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moomv · 14 days

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- till death do us part - chapter nine: run, rabbit, run

when a girl vows to save an ever-destined agency from death, even if she's been trying 106 different times and even if she's died 106 different times in the process.

-chapter one & prologue | series masterlist

-word count. 3.0k

-genre. fic, comfort/angst, eventual romance

-tags. fem.reader, mentions of blood/injury

“I have nothing to do!” Ranpo leaned forward on the wooden surface in front of him, his hands dangling off the table.

Fukuzawa ignored him, silently flipping through a book before giving a brief glance at Yosano, “Anything out of the ordinary on the security cameras?”

Yosano shook her head, “So far, it’s all boring.” Fukuzawa nodded before going back to his book.

You gave a quiet yawn, slumping in the wooden booth.

Ranpo glanced at you before sliding over and leaning into your side, his head resting on your shoulder. “Aaah, this is so boring!”

You ignored the brunette, in response, he leaned further upon you, practically putting his whole body weight onto your side.

He gave a dramatic sigh before he glanced up at you and then back to the computer on the table, he sprung off your side and went to grab the computer, his hands clasping around the metal of the device. “[Name]-chan, let’s play a game on this.” He pulled the device in your direction, you peered at him silently before nodding. “Sure.”

Just as he tugged the device into his lap he suddenly got quiet, his eyes open to reveal burning emerald, you blinked at him. “What is it Ranpo? Something on the cameras?”

He nodded before looking at Fukuzawa, “Director.” he called.

Yosano got up, coming over towards you two. “Is something the matter?”

Ranpo furrowed his eyebrows before showcasing the screen.

You leaned into Ranpo's side to get a view of it.

At the sight, a grin split across your lips; Nakahara Chuuya, lonely, stood in the passageway.

A dozen thoughts surge into your head at the sight of the man, how long had you been running from him? From the Port Mafia? From their grasps and from their fingers that would curl around your throat and seize what they deem theirs? How long had you run from something inevitable?

2 years, 2 years you had run from their grasp, from the moment you died in your 13th life to rewind back to the moment where you met him, with your heart in your throat and your hands pressed into your palms, where you decided to continue to run, even as everything in your body pushed against the very idea, the sound of your home a distant lifeboat that kept you above water, afloat, kept you running for a future.

Where you decided the moment the blade pressed to your skin, 14th time ringing in your ears that you decided you had to hide, had to run, and no longer could you find protection in someone else, their protection towards you led to their downfall, you wouldn’t run but you would wait and wait till the clock ticks 8 and no long can running be an option, where you’re forced to decide whether to sacrifice your very being for them or to abandon them.

The choice is always obvious, isn’t it?

“Nakahara-san.” Your voice comes out with spite, a venom that’s reserved wholly for him and him alone.

Ranpo tilts his head towards you. “Familiar?”

You look at the screen on the computer as he turns to look up at the cameras, a wide grin across his features. “More than familiar. He’s practically hunted me for the past 2 years.”

The camera shuts off with a loud crackle, static feed now displaying on the screen.

Your lips press thin, you forgot he showed up now, with a taunt and a mouth full of poison.

Fukuzawa looks at you, “Do you know what he wants, [Name]?”

You shake your head, “Vaguely. I’m usually with Dazai during this mission. I think it’s something to do with The Guild, an offer.”

Fukuzawa nods to Yosano, “Activate the traps.”

She gives a full brief “yes” for her to take the device from Ranpo and press down on the keyboard.

Not a second later, the traps come whirling to life only for them to be immediately shut down, no— exploded by Chuuya, a bright bang echoing throughout the tunnel.

You cringed back, it was to be expected in all honesty.

“Receiving an envoy with these little puppets?” Chuuya called back over the intercom, his tone mocking, “You’re so undermanned I could cry, it’s pitiful, really.”

He cast a look at one of the still online cameras, “Come out, whoever is alive in there!”

Yosano furrowed her eyebrows, Ranpo casted her a look before looking at Fukuzawa. “Director.”

Fukuzawa sighed, “Then we all agree?” Ranpo nods in response.

