人間失格

“Crab…?” That was the first luxurious thing that he could think of. Chuuya looked at him puzzled. Normally people would rush for the wine, the richest chocolate, the imported grapes…lobster even.. but crab? The rockstar stared blankly “Are you sure? you don’t have to hold back…”

- A Life of luxury had just became the norm to Chuuya. Many years had passed since he had a taste of normality. It wasn’t his fault nor that of any one else. Shirase was always adamant that it was better for them to get their groceries delivered fresh and to their door step. The reasoning being that it would be too stressful for them both to adventure out to a store to be swarmed and questioned and watched, that much Chuuya agreed on.  However, what he wasn’t expecting was to be humbled so fast. The walk from the Detective agency wasn’t unpleasant but the redhead’s knees were yelling in protest at the sudden length of their walk.  Sure enough he’d been to a conbini. He knew the inns and outs of how to sneak in and grab an onigiri and disappear with only the cashire saying a small word to him. However, the sheer volume of people and the rows and aisles of things of a supermarket was a tad overwhelming. Without straying too far behind Dazai, the redhead simply slips behind him, hiding just out of view attempting to tug his hat down to cover as much of his red locks as possible.  From the corner of his eye, Chuuya watches where to get the mini shopping carts, and how to position and place their basket on it. The way that you had to squeeze the handle in to move it. He supposes he should be a little bit helpful while he can and he really didn’t feel like carrying it around.  Returning with the new contraption, Chuuya tries to convey his urgency through his eyes. Whispering low to Dazai to avoid anyone hearing him. “Lead the way…I haven’t been in here before.”

Dazai can do nothing more than raise an eyebrow at Chuuya when he suggests that Dazai’s request of fresh crab is simple and that he can ask for something much more selfish. Perhaps Dazai is just a simple man, or perhaps the divide between himself and the rich is even greater than even he realises. He’s been around money before though, so he doubts that’s it, but truthfully, Dazai has very few requests when it comes to spending money. As tempting as it would be to blow some of the rockstar’s money, the fact that doing so would barely dent Chuuya’s wallet takes away the fun of it and Dazai doesn’t need all the material possessions which would end up accumulating as a result.

-

Dazai soon finds out that the one who is completely unaware of just how deep the divide between them runs is, in fact, Chuuya. It shouldn’t be surprising that he’s a sheltered rockstar who never has to do his own shopping. He’s probably got people for that. Heck, he’s probably got people who cook for him, or he can at least afford expensive restaurants and takeouts – the latter of which Dazai is incredibly jealous of since cheap ones make up the majority of his diet.

The way Chuuya is hunched over, trying to hide from view makes him look uneasy and the way he fumbles with the trolley is a dead give away that he’s not used to it, but the next words out of his mouth are ones which really catch Dazai off guard.

“Never?!” He asks, shooting Chuuya a disbelieving stare. Surely he’s been here at least once. Or has it just been so long that he can’t remember how things work. Either way, Dazai finds himself letting out a sigh, but he catches himself before he can make a comment about how spoiled Chuuya must be and instead offers him some advice.

Ango sighs when Odasaku intervenes. A small, “he’s a male he doesn’t want your hands all over him” slips past Ango’s lips. The brunet isn’t against PDA between same sex couples yet with Dazai’s clear ‘straight’ path, Ango wanted to avoid that mix up right now. Sure enough Chuuya was small, slender and more feminine with his longer lashes yet it didn’t warrant Dazai treating him that way. However Dazai only slightly tenses up at the reminder. His expression schooling out to a calculated mischievous smirk. However, luckily Odasaku is someone, the only one, who knows of Dazai’s preferences. Bi-sexual was uncommon in Japan, so to be vocal about it was something the brunet didn’t want to go in to.

Instead he draws up the conclusion that the two of them slipping off to an empty table could rise more opportunities. Just the thought of that is enough to leave the raven in a better mood. “Hmm, You’re right Ango’s yapping is really loud right Chibi~~ let’s get a drink and head over there.” Dazai lifts his hand up, politely waving Vincent down.

“What’s your most expensive red wine?” Dazai mutters out as he leans just to the side of Chuuya to avoid a conflict once again.

Although Chuuya isn’t entirely sure what’s going on, he is grateful for how quickly and easily Odasaku is able to diffuse the situation. It seems that it’s not just Dazai he has a good handle on, but Ango as well. It’s still interesting to watch how quick Dazai is to take Odasaku’s suggestions on board, but little does Chuuya know that that’s just because it benefits the brunet just as much.

Chuuya welcomes the idea of heading off with Dazai alone though. It’s not that he doesn’t like the brunet’s co-workers, but he’s hardly gotten off on the best foot with them and for some reason, when they have an audience, Dazai just cranks up the annoying factor. Chuuya much preferred it when they were alone and Dazai would speak to him in softer tones and even his teasing sounded more playful and suggestive than the outright insults he seems to throw out whenever they have company.

He balks a little at the idea of ordering the most expensive wine, especially since Dazai had previously instructed the bartender to put Chuuya’s drinks on his tab. Sure, Dazai might make more than him but Chuuya thinks it might be a little early for him to be racking up more than one drink on a tab. It’s either testament to the fact that Dazai actually wants to spend time with him – or it’s a hint that this is just one more tab that the brunet isn’t going to pay.

Vincent, however, gives Chuuya little time to butt in and ask him to make a cheaper one, because by the time it’s sunk into his head, the bartender has already disappeared to another part of the bar to begin pouring a glass.

His brow twitches upwards hearing the other laugh at his suggestion. Chuuya was more than ready for a stubborn battle against the brunet. Although he’s sure that his level of intelligence wouldn’t hold up, his hidden wit and snark would be able to recover fast. Though much to his surprise, Dazai agrees to his little game. Staring wide eyed and blinking trying to comprehend that there was no other insult or demeaning word thrown his way, Chuuya feels himself relax. The tension rolling out of his shoulders. Looking towards Fukuzawa’s way, Chuuya fishes out a 500 yen coin for him to throw. 

