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Isn’t Christmas time supposed to be wonderful? Magical? Simply a very special time of year that everyone enjoys and makes everything feel whimsical?
Yeah, that’s what Atsushi felt last year, during his first official Christmas outside of the orphanage and with a “Family”. Family hereby meaning his work-family, but it was wonderful, nonetheless.
Fukuzawa invited everyone to his house, cooked a wonderful and unbelievably tasty Christmas dinner, with the help of Yosano. Kunikida in the meantime helped decorating the majority of the cookies he had baked the night prior.
Mainly Kenji and Kyouka were supposed to decorate them, but Dazai got his hands on one or two as well, making some crude suicide references with them. When Kunikida asked for those to be disposed, the third “non helping”-helper in the form of Ranpo took over, stuffing his face with them.
How he managed to eat the dinner afterwards after the amount of cookies Atsushi had seen him inhale is beyond him. He also brought Poe as a surprise guest (and he in turn Karl, who wore a cute little elf outfit), who no one batted an eye at. Naomi was responsible for the music playing, sneaking in non-Christmas songs every once in a while.
Tanizaki was playing boardgames with Atsushi, while the cookie team finished up decorating. Dazai was everywhere and nowhere, seeing where he can pop in to do his usual small talk, which consisted of Christmas themed suicide methods. At least he was being semi festive, Atsushi had thought.
After the delicious meal had been eaten and everyone was close to a food coma the secret Santa gifts were exchanged. His own gift was from Poe, who Atsushi didn’t even know was also included in this. But he couldn’t complain one bit when he was presented with a huge gift basket by the writer, that surly he must have spent a fortune on.
“Didn’t I tell you there was a spending limit?” Ranpo had said in a bored tone, to which Poe immediately responded embarrassed; “No you didn’t!”
The beautiful and expensive scarf that laid in the bottom of the basket, hidden underneath a variety of American sweets (which Atsushi kindly shared) was his favorite. It kept him warm throughout the rest of winter and always remained wonderfully warm and soft, since he religiously adhered to the washing instructions.
Atsushi had drawn Fukuzawa months ago and he was really nervous having to pick out a nice gift for his boss. Fortunately, by bribing Ranpo he got a good idea what he could get and so when Fukuzawa smiled kindly as he unpacked the cat themed Christmas sweater, Atsushi knew had made a good call.
It was a wonderful time, everyone was more than happy and when they returned to work, it felt like the world was alright for a while.
With all that in mind, Atsushi had really looked forward to this year, making plans to partake in the cookie works this time around as well, but his hope was utterly destroyed when Kunikida dropped a file in front of him.
“B-But that’s over Christmas.” Having a little pity stemming from the way the orphan looked at him with big glossy eyes, Kunikida let out a sigh and bit his lip.
“I am aware. Unfortunately, crime does not seem to respect holidays in this city. I’d also advise you to keep reading the file before you complain further.”
Looking back at the paper, Atsushi read the lines hastily.
“Estimated timeframe of operation; 22nd to 27th of December
Type of operation; Scouting with possible intervention in case of serious crimes
Operatives; Nakajima Atsushi (ADA) and Akutagawa Ryuuno-”
“Kunikida no. This is a really unfunny prank.” Atsushi chuckled nervously, praying for his dear life that Kunikida recently had found interest in becoming a comedian. To his demise, the blond shook his head.
“I’m afraid it’s not. You can thank Dazai and Ranpo, originally, I wanted to send Dazai, but they both insisted we should send you.” With that Kunikida hurried away, probably to deliver more case files. Across the room, Dazai and Ranpo had the audacity to wave at Atsushi with shit eating grins.
“I hope both of you will have just as much of as a terrible Christmas as I will have.”
“Mhm, I don’t think I will. Poe invited me out to Amerika, and as far as I am predicting, I will have a wonderful time there.” “And I will spend Christmas alone. In a hotel. With booze probably. But that’s all I could ask for honestly.”
“Great plans guys, really.” Atsushi shook his head and began mentally preparing that this years Christmas was going to be a fight for survival. Wonderful. Hopefully that dog had at least the decency to dress Rashomon in decoration if he took off another of Atsushi’s legs.
---
Usagi-chan
>Remember to stab him in his sleep if he ruins your Christmas spirit.<
Me
>Kyouka-chan, I will not stab a man on Christmas.<
Kyouka took the news of her closest friend at the agency being gone quite well.
Apparently, Fukuzawa and Yosano had still invited the younger members to spend the holidays with them, but it might only come down to Kyouka, since Kenji will go back home. But Atsushi was simply happy Kyouka wouldn’t be home all alone, though he was sure she would be more than able to entertain herself.
Pocketing his phone, he kept waiting. How uncharacteristic of Akutagawa of all people to be late and keep him waiting. Normally the black-haired was at least five minutes early and the second Atsushi could be considered late, Akutagawa would let him know.
But in a strange case of role reversal Atsushi was for once first at the cabin up in the snowy mountains of the countryside, but being late when Kunikida had dropped him off was an impossible feast anyways.
He leaned on the wall, his luggage parked on the snowed-on bench as he waited and soon enough a black car with tinted windows came to a halt in front of the cabin. Out came of course none other than the dog of the Port Mafia, the guy Atsushi had dreaded seeing. Akutagawa gave him nothing more than a grumpy frown as he got his luggage from the trunk.
Akutagawa looked different in his winter outfit. While he was still sticking with mostly black as his color, he wore a different coat, one thicker looking one and dark blue jeans . A beige patterned scarf was tightly secured underneath the coat lapels and all in all it looked nicely warm and still very much like something Akutagawa wears.
As for Atsushi himself, he had this nice winter jacket in brown he got cheaply secondhand, a white sweater over a blue checkered shirt and black jeans. He of course also had the black scarf from Poe wrapped around him.
As the black haired got unlocking the door, Atsushi tried making small talk.
“Your car?” Akutagawa stopped in his motions, turned to look at Atsushi with a disgusted look, looked him over, looked even more disgusted and then continued fiddling with the keys. Only when the door opened did Akutagawa answer; “No. Mafia standard. Mine is at home. I wouldn’t be so stupid to drive my own car up a mountain like this.”
Atsushi considered asking what kind of car Akutagawa owned but he refrained from doing so, for one because he’d probably feel horrible knowing what kind of cool and expensive car his rival drove, second there was a good chance Akutagawa was gonna skewer him if asked.
So, he remained silent out of self-preservation. Atsushi closed the wooden door behind him when they both got their bags and themselves in and scoped the surroundings. If he was going to spend this time with anyone but Akutagawa this would be so lovely!
The cabin’s main living space was modern but still cozy in a wonderful way. To the left in front of two huge top to bottom windows stood a nice modern TV and in front of that a comfortable looking couch filled with pillows and blankets. Behind the couch was a table and a couple of chairs. On the right side of the wall had a fireplace its place together with a moderately sized Christmas tree. Through the open doorway behind on the left he could see the kitchen and so the door on the right had to be the door leading to the bedroom.
While Atsushi was still in awe how pretty this all was, Akutagawa immediately went for the smart panel next to the door, quickly tapping some things. Atsushi let him be and further stepped into his temporary home. Curious as he is, he opened the door to the bedroom.
The bedroom looked quite cozy. Cutesy curtains, fluffy carpets, a warm white shining chandelier, and the king-sized canopy bed. It had sort of a “grandma's cozy cabin” vibe and Atsushi diged it in a strange way.
He wouldn't like his own house to look like this, but for a few days, it was a nice change. If there wasn't the problem, he wasn't alone and with Akutagawa of all people and there was only one bed. “Hey uh.. Theres only one bed Akutagawa.”
Sighing, the black-haired came over, inspected the room and frowned like always. “I’m fine sleeping on the sofa.” Atsushi quickly offered. His partner was in a super horrible mood today and he hoped his selflessness would maybe lift the mood.
“That sounds fair I suppose.” Akutagawa muses and throws his duffle bag at the bed. Atsushi made a quick mental note of the bathroom being in the bedroom, which would probably be a little annoying, but he has endured worse.
Akutagawa had put on the heating on the smart pad. Atsushi had quickly deduced that when the cabin kept growing warmer bit by bit while they got unpacking a little. Akutagawa was at least kind enough to share the spacious wardrobe in the bedroom so Atsushi’s clothes wouldn’t have to find space in the living room. And so, after barely an hour the two sat silently at the table in the living room, going through their files.
Norisuke and Kaato Higashikata – Suspected to be involved within human trafficking with the help of Norisukes Company. His wife, Kaato works as a model and is supposedly picking up young models who then get sold by her husband.
“That’s vile.” Atsushi comments as he reads into the personal details of the Higashikata couple.
“Human Trafficking always is.” Akutagawa agrees.
“So were supposed to keep an eye on them and if we see any suspicious activity we report it, right.”
“Correct.” Akutagawa agrees and looks out of the window, it had begun to snow again.
“But it seems they haven’t arrived yet. I suppose we have to be patient for now.” Akutagawa leaned back in his chair, arms crossed and eyes closed. Even like that he looked pissed off and scary.
The couple the two are supposed to observe didn’t arrive until it had grown dark outside. They seemed to have a jolly time even while doing mundane things like unpacking their car. Atsushi shook his head when the guy, Norisuke, held up a mistletoe to kiss his wife and Akutagawa made a similarly disgusted face.
Merry fucking Christmas, Atsushi thought, stuck on a mountain with a rabid dog and human traffickers. Wonderful, thank you Dazai-san.
---
December 22nd – On the first day of observation, my job gave to me… One breaking and entering charge
Atsushi had wonderful dreams.
Dreams of a white Christmas he spends with his family, speak the agency, in front of a nice fireplace, having a great time. He had felt relaxed as he slowly woke up with the already by daylight lightened room, until he opened his eyes and found Akutagawa staring at him from above.
A not so manly scream escaped him as he had gotten spooked and scrambled upright.
“What the fuck, what are you doing?” Instead of being dignified with an answer, Akutagawa left for the kitchen, where Atsushi could just now hear sizzling from.
His heartbeat calmed finally and still in his pajamas, he strolled into the kitchen, where Akutagawa was currently moving an egg from the pan to a plate with toast. Surprisingly a second plate was already done and looked ready for serving.
“I made breakfast.” The raven haired stated and offered Atsushi the servable plate.