You give a look to Yosano before slumping into a seat beside Ranpo.

It had been decided that Kenji and Yosano would go down and meet with Chuuya.

You watch silently from beside Ranpo; Fukuzawa looking over from behind the two of you.

Chuuya lets out a sigh, “Only two have come? I’m being belittled.”

A smile rises to Yosano’s lips, she tilts her head to the side. “All clients should schedule an appointment before visiting The Detective Agency. If you’re unhappy with the reception, please feel free to go to another one.”

Chuuya gave a short huff. “You think the Port Mafia still needs to make an appointment when he’s here to tear down your base?”

Kenji bounces up in response. “Yep! I don’t think you have to!”

Yosano gives a small sigh, her eyes briefly closing with the action, “Kenji’s right. Tear it down if you want. But, you’re not really here for that, are you? Nakahara-san?”

Surprise quickly flashes across Chuuya’s features before being dashed as soon as it was there. “Ah. So the little rabbit’s been talking about me.” A smirk spreads across his features, “I bet she’s with your Director too, hm? The Boss wants her, but— I’m here for something else today, a little messenger if you will. Where’s your Director?”

Yosano sighs, exasperation filling her every breath before she points to a nearby camera. “Over there.”

Chuuya walks up to the current camera and brings out a photo, his fingers pressing into the film, he shows off the photo. “A present from our boss.”

You look at the photo; members of the Guild are shown back to you, an overview shot of them walking towards somewhere, the edges of a forest barely in frame.

John Steinback and Lovecraft stay on the fine film. You hadn’t really had an encounter with them before, you fought with them way back when you originally decided to go with Dazai and Chuuya, the fight went fine, but you left soon after and never fought with them again.

Fukuzawa leaned over your shoulder to get a view of the photo, “These are… members of The Guild?”

Chuuya flaunted the piece of the photo like a trophy. “We’ve lured them with bait. The time and place of their appearance are all right here. Do whatever you like with them.” You resisted the urge to tighten your fists at the word bait — you’re never here usually, never here when Chuuya proposes this, but if this goes according to plan… then Q has been released and Naomi and the other clerks are set to be ‘bait’.

You don’t know how long it would take for you to make it to the train where Q will be, you don’t know if you have enough time if you can stop Q, stop The Guild’s plan, stop where the whole city gets cursed by Q. If you can stop that—

But then what of the fight between Lovecraft and Steinback? Chuuya and Dazai are supposed to fight them to try and get Q back, it’s how the Port Mafia and the Detective Agency team up, it’s how you win the fight.

So, does the battle have to happen? Do you have to let Naomi and Haruno be in danger?

You bite the inside of your cheek; usually, you’re there when you meet Q, usually, you can stop Atsushi from hurting Naomi and Haruno, at the least, but, you don’t really have a choice in this situation, to be able to get an upper hand on Lovecraft and Steinback, this is the best route.

Even if your heart aches at your own powerlessness in this situation.

“...Why?” Fukuzawa questioned, effectively pulling you from your thoughts and back onto the current situation.

Chuuya gives a half-hearted shrug. “This is a rare chance, is it not? You can wipe out these two from The Guild in one go!”

Fukuzawa looked towards you, expectant.

You gave a soft sigh. “John Steinback and Howard Phillips Lovecraft, I fought them once. But now’s not the chance we should go for, but Fukuzawa-san, the bait used is Naomi and the clerks.”

His eyes widened briefly, an expression of silent rage eclipsing his features, an expression of cold anger that always shone when one threatened the agency or the members. He turned towards the computer screen to see Chuuya staring back, a grin alight on his features.

“You—” Fukuzawa started before Chuuya cut in.

“The little rabbit told you then, you really are no fun.” He nodded, “Yeah, we used your little clerks as bait, but there’s still time to go to their rescue and The Guild doesn’t know you’ll mobilise, easy peasy.”

Fukuzawa’s hands clenched, hard enough that you think whatever would be in his hand would easily break.

He turned towards you, “Is he lying?” his voice came out as smooth as glass; a calmness spread throughout that you took envy in.