He doesn’t know which side to choose but as he hands it over he mutters out “I’ll take the side with the picture on it. Dazai can have the side with the 500 written on it.” glancing at Dazai from the corner of his eye, “any complaints?”.  Fukuzawa although he takes the coin gently from the client, sits back in to the chair musing over what is going on. A game to decide something that was seemingly important to the redhead, seemed like a daring risk. Something that he wouldn’t think Chuuya would resort to considering his level of desperation. However, at least the client and Dazai’s fixation on odds and gambles seemed to line up. One thing in common. With a stern nod, Fukuzawa agrees. After settling the rules and terms between them, the gold coin is flipped in the air.  Chuuya fixates on the way that the coin flips it’s way through the air, hyper focusing trying to catch a hint of what it could be before it’s hidden away by Fukuzawa’s hand. Without much though to it, Chuuya’s on the edge of his seat, leaning in. His hands cupped together under the desk like he’s praying for it. His life literally depended on this. Pounding in his chest, his heartbeat picks up as the nerves hit him. He daren’t glance at Dazai and curse his luck. When Fukuzawa lifts his hand up, chuuya’s holding his breath. Standing over the desk placing his hands on to it to view what it is. With a small smile, Fukuzawa glance at Chuuya. “Congratulations Nakahara-san, we’ll be dealing with Dazai’s contract with you shortly after this. If Dazai-kun still wishes to uphold his part of the deal.” Although it’s morals, his participation was not a bounding oath, so once more Fukuzawa offers Dazai the option. Chuuya however is stood frozen still staring at the coin whispering out a “I won?”. Lately his luck was down the drain and in the gutter. The god’s must have finally blessed him. It’s slow in building up but a delighted cheer makes it’s way out, Chuuya laughing as he pulls his fist back in to him. “YOSHHHH”. Pure joy making it’s way to his eyes, making them sparkle in delight.  Half jumping in his turn, Chuuya holds his hand out to the brunet.  “Welcome to the life of luxury for 2weeks, Dazai-kun~”

Dazai watches carefully but quietly as Chuuya hands over the coin and leaves his fate in the hands of luck. Already the brunet is thinking of ways he might accept the job even if the odds aren’t in Chuuya’s favour but fortunately for him, he lucks out this time.

With only a brief glance towards Fukuzawa, Dazai doesn’t even have to feign indifference as he watches Chuuya’s reaction – mostly because the redhead is so engrossed in the coin the entire time that he wouldn’t notice anything going on around him anyway.

It amuses Dazai just how expressive Chuuya is and how desperate he seems to be for the coin to play out in his favour. Unless you know how to cheat the system – and Dazai highly doubts Chuuya is clever enough to use a weighted coin – then it seems rather foolish to leave something so important to you down to fate. Why didn’t he try to bargain with Dazai more?

Truth be told though, it’s the rash impulsiveness that draws Dazai in. The fact that Chuuya is willing to take a risk and back down if it doesn’t play out the way he wants is far more interesting to the brunet than having someone try to persuade him. Persuasion is, after all, a tactic which rarely works well on Dazai.

It’s the dumbfounded disbelieve that’s perhaps the most amusing thing though. The way that Chuuya rejoices his victorious flip of the coin and turns ready to rub it into Dazai’s face even though Dazai could still turn around and refuse the job. Something about the way that Chuuya’s eyes light up makes it impossible for him to decline.

“Life of luxury you say?” Dazai parrots, lifting a hand to his chin as if he’s contemplating something, “Speaking of which, I kind of fancy fresh crab tonight.”

Relaxing around the redhead is shortlived and Dazai feels a small flicker of irritation that’s soon replaced with confusion. Normally the women he woos would be happy and delighted at the idea of a male standing tall and protecting them. Though it’s not rough, Dazai’s head jolts back away from him. Instead of being offended, rather the brunet is baffled that the more foreign one of them, is the one to be scolding him about being in public. 

Raising a brow at Chuuya, Dazai mutters out “Based on observations I thought that foreigners didn’t care about being in public.” Yet despite hating the very idea of it, he backs off for only a small moment. Giving Chuuya the little space he was requesting.  His next sentence twigs something in Dazai’s brain, making him act on impulse rather than rational thought. He steps back a small fraction to lean down towards Chuuya. Briefly he meets Chuuya’s gaze before moving to take in his scent. Finding that the muskiness of the cologne becomes stronger the closer to Chuuya’s neck he goes. “Mhmm.. you’re ri–”  The moment is short lived as a red faced Ango is the one to pull Dazai back by his collar, momentarily choking the brunet.  Dazai peeks over his shoulder at the intrusion coming face to face with an angry looking college. Offering a meek smile to him.  Ango’s quick to bark out a flutered apology to Chuuya.  “I’m sorry for his antics, Dazai-kun isn’t usually this in your face I hope you can forgive him for his unforgivable actions.” Muttering out a “Apolgoise, now” towards Dazai. A little smack on his head follows up the pause of silence. Dazai ducking down and holding the top of it. “Ango~~ I was seeing if his statement was true! It’s not perfume, it’s musky like cologne.” defending himself.  Looking back up to Chuuya. “See little red isn’t offended.”

“I don’t mind being in public, but you brought me over to meet your friends, didn’t you?” Chuuya responds, not entirely sure why he needs to explain to someone who’s apparently so intelligent that there’s also a difference between PDA amongst couples and PDA amongst strangers. Even overseas the latter is looked upon less favourably and Chuuya really doesn’t want to come across as sleazy. It doesn’t stop him from quietly tacking on “we can go somewhere else if you want that,” and hoping that Dazai’s friends don’t hear.

The distance that Dazai puts between them is short lived, but even shorter is the amount of time Dazai has to get close to him again. Chuuya doesn’t even get chance to complain about the fact that he just reminded Dazai that this was a public space before the brunet is yanked back by someone who clearly has practice protecting women from the tyrant.