“Oh…” he stared at the two eggs and toast and slices of apple. “Thank you very much then.”
“Do you prefer tea or coffee?” “It depends, when I'm more tired I like a good coffee to keep me awake.” Akutagawa stared at him blankly, face devoid of emotions, looking like Atsushi just told him something weird. It took the silver haired a second before he got what his partner wants.
“I'd like tea.” He finally stated, prompting Akutagawa to get a second mug and fill it with already brewed tea. Together they sat down at the table, and silently began digging in.
Akutagawa mostly kept his eyes closed as they ate, as if he was savoring the taste of his breakfast, but Atsushi could tell something was off. The other was less tense and seemed barely present. “You alright there?” Atsushi asked and inspected his face now that Akutagawa looked at him. His eyes seemed a little darker thanks to the darker eyebags contrasting with the pale skin. His eyes also held something… exhaustion?
“None of your concern Jinko. Eat.”
“It is my concern if my partner isn't alright.”
“Just slept badly. That's all. Now eat.” Not wanting to mess with Akutagawa further, Atsushi remained silent, letting his partner wallow in his bad mood.
After the silent breakfast and clean up the two sat in the living room, Atsushi’s bedding pushed to the far end on Atsushi’s site and looked over to the other cabin. This was promising to be a miserable time.
---
Akutagawa tapped his fingers gently on the wooden table as carefully contemplated.
“Oh come on, put something down.”
“I'm strategically thinking Jinko, shut up.”
“It's UNO, who keeps having 5 Minuten turns every single time they have to play a card?”
“See that's the mindset that'll make you lose, makes you lesser than me.”
“Oh my god.” Atsushi mumbled and hit his head on the table. When he found the assortment of board and card games in a cupboard, he happily told Akutagawa, eager that they wouldn't sit in constant silence at the table. Even while playing they still kept an eye on the house outside the window and this would be pretty nice, if it wasn't for Akutagawa’s inability to not see something as a competition. He played like losing would mean death.
Finally, Akutagawa put down a green five, on top of which Atsushi, without even lifting his head, immediately laid a plus 4 wildcard, wishing for red, he had been waiting to play for over 3 minutes.
“Oh fuck you Jinko.”
“Just draw the cards and stop stalling the turns.”
“I'll play however I want!”
While Akutagawa got calculating each move again, like he was playing chess against Dazai, Atsushi pulled out his phone to check his messages.
Kyouka had texted him, asking if he's still alive and if so, how it's going.
When Atsushi had pretty much recounted all noteworthy things to her Akutagawa played his next card and within seconds it was his turn again.
Atsushi now had time to reply to basic questions from Kunikida and Dazai and even read Kyouka’s answer when it came.
Usagi-chan
>Be careful when playing anything with playing cards. Dazai and Nakahara-san are both infamous for their card counting and Akutagawa has learned from both.<
Me
>Thanks for the warning but we have been stuck on a single round of UNO for 10 minutes now. ._. I really just wanna have some fun but this isn't it.<
>Try boardgames, I think they might be better suited for him then.<
>I wish I could just play with you. :( I miss you!<
“Jinko, it's your turn.” Akutagawa smugly said as Atsushi looked down at the red +2 card. He laid a yellow on top of it.
“This game is bad, how is this any fun.” His partner grumbled as he begrudgingly took the four cards. “People normally have fun because they don't crazy over think their every move.”
“Let me play how I want Jinko!” The two continued for a while, drawing and playing cards all the while Atsushi texted Kyouka in-between as she caught him up to everything happening in the ADA currently.
“UNO.” Atsushi stated and put down his second to last card after Akutagawa for once had a quick turn. “Quick question, if I lay down a yellow switching directions card, can you put your blue on top of it?”
“Okay, who the fuck counts cards while playing UNO? This was supposed to be fun, not a competition.” Atsushi whines as he throws down his last card. If Akutagawa had been counting all this time, then there was little to no point right now in playing any further.
“Everything involving you is a competition Jinko.”
“Yeah, because you make it one. No one besides you sees it as one. But whatever makes you happy.” Atsushi mumbled the last part and crossed his arms as he annoyed sat back in his chair. “I am more than happy, can't you tell by my face. I bested the annoying Jinko in a card game. If I win against you in even a trivial thing such as this, then I can win against you in anything.”
All the possible answers in Atsushi’s head were more than mean and since he intended to still live until next year, he didn't voice any of them aloud. He chuffed as he watched Akutagawa’s “happy face”, which was honestly just the same as his “I just cut off your leg and now relish in your agonizing screams” face.
“Whatever.” Atsushi said and looked over to the house and he noticed something.
“Hey Akutagawa, their car is gone. You think we could get a closer look now that they might be gone?”
“Should be worth a try. Let's see who were dealing with.”
Akutagawa was scarily ready for breaking and entering. A Rashōmon tendril apparently could not only skewer enemies but be also used as a lockpick. How versatile indeed. With a click the door opened, inviting the new double black into a house not looking much different than theirs.
Just… a lot homier and more Christmassy.
Without hesitation Akutagawa waltzed in, hands in his pockets as he dismissively looked around. A little more hesitantly Atsushi followed and as a precaution summoned his tiger ears. Any car that comes close he should be able to hear as to not blow their cover.
“And these are supposed to be human traffickers?” Atsushi said and looked at the framed pictures above the fireplace that showed a happy couple laughing as they hugged each other close.
“Don't be fooled by appearances. If you'd break into my apartment, which you wouldn't be able to but entertain me here, you'd also find pictures of me and my sister. Criminals don't live in dingy houses with their crimes and evidence taped to the wall to be found by an imbecile like you.”
Atsushi mimicked Akutagawa with an exaggerated expression and his hand doing a talking motion. Soon enough the two were each in the bedroom and one in the adjacent mini office opposite of it.
Atsushi had the pleasure of going through this couples closet which made him feel incredibly uncomfortable. But for the safety of Yokohama he'd gladly do this. But nothing really stood out. The few boxes in the room only contained decorations, family photo albums or… things Atsushi should have expected and never wanted to find.
“Found anything Jinko?”
“You mean besides… the box of sex toys?” Akutagawa and Atsushi stared at each other across the hallway with a dumbfound expression on each face.
“Found nothing.” Atsushi concluded and came over to help Akutagawa with the office papers.
“Everything looks normal here. Couldn't even find any hidden compartments in the desk. These people are either real good or real sloppy.” The raven haired said and flipped through a few more papers.
“What does all of this say?” Atsushi gestured to the two paper files Akutagawa had already sighted. “Nothing of interest for us. Just legal papers for a deceased family member and official documents. Nothing illegal or suspicious.”
Atsushi leaned on the desk, arms crossed as he stared up at the ceiling. “Something about this whole thing is fishy.” He said and Akutagawa, surprisingly, hummed in agreement.
“If they are what we suspect them to be there should be something! No one is that good to not leave a trail.”
“I wish Ranpo-san was here, he'd already have it figured out.”
“I agree. A more capable member of your sorry excuse of a detective agency would be welcome.” With a frown Atsushi looked over, when he faintly heard a car.
“They are coming back!” Atsushi blurted out and Akutagawa quickly placed everything he had taken back.
“Well this was for nothing.” He muttered as they climbed out of the window. Atsushi had went first and now carefully scoped the surroundings. From what his advanced hearing picked up, the couple on the other side of the cabin talked about their plans for Christmas Eve, what they'd have for dinner, that sort of stuff, unfortunately nothing incriminating like “Hey honey, where do we keep our victims again?”.
“Come on hurry.” Atsushi whined as he watched Akutagawa silently close the window. “Don't rush me, Jinko!” He whisper-hissed and turned to face his hated enemy, before following Atsushi to their cabin, using Rashōmon to wipe away their tracks, leaving no sign of the break in.
Pissed off, both with a tea in hand, the new double black stood in front of the large window, scowling over at the happy couple in the other cabin.
They agreed on one thing. That couple was incredibly annoying with how picture perfect they were acting and how they left no clue to their illegal doings.
“They look exactly like one of those Christmas movie couples. You know, the stereotypical workaholic guy being taught the spirit of Christmas by the blond girl he met and the climax is a stupid big love confession at the airport?” Atsushi stated, and Akutagawa, seemingly full of surprises today, agreed. “I agree. I hate those movies and I hate these people.” Both took an angry sip from their tea. They will get them, definitely. (?)
---
December 23rd – One the second day of Observation my job gave to me… Two lies of dating my rival and one breaking and entering charge.
Just like the day before the pair sat down for breakfast, eyes occasionally looking over with binoculars to their observation targets. Wanting to know how Akutagawa of all people was familiar with cliché Christmas movie plots Atsushi asked and surprisingly got an honest answer. Apparently, they both had a little sister with a knack for these types of movies.
“How…How is Kyouka doing anyways?” Akutagawa asked and didn't look up from his tea to meet Atsushi’s eyes. “She's doing great. The girls of the agency do lots of things together and I think she really likes that. Otherwise, she sticks with Kenji-kun a lot, especially while working cases.”
Akutagawa nodded and looked in thought. “I'm glad to hear so. It's what she deserves.”
The room suddenly felt heavy and wanting to rid of it, he asked in return; “How is Gin doing?” Akutagawa looked at him with a puzzled expression and a raised eyebrow.
“What has you concerned about my sister?”
“Eh.. I dunno. I just wondered! It's still wild to me that the cute and pretty girl Katai-san and Higuchi-san both chased after was Gin who is also your sister!”
Akutagawa narrowed his eyes, sat straight, and spoke with a growl; “Jinko, are you romantically interested in my sister?”
Akutagawa’s sweater fabric rippled, and Atsushi quickly held up his hands. “No! No! I swear! I'm not.” The fabric calmed, red glow fading.
“You better not.” “I ain't! I'm not even that interested in girls currently.” Atsushi really wanted to take those words back but they were already vomited out and Akutagawa processed them. “What?” Atsushi squirmed in his seat, he really didn't wanna have this type of conversation with Akutagawa of all people.
“I eh… I like both.” Akutagawa blinked, resembling a cat almost with his big dark beady eyes.
“Both?”
“I like guys and girls Akutagawa. Don't tell me you never heard of that concept.”
“Of course I have after all Dazai-san is…” Akutagawa trailed off, waving his hand while he couldn’t communicate whatever was currently running in his head.