You shook your head.

Yosano tilted her head to the side, a frown etched upon her features, her own quiet expression of both rage and disgust. “That is to say, you lot found out the hiding place for our clerks and leaked it to The Guild, then leaked it to The Detective Agency.” Her hands fell loosely by her sides, “Having us do each other in while you sweep up the spoils without having to break a sweat. That’s what this is about.”

Chuuya looked up at the camera; an expression on his face that looks eerily similar to Dazai’s when he’s assured a victory. “The Detective Agency will definitely fall for it, even knowing it’s a trap. That’s what the Boss said.”

Fukuzawa gave a quiet breath, the air stilled in the room, he looked at you. “...Notify the clerks to evacuate immediately and contact Kunikida.”

You think it was in your 13th life, 13th time trying to save the agency that you met Nakahara Chuuya for the first time.

You had already left the agency long back, it was better for everyone that way, better for you, better for them, you couldn’t save an already dead agency, could you?

But even still your conscience tingled with deep regret at the action you had committed 6 years prior; an ache in the back of your head that forever lingered when you thought of them.

But the longer you stayed with them the more they were at risk, your presence marked something that brought more danger to them.

You didn’t know if it was your ability that brought more enemies or if it was simply that fate liked the twisted way of how you would cry and beg till your throat went dry for their safety or the way you would plead for a moment where you wouldn’t have to see them on the ground, cold and silent.

You left them for their safety, you left them for answers.

You went around from place to place, location to location, using what little connections you had from your time at the agency to find more information, on your enemies, on who was after the agency and who was after you.

Even when you had left, you had kept tabs on the members of the agency, on what changed, and who to look out for if you ever needed to use your ability.

You think it was around just after Kunikida joined the agency that you ran into Nakahara Chuuya.

It was a little warehouse, dim lighting, the reaches of the outside world a faraway grasp, dust had hung in the air and beams, boxes, metal crates and cement blocks cluttered the space, it looked like it was used for a construction storage some time long in the past, but now, it had set empty, abandoned.

Someone was supposed to meet you here, they had information on one of the organisations you were researching, it was a trade, you hand off some of your knowledge and they’d give theirs, quick and simple and you’d be out in less than 10 minutes.

But I’d fool you were.

The Port Mafia was there instead of your little informant; you should have seen the signs when you laid eyes upon the guy, how held himself and the way he perked up when you entered the warehouse, looking at you with a familiarity that your informant shouldn’t have — you’d never met the informant, you didn’t know what he looked like, so your informant shouldn’t know what you looked like. But he did, in return giving you an intense look that sent your body shivering even in the warm summer air.

But as you think back on the encounter, how you escaped from his clutches, narrowly, you think he’d let you. You don’t know if it was part of the order from the Port Mafia boss or not, to make you afraid, run you into a corner where the only choice was through them, you didn’t know, even now, even after you had repeated the encounter far too many times for you to prefer.

“You’re not the informant.” You hissed, taking steps backwards till a few metres stood between you two.

He gave you a look before fixing his hat, “No. I’m not. I’m here on behalf of the Port Mafia boss.” He pushed off the wall, taking steps towards you.

Your breathing came out in short, quiet breaths of air, you stared at the man, his posture was relaxed and that only made your heart beat louder.

Searching for any recollection you could gather, anything that could help you, a name, an ability, a rank, he tilted his head slightly to the side, you got the distinct impression that he held more power than you could ever know.

You took another hesitant step backwards, you hadn’t really encountered the Port Mafia up until now, not really, only small fry, lackeys, and this man certainly wasn’t a lackey.

“So the informant was bait?” You knew they were bait but the longer he talked the more you could try and stall for time, and any advantage you could get would be appreciated, no matter how small. You willed your voice still, this wasn’t the worst thing you encountered and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. “I’m guessing this is your boss is doing?”

He scoffed. “Yeah, it was bait. But now looking at you…” He gives a sigh, “Honestly, this is a waste of my talents, capturing some rabbit? The Boss couldn’t have picked someone else for the job?”