Even Chuuya is taken aback by the force with which Ango yanks Dazai back and for a minute, it makes him feel a little bad. Did he look so uncomfortable over Dazai’s advances that Ango felt he had no choice but to step in? Chuuya is so confused by how quickly the next series of events play out that all he has time to do is shake his head at Ango’s apology to reassure him it’s fine and next, to narrow his brows at Dazai for the nickname and statement.

“Of course it’s cologne! What the hell else would it be?”

It’s then that Odasaku finally decides to step in before the commotion they’re causing in the quiet bar gets them all kicked out. As he turns to face Dazai, he points over his shoulder at one of the empty tables in the back corner.

Chuuya actually started to wonder if it was personal. Though it’s probably due to his spoilt nature of everyone falling all over him. Instead he narrows his eyes a little by the way that Dazai seems to think that his case was meaningless and that he loathed he idea of being around the redhead. It’s a good slap of reality as it quickly helps the popstar find his fiery roots. 

“I haven’t gone to the police because that’s simply a pain in the ass for me. My company doesn’t know about this nor do I want them to. I don’t really fancy having more restrictions put on my everyday life.” It’s slightly more revealing than he wants but as a fellow human, they should slightly understand that living in the limelight wasn’t all it was made out to be.  Chuuya almost looks determined at this point just to get the raven to agree, even if it’s just for his pride. He wanted to be taken seriously for once and it seemed like everyone was pushing it off on to paranoia. The redhead knew there was more to the case than he was giving and it was dangerous information at that if it were true. Simply leaving here with someone who was subpar would be signing his name away to the grim reaper.  He locks gazes with Dazai, staring him down trying his best to come across as assertive or someone that is worth his attention. “I get that you don’t want to be forced to work 24/7 but how about this. Heads or tails. If I win you’ll be my bodyguard, if you win then you’re free to choose whatever you want and you can keep the deposit.” It’s not how contracts work and Chuuya is more than aware that Fukuzawa will probably be against him practically forcing his subordinate in to a deal.

The response Chuuya comes out with this time is more fiery than his previous attempt to stay calm and civil. Really, Dazai should expect nothing less given the way that he all but called the case a waste of time, but there’s something about the way that Chuuya bites back that Dazai likes. The fact that Chuuya really doesn’t want his company to know is what catches Dazai’s attention the most though. Is it because he’s hiding something from the company that would tarnish his image?

There’s a chance that it’s just something silly and superficial – as is the world of celebrities in Dazai’s opinion – but the modus operandi of the break-ins has his interest too. It doesn’t match what he knows of fan-girls or thieves. A stalker or someone trying to intimidate the rockstar is much more likely. Given the level of Chuuya’s fame though, it’s quite interesting to think about who would be either dumb or skilled enough to go after this kind of celebrity.

It’s safe to say that Dazai is interested enough to at least consider the case – even if he’s likely to drop it after a few days if it does turn out to be some petty prank or low-level criminal who’s hardly dangerous. The only hurdle left, is to find a way to accept the case without making it seem like he’s done a sudden 180 on it. Fortunately for him, Chuuya offers the perfect opportunity. Dazai can’t help but laugh at the redhead’s suggestion. It’s rash, silly and leaves everything down to luck but it’s just risky enough that Dazai appreciates it.

The way that Chuuya leans back in to his touch is a delight for the detective. Even for him the height jokes were wearing a little too thin as they slipped past his lips. Instead he wanted to praise Chuuya, to tell the red head that he was lethal in the outfit that’s hugging him too snugly. From above, Dazai can see the way they crease around his thighs and it causes his hand to twitch, to want to feel if they’re as toned as they look. However, luckily for everyone involved, Dazai did have a little bit of decency in public. 

Letting a little laugh at Chuuya’s words, Dazai simply replies. “Exactly, though I don’t know about you but I’m starting to really appreciate this height difference.” Sliding his hand off Chuuya’s shoulder to hang loosely over them, the brunet leaning down to rest his head on top of Chuuya’s red locks. A little intimate that he’s sure Odasaku will scold him if the red head doesn’t, but it confirms something for Dazai. Chuuya’s cologne smells nice.  Rather than taunting, Dazai instead lets the simple compliment slip out. His voice reverting back to the softness of before.  “Your perfume smell nice, chibi. One might get the idea that you wore it simply to meet me here.” Contrary to the conversation going on next to him, Dazai didn’t want to scare Chuuya away and have Albatross chasing his ass down the streets.  Ango breathes air through his nose to show a small flicker of annoyance. Although not as strict and blunt as Kunikida, Ango did want to keep up some good publicity for their company. “It might be best if we just keep Dazai away from the coffee shop all together, until he gets bored.” Shaking his head, Ango risks a look over to the two, taken back by the PDA. “Wha-” trailing off. Normally a bark of commands and scolding would be raging out towards the detective, but today- the way Dazai looks overjoyed even stumps Ango.

The motion of Dazai leaning in further, coupled with a suggestive comment which plays up the idea that Dazai likes the height difference, helps to quell Chuuya’s budding frustration. While it frustrates him when people mock him for his height or treat him like he’s inferior, truth be told he too is quite fond of a bit of a height difference. There’s something about the way that a taller man can engulf him that is frankly comforting.

Chuuya is by no means weak though, so he doesn’t need anyone to protect him or make him feel safe, but on the rare occasion when he does meet a man who doesn’t treat him like a fragile child and recognises his strength and value, then it’s a dynamic that Chuuya very much enjoys. That’s why he finds himself getting a little excited as Dazai encroaches on his space.

Chuuya, however, is still sober enough to realise that this is not the time or place for Dazai to have his hands all over him. Not only are they in public, but Dazai’s co-workers are literally surrounding them and Chuuya doesn’t want their first impression of him to be that he’s a whore.