“Dazai-san?”
“Him and Nakahara-san?” Atsushi had trouble to not spit out his tea. He had a sneaking suspicion but having it confirmed by Akutagawa was something else.
“Are they really a thing?” The raven haired shrugged and looked outside with the binoculars again before he spoke; “Whatever they wanna call themselves is what they are. Their relationship to one another is… Something no one is eloquent enough to put in words. But one thing is for certain ever since I am in the Mafia those two have already been… romantically involved.”
Atsushi blinked a couple of times and processed the information.
“What’s Nakahara-san like in the Mafia?” Akutagawa scowled as he lowered the binoculars. “Trying to steal my remaining mentor as well now or what?”
“No!” Atsushi held his hands up defensively.
“The things Dazai-san says about him are… Well not flattering and that one time I met him he was unbelievably kind to me, so I wanna know what’s closer to the truth. I mean its most probably not what Dazai is saying but still…”
Akutagawa raised a barely existing eyebrow, prompting Atsushi to elaborate.
“While I was working a case with Kenji-kun we ran into Nakahara-san and apparently the two have run into each other a couple times before that already and Nakahara-san then always invites Kenji for food and extended the invitation to me when Kenji said we were working.”
A pleasant smile sneaked onto Akutagawa’s lips.
“That sure sounds like Chuuya, always the philanthropist at heart even if he would never admit it. But since you asked, he’s a good superior. Fair, dedicated and loyal. Unlike others.” Atsushi knew it was a dig at Dazai and decided to let the topic rest there.
In all honesty, after having heard bits and pieces of how Dazai was like with Akutagawa it was hard to imagine the same man mentored him now. The image of the man Akutagawa knew was barely compatible with the man Atsushi worked with, so he refrained from talking about it. Dazai was always a topic Atsushi didn’t like regarding Akutagawa.
“They are leaving.” Atsushi was ripped out of his thinking and looked over to where the Higashikata’s were currently locking their front door. Quickly Atsushi ran for the door, poking his head out and using his advanced hearing to listen to them.
“The trail is so going to be so romantic with all the snow!”
“I know my love. I have been waiting to walk it with you all month!”
“They plan on walking some trail, you think we should check their house again?” Atsushi asked and was promptly hit by his winter coat.
Akutagawa was already working on getting his boots on when Atsushi got what he wanted. They would also go on this trail.
All dressed up against the cold with frowns painted on their faces Akutagawa and Atsushi followed the couple. The trail was pretty nice Atsushi had to admit.
Mount Tanzawa was very pretty covered in snow and he hadn’t really appreciated the landscape before. But now would allow himself this little moment.
The snow crunching underneath his boots, the little snowflakes falling around them, the slowly setting sun making the snow shimmer beautifully.
“What are they talking about?” Akutagawa asked, his voice hard to hear as half his face was covered by his scarf. Between the two of them Akutagawa obviously struggled with the cold while Atsushi kind of enjoyed it. Thanks to his ability and the fact he could control it pretty well by now he was always warmer than normal people. Kinda a misfortune in summer, but he wasn’t gonna complain. “Nothing of importance. Only their plans for Christmas dinner and ohhh… baking cookies.”
“Don’t tell me you’re getting excited over cookies.” Atsushi met Akutagawa’s gaze.
“Well, I would have loved to make some with the agency again. Baking and decorating them and then eating them with a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate is something you should try.”
“What do you think I do on Christmas?” That was a good question. Atsushi struggled to imagine Akutagawa doing anything but evil things on Christmas. He could definitely see the black haired as a discount grinch.
“I dunno, suck the joy out of people around you?”
“Ha ha.” Akutagawa said dryly.
“I’ll have you know I’m celebrating with Gin if possible. Which had only been once in four years but-” “Wait, you never even get to be with your sister on Christmas?”
“Work forgoes personal wishes Jinko, as you can clearly see.” Their conversation got cut short when they rounded the curved part and came face to face with the couple, they were not supposed to let know they were being observed.
The overly smiling Kaato immediately turned to them, extending her hand. “See, I said someone else is on this trail!” She said directed at her husband. Atsushi, unsure how to salvage this mess shook her gloved hand with his gloved hand.
“Pleasure to meet you…” He started nervously, trying to hide his shaking voice behind a huge smile. “Higashikata Kaato and this is my husband Norisuke.” Kaato had a bright and irritating voice, somehow befitting of her being like a Christmas movie love interest.
“Oh!” She gasped. “Are you the couple from the cabin next to us?” She asked and Akutagawa was about to open his mouth, probably ruining this opportunity so Atsushi quickly intervened.
“Yes! I’m Atsushi and this is my Husband.”
“Makoto.” Akutagawa also offered his hand to be shook and Atsushi was impressed with how quickly he had adapted. Well, he was a wanted Mafiosi, so maybe this wasn’t too uncommon. “See, I told you someone is living there. Well, what brings you here?” Kaato asked, clearly gauging if they were being followed.
“Oh, we followed you.” Akutagawa was about to strangle the other, how could he so carelessly expose their motives? “This is our first time here I have been meaning to explore the outsides, but you guys looked so experienced, so I said let’s follow those guys, I’m sure they know all the best locations!” Atsushi was for once glad he had adapted a little bit of Dazai’s over the top lying.
“Hope we didn’t come across as weird!” He really hoped putting on his odd charm was gonna work.
“I sure do know everything worth seeing around here. We come here every year since we married. The second winter home is always a nice welcome. I can show you some good trails if you’d like.”
As if right on command Akutagawa had a coughing fit. Atsushi was honestly unsure if it was fake or genuine, but he never was one to let opportunities like these fly by.
With an Oscar worthy performance, Atsushi rubbed Akutagawa’s back as he hunched over a little. “Oh no, honey, is your asthma flaring up?” Atsushi hated how fake his voice sounded but hey, everything for work and for a believable performance.
“Ye-yeah.” Akutagawa managed to get out in-between the coughs. “I sure would love to hear about your tips but as you see the cold air isn’t his friend right now. Thank you for the nice talk though!” Atsushi overenthusiastically waved, his other arm remained locked around Akutagawa’s small seeming frame as they started walking back.
As soon as they were out of sigh, Akutagawa straightened back up, took a deep breath and scowled at Atsushi.
“My husband?”
“What did you want me to say?”
“Anything else!”
“Oh my God, fine, then next time you do all the talking and I fake cough Mister Makoto.”
“I didn’t fake it. Might have just provoked it a little to make it realistic.” Atsushi looked at the other who quickly began walking again.
“Sorry. Are you alright though?” “Of course.” Atsushi quickly fell into pace next to Akutagawa again, who still coughed lightly into his hand.
“Makoto?”
“Makoto Saito. My fake identity for purposes as this. The cabin is booked under the same name.” Atsushi nodded.
“Weird that you have such a normal sounding alias.”
“What would you have proposed?”
“I dunno, something like Murder McKillingspree?” Akutagawa deadpanned and pushed Atsushi lightly, which was unexpected enough that Atsushi lost his footing and fell into the snow.
“Hey!” He immediately called out as his partner continued walking. Akutagawa was only made to stop when Atsushi threw a snowball at his back. The way the man tensed and slowly turned around with murderous intent had Atsushi swallow hard.
“Are those imbecilic annoyances near?” Atsushi listened but he couldn’t hear anyone around them. “Don’t think so.” Mentally the silver haired facepalmed, why did he say that. Now he’d be murdered without hesitation.
“Wonderful.” Akutagawa stated and Rashomon quickly expanded, the tendrils picking up snow left and right.
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“Watch me.” Without hesitation the ability began hurling crudely formed snowballs at Atsushi. “Hey that’s unfair! I can’t even transform or ill destroy my jacket!” Atsushi whined as he quickly ran for cover behind a thicker tree.
“Don’t care. You started.”
“Did not!”
“Did indeed!”
In the end, Atsushi had to admit defeat. He couldn’t transform without discarding his clothes or ripping them, so he was left to quickly run towards the cabin, while Akutagawa, carried by his ability, came after him, still throwing snow.
Poor Atsushi was drenched when they arrived, but he considered it worth it for the cocky but genuine smile Akutagawa wore as he stepped into the cabin.
“What about a rematch?” Atsushi asked from the bathroom as he dried his hair roughly.
“You wanna have snow thrown at you that badly Jinko?”
“No. I mean a rematch when I can also use the tiger, ya know. Making it fair because you’d have no chance if it was a match without abilities.”
Akutagawa didn’t dignify him with an answer. Sighing contently now that felt warmer again, Atsushi walked out of the bathroom in just sweatpants and sock, the towel draped over his shoulders. Akutagawa had made himself comfortable on the bed while Atsushi had gone to shower and the second, he caught glimpse of Atsushi walking out like that, he jumped a little in his skin.
How could the Jinko walk around like that?
Rather quickly Atsushi pulled a new sweater out of the closet and pulled it over his head, but not before he could catch Akutagawa sneaking glances over the edge of his book.
“What are you looking at me for?”
“Nothing.” The answer came way to quick and a little too high pitched for Akutagawa, but Atsushi couldn’t be bothered, not when suddenly the doorbell rang.
“Huh.” He muttered as he walked to it, peeking through the keyhole. The blood in his veins feeling suddenly ice cold as he saw who stood there.
“Akutagawa!” Atsushi whisper screamed as he sprinted to the table their files were resting on. “What?” Came the annoyed answer from the bedroom. With arms full of their work, Atsushi rushed into the bedroom, his frantic expression making Akutagawa immediately jump up.
“They are here!” It was obvious who was they. Akutagawa ran with Atsushi into the living room, eyes quickly roaming the room to see what had to be discarded.
“Your bedding and the photos in the kitchen! I’ll open the door and you behave natural yeah?” Atsushi nodded and just as he gathered the photos Akutagawa opened the door.
“Oh hello, what brings you to us?” Atsushi cringed at how weird Akutagawa sounded all fake friendly. Worse than himself definitely.
“We hope we don’t bother! I wanted to bring some excess gingerbread men I made after you had to leave so quickly on the trail. Are you feeling better Makoto-san?” Kaato invited herself in and as much as Akutagawa would have loved to stop her, doing so could tip them off, so playing nice and considerate idiot had to be his modus operandi right now.