You felt the sudden need to defend yourself from his words, your lips pressed thin. “Oh, you’re a real pleasure, aren’t you?” You furrowed your eyebrows. “So your boss didn’t tell you anything? He just let you come in blind? That… seems awfully stupid to me.”

He raised an eyebrow. “[L.name], [Name]. Former member of the Detective Agency, a non-combat related ability. I don’t need to know anything else.” You tried not to feel hurt at the words former, but still, it ached in your chest as though you had lost part of your heart.

You shifted your position so you were eye to eye with him. “Even if I don’t have a combat-related ability, I could still fight, I could still be a threat for all you know.”

A smile tipped to his lips, sharp and cruel, “Could you now?” he gave a sharp laugh. “You seem awfully bold. Then tell me, Rabbit, are you a threat?”

Your lips pinched, you tilted your head to the side, a false smile woven onto your features like a shield, you took a step forward and then another, “Want to find out?” your voice was soft; a half-whisper.

You could feel your heartbeat get louder till it was thunder in your ears, till you could focus on nothing but him and the way everything in your body screamed run.

“Ah, are you challenging me? You think you can win?” He hummed and it set your blood singing. “I’d love to see how that would go.”

“Would you? But I’d need a name first, so I know what to call you when I say I defeated you.”

That was a blatant lie and you knew it, you probably couldn’t win against him, especially if this someone was of higher rank, someone who probably had an ability and someone who probably could take you down with the snap of his fingers if he so pleased.

You took a small breath, the need for oxygen suddenly becoming much more necessary.

He tilted his head to look at you and it felt like the weight of the world suddenly rested on your shoulders.

He gave a short laugh before nodding, “You defeat me? Come on, what a lousy lie. But sure, I’ll humour you. Nakahara Chuuya, not a pleasure to meet you.”

The name came with recognition and with it, you felt like you swallowed stones. “Thank you, Nakahara-san.”

He tilted his head to the side. “Then now you know my name, come defeat me, Rabbit, you don’t want to go back on your word, now do you?”

You shook your head, “Ah, hold on, Nakahara-san. I’m not exactly done yet.” You were near certain he was playing with you, he could have caught you already, but he hasn’t, and that gives you a way out.

He raised an eyebrow, “You sure love to talk, don’t you? Do you love to hear the sound of your voice so much?”

A smile rested upon your lips, you tilted your head to the side. “I bet not as much as you love yours.”

He narrowed his eyes at you, taking a step closer. “Are you always this annoying? Or have you reserved this pleasure just for me?”

You could distantly feel the air go humming; from his unknown ability that you aren’t quite sure of yet or simply, it was in your head, matching your racing heartbeat and the thrum of your blood.

You gave another laugh, “Not always. Just this occasion, especially for you, Nakahara-san.”

Chuuya’s face scrunched up at that. “Wow, really lucky am I?” He gave a short laugh, “To be given such an honour of hearing you desperately prattle? Should I bow at your feet, Your Highness?”

“I mean— If you would like, I wouldn’t exactly say no.” You took a glance around the warehouse, you were by the sea; you could smell the salty air and hear the silent crash of waves on the dock from here. If you could get to the city you could maybe, perhaps, escape the Port Mafia…

You blinked.

But what then? Where would you go?

His mouth quirked upwards, “Oh? You’d like that wouldn’t you, Rabbit?”

You swallowed before nodding. “Mm, I think I would.”

If they knew you were to be here, if they set this whole thing up to trap you, they surely knew of your house, so what then? Who do you go to that would protect you?

A thought comes crashing into you and the thought leaves a heavy residue in its wake.

The agency, they had both the means to protect you and keep you safe.

“Ah, not gonna happen. I can’t fail the Boss now, can I?”

You guess the only reason that the Port Mafia boss didn’t go after you sooner was because you were in the care of Fukuzawa Yukichi.

The thought comes with an earthquake and leaves with an aftershock.

Your eyes flutter, “Please?” you take in another small breath as though time would freeze, you give a once over towards Chuuya, you couldn’t fight an executive, you couldn’t.