His reaction is a little delayed – partly because he doesn’t actually want to move – but eventually he shakes his head to make Dazai lift his chin and turns more in his chair to face Dazai whilst leaning back on the bar to put a little more space in between them.

“We’re in public,” Chuuya reminds him quietly before his voice transitions to a grumble, “desides, it’s not perfume. I’m not a girl.” The decision to wear the cologne most definitely was a conscious one though and Chuuya is glad that it caught Dazai’s attention. He’s the one he intended to be smelling it, after all.

Hooking him in with a little bit of hope, Chuuya meets the eyes of the raven. The way the male parrots the problem at hand makes Chuuya feel like he really does understand why it’s an issue. It’s soon crushed to pieces as the issue at hand is downplayed. Feeling the slap of the word ‘Boring’ hitting him across the face, Chuuya has to bite his tongue even more so when the next accusation is thrown at him. 

It was something he had been wary about and why it had taken him so long to seek out help. He had messaged his fiancé the first time he had noticed, only to be told the exact same thing. Maybe he was going crazy from exhaustion and countless overtime. It’s only a small thing but it almost makes the redhead want to take back his request and apologise to the owner and his subordinate for his paranoid mind.  Yet somewhere niggling deep inside was an instinct telling him that something is off and he should either leave his apartment (Which was not an option for multiple reasons) or seek help. He chews on his lip wondering what information he could offer to the brunet to ensure he would be his helping hand. Chuuya didn’t want to leave empty handed nor did he want to choose another detective that would be underskilled for the true job. He had chosen Dazai and that’s what he’s decided on, even if he has to give up a cd signing event to stay here all day and bargain.  There’s a flicker of determination as Chuuya glares back at Dazai. “I can assure you I know when my door is locked. Once maybe I could understand but to come back and find it open multiple times in the day is not something I would consider a personal fault.” Chuuya’s tone is borderline snappy yet he tries to mask it to keep up his polite persona. “If you consider it such a meaningless ordeal, whats the issue with it? You get food, shelter and pocket money it’s basically a paid vacation for two weeks.” he bites back.

Dazai, for one, is glad to learn that his client has enough bite in him to snap back in the way that he does rather than buckling under Dazai’s judgement. Though there’s a hint of frustration in the redhead’s voice, he does a good job of keeping himself civil even if Dazai had been a little bit rude to him. As is to be expected of someone who lives their life in the public eye, he supposed.

Without even realising it, Chuuya offers more information as to the pattern of the suspected break ins but the fact that nothing is missing and Chuuya hasn’t run into anyone is a good sign that the unlocking of the doors is more likely to be either a prank or an intimidation tactic. Why someone would want to do either of those to a celebrity like Chuuya, however, is a whole other question but it’s one that catches Dazai’s attention. He gets the feeling that the musician isn’t telling the whole story.

Dazai hears the comment between his two friends although, he’s not sure if Chuuya has. Either way he brushes it aside because what ever snide remark that was clawing it’s way up, would ruin the mood he’s trying to desperately get back. With the two of them at the other end of the bar it was a lot more intimate and fun than being around others. Now Dazai felt the need to stand up and prove himself to be witty, funny and dare he say it desirable. Yet all that simmered down in to childishly trying to show off in front of his friends.

Gaining Ango’s seat was a victory. A present of some sort. The raven gently hesitates for protest before placing his hands on Chuuya’s shoulders. Carefully guiding the redhead in to the seat, so that Chuuya is facing the bar.  However, rather than breaking contact Dazai keeps his hand on Chuuya’s shoulder, resting a little of his weight on to him as he leans over.  “You’re short enough chibi, i’ll just rest here.” Its probably enough of an insult to warrant a reaction from the barista but Dazai doesn’t mind it. The way he can lean himself in to the others space, like he was marking his own territory is more than enough. It’s not possessive in the way that Dazai tries to shield Chuuya away from the curious gazes, it’s more a small pit of jealously that someone else will figure out an answer to questions he wants to know, just from looks alone.  Ango’s quick to pick up and with a sigh he mutters quieter just for Oda to hear. “Is this a sign for me to look for a new coffee place that we won’t be banned from?” 

There’s no reason for Chuuya to protest the weight of Dazai’s hand on his shoulders as he guides him to his seat. If anything, Chuuya enjoys it, because the pressure is light and yet at the same time it’s something that the barista has subconsciously been craving all evening. Things are a little different when Dazai leans down onto him though, but that’s mostly because of the mocking statement which accompanies the sudden weight which settles over him.

“I’m not short you lanky bastard,” Chuuya retorts whilst whipping his head back to try and look at Dazai even as the taller man leans into his space. It might be a nice, intimate gesture if not for the fact that Dazai simply will not stop making digs at Chuuya’s height. Quite frankly, he’s getting sick of it and the alcohol in his system isn’t helping to keep him cool an rational at the millionth dig at his height that night.

The only thing that makes him simmer down a little bit is the fact that Dazai’s face is so close to him when he attempts to turn around but he’s still cautious of whatever might slip out of the brunet’s lips next.

Beside them, Ango isn’t the only one to sigh. He brings up a good point and the fact that Dazai has taken a newfound interest in the newest barista means that he’s much more likely to go getting himself in trouble at the café now.

From the very moment they met Chuuya’s mind was drawing up countless designs. Every thought brimming with inspiration. His first thought was that Dazai was like the moonlight across a dark lake in the middle of winter. The fresh crisp air feeling as you take a deep breath in the early morning was something he likened the raven to. It was somewhat of a shock to the system but a welcomed start to a new fresh day. However, over time as the raven had become entwined in his daily habits and routines, Chuuya’s view had shifted. 