“Yes. The cold air and my lungs don’t seem to get along well.” Norisuke wordlessly followed his wife in, and Akutagawa closed the door behind him with a tired expression. This promised to be a long evening.
“Hello Kaato-san, nice to see you again.” Atsushi said as he stuffed the photos from the kitchen in a container. “I hope you like gingerbread, I brought some.” The woman said, eagerly shaking the plastic bag. “Oh, how kind of you. Honey?” It took a second before Akutagawa reacted to Atsushi calling him. “Would you make our guests some tea?”
---
Well, you don’t sit on a table with supposed human traffickers and a guy who hates your guts, drinking tea and sharing wedding stories every day. Atsushi’s life was always something new.
Akutagawa was a surprisingly good liar. When asked for their wedding story Atsushi didn’t even have to awkwardly stutter through a lie, no, instead Akutagawa told a story that would put many filmmakers to shame.
“In the end it was a wonderful day all around, even if your sister hated my guts but at least your mother approves of me.” Akutagawa finished, taking Atsushi’s hand in his. Okay, this was too convincing because right now even Atsushi himself was flustered and blushed at the tenderness Akutagawa displayed. It was more apparent now than ever that Dazai had mentored him at some point, or was everyone in the Port Mafia as good at lying as those two?
“That is such a cute story.” Kaato squealed. Out of the couple she was a loudmouth, barely able to stop talking. The confidence was fitting for her though Atsushi supposed.
“Kaato look at the time.” Norisuke reminded her as he showed his watch to her. She gasped exaggeratedly before clasping her hands together.
“That late already, we should get going. But it was delightful sharing this evening with you. You make a sweet couple.” The whole goodbye luckily didn’t take too long, as Norisuke kept hurrying his wife to leave, since they apparently wanted to watch a movie.
Not like Akutagawa or Atsushi cared.
They were nothing but relieved when the door finally closed.
“Do you think they are onto us?” Atsushi asked as he watched the couple walk over to their cabin in the dark.
“Don’t think so. She definitely doesn’t or is a good actor. With him I’m not too sure.” Akutagawa mumbled as he brought the dishes to the sink, washing them immediately. Atsushi came to lean on the counter letting the day replay in his head.
“I still think something here is off. Like very off.”
“Don’t tell me her sob story about charity work makes you doubt her as a criminal?” Atsushi shook his head.
“Nah, don’t worry. I gagged almost when she kept saying “I didn’t teach those orphans anything. They taught me.” Left a really bad taste in my mouth.” Akutagawa chuckled, that woman had managed to offend Atsushi Nakajima, respects to her for that.
“It’s something intangible. I can’t describe it to you, but something is off.” Putting down the last cup to dry Akutagawa looked at him. “Glad we’re on the same page then. I don’t like how he haven’t found anything yet.”
“It could be an ability. Mushitarō has something like that, called “The perfect crime”. It allows him to erase any evidence of a crime.” Akutagawa nodded, clearly thinking. “If it is something like that, then how are we supposed to do anything?”
“I uh…” Akutagawa had raised a good point. “I could always try and reach Ranpo-san, ask for advice.”
And so Akutagawa and Atsushi gathered around the younger ones phone as it dialed Ranpos phone number. They of course had checked the time difference to America, since Atsushi knew he was with Poe, but it should not pose a problem right now. Eventually a very sleepy voice answered. “Hello?” “Poe-san? Hello, this is Atsushi, I’m sorry to disturb you on Christmas morning of all times but I really need Ranpo-sans help.”
“Oh of course sure!”
Atsushi liked Poe. That man was crippling shy but if you asked something of him, he was a straightforward guy, unlike someone like Dazai or Ranpo. “Oh and Merry Christmas Poe-san!” Atsushi quickly wished him and got a flustered thank you back.
“Yeah?” Ranpo sounded even sleepier than Poe and also a little annoyed almost. “Ranpo-san, we really need your help.”
“We?”
“Akutagawa and- Oh yeah you’re on that observation mission, I forgot.” Ranpo interrupted and rustling was heard in the background.
“How could you forget when you doomed me to this?”
“Yeah yeah, so what do you need. No, I’d like pancakes.” Atsushi rolled his eyes, how was that man 8 years older than him?
“Well, we can’t find anything useful and so we thought it could be an ability, like Mushitarō- No they don’t have abilities.” Atsushi pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, you can see it the second you open the file, real obvious. Any other question? I’m warning you though it will cost you, especially since its Christmas morning!” Ranpo sounded way to happy to exploit his services.
“Isn’t Poe-san feeding you enough already?”
“He’s barely giving me anything. I’m borderline starving here!” Atsushi was pretty sure that was a lie since Ranpo had just ordered Pancakes from his boyfriend.
“Fine. If it’s no ability, we can figure it out form here. Thank you, Ranpo-san.”
“Anytime Atsushi-kun. Oh yeah that ability question did cost you though so don’t forget to bring me something nice on new year’s!” Atsushi groaned as he ended the call. Akutagawa stared at him, intimidated almost.
“What was that?”
“That was a 26-year-old man who won’t work unless we bribe him. Unfortunately, he’s also the best though.”
The mood in the room had suddenly shifted, Atsushi could tell. Looking at Akutagawa, it was as always hard to know what exactly went on behind those stormy eyes, but he was certainly attentive right now, his eyes fixed on Atsushi himself.
“You were forced to come here?” His voice sounded so off as he spoke, like he tried to speak like he normally did but somehow failed at it. “Yeah, wasn’t exactly my first choice to spend Christmas with you doing observation.” Akutagawa straightened his back and looked away, a hand coming up to cough into and obscuring his face as he did so.
“Noted. I think I’ll head to bed early then. Good night Jinko.” Atsushi watched him leave, the door separating them soon. Why did it feel like he had just messed something up?
---
December 24th – One the third day of observation my job gave to me… Three hours of inhaling my partners scent, two lies of dating my rival and one breaking and entering charge
The next morning felt similarly weird.
After an already horrible night plagued by nightmares from his childhood, Akutagawa didn’t speak as they ate breakfast and while sitting on the sofa they didn’t speak either.
Atsushi mainly observed currently, the binoculars almost taped to his right hand as he occasionally lifted it to look over and watch a couple doing couple things, like cooking together. His eyes were starting to hurt and a slowly approaching headache in the back of his head gave him unneeded extra trouble and so he sighed annoyed.
Akutagawa watched him from the corner of his eye. He always sat straight like a rod, posture proper and composed. If Atsushi didn't knew better Akutagawa could easily be mistaken for a kid of rich parents that would have drilled this in.
“Did I say anything wrong last night?” Atsushi might as well test his luck. Either Akutagawa skewers him and he has something to focus on besides the headache and awkward tension or they can resolve this like adults. Either seems like a win in his book currently.
“I’m unsure.” Okay, that comes unexpected.
“What do you mean?”
“Let me ask you a question, Jinko.” Akutagawa turned to him and it was easy to tell that his blank expression was just a façade.
“Do you really hate to be here with me that much?”
Akutagawa, a man full of surprises.
Atsushi never would have guessed that was his problem about the whole thing. Not in the slightest. “I mean, I thought it’d be horrible. You are not particularly know for liking me after all. I have my leg to testify for it.” Akutagawa blinked a couple of times, before he coughed.
“I… I suppose that’s true indeed.”
“See? So I thought this whole thing would be a lot more… Fighting? Screaming? Punching each other? That kind of stuff. But instead I’m actually kind of enjoying myself to be honest.”
“Feeling’s mutual Jinko.” Akutagawa turned away again, but Atsushi caught the twitching of the corners of his mouth, curling into a little smile and in turn he smiled too.
Now that this was kind of cleared up, Atsushi still couldn’t believe this was what had tipped Akutagawa off balance, but it was gone now and he felt exhausted again.
“You seem unwell.” Was his partner’s simple statement.
“Slept horribly. Would you mind if I take a nap in the bedroom? I’ll be up in around three hours again, I just-” Akutagawa interrupted him by taking the binoculars. “No need to justify your plea for a break. Just go. I’ll sit and watch them do nothing like always.”
“Thank you.”
It didn’t take long until Atsushi had drawn the curtains a little to darken the bedroom and finally laid on the nice bed himself for the first time. The bed was comfortable, soft and felt heavenly underneath him. But the best thing for sure was the smell. It thoroughly smelled like Akutagawa, a mix of figs and something earthy, overall, a very pleasant combi Atsushi for once fully got a full whiff off and it felt calming. Sleep had never come so easy to him as in the bed Akutagawa had previously slept in.
--
When Atsushi awoke from his nap the cabin felt different somehow. Like someone had flipped on the “Christmas mood” switch.
Still a little groggy from the nap, Atsushi followed the sound of classical music to the kitchen where he found the most curious scene. Akutagawa kneading dough, his hair and black clothes having white spots from the flour, completely in his own world, apparent by the way Atsushi was able to approach without the other even glancing at him.
“What are you doing?” Atsushi questioned and Akutagawa looked at him briefly before he looked back at the dough he was kneading.
“You said you wanted to bake cookies, so I prepared dough as you slept.” Atsushi was stunned in silence. For Akutagawa to do something so kind just for him, dirtying himself on the process even, all because Atsushi wanted to make cookies.
“That's… really wow... Kind of you. Thank you.” Akutagawa wiped his somewhat clean wrist over his forehead and looked at Atsushi with a blank face.
“Don't mention it. I'll go and take a quick shower to get rid of the flour in my hair. You can already cut out the cookies and place them on the tray over there.” And just like that Akutagawa left the kitchen, leaving Atsushi to try and find cookie cutters.
There were no cookie cutters. So the silver haired had to make do with a knife. His crudely cut out cookies made the ADA group chat at least laugh.
Kunikida
>What is the thing on the left?<
Me
>Oh that's supposed to be a chainsaw for Yosano-san!<
Bandage-Mystery-Man
“I thought it was a tree.”
Kenji
“I think they all look wonderful Atsushi!”
As Atsushi was cutting out a bunny for Kyouka, Akutagawa came back, inspecting the handy work of his partner.
“I might have forgotten about the cookie cutters but I see you found a work around.” Akutagawa said as he helped placing the already cut out cookies onto the tray. “Yeah. But I'm afraid my colleagues are making fun of these messes. It's also… taking a while.”