He shook his head. “Not a chance, no matter the times you say ‘please’.”

You swallowed, your mind coming to a stop, you can’t fight… that much you’re certain of, but—

You made a break for the other end of the warehouse, your legs aching with the sudden momentum.

You could hear him sigh and the action sent a shiver over your spine.

You’d always been good at getting away, this wouldn’t be any different, you could do this, easy, right you could do this—

A nail flew past your face, sinking into the metal on the opposite wall, the residue of an ability lingering on the object. You stopped dead in your tracks and looked behind you quickly, pressing your fingers to the now shallow cut on your cheek.

Chuuya stood his hand outstretched to the side, a couple of nails floating in his open palm; he hadn’t moved a step from where he was last at and something about that made you realise how dire your situation was.

A humourless laugh escaped you, one built purely off your frayed nerves; your hand dug into the fabric of your clothes.

A smirk curled at the edges of his lips. “Well, run, why don’t you?”

[previous chapter] [next chapter]

#bungou stray dogs #bsd #bungou stray dogs x reader #bsd x reader #bsd angst #ranpo edogawa #ranpo x reader #chuuya nakahara #chuuya x reader

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moomv · 15 days

Text

- till death do us part - chapter eight: trust in me

when a girl vows to save an ever-destined agency from death, even if she's been trying 106 different times and even if she's died 106 different times in the process.

-chapter one & prologue | series masterlist

-word count. 3.0k

-genre. fic, comfort/angst, eventual romance

-tags. fem.reader, mentions of blood

-note. not sure about the last part of this chapter, i hope it's alright!!

You came out of Fukuzawa’s office with a soft click from the door.

The agency room hung empty except for a certain blonde and certain tiger.

Quietness settled over in a thick blanket; you curled into the feeling till the dull ache of whatever feelings remained were left buried.

“[L.name]-san,” Kunikida pushed his glasses upwards and came over towards you, “I didn’t get to ask if you were okay before you went to the Director, they didn’t hurt you, did they?”

You shook your head, “I’m okay.”

He nodded and with the words you spoke, his shoulders softened into a relaxed position and with it, you felt a tang of guilt at the sight.

“Sorry,” Your voice was soft, “I didn’t mean to worry you guys.”

Kunikida shifted where he stood before stiffly shaking his head. “No need for apologies. I’m sure you had your reasons for your actions.”

You gave a half-hearted smile, “Still— I should have informed the rest of the agency and not just Fukuzawa-san of my actions, I caused needless worry and for that, I apologize. It won’t happen again.” the words rung in your ears, deafening and loud, liar carved into the syllables like a melody.

You cannot save the agency without risk – you cannot save the agency without sacrifice.

Kunikida blinked before giving another stiff nod. “The agency trusts you,” He gave a brief pause, “I trust you, [L.name]-san and although your actions may cause worry and although we haven’t known each other for long, I can assure you that we trust you and your actions. So although it is much appreciated for further warning before you make a decision that could very well be your downfall, I can understand the need for secrecy.”

He gave a thin smile, “So please don’t apologize where it isn’t needed.”

Atsushi came up to Kunikida's side, a warm smile taking place on his features, a smile that spoke of lands with forever spring and summer and forever with a warmth you could only dream that one day you can dare partake in. “He’s right, [L.name]-san. And I know I haven’t known you for long but I can wholeheartedly say that I trust you. Call me a fool, but I can put my entire life in your hands and I know you would take care of it.” He gave a sheepish laugh.

Your chest grew warm, dancing butterflies taking up residence inside your stomach and making a mess of your feelings. “I-” You took a breath, “Thank you… truly.”

Kunkida gave a smile. “We are co-workers, comrades and most importantly friends, [L.name]-san, it is only natural that we have your back, that we trust you.”

Something in you echoed of a moment long past, of words long shared, friends, yes, you were, weren’t you? You were friends and nothing would change that, not even the slow tide of time that consumed everything in its path, you were friends and that couldn’t be rewritten, fate couldn’t toy with such a simple fact.