From being a simple dark and plain design, now Chuuya wanted to add in splashes of blue and line the outfit with silver. Like showing a gentler side of Dazai creeping through the darkness.  Chuuya swallows as he’s forced out of his mind, more than aware that he was taking too long to answer. “I have some inspirations and a few sketches already.” worrying his bottom lip. From his mini daydream, he’d become all to aware that his hand was still resting against the ravens. “I don’t want you to see them until I’m done with it… they never look that good in the early planning stages.” he didn’t want to be so direct and to say, I want to surprise you. Taking one glance back at his desk, Chuuya decides that’s enough letting his mind wander freely and he reigns it back in.  “I know it’s still early but wanna take a walk with me, staying in this room is giving me a headache.” Though he kind of wants to stay inside, asking Dazai to stay indoors huddled up on the sofa would only raise more issues for him with his flatmates. It just simply wasn’t work the drama and anxiety. Yet staying in Chuuya’s room meant that he was fixating and becoming hyper aware of the brunet around him and he was restless. Restless that he wanted to just reach out and indulge in the more innocent touches. They’d only just became exclusive and while that meant nothing more than their current arrangement anyway, a small niggling feeling within Chuuya couldn’t help but feel special. Taking form in a soft warmth through his chest.

It comes as a surprise that Chuuya has some sketches already, especially given the fact that he only just asked Dazai if he would model for him. It shows that Chuuya has been thinking about this for a while, enough that he’s already put thought and work into it. Dazai supposes that’s better than Chuuya just impulsively deciding to ask him, but he’s not entirely sure how to feel about the fact that the redhead has already been imagining how he might dress him. Considering the fact that Chuuya has already alluded to Dazai being model material on the very night they met, Dazai supposes it shouldn’t surprise him though.

He half expects Chuuya to whip out some fully finished sketches but Chuuya seems a little reluctant to actually share his work when it comes down to it. Maybe he’s telling the truth and the planning stage really doesn’t look good – or maybe he’s just too embarrassed to actually show Dazai. Either way, the brunet doesn’t push it.

The suggestion of a walk is perhaps something they both need right now and Dazai welcomes it as a distraction from whatever this strange atmosphere that’s settled over them is. He wouldn’t necessarily call it uncomfortable, but Chuuya seems caught up in his head and Dazai isn’t the kind of person to try and work through whatever the redhead is thinking about.

“You call this early?” Dazai laughs, trying to lighten the mood by digging at the fact that Chuuya seems to wake up hours later than anyone else Dazai knows, but he quickly makes it obvious that he’s up for Chuuya’s suggestion as he straightens himself up and heads towards his jacket.

Chuuya supposes that wearing masks, glasses and a cap was probably over kill but it was vital for him that nobody else including his company found out about this. He’s read the case files countless times. At first he was stuck deciding between a man called Odasaku and Dazai, until his eyes laid upon one of the cases. From the looks of it, Dazai was more versed in seeking out underground criminals. It wasn’t that Chuuya was fully in to that side of the limelight but his friends were sometimes willing participants in taking drugs. The redhead assumed that even without splurging the entire of the details, perhaps he could slowly talk to this detective about his worries. Maybe that would prove he’s just overreacting.

It does look like the silver haired male is hesitating. Chuuya knows that giving up his top worker would also be a big commitment as well.However, leaving here empty handed is slightly more terrifying than anything else.

He pretends to consider it, before shaking his head “He looks kind enough and would fit well in the scene around a popstar.” His features looked soft and like someone who would be caring and understanding. slightly more handsome than he would expect but still non the less, kind.

“If it’s money.. I can pay a deposit up front for you, I’ll cover all his food and living expenses, including his own place.” Chuuya didn’t want to come across as desperate. “Just for two weeks, please consider it.”

Fukuzawa doesn’t immediately respond to Chuuya’s words. While Dazai may look kind and harmless, the president is well aware of Dazai’s true nature. What’s scarier than Dazai’s ties to the past is probably how well he’s able to act like he is and always had been the model citizen. He is the definition of deceit, though it’s only natural that potential clients and even clients working with Dazai would only be aware of his fake persona.

The silence seems to unsettle Chuuya enough to strengthen his monetary offer which prompts Fukuzawa to speak up before the client gets the idea that they’re turning him down. Fukuzawa is happy to take the case, even if it seems relatively mundane because the agency is fairly quiet right now and they have no reason not to. It’s only the particulars of his request which are an issue.

“It isn’t an issue of money. I can refer cases to my detectives but they have the final say over whether they accept them.” Fukuzawa neglects to mention that as their boss, he can override them, but it’s so incredibly rare for a client to be so insistent on a particular detective that the president usually just assigns tasks to whoever is available and willing to take them. The detectives at his office may have specialities but they’re all more than capable of dealing with the majority of the cases which come through the agency so it’s usually not worth pushing for a specific detective to take a case. Especially when said detective is Dazai Osamu.

“We can call him in and see what he has to say, but I must warn you, he is unlikely to take cases which don’t interest him.” Whilst the majority of the detectives are happy to take on almost any client, the agency’s top two detectives are much more fickle. The first – Edogawa Ranpo – simply will not take cases he’s not interested in, no matter how much his skills are needed. The second – Dazai Osamu – is slightly more inclined to take cases that appear boring at first. Usually when he does, it turns out to be a case which goes much deeper than the original request. When he is made to take mundane cases, he drags his feet and complains every step of the way so the agency quickly learned that it’s much less of a headache just to give those cases to someone else.

The quickest way to settle this and get Chuuya to settle on a different detective is to simply call Dazai in, have him turn Chuuya down and then try to negotiate the details with another, more willing detective. That being said, Fukuzawa calls Dazai into the office, gesturing towards Chuuya when the brunet enters and quickly introducing the pair. He doesn’t mention anything about the case though and it’s only when he’s seated behind his desk again – with Dazai taking up one of the chairs next to Chuuya - that he explains.

Just wait I’ll figure it out, is a thought that passes through the ravens mind upon noticing the small smile. It was enough to tell him that the redhead was back in the game and ultimately making Dazai’s plans a little more difficult to uncover the information he sought. Usually Odasaku is one to baby him and set him on the right path, however, if it was just that simple Dazai would have grown tired of him a long time ago. It’s not often that Oda rises to challenge and play around with Dazai, but perhaps the redhead just had that ability to draw out other sides of people. With a small tsk Dazai is the one to break eye contact first, focusing back on his tiny side mission. The only difference that stops him feeling so bitter this time, is that he’s not the only one left in the dark about the barista’s name.