When Atsushi finally looked up he couldn't believe his eyes. Akutagawa wore not his usual black attire but red plaid pants and a Christmas sweater. A Rashōmon themed one.
“What is that?” Atsushi asked and Akutagawa looked down. “Oh that. Gin gifted it to me a couple of years back. Since it's been tradition, I wear it each Christmas. I also had one made for her. It's decorated with knifes.” Atsushi couldn't help but giggle, imagining the Akutagawa siblings on Christmas both in their sweaters. But speaking of the ability…
“Hey couldn't you use Rashōmon as a cookie cutter?” Carefully Akutagawa had tendrils form from his sweater, the ends curling into a couple of basic shapes like stars, shooting stars or Christmas trees. As the tendrils dug into the dough Atsushi couldn't help but admire his partners ability.
Rashōmon was so versatile, and the way Akutagawa handled her always had him in awe. And sure enough Rashōmon made an excellent substitute, cutting the time needed down immensely. Soon the with cookies filled tray was baking in the oven and Atsushi was able to eat the left-over dough.
They sat in silence as they watched the egg nogg colored cookies slowly turned into a more latte color, the heavenly smell slowly spreading through the cabin.
It felt nice being like this, forgetting just briefly about their responsibilities back in Yokohama and forgetting all about the reason why they were here. But it was hard to forget about that when they just had to look out the window and be reminded that they were spectacularly failing as of now. No leads, no proof, nothing.
“Did they get up to anything while I was asleep?”
“No. Most I could see them doing was cuddling and watching a movie as well as occasionally making out. Nothing out of the norm.” Atsushi nodded and slumped in his chair, while Akutagawa got up to peak over with the binoculars again. They just had to find something, or they'd be in trouble for sure. No way this whole expensively financed Trip over multiple days would go to waste and no one would complain.
Well, was it going to waste if Atsushi strangely enjoyed it? Hanging out with Akutagawa like this was oddly pleasant and it actually wasn't as bad as he expected it.
“They are still watching a movie. Are we sure we weren't transported into a reality where we are the background characters in a low budget Christmas rom-com movie?”
“At this point? I'm not sure. But that would be better than knowing we're too dumb to find incriminating evidence.”
“Speak for yourself Jinko.”
“Oh I'm sorry, what evidence have you found.” Akutagawa scowled at him, while Atsushi laughed. Even their bickering felt pleasant as of now.
Having been so occupied in his thinking Atsushi barely had noticed the classical music still playing from the mini music box Akutagawa’s phone was connected to.
“Do you mind if I change the music?”
“Bach is not your favorite then?”
“Yes or no?”
“Suit yourself Jinko.” Taking that as a no, Atsushi stalker over and held Akutagawa’s phone up to his face to unlock it and then checked his Spotify as his partner got observing again. Unsurprisingly Atsushi found classical music as well as some alternative and rock. Just about what he had expected.
Quickly settling on a Christmas playlist with world famous classics the music got playing and by the way Akutagawa looked over with a disgusted look, he knew ‘All I want for Christmas is you’.
“Jinko, really?”
“Come on indulge me just a little.” With a sigh Akutagawa set aside the binoculars.
“Haven't I indulged you enough?” There was no malice in his voice, Akutagawa spoke uncharacteristically soft with only a little teasing edge to it, as he eyed Atsushi with his stormy grey eyes. “I might be a little greedy, but shouldn't you be a good husband and fulfill my every wish?” Atsushi didn't miss the way Akutagawa looked briefly shocked before regaining composure. He sure was acting strange occasionally and the most logical conclusion was one that had Atsushis face heat up.
Akutagawa, according to the signs and tells he displayed… could be having a crush. On him. What a strange thought to consider even for a second.
Without an answer, Akutagawa left his leaning position on the counter and then the kitchen as a whole.
Atsushi was almost afraid he had somehow maybe pushed his luck and offended the other but to his surprise he returned as Atsushi got the cookies out. He returned with a neatly wrapped box that had Atsushi almost drop the tray.
“You asked me to indulge you. So here.” After setting the tray aside Atsushi took the box over and looked at it. Wrapped in a star patterned paper with a neat red ribbon on top, Atsushi inspected the card tied to the ribbon in which with neat handwriting was written: ‘To Jinko, From:” and instead of a name, there was a cute drawing of a Rashōmon-head.
Atsushi was rendered speechless.
But he had half a mind to get the present he had too. It wasn’t as neatly wrapped or anything but he still had a little box wrapped in snowflake paper and he quickly gave it over to his equally stunned partner.
“I got you something too.” He sheepishly said as Akutagawa stared at him.
“But why?”
“Why did you get me something?” Both stared at the other in silence, neither wanting to admit to their reasons for getting their rival something.
Atsushi’s reasoning was simple. He liked giving, seeing the joy others displayed as they unpacked a thought out present and as soon as he knew he'd be spending Christmas with Akutagawa, it only felt right getting him a little something. Wanting to get past this dilemma of not answering, Atsushi turned his attention back to the present beginning to unwrap it.
In the box he found a new messenger bag and then he remembered during one of their past missions his bags strap had ripped. He still used it for work mind you, he was after all frugal when it came to spending anything on himself, but he would lie if he said he didn’t want to replace it.
After all the tape barely helped if Atsushi had to carry lots. It looked high quality, and if it came from Akutagawa there was a good chance, he had spent a good chunk of money since he had it.
Despite feeling overwhelmed that he had gotten such a nice gift from his Rival of all people, he still looked over and watched Akutagawa carefully unwrap his gift.
Soon the self-painted mug was unveiled and Akutagawa looked at it silently.
“Kyouka-chan and I got some markers that stay on porcelain and since she told me you like tea I made you a mug.” Kyouka had also told him about Akutagawa’s liking for Antiques but when Atsushi found a store things were either too pricey or he was unsure if Akutagawa would like them, so he went with this idea.
“I know it’s not as nice or expensive as your gift but I hope you like it anyhow.” Atsushi had drawn a chibi version of Akutagawa on it using Rashomon with the tendrils wrapping all around the mug.
Fondly Akutagawa smiled down at the present as he thanked Atsushi; “I like it, don’t worry. I must say, you captured my likeness pretty well.” The raven haired sat down opposite to Atsushi and looked relaxed as he closed his eyes.
“Also don’t worry about the price of yours. I can’t have my partner look unprofessional with a taped bag after all.”
“Right. Thank you for it, I love it.” Silence settled in again but it was a comfortable one as ‘Im dreaming of a white Christmas’ played in the background.
---
December 25th - On the fourth day of observation my job gave to me… Four homoerotic actions, three hours of inhaling my partners scent, two lies of dating my rival and one breaking and entering charge
Pushing aside that Atsushi had to worry about keeping his job if he continued to not find any evidence on human traffickers for god’s sake, there was a different panic setting into Atsushi’s already anxiety riddled brain.
The gay panic.
So yeah, after sleeping a night over it, sleeping better in a bed that smells like Akutagawa, liking the idea of Akutagawa potentially having a crush on him and the way Atsushi felt flustered everytime he thought about the whole thing in the kitchen yesterday and the way Akutagawa had acted when the Higashikata’s had been over… He might have to admit… He likes Akutagawa.
More than a friend potentially. And that scares him.
Because he could be very wrong in deducing the raven-haired’s behavior and should he confess (which he of course would never do) it could end ugly. And even just the implications…
He quickly had to push his whole doom spiraling aside when Akutagawa came with tea for the two of them.
“They are not really leaving the house, aren’t they?” He asked and set Atsushi’s green tea down in front of him. “No. More of what they did yesterday. Just movies and food.” Akutagawa shrugged in response and was about to take a sip from his tea when the door demanded attention. Atsushi quickly checked but it couldn’t be one of the Higashikata’s as they were still watching a movie. His partner meanwhile went to answer and surprisingly it was a delivery.
What of Atsushi had no idea, but he quickly came to help and took the package that was heavier than it looked.
While Akutagawa signed the papers and gave a tip for driving all the way out here, Atsushi transformed one of his nails to open the package, of course out of sight from the driver. When the door closed and Akutagawa sauntered over, Atsushi was setting aside sweets from the box.
“We got send lots of sweets and figs?” Akutagawa quickly ripped open the letter he had been given as well and read through it, which cleared up where this came from immediately.
“It’s from Chuuya. He’s taking pity on us sitting here and so he sent us something to and I quote ‘remain sane and well fed’. He didn’t know what you preferred so he hopes you like the sweets he picked out.” While the silver haired wasn’t familiar with everything, he was excited to try
, nevertheless. Akutagawa crouched down as well to also rummage through the glittering and bright packaging. Briefly their hands touched, and Atsushi felt shellshocked for a second. Akutagawa’s hands were quite cold and was such a contrast to Atsushi’s warm hand. Everyone else would just brush past this accident but by the way dark eyes met bicolored ones briefly before looking away just as quick it had different implications.
“Eh…Tell Nakahara-san I said thanks and I’m deeply grateful for this.”
“You will tell him yourself, I just know he’s gonna call any second to confirm we got it.” And just like predicted Akutagawa’s phone rang.
“Wishing you a wonderful noon Chuuya, you’re on speaker.” Akutagawa announced and Chuuya responded quickly; “Quit the formal blabbering. This ain’t a work call.”
“Eh, hey Nakahara-san, thank you for considering me in the delivery.”
“Didn’t I already tell you to not call me that? I ain’t that old. Just Chuuya is more than fine.”
Atsushi nodded awkwardly even if the redhead couldn’t see.
“Hope there’s some in there for ya, I only had Aku’s preferences to go of off and that kid eats like an old man. I never heard of someone saying figs are their favorites until him.”
“You are aware I’m also present?” Chuuya could be heard laughing wholeheartedly. “Of course, does the truth hurt?” Akutagawa was smiling happily as Chuuya joked around with him and it was nice to see for Atsushi.
“Anyways, just wanted to send you guys a little something since I can imagine you haven’t stocked on treats for your pointless work.”
“Pointless?”
“Haven’t heard of any results yet so aren’t I allowed to call it pointless?” Atsushi could swear Chuuya had meant something else, but he couldn’t call a Mafia Executive out after he had just gifted them sweets now, could he? As Chuuya stopped speaking Atsushi could hear a whistle in the background. A way to familiar one. “Excuse me but is that Dazai in the background?”
“What.”