The feeling made you feel a sense of pride, a sense of overwhelming comfort, you basked in the feeling until it lingered moments after.

He gave another nod and this time it came loose. “Then, moving on from that, the Director had asked that we move out the workers from the office, he left just before you came out, [L.name]-san.”

You frowned slightly. “He’ll want us to go to the old Bankou Hall then.”

Kunikida quirked an eyebrow, “Bankou Hall? That was the old base you used before switching, wasn’t it? Why there?”

Atsushi eyed you curiously.

“It’s well hidden; Fukuzawa-san… has resolved that this conflict will be ending in a fight. It’s better if we can be protected and prepared.”

Kunikida grimaced at your words. “There’s no way for the fight to be avoided?”

You shook your head, “It can’t. I’ve tried.”

Kunikida gave a shallow sigh in response. “...Then we should inform the other members of this decision.”

At his words your phone rung, you gave a look to Kunikida and Atsushi before flipping it open.

“Fukuzawa-san? What is it?”

“We’re going to the old lecture hall—” You could hear him sigh over the phone. “But I’ve supposed you gathered that already, haven’t you?”

You nodded even if he couldn’t see it. “I have. But I’m not a seer, what would you have me do now?”

“Nothing as of this moment. But I need everyone there, we’ll sort out what to do when we can do a proper meeting, and [Name]��” He muttered something under his breath, “Apologies, it seems I have company. Let's talk again when we meet up.” the phone gave a soft beep when he hung up. You stared blankly at the screen before pocketing the device.

“What was that about? Is the President in danger?” You looked up at Atsushi, his eyes were wide, on the verge of being frantic, ready to do whatever was needed to help the Director.

You shook your head and offered a soft smile, “No need to worry, Atsushi. He’s okay, he’ll be okay.”

His hands curled into fists before easing. “Then… are we to gather the rest of the agency at that old hall you mentioned?”

You nodded, “I’ll tell the others, you get to the hall–“ you looked around before grabbing a piece of paper off a nearby desk and scribbling the location on it.

You handed it into Kunikida’s hands. “Here, meet us there then burn this paper, I’ll be no longer than an hour.”

He inspected it before putting it in his pocket. “Do you know where the others are?”

“I have an idea. Let’s hope my memory relies well.”

Kunikida pushed his glasses up and this time it was a sort of confirmation and with it, you felt a sense of warm familiarity.

“Stay safe, [L.name]-san.”

You let a smile ease to your lips, “You too. And [Name] is fine, please, it feels odd having you call me my last name.” you gave a look to Atsushi, “And you too, Atsushi, please, my first name is okay.”

Kunikida’s lips twisted slightly before he gave a soft sigh, “[Name]-san then.” Atsushi nodded along with him.

You gave a half-shrug before a smile eased to your face, with them calling you by your first name, it brought a sense of comfort to you. “I’ll see you soon then, Kunikida, Atsushi.”

“—Right see you soon.” The phone call ended with a beep, the silence thereafter echoing in the darkened tunnel.

The walls around you loomed, ever the tall, ever the suffocating, ever the cruel.

You had been in this room, in this very hallway that led to the main office, thousands of times, memories burned the walls brighter than stars burned in the night sky.

Cherished memories and some laced with the most vicious of poisons; you can still taste the burnt aftertaste of them on your tongue.

You had left the agency in this very hall, a bag slung over your shoulder and your eyes glassy and on the verge of tears.

Fukuzawa had stood tall before you. Ranpo and Yosano were gone on a mission, easier this way, they wouldn’t object to your sudden departure, easier this way for them to forget your presence.

You had been merely a ghost inhabiting these halls and rooms, merely a memory, that was all you were, all you’d ever be.

It was the best decision, you had decided it with Fukuzawa, better for the agency, better for you.

In some ways you regret the decision, you regret it deeply, carved into your bones and into your heart, you regret ever leaving them, regret the decision you made that night.

And in some ways, you don’t regret a thing you did, you don’t regret not saying goodbye, you don’t regret leaving, you don’t regret it.

Being back now only sparks dull coldness, long ago your strings of this place were cut.