Putting a hand in his pocket Dazai flicks his unamused gaze to Ango. A bitter smile creeping its way up on to his expression as he goes to loom over the other who’s already making his way back to be seated. He’s quick to grab Ango’s shoulders and spin him carefully out the way. Much to the others protest of being manhandled, Dazai simply blocks it out for playing along with the game Odasaku has set up. Flicking his gaze towards Chuuya, one arm held out blocking Ango and with a nod of his head towards the now empty seat, Dazai gives him his best smile. “I saved you a seat.” His voice softening out to being like velvet. “We can’t leave little red standing now can we.”  Regardless of manners, Ango himself doesn’t look all that impressed to be left standing. Instead moves to the other side of Oda, opting for leaning against the bar with his arm folded and a glass of tomato juice in his hand. Quietly saying “I didn’t realise Dazai-kun was well acquainted with the barista boys.”

The click of Dazai’s tongue is enough to tell Chuuya that the brunet knows they’re both playing this game now and that his friends are siding with the barista. Chuuya can’t help but smile a little wider given that he’s always been a little more honest with his expressions after some alcohol but fortunately for him, the attention is briefly drawn away from him towards the sneaky trick Dazai apparently just pulled on his co-worker.

It quickly becomes apparent that Chuuya isn’t the only one Dazai likes to harass and while sober Chuuya would be relieved to learn that Dazai is actually just an asshole and it has nothing to do with Chuuya, tipsy Chuuya finds himself just a little bit disappointed at the realisation that he probably isn’t all that special to Dazai. The thought is illogical because they barely even know each other so of course Chuuya can’t expect to be anything special but the pang of jealousy which hits him when Dazai puts his hand on Ango is uncomfortable. Chuuya puts it down to the alcohol and the fact that he’s been alone for so long but he’s quickly left feeling foolish when Dazai turns to him. All of that was an act for Chuuya’s sake?

Chuuya’s first instinct is to protest that they didn’t come over here to steal Ango’s seat but it seems like this sort of thing is a regular occurrence because Ango gives up without much of a fight despite the disgruntled look on his face. Chuuya feels bad for him even if he manages to put some distance between himself and the brunet by standing at the bar.

“And where are you going to sit?” Chuuya asks, suddenly wary of taking the seat incase this is some kind of trap but also a little uncomfortable with the idea of taking someone else’s seat and leaving Dazai standing. Beside them both, Ango and Oda speak in hushed voices, Oda turning towards Ango with a sly smile.

Dazai’s eyes glint with life and amusement, dancing his noodle arms away from Chuuya. Circling the smaller redhead and slipping just out of grasp in the next second. “I’ve angered the spirits now~~” Dazai holds the hat up even higher, blocking out all the looks now focusing on him. He could swear that he saw Atsushi stand up in the corner of his vision, only to be slowly pushed back down by Ranpo. At least he had one person on his side for the chaos. After all how else could Dazai express that he had a crush on a mysterious barista that he knew absolutely nothing about. He was vain, but not to the point of admitting that he wanted the redhead just for his subtle personality but mostly his good looks.

The hat slips through his fingers. The raven for one not expecting the other male to make a move. Usually he’s one to just sigh and pass it off. “Dazai-kun you’re causing a racket for people around us who just want to enjoy their drinks in peace.” Ango’s sharp tone cuts through the chaos that the raven is in process of creating. Ripping it from his clutch before Dazai even has time to close his fingers. He blames Chuuya for being a distraction and slowing down his reaction time. How was he supposed to be focused and aware of every little detail, when all he wanted to do was bask and enjoy the attention coming from Chuuya. Ango isn’t one to leave a person in need hanging that long. Holding one hand back on Dazai’s chest and the hat out towards Chuuya with the other, Ango fluently speaks out in English “Sorry about Osamu. He’s a little bit annoying but I hope he has caused you no distress.” Likewise the brunet didn’t recognise the barist as well. It’s only when Oda shifts on his seat offering Chuuya a small reassuring smile. “Ango” his voice soft “It’s the new barista from the coffee shop. Albatross’s trainee.” He shifts, holding a hand out to Chuuya “It’s nice to see you again red. Is red an ok nickname for you or maybe there is something else you would prefer for now?” slowly shifting his gaze to Dazai as a small reminder that the raven still doesn’t know.” It’s only then that the raven sees Oda’s teasing gaze. He knows the action is a small scolding for his childish antics, but he still retorts in a pout. Traitor. he ends up thinking. 

Chuuya only makes a few aborted attempts to get the hat off Dazai because once it becomes clear that the brunet is purposefully leading him in only to snatch it away at the last minute, Chuuya decides that he isn’t going to keep falling for it and risk stumbling and falling onto his face.

Fortunately for him, Ango takes pity on him which is probably a good thing for Dazai too because Chuuya is quickly getting frustrated with the sudden change in Dazai’s behaviour. If he’d known that getting introduced to Dazai’s co-workers was just an excuse for the brunet to be an ass to him he probably would have just gone home. Okay, maybe he’s overreacting, but it’s more than a little frustrating that the Dazai from a few minutes ago seems to have vanished. The brunet might be having the time of his life – judging by the gleeful expression on his face – but Chuuya’s just feeling tricked and stupid.

It doesn’t get much better when – despite his good intentions – Ango turns to Chuuya after scolding Dazai, only to open his mouth and switch languages. It’s not the first time someone has looked at Chuuya and assumed he speaks English. He knows he looks more foreign than Japanese but usually the people who try to speak English to him are old people who just want to practice their English or young people trying to impress their friends. It’s also usually really simple English that Chuuya can easily respond to – not like the fluent apology which flows from Ango’s lips.