“That’s him whistling, isn’t it? Only he would whistle that double suicide song.” Atsushi stated and hoped he didn’t just bring Chuuyas wrath onto him.
“You shitty mackerel I told you to shut up!”
“Tell the kids I said hi!” And with that the line went dead, leaving Atsushi and Akutagawa stare at the phone and then at each other, silently agreeing to not speak about this.
With the sweets organized on the couch table and Akutagawa currently washing the figs in the kitchen silence had settled but Atsushi wasn't gonna have another damn day of sitting in silence, even if it was a comfortable one.
“Hey Akutagawa!” Atsushi called out as the mafioso came back into the living room already. “What?”
“You think we could watch a movie? I mean their cabin is right outside and they never do anything anyways. I really can't stand wasting hours staring at nothing again.” Akutagawa plopped down next to him, and took a second to answer.
“Please do not propose we watch one of those horrendous cliche movies we have been harping on.” “Don't worry, I won't. I was thinking Charlie and the chocolate factory. Dazai-san kept bringing the movie up and I had been curious ever since.” Akutagawa hadn't watched it either so he just agreed, though he was scared since it was recommended by Dazai, and Dazai was notorious for his… questionable media consumption.
A couple of minutes into the movie and both could easily say this wasn’t a case of Dazais questionable media. It was quite nice even so far. Akutagawa definitely saw some parallels between Charlie and Atsushi, though he’d never voice any of his thoughts out loud. At least not that kind.
“All of those kids are horrible.”
“I think that’s the point, Akutagawa.”
“And? I can still find them detestable. I like the Wonka guy though. He strangely reminds me of Dazai the way he speaks in riddles and veils his darkness behind a façade of a quirky man.”
Atsushi laughed, as Akutagawa had him involuntarily think of Dazai in a Wonka costume. He should bring it up to the man next Halloween.
“If Dazai is Wonka, then Chuuya is the Oompa Loompas.” Atsushi had briefly thought the hand that raced to cover Akutagawa’s lower face did so to stifle the coughing fit he must have caused but instead his partner tried hiding a wholehearted laugh behind that hand.
Feeling spurred on by the comfortable mood that surrounded them Atsushi tried wrestling Akutagawa to see that smile and hear the laugh fully. As always with the two, things got serious fast and the playfight became heated, Atsushi using his full strength as he somehow got to straddle Akutagawa and the other trying desperately to keep Atsushi’s wrists tightly secured in his hands. Unsurprisingly Akutagawa resorted to playing dirty when the weretiger finally got the upper hand and used Rashomon to bind the others arms together. Akutagawa looked smugly up at him, knowing he had won now.
“Stop using Rashomon when I can’t use Beast beneath the moonlight as I’d like to keep my clothes.” “Your continuous predicament of inappropriate clothing is not my problem.” Atsushi hated to admit it but he liked Akutagawa’s smug grin and the teasing glimmer he held in his eyes.
As a moment of silence passed, the two still looking at each other, their situation slowly dawned on them. Very quickly Rashomon retreated into Akutagawa’s sweater and Atsushi scrambled off him, each one now sitting at the far end of each side of the sofa, grey and yellow-purple eyes glued strictly to the TV.
Atsushi desperately prayed to whatever all-knowing and powerful being was willing to listen, that the tension would quickly dissipate and that it would not be noticeable how awkward they had just been.
But the atmosphere had changed, and both of them knew it. The playful banter had shifted, leaving behind a lingering sense of something unspoken. They tried to focus on the movie, but the glances stolen in between scenes betrayed the awkward dance of emotions neither of them were ready to confront.
As the credits rolled, Atsushi sighed, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. He stole a quick look at Akutagawa, whose stoic expression betrayed nothing. The tension still lingered, like an unresolved chord in a symphony.
"Maybe we should call it a night," Atsushi suggested, breaking the silence.
Akutagawa nodded, avoiding eye contact. The unspoken words hung between them, heavy with the weight of what could have been. As they stood up to leave, the atmosphere remained charged, leaving them both wondering if the romantic tension would persist or fade away with the echoes of the movie they had just watched.
Atsushi tossed and turned. Sleep was an impossible goal as of now. The tension weighted down on him, as did the realization that if by some miracle they had kissed during their play wrestling, he would not only not have minded but most certainly reciprocated. A groan escaped his throat. Why did he have to get worked up over a hypothetical situation, as if Akutagawa would have kissed him, what was he on about?
Atsushi stared at the ceiling, his mind buzzing with thoughts and emotions he wasn't quite ready to confront. The glow of the TV screen had long faded, leaving the room cloaked in darkness. He could sense Akutagawa's presence in the other room, both of them silently grappling with the aftermath of their playfight and the unspoken tension that lingered in the air.
Unable to find solace in the stillness of the night, Atsushi threw the covers off and decided to get some water. The soft creak of the wooden planks on the floor briefly brought a strange sense of comfort.
The low hum of the refrigerator filled the silence as Atsushi poured himself a glass of water. He sighed, his mind still swirling with the remnants of their earlier interaction. The air in the room seemed to crackle with an energy that neither of them could ignore.
When Atsushi returned to the living room, he found Akutagawa leaning on the sofa lazily, his gaze fixed on the floor. The room felt smaller, the walls closing in as if conspiring to force them to confront the unspoken feelings hanging in the air.
"Having trouble sleeping?" Akutagawa asked, his voice breaking the quiet tension.
Atsushi nodded, his gaze meeting Akutagawa's. "Yeah, you too?"
Akutagawa looked away, his usual stoic expression momentarily softened. "It's... not the easiest night."
Silence enveloped them again, but this time it held a different quality. Atsushi could feel the weight of unspoken words and shared glances that echoed the sentiments neither dared to voice.
After a moment, Akutagawa spoke, his words surprising both himself and Atsushi, "Maybe... we could sleep together. Just for tonight... it might help."
Atsushi's eyes widened at the unexpected proposal. It was uncharacteristic of Akutagawa to suggest something so intimate, and yet the tension between them made the idea strangely appealing. The air became charged with anticipation as they both waited for Atsushi's response.
Atsushi hesitated, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. The romantic tension that had been building throughout the evening reached a crescendo. With a deep breath, he nodded, "Sure, why not?"
As they settled into the same bed, Atsushi returning the bedding to its original place, the awkwardness from before transformed into a shared vulnerability. The room became a cocoon, shielding them from the outside world as they lay side by side. The unspoken tension still lingered, but now it seemed to draw them closer, creating a space where the boundaries between them blurred, and the line between rival, partner and something more became increasingly unclear. The night held the promise of possibilities, and neither Atsushi nor Akutagawa could predict how their relationship would evolve from this point forward.
---
December 26th - On the fifth day of observation my job gave to me… Five times I kissed my rival, four homoerotic actions, three hours of inhaling my partners scent, two lies of dating my rival and one breaking and entering charge
Atsushi awoke to the noises of a running shower. Looking at the side Akutagawa had slept on he found it empty as expected. His hand automatically wandered over and he found that it was still warm. Closing his eyes Atsushi decided to continue to relax like this and was able to do so until the shower had long stopped.
Atsushi removed his hand when the bathroom door opened, and Akutagawa stepped out in fresh new black jeans and a red shirt. The mafioso only side eyed him quickly before he picked up a wooly cardigan at the end of the bed to put it on.
He looked pretty. Too pretty for Atsushi to not stare.
“Something wrong Jinko?”
Everything!, he wanted to scream. Instead, he responded with a lazy; “No.” Like he did ever so often Akutagawa scowled as he rounded the bed to stand at Atsushi’s side, staring down at him.
“Something is wrong with you though.” Why had he blurted that one out. Atsushi really wanted to sew his mouth shut, sometimes his mouth was faster than his line of thinking and normally it got him into situations where he only got out of alive due to sheer luck. “What do you want to imply. I’m fine Jinko.” He had started this, he was gonna finish this.
“Yeah sure. That’s why you’re nice to me, do things for me like the whole cookie thing, get me a nice present. Correct me if I’m wrong but you’re acting like you’re in lov-” Akutagawa stared at him enraged as the Rashōmon tendril silenced Atsushi.
“Don’t say that word!” He barked harshly. Taking advantage of his sleep shirt being a t-shirt, Atsushi transformed one of his arms to rip the tendril away. “Why not?”
Akutagawa was a man of actions, such as straddling Atsushi on the bed, grabbing his blue shirt roughly as he used it to help his balance and he stared down with an enraged expression still painted on his face. Atsushi kept his body still, not wanting to test his luck and have limps cut off, so he laid still, not touching Akutagawa on his own accord.
“Because I hate you.” He hissed. “I hate that you make me care about you. I hate that I enjoy your laugh! I hate that when I was shown an Ametrine all I could think about that it looks like your eyes. I hate worrying when you get hurt.” With each thing Akutagawa numerated, his expression became less angered and finally melted into his signature scowl.
“I hate you.”
“As do I.” Atsushi confessed, voice unwavering.
Both knew these words were mere substitutes for words neither of them were brave enough to use. For an outsider it'd look like this: Akutagawa straddling Atsushi, his boney hands fisting Atsushi’s blue shirt near his shoulders, his grey eyes scowling down at Atsushi and the silver haired returned a just as serious and non-loving gaze.
But only these two knew there was no malice.
Not when Atsushi could see how Akutagawa’s thoughts raced behind those stormy eyes.
Not when Akutagawa could tell Atsushi was trying to remain composed by the way he sucked in a long and deep breath.
A second passed, an insignificant one since nothing changed during its fleeting Moment and yet it was enough to suddenly cause a dam break. Akutagawa came crashing down, his thin lips now pressed against Atsushi’s, as the younger one quickly wrapped his previous stilled arms around his partners frame, pulling the other impossibly close.
His hands wandered from the middle of Akutagawa’s back, up to his soft raven hair and down to the small of his back. As for Akutagawa’s hands? He had let loose of Atsushi’s now crinkled shirt, instead almost desperately clawing to frame his face, his fingertips burying itself in silver hair, thumbs caressing the blushing cheeks. As they moved against each other, savoring each passing moment entangled like this, their kiss became heated, soon tongues met, mouths were explored, and their breath mingled when they took a second to just breath before diving right back into making out.
Akutagawa reveled in the way Atsushi’s skin felt like it was burning against his, had his eyes roll back when Atsushi breathlessly panted his name into his own mouth.
