from the forming tears, “I know but I feel bad. I didn’t know he was hurting.”

Shinji joins in, “Yeah, we would have been quieter if we knew.”

“Do you think we made it worse?” The mumbled voice of Katsumi whispers.

Oda shakes his head, “Na, he would have just left if that was the case.” He slips off his chair and trots over to the wall behind the counter where the broom was standing. He comes back out and hands it to Kousuke, “That doesn’t mean what you did was okay though. So clean up the mess and actually talk about it instead of screaming.”

Kousuke grabs the broom, his face forming in determination, “You can count on us, Oda!” The others follow his lead as they go to start cleaning the glass as they give confirmation.

He smiles before walking out to join Ranpo on the steps.

When he sits down he leans back, “You know you didn’t have to come if you needed sleep.”

It’s quiet.

Then, a small giggle.

Oda turns his head at the sound and sees a dopey grin on Ranpo’s face as he laughs softly, quietly so as his headache doesn’t get worse.

“Sure, but you know I would have done work instead.”

“You really shouldn’t…”

Ranpo just shrugs, “Maybe, but that doesn’t really matter right now.” He leaned to the side until his head was resting on Oda’s shoulder, “Because I’ll choose hanging out with you over work or sleep a hundred times over.”

Oda doesn’t answer but he leans his head against the crown of the other’s just listening to him laughing softly.

He thinks it’ll be fine no matter what the kids choose.

He also thinks that he wouldn’t mind just staying home so long as he can hear the laughter from the beauty beside him.

+1) One is 24 and the other is forever 23
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It’s raining when Ranpo arrives.

It’s been raining for the past week.

It’ll be raining for the rest of his life.

In his hand was a pastel color umbrella feebly blocking him from the pouring rain. In his other he clutched onto the unzipped hoodie that was settled onto his shoulders. In front of him was a grave. It was small, just a slab of stone that someone shoved into the ground. It was what was buried there that held impotence.

Ranpo’s eyes, heavy with eye bags, slowly scan the words of the tomb.

Oda Sakunosuke

23

May The Afterlife Treat You Well

Sweet words and that was it. No date of birth or date of death, not even parents. It was a barren grave with a body that was slowly rotting underneath. A body that he would never get to see again, and Ranpo’s heart cracks at the thought.

It was raining hard tonight.

It was probably flooding in some places if the warning coming from his phone that he ignores is anything to go by. Not that it matters because Ranpo wants to drown. He would be fine with that ending. He heard that drowning is only frightening in the first minute or so before it becomes a calming experience. Maybe once he leaves he’ll throw himself off the bridge down the street.

His face feels warm and wet.

Ranpo wishes he could pretend it was just the rain.

His lips part, “I turned 24 yesterday. I wanted to take you out for it. Isn’t it silly that if last week didn’t happen you would be turning 24 this friday.” Ranpo gives a wet chuckle that sounds more like a whimper than a laugh, “I always thought it was funny that our birthdays are only five days apart.”

His voice falls quiet and Ranpo doesn’t try to stop it.

He starts again a minute later.

“You're a stupid, stupid man. I hate that I fell in love with you because this pain I feel is worse than if we had just stayed friends.” He raises his hand not holding the umbrella up to rub at his eyes, whipping away the tear streaks. “I still have that dumb crow. You know, the twin keychains you won when we went to the amusement park years ago. It cracked and there’s barely any paint left but I think I’ll keep it until I can’t anymore.”

He has to pause his words as he takes in a shuddering breath. His face feels raw but more than that he feels a bone-deep tiredness that he can’t seem to shake off. The man below him always seemed to somehow make him tired. It was never like this though.

“I don’t know why I won’t get rid of it. You got rid of yours when you handed it to me before you marched on to a realm I won’t be able to reach you in. I don’t think I’ll flaunt it, maybe I'll keep it on my bedside table?”

The tears just come again and this time Ranpo doesn’t try to wipe them away. Maybe if he doesn’t, then Oda will see them. Such a silly and illogical thought process and he can’t believe that he would think of it. Love really does make you blind.

Ranpo swallows the saliva that was building up in his mouth as he shuts his eyes, his nose twitching from the small sobs he was letting free, “That boy, Dazai right?” No one answers him and Ranpo hates it, “He’s fine. He took whatever advice that I know you gave him at some point and left the Port Mafia. He’s MIA as of right now. If I had to guess what he’s doing, it’s probably trying to erase his profile. A new start and all.” Ranpo's eyes trail up from the muddy ground(When did he even lower it?) to the name engraved on the plain grey slab of stone. “You don’t have to worry about him. I’ll make sure he stays safe until he’s ready. Consider it one last love letter from me to you.”

Ranpo’s leg feels weak and the next thing he knows, his knees are digging into the ground.

He doesn’t pay attention to the mud staining his jeans.

He’ll throw them in the trash whenever he can bring himself to reach his apartment.

His umbrella falls from his hand and he falls forward until his forehead slams into the gravestone. It stings and now the rain water is starting to soak him but Ranpo can’t bring himself to care. The tears spring forth once more and Ranpo doesn’t hold back the sobs.

They are heavy and hurt his chest and it’s hard to breathe but it doesn’t make the tears stop.

“Y-you stupid man. Why did you steal my heart? It hurts so much worse because I… I know you weren’t trying to hurt me.” He had to stop talking for a few seconds when it felt like he was hyperventilating. A few minutes pass before he starts again, “Why would you walk to your death? Why didn’t you listen to me?” He brings his hands up to furiously rub at his eyes. He rubs them raw and then keeps rubbing at them, “I hate that I know why you did this. I hate that I understand you perfectly.”

He brings his head up to glare at the stone, his hands falling to the ground, nails digging into the dark, muddy grass, “Even still, was I not enough? Why did you have to leave? Why can’t I bring myself to blame you? To hate you?”

His throat closes up and Ranpo wails.

The rain continues to pour, drowning out the sound of a weeping man who lost someone he deeply cared about. Someone he cherished. Someone he wanted to spend his life with. Someone he loved.

An hour later, when Ranpo finally brings himself to leave, a pastel umbrella hangs over a plain slab of stone that had only a name and an age but acted as a gravestone all the same.

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Two years later the newest member of the agency - Dazai ‘Black Wraith’ Osamu - comes in wearing Oda’s trenchcoat and Ranpo wants to cry.