The problem is that Chuuya doesn’t really speak English. Sure he knows some of the basics, but he was raised in France at an age where grasping French was hard enough, let alone English on the side. To say he spent 8 years in Europe, his English ability really is just limited to a few useful words and phrases so when faced with someone who is clearly fluent, he’s no match at all.

He’s so caught off guard by the fluency of Ango’s words and confusion over the fact that he didn’t use Japanese despite literally just hearing Chuuya curse at Dazai in it, that it takes him a good few seconds to register that his hat is being held out to him.

He takes it back with a quickly muttered , ”Uh…. Thank you,” before pressing on in his best, broken English, “sorry… I don’t speak English good.” Sure he might have understood the first half of what Ango said – though he was too caught off guard to realise that Ango used Dazai’s given name – but the latter half of his words was a little too complex for Chuuya’s liking. It’s embarrassing to admit though, especially with Dazai standing right there. It feels like Chuuya is just handing over ammunition to bully him with.

Thankfully, Oda steps in to save him from the awkward encounter by introducing Chuuya. He doesn’t understand at first why Oda wants to give him a nickname though. Is it just some weird custom for people who work at their agency? It’s only when Oda shifts his gaze suspiciously towards Dazai that Chuuya belatedly realises that Dazai still doesn’t know his name.

Dazai carefully escorts Chuuya across the bar, ignoring every other stare except from his friends and work colleagues. Even the bartender was still looking their way. Dazai himself glanced down at the redhead, wondering if he had any idea the sort of effect he was having on these people. Here in Japan, people are used to tourists coming around but not here in a little back alley bar in Ginza. To put it simply, the way he was wearing his hair and his outfit, he looked ethereal light a small flickering flame fighting against the dark. Dazai liked to think of himself worlds apart from the mere humans around him (not in a jackass way, he just simply couldn’t connect with them), yet here he is joining them on mutual ground.

“Ah yes, Odasaku, the perfect man.” Dazai flicked his gaze up to his friend, offering him a quick short show of his hand. Letting them know they were now making their way over. Following Chuuya’s gaze to Ango, Dazai cocks his head slightly to the left, mulling over an idea.  Pressing his fingertips in, the raven gently rests his hand upon Chuuya’s back as he leans down to whisper in Chuuya’s ear.  “You know Chibi’ Ango- brown suit and scowling.” Clarifying who he is “Is a regular at your coffee shop. Just pretend you’ve seen him around.” A small smirk blends it’s way in to Dazais next suggestion. “Maybe act a little upset that he doesn’t remember your name, it’ll be funny.” Although it was simply Dazai’s life task of winding up Ango, it also was another attempt to coaxed the name from the redhead.  Flicking his gaze to the side to catch a look at Chuuya, offering him a small smile. That’s all he really gives Chuuya. Standing up and removing his hand now they were getting close. Dazai goes to strut past, not before taking the chibi’s hat from his head and barking out a small laugh. “Odasaku~~ A little ghost is following me.”

Chuuya isn’t unaware of the gazes pointed their way as they move further into the bar together but thanks to the fact that he’s already had one glass of wine, he doesn’t care nearly as much about them as he would do if he was completely sober. Right now, he’s too caught up in Dazai and the way that he has to lean down if he wants to whisper to Chuuya. Coupled with the way that Dazai’s hand dances along his back, it’s enough to make Chuuya’s heart skip a beat.

He doesn’t really care about introductions to a man who hardly looks happy to be here in the first place and he certainly doesn’t want to talk about work right now, but it’s probably a good thing that Dazai introduces Ango because, although Chuuya has seen him in the coffee shop, it’s always been Odasaku who placed the order so he’s let to learn Ango’s name. He makes a conscious effort to remember it.

The small smile Dazai shoots his way is the last bit of kindness Chuuya receives before Dazai moves away. It’s almost like a switch, the way he goes from lavishing Chuuya in seductive attention to reverting to the childish, irritating brat he’d been at the coffee shop. Chuuya instantly laments the loss of the former, quickly wishing he’d turned down Dazai’s offer to leave their little corner when he feels his hat lifted from his head, only to be followed by a sing-song voice.

“Oi!” Chuuya exclaims, instinctively shooting his hands up to smooth down the hair that’s displaced when Dazai removes the hat. Truthfully, he wants to get the hat back but he’s not drunk enough yet to put on a childish display and chase after it in a bar small enough to draw everyone’s attention if he raises his voice. He has their attention without doing anything at all, so he’s not going to give them more reasons to stare.

He’s sure he’s already turned a little red though and his expression probably gives away much more than his sober one when he fixes Dazai with a scowl before following after him to try and get his hat back.

Compensate him for turning him in? Dazai lets out a small laugh. Any normal human would do it from the goodness of their heart, but Chuuya, this man was ready to rake in the rewards. “I’m sure they’d drop a few million if you told the right person. Unfortunately that earache isn’t here tonight.” It wasn’t that Dazai had any personal grudge or anything against Kunikida, there’s just a time and a place to deal with nattering and while he’s on the pull is not it.

Actually Dazai wasn’t sure what he wanted to come from this night. Sure enough he was thinking about entertaining dates and all that earlier. There’s certainly a flare of interest and a spark between them, but what it actually is- he can’t say for definite. He quickly locks that thought away to deal with later as he meets Chuuya’s challenging stare. “Sure Chibi but you gotta know, they’re even more annoying than me.” Though for once, Dazai raises out of his seat first, offering Chuuya a hand up out of his.

Turning round to face his friends wasn’t something to be ashamed of yet he coukd see the quizzical gaze from Atsushi, Ango’s disapproving one and Oda’s neutral expression. Oh boy, he really didn’t have to feel this nervous about introducing an… acquaintance? a friend? … just someone he knows from somewhere.. the coffee shop boy. Yet without much though, Dazai’s lowering his hand behind Chuuya. Keeping a reasonable distance from his back, but enough that he’s sure the redhead can feel the ghost of a touch.