He drew back a little, using his angled arms as support so he could keep holding Atsushi’s face, Akutagawa looked down on the other.
The yellow and purple irises were hard to make out as Atsushi’s pupils were blown wide, his face was a little flushed and Akutagawa knew he probably didn’t look too different and those now reddish kissed lips, glistering from their mixed salvia.
It was obscene, and yet so beautiful, and Akutagawa had never considered he would find pleasure in something like this.
But here he was, burning this image into his brain to forever to cherish it. Carefully and oh so gently Akutagawa brushed a few wild strains of Atsushi’s bangs aside, not missing his Jinko’s reaction to the tenderness in the form of a shudder and miniscule relieved sigh.
Atsushi had seen quite a few nice paintings by now thanks to trips to museums with Kunikida, and now they all paled in comparison to the man on top of him.
The pinkish tint against Akutagawa milky pale skin was beautiful as were the beady eyes of his partner that stared down at him so lovingly. At him of all people. Lost in the display of beauty on top of him, Atsushi mindlessly tried tugging Akutagawa’s left long strand of hair behind his ear but it never stayed put and yet like in trance Atsushi tried and tried again until his wrist was caught by Akutagawa who kissed it tenderly, without looking away.
To both looking away for even a split second felt like a sin, like a serious crime committed so their eyes were glued to each other, committing each little detail to memory. The air was charged with the electricity of a thousand unsaid apologies and a million whispered regrets. Akutagawa's stormy eyes, once filled with frustration, now conveyed a different kind of intensity—a raw, unfiltered need that transcended the boundaries of their turbulent history.
Much to Atsushi’s surprise Akutagawa was the one to lean down once more to reunite their lips but much gentler and less driven by pure lust, apparent by the way he didn't even open his mouth during the kiss. No, they simply held onto one another as they gently kissed, hands firmly holding skin as proof that this was in fact real. Not a fleeting dream during a lonely night.
But this was real.
They still hadn't spoken a word when they sat both leaning against the headboard of the bed. They sat apart but also not too far as one might expect. Their hands rested next to each other in the little space between them, not touching but still close enough to feel the warmth radiate from the other.
Atsushi sighed, leaned his head back and tilted his head ever so slightly to gaze other at Akutagawa who had his eyes closed and head tilted a little forward. Atsushi adored his beauty, the dark lashes against pale skin, the sharp edges of his face contrasted against the softness of the dark hair. The thin lips that now displayed more color from their kissing and oh how wonderful they had felt on his own. And in that moment Atsushi couldn't help himself; “You're beautiful.”
Akutagawa immediately looked at him, surprised expression painted on his face, before it melted away, leaving Akutagawa sitting there with his eyes closed and a pleasant but faint smile on his lips. “Jinko, how can you say that when I barely compare to your exceptional self.”
The praise, the feeling of being wanted and desired by non-other than Akutagawa and seeing a side of the mafioso surely no one else had the pleasure of seeing yet… it did wonders to Atsushi’s self-esteem.
“Akutagawa-”
“You can use my first name.” Atsushi’s brain embarrassingly fast emptied itself. The simple allowance of using Akutagawa’s given name… it felt honoring.
“Ryuunosuke, I say fuck it.”
The other furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, but Atsushi was kindly enough quickly elaborating; “Fuck the mission. Fuck whatever weird shit is being played here. I bet they won't do anything all day again, so let's do that too. Let's actually have a vacation day. Just us.”
“Jinko, you're proposing purposefully disobeying our commands?”
Atsushi nodded.
“I mean we have a good success rate, don’t we? They haven't given us anything the past days. All they do is sit around and talk about stuff no one would ever care about. There's very little we can do.”
Akutagawa didn't look at him and instead stared at their hands which he now worked on carefully intertwining. His pale lanky fingers that had a few scars to display entangled with Atsushi’s slightly tanner ones that didn't look as marred.
“Okay.” Was the simple whispered answer Akutagawa gave him and Atsushi had trouble believing it for just a second.
Atsushi shoot him a big toothy smile, hoping to convey all his happy feelings through just that but it wasn't enough. So, Atsushi very quickly broke the distance between them and kissed his partner.
They skipped breakfast all together, instead opting to snack on fruit as they watched a movie.
Atsushi had done some research for a movie Akutagawa could like and had found ‘A nightmare before Christmas’ and if you were to believe every stereotype about the mafioso, then there was truly no better thing to try, right?
And by the way Akutagawa seemed engrossed by it, it had been a good choice.
The only thing that bothered Atsushi was the way they had resorted back into being awkward messes.
The second they had gotten out of bed it suddenly felt weird to just grab the other as they had. Neither knew why, nothing had changed since they agreed to for once thoroughly disapoint their superiors, and yet it had become awkward once more.
But as they watched Jack Skellington sing ‘Whats this?’ Atsushi decided he had to be bold and brave again. So, he shifted, laid down on the sofa, one leg dangling off as he spread his legs, inviting Akutagawa silently into the space in-between them.
It didn't take long for Akutagawa to pick up on what Atsushi was doing and with a content expression he followed the invitation and got comfortable on Atsushi, his head resting atop the weretigers chest and all this had Akutagawa blush a little.
Especially when Atsushi had the gall to wrap his arms around him, his hands gently caressing up and down Akutagawa’s back. The black haired had never felt so adored except for a few occasions but since affection normally only came from his sister, this was entirely different.
Wanting to give back this wonderful and blissful feeling, Akutagawa had Rashōmon get a thin blanket from the other end of the couch and laid it on them before he wrapped his arms around Atsushi too.
They remained like this throughout the movie only occasionally moving a little so Atsushi could get them food if Akutagawa didn't feel like using Rashōmon for it.
Atsushi appreciated his advanced hearing, since he could hear Akutagawa’s quickened heartbeat and relaxed breathing. Atsushi would have never imagined they'd be like this but here they were, sharing this wonderful day.
“What are you thinking about, Jinko?” Akutagawa asked as the credits rolled, his head now resting upon his folded hands atop Atsushi’s chest. He looked incredibly adorable like this Atsushi decided. “About how many Halloween costume ideas I have gotten through Christmas movies?” Akutagawa tilted his head and silently demanded an elaboration. Atsushi chuckled at this display, Akutagawa was somehow quite catlike despite being a rabid dog.
“Dazai-san as Willy Wonka and Chuuya-san as an Oompah Loompa, you could be Jack Skellington and I could be Sally.” Atsushi imagined Akutagawa would look wonderful as the Pumpkin King. A blush spread through Akutagawa’s face and he quickly hid the lower half of it behind his hand as he looked away.
“Already thinking of a couple’s costume? You're moving very quickly, Jinko.” Atsushi laughed and hugged Akutagawa closer.
When Dinner time came around, they stood next to each other in the kitchen, each working on a task to prepare ingredients for the curry they'd have. As Akutagawa cut the meat, while Atsushi took care of vegetables. After those things were done, Atsushi lazily leaned on the counter and watched Akutagawa handle the pan with elegance. His own cooking had been described by Kyouka as messy and unorganized. Out of the two, she was a way better cook.
“Jinko?”
“Mhm?” Akutagawa chuckled and moved the pan to garnish curry onto their with rice filled plates. “You weren't listening were you now?” Sheepishly Atsushi scratched the back of his head. “I'm sorry. What were you saying?”
“I asked what your plans will be once you return home after this?”
“Work most probably.”
Akutagawa moved the plates over to the table where they both quickly got seated and thanked for their meal. “The agency gets quite a few contracts around this time, so we will probably be busy. Means I wake up, get to work, do my work, go home, eat chazuke and then fall into bed dead.” Akutagawa smiled gently as he continued eating.
“What about you, if you're allowed to like talk about it?”
“First I'll probably catch up with Gin, then I'm sure Chuuya has some work for me and then it's just the usual for me. Waiting until I'm needed and if I'm not, checking on regular business.”
Atsushi nodded. They were so different and yet so alike at the same time.
The rest of dinner conversation diverted to other less serious topics, to more gossip talking. Atsushi began filling Akutagawa in on random stories of the ADA, like that one time he and Tanizaki had gotten an apartment number wrong and scared the shit out of an old lady and in return Akutagawa told Atsushi stories about Dazai and Chuuya.
“Wait that's real?” Atsushi questioned as Akutagawa handed him a plate to dry. “Very much so, you're speaking to a witness after all.” The story had been about that time Dazai had moved Chuuyas sleeping figure with his mattress out to the Port and pushed it into the sea.
“Wait? Were you the accomplice? Dazai-san had told us the story before but no one believed it.” “I was. I carried Chuuyas bed with Rashōmon after all.” Atsushi threw his head back as he laughed, and Akutagawa chuckled. It was one of the few pleasant memories he had of his time back then with his mentor. Dazai was barely kind to him but occasionally Dazais need to mess with Chuuya had come first.
As Atsushi listened to a different story about their mentors, he watched Akutagawa make tea for the two of them and he couldn't help but smile when Akutagawa actually used the mug he had gifted him. Atsushi wished they could have more time like this. Away from the Agency and the Mafia, away from responsibilities, just hiding away from prying eyes and having this domestic bliss.
Just as Akutagawa was about to pour the hot tea in the mugs, Atsushi stopped him. “Let's save it for later. I wanna go on a walk with you without following some weird couple.” Akutagawa chuckled lowly. “Fine. But I suggest you change out of your sweatpants before that.”
Once dressed appropriate for the cold weather the two got walking the same trail from a few days ago. But this time they only kept one hand each buried in the pockets of their jackets. Atsushi’s right and Akutagawa’s left were instead intertwined as they strolled through the snow that glittered gently from the lanterns hung up on the path.
They enjoyed the blissful silence as they walked, only listening to the nature around them and the snow crunching beneath their boots. They walked past the spot where they had been discovered last time, walked further and further until they got to a point of lookout. Atsushi leaned forwards on the wooden fence and Akutagawa leaned his back on it.
The moon was doing them a favor tonight, shining bright enough through some clouds so that Akutagawa could enjoy the nature too without tiger improved sight like his partner had.
Speaking of… as Akutagawa looked over, his breath hitched and heart skipped a beat.
Atsushi looked breathtaking in the moonlight. It was fitting for him with his ability name and all but he was no beast.
Deity beneath the moonlight was much more accurate as of now Akutagawa decided.