The latch to the room opens with a thunk, you walk down the stairs and you enter to see Dazai, Kunikida, Yosano, Kenji, Tanizaki, Atsushi and Ranpo.

Atsushi perks his head up at the sight of you, a warm smile coming onto his face. “[L.name]-san! You’re back.” Everyone’s eyes focused on you, silent questions lingering in some of them.

You came over to the group, you nodded. “Are we only waiting on Fukuzawa-san, then?”

Atsushi gave a quick nod. “Yeah.”

Sheepishly he scratched the back of his head, “So um, [L.name]-san, what do you think is the next course of action? This’ll be a three-way battle between The Guild, The Port Mafia and us, won’t it?”

Everyone looked at you expectantly, their gazes looking at you like you held the key to the answers of the universe, in some ways you did.

Ranpo threw his arms onto the booth in front of him till he was tittering off the booth’s seat and practically falling onto the one in front. “Do we really have to do this? You know how this ends up, don’t ya, [Name]-chan?”

You walk over to Ranpo and pressed down on his hat till it was covering his eyes, he swats at your hand, an outrage yell with it. “I do. But if I change too many things, it won’t play out in our favour. This battle is necessary…” You frown.

“You know this already, Ranpo, why are you asking?” You remove your hands from his hat and he perks up like a loaded spring.

“‘Cause it’s troublesome and I like it when you explain things.” A teasing smile spreads across his lips, you could feel your heart do a nervous fit inside your chest at the sight of it.

You turn towards Atsushi before you completely stop working, you drop your bag on a nearby booth and sit down. “...We’ll be split into teams, probably we’ll have two offence teams and one defence team to try and protect Yosano-chan.” You give a small smile, “Or that’s my guess.”

Dazai snaps his fingers, you turn your head slightly to look at him. “Indeed a good guess, [L.name]-chan! My, change your mind about—”

You give him a glare. “Still haven’t changed my mind, Dazai.”

His expression changed before a smile lifted at the corners of his mouth, ““Dazai?”” he parroted back.

You tilted your head to the side, “Would you prefer Osamu?”

He gave a quiet hum, his eyes glinted with almost affection. “I wouldn’t mind—”

You gave a soft clap of your hands. “Dazai it is.”

Dazai shakes his head, “No, no, I quite liked—”

Before he could retort back to you a soft thunk echoed in the room, the words die in his mouth.

You turn to the set of stairs, Fukuzawa comes down them, silence settles over the room, everyone looks at him, awaiting.

He gave a once over towards the gathered. “Good. So you all made it.”

He gives a simple nod. “A couple of days ago we could have avoided this war, that bridge has long since burned.” His voice took on a tone of command, a soft powerful voice that made everyone look in his direction. “On one hand we have the Port Mafia who is trying to take us down and on the other hand we have The Guild trying to take over us.”

“We are in a lose-lose situation if we don’t change something. We have to safeguard the agency with everything we possibly have against this two-front attack.” He nods in Dazai’s direction, “Dazai, elaborate.”

You leaned back slightly in your seat, a dull ringing of a headache on coming.

Dazai nodded, “Gotcha.”

“The Guild possesses formidable capital while the Port Mafia has considerable troops, if we engage in open conflict on either side it’s surely going to lead to our ruin. So, we’re going to arrange our offence and defence into separate groups, like [L.name]-chan said earlier.” He gave a quick glance in your direction before addressing the whole of the group again.

“It’s the defence's priority is to stay here and protect Yosano-san, with her healing ability we can go all out without having to worry for our lives. As for how that’ll feel… that’s another story.” You scrunch your nose up at his words, mirrored by you so did most others, except Kenji who just let out a fit of laughs.

Dazai continued, “The defence team will be the Director, Ranpo-san, Yosano-san, Kenji-kun and [L.name]-chan. While the offence team will be split into two groups: group A and group B, group A consisting of Kunikida-kun and Tanizaki-kun and group B will be myself and Atsushi-kun.” he gave a soft clap to finalize everything.