“You know Odasaku, so lets start there… You’ll need tough skin to deal with Atsushi and Ranpo.” giving chuuya a light warning for once.

Chuuya isn’t sure who Dazai refers to when he mentions the ‘earache’ but from what he’s been able to judge of Dazai’s character so far, he’s sure that said earache has quite a few reasons to be the way he is if he has to work with Dazai on a daily basis. Chuuya might be getting along with him right now, but he’s not sure he could hack working with him – not if he’s as annoying at work as he was in the coffee shop.

“More annoying than you? Is that even possible?” Chuuya teases, taking the hand offered to him to disguise the fact that he can step down from the bar stool a lot more gracefully with help than he would be able to do on his own.

It’s only when he’s faced with the rest of the small bar – something which Dazai’s tall frame had shielded him from this entire time, making it appear almost as if they were alone in their secluded corner – that he feels the nerves hit him. He’s simultaneously grateful that he hasn’t had so much to drink that he’ll embarrass himself but also wishing that he’d drank more so that he had a bit more confidence.

It’s clear right away that Dazai knows a lot of the people in this bar and it’s a reminder that he’s in the brunet’s territory right now. Not only that, but it reminds him of exactly what he and Dazai are doing right now which is…. Well he’s not entirely certain, but he didn’t really expect to be introduced to Dazai’s friends and colleagues before the pair of them even figured out what they’re doing. It’s a bit weird to introduce a one-night stand to your co-workers, right? So does that mean Dazai is looking at Chuuya as a dating prospect instead? Chuuya would be lying if he said that fleeting thought didn’t make him feel warm inside. Maybe that’s just the alcohol though.

He’s brought back down to earth by Dazai’s voice beside him and the presence of an arm behind him, close enough that he knows it’s there, but far enough that he can’t actually feel it’s touch. Part of him wishes Dazai would close the last few inches between them and rest his hand on Chuuya’s back but he supposes it’s too soon for that.

Dazai cracks a small smile as he peeks back at Chuuya, amused by the conclusion he came to. Normally people would be viewing Dazai’s past as a red flag and ending the date short. Not that he has told this to any of the other people that he’s messed around with.  “Feel free to rat me out chibi, they’ve seen and heard worse.” passing it off with a wave of his hand. “You confessed a crime to a man of the law, I believe it’s just a fair exchange.” 

Trust was such a fickle word to the brunet. He had no interest in the meaning of it. To Dazai, trust meant blindly giving yourself to someone on the promise that they wouldn’t hurt or take advantage of that. There was no meaning to an oath. It was just something humans had created to keep peace, yet it could be broken just as easily. Luckily for him, the raven was a good judge of people. Rather than believe in trust, he’d like to analyse others every moves and personal data and use that against them if the situation called for it.   Oda however, was his only exception to every rule. Dazai could count on him for anything. After all, Oda had been the one to save him on that reckless day, sparing him from a life behind bars.  The barista however, Dazai didn’t know what to call the feeling. It wasn’t quite trust. Maybe he would label it as a mutual understanding instead. Chuuya seemed reliable and honest. His expression, posture and choice of words perfectly portrayed it as an empty threat. He may not know his name yet, but Dazai did know that the other couldn’t hide any feelings from his expressions.

Suddenly Dazai’s face lights up. Like a raven swooping down to find it’s treasure, Dazai looks fixated on this new idea. Expression changing to a look of mischief. Suggesting that he was no longer up to any good. “I can personally introduce you to them~ I’m sure they’d love to finally solve that case.” 

Sure enough if Chuuya accepted, Dazai might sulk about the loss of their little cosy corner but all going well, it would only be a few teasing remarks towards Dazai and his new found ‘date for the night’. However, it would put the barista in a position where he would have to be polite and friendly back to them. He’d have no choice but to hand out his name, making Dazai the winner of this unspoken challenge and game. 

“In my defence, I wasn’t counting on a man of the law confessing a crime back to me,” Chuuya laughs, still a little dumbfounded by the whole exchange. It’s probably obvious to someone like Dazai that the brunet had caught him off guard with that one but somehow the carefree manner in which Dazai talks about their confessions helps to lighten the air around them.

It’s almost as if these little crimes are something they can brag about and while Chuuya is trying to move past the days of doing exactly that, there’s still a part of him that’s rooted in the rebellious kid he once was. One who acted out like this for attention and found himself drifting further and further in search of it. He’d been such a cocky little shit at one point, happy to take praise for his actions before he finally grew up and realised there was nothing boast worthy about the life he was living.

The conversation he’s having with Dazai right now stirs up old and conflicting feelings – a childish part of him wanting to impress Dazai, but it’s battling with the person he wants to become, someone who doesn’t brag about all the shitty things he’s done. It leaves him feeling a little confused, something which the alcohol doesn’t seem to help, but it’s not exactly an uncomfortable feeling either. It feels more like Dazai is someone who could draw out a side of Chuuya that he doesn’t dare show to anyone else but strangely enough – even though he barely knows the man – it doesn’t feel wrong or dangerous.

Exciting might be one way to put it, even though Chuuya feels a little guilty about admitting that. The way that Dazai’s face lights up with mischief, however, lights a spark in Chuuya that’s been thoroughly doused ever since he started trying to turn his life around. He’s been doing his best to avoid temptations and act like the model citizen, but he has to admit – after the life he’s lived – it does get a little boring sometimes. Excitement is definitely something he’s been missing since he came to this city.

He gets the feeling that Dazai is up to something with his suggestion though, like he’s setting a trap to see if Chuuya will actually rat him out in front of his friends. Chuuya might be a little more loose lipped now that he’s finished his first glass of wine, but he likes to think that his morals stay with him even when he’s drunk. If anything, he’s more likely to accidentally rat himself out instead but that’s a risk he’s going to have to take. He’s ready to call Dazai’s bluff.