The way Atsushi’s bangs and longer fringe with the black stripe gently swayed in the cold breeze, his eyes glowing a gentle yellow from calling upon his power, the moonlight illuminating Atsushi’s features in its soft glow. Akutagawa could barely believe that something so graceful existed. And yet Atsushi was right here, blabbering something Akutagawa couldn't even listen to.
Instead he chose to speak his dumbed down mind again.
“Atsushi.” The other fell immediately silent and a faint blush dusted his cheeks from just hearing Akutagawa say his name.
“Y-Yeah?” he stuttered out and let Akutagawa once more frame his face with his hands. Atsushi’s own held onto Akutagawa’s wrists. He knew what Akutagawa wanted, but didn't rush into it, obviously something was trying to burst out of Akutagawa’s mouth as he repeatedly closed and opened it.
“I hate you so much.” Was what he settled on in the end and pressed his forehead against Atsushi’s. A big smile stretched across Atsushi’s face and he chuckled. “One day you'll say what you actually mean.”
“One day.” Akutagawa repeated and finally bridged the distance again, much to Atsushi’s enjoyment.
---
December 27th - - On the sixth day of observation my job gave to me… Six messages I never send boyfriend, Five times I kissed my rival, four homoerotic actions, three hours of inhaling my partners scent, two lies of dating my rival and one breaking and entering charge
After a night they had spent cuddled together, they now sat leaning on each other on the sofa, hot chocolates in hand. Only a few more hours and their time was up. Something Atsushi had looked forward too at the beginning of this was now so dreaded.
“I could…” Akutagawa began, “I could always drive you back home.” Atsushi smiled sadly.
“Kunikida is already on his way and if I cancel on him they know something is up. We'd be… suspicious.” The black haired nodded.
The decision to keep this whole thing on the low had been mutual. They both wanted their time to see where they stand, explore this new dynamic, and not deal immediately with everything unpleasant that came with it.
“Hey Ryuu, I could always use your phone number though if you don't mind giving me that one.” With a faint smile, Akutagawa dictated his phone number and Atsushi saved it under ‘Lawnmower’. When Akutagawa saw, he complained, but he shut up once he had to admit that Atsushi was saved as ‘Jinko’.
“But lawnmower sounds… less kind?”
“I didn't like you only referring to be by my ability either, but I have grown to like being called Jinko.”
“If you ever call me Lawnmower in front of somebody, I will kill you.”
Atsushi waved him off and placed his last piece of clothing in his bag. His newly gifted messenger bag was stuffed with some of the sweets from Chuuya they hadn't finished.
Akutagawa meanwhile also finished zipping up his duffle bag and shouldered it. Time had come. Kunikida would soon arrive, they had run out of time. The cabin next to them was already empty, the Higashikata’s having left early in the morning.
Atsushi felt horrible for not having gathered any evidence that could lead to their downfall, but nothing could be changed now. He had decided to be selfish for once and he lie if he said he regretted it.
Lights were turned off; Akutagawa would only need to return the keys down at the reception office and then it was over completely. The door was still close, their backs turned to it as they surveyed the now less cozy cabin one last time.
Atsushi felt sad, felt dread. He was afraid that Akutagawa might change his mind when they left, that somehow something would destroy this. But he had to remain positive.
As he turned to leave, Akutagawa grabbed his arm, his blushing face turned aside, and half covered by a hand as he coughed. A Rashōmon tendril was extended above them and as Atsushi followed it, he saw it holding up a mistletoe.
“Oh Ryuu.” He cooed and Akutagawa’s blush deepened. He tugged Akutagawa forwards by his beige scarf and kissed him tenderly, lips gently moving against one another.
“I'll miss you.” The silver haired whispered once they parted, his eyes still half lidded. “As will I.”
And with that they parted, setting up blank faces as facades for the outside world. Atsushi stepped out first, spotting Kunikida parked alongside Akutagawa’s car. He waved over and the blond who leaned against his own car waved back. Behind him Akutagawa locked up and walked past like a stoic expression. Atsushi quickly made his way over greeting Kunikida happily.
“Merry belated Christmas.” He greeted and Kunikida nodded in acknowledgement.
“Merry belated Christmas to you too brat.” With that Kunikida got into the car Atsushi following suit quickly.
“How was it?” Kunikida asked and started the car, carefully starting their journey back. Atsushi and Akutagawa who was also seated in his car, share one last longing look, before Atsushi looked ahead. “It was alright. Unfortunately, we have no proof regarding the human trafficking accusations.” “About that…”
- December 29th, Atsushis first day back at work
“It was faked?” Atsushi barked at Dazai over their desk. His eyelids were twitching, and a headache was slowly forming. “So Akutagawa and I spied on an innocent couple? Rummaged through their personal belongings for nothing?”
“First off, I don’t think anyone is truly innocent. I’m sure those guys have done something that would consider them criminal worthy. Second, You actually worked? I thought you two would simply not work like everyone else.”
Thankfully Kunikida chimed in from next to Dazai.
“You're the only one not working if we send you somewhere.” Dazai in return only laughed as if he had been complimented and waved his hands dismissively.
“Always so mean to me!”
“Dazai-san, why would you do that?”
Atsushi felt like a clown, like Dazai had just used him for his personal enjoyment and he didn't like that at all. He was no tool or toy.
“I thought you could use a vacation and as a Christmas present to myself I had Mori pay for it. I mean, it couldn’t be better than that even if I tried.” Atsushi slammed his head into his keyboard, his fingers massaging his scalp to combat the headache.
“Please, next time just leave me out of your games.” While Dazai got ranting about how without Atsushi it'd have been harder to pull it off and how it was only a kind gesture Atsushi’s thoughts flickered back to the time with Akutagawa. In the end he could hardly complain, not when just thinking back to them making out in the early morning or kissing beneath the moonlight had him feeling giddy.
But still, he disliked being deceived, especially by Dazai.
“I need a quick break, my head hurts.” Atsushi mumbled and got up to leave. Kunikida told him he had ten minutes and Atsushi intended to fully use them.
Outside it was snowing again, which was a little bothersome as he navigated through his phone and down his contacts. He and Akutagawa hadn’t had contact since they left the cabin, simply because neither wanted to come across as clingy or overbearing and neither knew what to even say. But Atsushi decided this was important enough to warrant a call.
And unexpectedly, Akutagawa actually answered after a couple of seconds. “Jinko.”
Just heaving the raspy voice had Atsushi smile as he leaned against the brick wall in the alley behind the agency. “Are you busy?”
“Not as of now. What do you need?” Taking a deep breath, Atsushi answered; “Were you also informed that our whole observation mission was a fake?”
“Yes. Chuuya told me earlier this morning. Before you ask, he had no hand in it, Dazai-san only inducted him when they spend their time together.” Atsushi nodded and mummed in agreement.
“And he felt guilty Dazai would do such a thing so he send us the box?” Akutagawa could be heard chuckling.
“My Jinko is such a good detective.”
“I have my moments.” Atsushi teased back but he couldn't help but blush when Akutagawa called him ‘his Jinko’.
“Look up.” Atsushi did as asked and almost dropped his phone when he saw Akutagawa looking over the edge of the tall building above, smiling down sardonically.
Atsushi cut the call and pocketed his phone as Akutagawa used Rashomon to climb down. Once they stood in front of another, Atsushi wrapped his arms around him no hesitation.
“What are you doing here?”
“I was around anyways and when you called, I acted on my urge to see you.” Atsushi laughed as he separated again and inspected the other. Akutagawa was back in his usual coat but still wore scarf and hat to keep himself warm.
“Are you on a break?” Akutagawa asked and Atsushi nodded.
“Kind of. Dazais… whatever you wanna call it gave me a headache and so I got ten minutes for some fresh air.”
“I only get ten minutes with you?”
“More like seven by now. Eight until Kunikida will come looking.”
“What a shame.” Akutagawa had his eyes closed as he smiled softly. It was a nice look on him and Atsushi loved and adored this new side of him.
“Then I'll have to make them count.” And with that he trapped Atsushi between the brick wall and his body, capturing the detectives’ lips in a heated kiss.
Atsushi’s arms came to rest on Akutagawa’s shoulders, pulling him closer, while Akutagawa’s pale hands searched for purchase on Atsushi’s waist. They remained like that for a while, tasting the other, simply enjoying the moment. But they knew their time was severely limited. When Akutagawa pulled away, Atsushi tried chasing after his lips, but Akutagawa had distanced himself too far too quickly.
“I want to see you after work.” He said and coughed lightly, the cold air still being an enemy of his, especially when contrasted to the hot breaths he had just shared with Atsushi.
“I'd like that too. How about I cook my favorite food for us? I'll bring everything for Chazuke, and we eat together?”
“That sounds delightful. I'll send you my address, yes?” Atsushi nodded and stole one last quick kiss before Akutagawa made his way out of the alley the way he had entered it, by Rashōmon acting like Spider legs, scaling the building with ease.
The promised message was delivered as Atsushi hung up his coat in the office again.
Lawnmower
> Address - Text me when you're on your way.
Btw, I hate how beautiful you look, it's distracting. <
Me
> Same goes for you but you don't see me complaining. ^^
Thanks for the compliment tho.
Can't wait to hear your opinion about my Chazuke! :) <
Lawnmower
> I'm sure it'll be great because I'll know you made it. If something is graced
by your divine hands, then I would gladly even eat soil.<
Me
>So…you can't say you like me but complimenting everything in
sweet eloquent words is fine? Pick a side. >:( <
Lawnmower
>No.<
Fortunately, Atsushi locked his phone a second before Dazai came rolling by on his office chair. “At~su~shi~kun.”
“No.” He dryly answered and began typing on his computer again, determined to get a nice chunk of words done before the day was done and he'd get to see his… boyfriend?
What a strange term for Akutagawa.
“You didn't know even know what I was gonna saaaay~” Dazai whined and almost fell over in his chair as he leaned too far in it dramatically.
“I just had a question.” He pouted and Atsushi sighed. “What?”
“So I was just now on the roof because Kunikida wanted me to inspect the emergency door right?” Atsushi nodded and Dazai suddenly heavily invaded his personal space. “So how come I saw Akutagawa-kun climbing out of an alley directly next to the agency?”
For the second time that day Atsushi’s head slammed into his keyboard and he really hoped the day would end soon.