“The main objective of this operation is to make sure this place stays secure and hidden. Since if our enemies storm this place with all the ability users the defence team won’t stand a chance.” Dazai blinked before grinning as if he had just given the news of celebration.

You let out a quiet sigh in response, you can’t turn back now, can you?

Your breaths came out in harsh gasps, the air around you turning acidic.

You didn’t expect to encounter the Port Mafia on your dive for information, you didn’t expect to get into a fight with an executive—!

You brushed your hand across your cheek, the blood that lingered there smudging with the movement, you took in another shuttering gasp before tumbling into the little café under the agency building.

A blonde sitting in a nearby chair, eyes swivelled towards you, his eyes growing wide at the sight of your roughed up form.

“Fuku—” You took in a deep breath, “I need Fukuzawa.”

The blonde got up and came over towards you, his drink left forgotten on the bar counter.

His hand hovered awkwardly in the air before he steeled himself and ushered you towards a chair. “Calm down, what’s wrong? Why do you need the Director?”

You let him guide you towards a chair, your movements jittery, adrenaline still high, you took in another breath until you could speak without a tremor in your voice. “Are- are you a member of the agency?”

He nodded, his hand sliding to push up his glasses. “I am. Now can you tell me what’s wrong, why do you need the Director?”

You sat in a chair, your hands clutching the fabric of your clothes, you looked at him, green eyes stared back at you, furrowed with worry, you drowned yourself in the feeling of warmth brought to you by him, it spread through you and calmed your nerves that were frayed beyond repair, stitching them back up with gentle hands and melody of spring.

In and out, in and out, in and out. You chanted as though it would ease the way your hands shook and the way your head ached.

“Kunikida Doppo?” You stared at him as though looking for an inch of familiarity; you wouldn’t find any, you’d never met this person in your life, in your lives. The thought came sickening and suddenly you wanted to be anywhere but here.

He gave a curt nod. “Why do you need the Director?” His voice was steely, his guard raised.

You swallowed, “[L.name], [Name]. I’m… was a member of the agency.” you took in another breath as though it would calm your nerves. “It’s about the Port Mafia.”

“A member?” He shook his head. “What about the Port Mafia?”

You grasped his wrist, “Please, I need to see Fukuzawa.”

He placed a hand on yours and pulled out of your grip, you sat loosely staring at him, shock written through your pupils. “What about the Port Mafia, [L.name]-san?” His voice was coaxing, soft and gentle.

You hesitated slightly. “I…” You shook your head, “I need to see Fukuzawa, please, I need to see him.”

“You can tell me, [L.name]-san. What is it about the Port Mafia?”

“I can’t, what if…” The thought lingered heavy in your mind, ‘What if I can’t trust you?’

“...I need to see Fukuzawa.”

“You can trust me, [L.name ]-san, once we determine the severity we can go see the Director.”

You looked at him; hopeful.

You swallowed again, you shifted in your seat. “You're really a member of the agency?”

You knew the answer to that question, he was, you had looked at his information over thousands of times. Kunikida Doppo, previously an algebra teacher, birthday is August 30 and he took the entrance exam 3 weeks ago.

He nodded. “I am, so you can trust me, [L.name]-san.”

You hesitated for a second, the words coming far too easily for your own comfort. “I… had an encounter with an executive.” You fidgeted with your hands, dirt littered the underside of your nails and there were droplets of dried blood all along your hands. “They’re after me, my ability, they want my ability, my knowledge. I know this sounds crazy, I know my words are hard to believe, but please, I need to see Fukuzawa, I need to talk with him, please Kunikida–san.”

He gave you another once over, weaving a story for himself with your words, weighing if you lie or tell the truth, weighing if you’re part of the Port Mafia yourself.

He gave a soft sigh in response. “Let’s get you to the office firstly, [L.name]-san, we can go from there.”

You gave a small nod and let him lead you up to the main office, into the warmth, back into a place you swore you would stay away from.

Coming back because you got scared, coming back because you were tired of running away from a place that was— is your home, through and through, your fate was so entirely weaved with them, how could you think you could stay away? Run away?

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moomv · 17 days