Ranpo was the greatest detective in the world, but there were some areas in life that just didn't seem to benefit him. He could read people like books, figure out complex mysteries as if they were crosswords, but he couldn't figure out maps or public transportation.
He kept getting lost, stranded and confused. He wouldn't show it, but it was scary and upsetting. Some days he would call Poe and pretend like he was out shopping, so that he would come and rescue him from his own disorientation. Poe was oblivious, but always happy to see Ranpo.
Poe would buy Ranpo whatever he wanted, carrying all the bags and watching as the detective spun around seemingly without a care in the world. Everything seemed right when they were together, and Ranpo would forget his worries as they walked.
Today the cycle continued, Ranpo was lost again, and for some reason it hurt. He didn't want to ask for help from anyone, he didn't even want to talk to strangers without reason. He wondered how long it would take Poe to catch on, wondering if it would be risky to call again.
The sun would be setting soon, and he was running out of time. He called, but Poe caught on to the unease in his voice, concerned and fawning over him saying he would be there right away. Poe rushed to find Ranpo, finding him hugging his knees to his chest on a bench.
Ranpo was holding back tears, the darkness setting in, obscuring whatever details that would give him away. Poe dropped down to his knees to be at eye level with him, asking what was wrong and what he could do to help.
Ranpo spoke softly, unusual to his normal demeanor, saying "it hurts" and "carry me". No matter how Poe pressed on for answers, the only thing he received beyond that was a broken pout. He couldn't say no to Ranpo, if that was what would help him then he would do it.
Poe turned around, his back to Ranpo so that he could climb on and be carried. Ranpo fumbled slightly but soon found his way into comfort, resting his chin on Poe's shoulder and sighing. Poe grabbed his thighs and held him securely, standing up slowly and smiling softly.
Humming as he walked and easily finding his way to a small park, he felt Ranpo relax as the sun fully set. Ranpo felt safe, he felt cared for, he felt okay again. Poe stooped down beside a park bench to allow Ranpo to step down without trouble.
Before he could sit down to rest, a hand clung to his coat. Ranpo had felt safe when he was touching Poe, and he didn't want to let go yet. Poe smiled at him reassuringly, sitting down and pulling Ranpo towards him.
He asked Ranpo if he would like to sit in his lap, and a soft nod confirmed his suspicions. Ranpo slid into his embrace as if he truly belonged there, soaking up the affection as Poe rubbed his back and played with his hair.
After about ten minutes, Ranpo had fallen asleep. Completely exhausted from the day and finally able to relax. Poe held him tightly, listening to the sound of his breath as he reflected on his thoughts.
The truth was he had noticed how odd it was for Ranpo to call him in such a frequent pattern, not that he had minded. He couldn't figure it out before, but with Ranpo's pouts and clinginess today, he had seen just how vulnerable he was.
He wondered why Ranpo wouldn't just ask for help directly, why he would disguise his weaknesses even to him. Poe cared about him, he always answered when he called, and would drop everything just to spend time with him.
He realized that there were some things that took time to share. Poe loved Ranpo dearly, and still couldn't tell him. He would wait patiently, holding him close every step of the way. Someday soon he would be even more to him than just sweet solace.
