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On the eleventh day of July, peace in Yokohama was demolished. But it was only natural due to the amount of ability user the city holds. Even then, this disaster was fresh in the people's minds, new. It was a brand new kind of catastrophe, and not quite at the same time.
And it was all thanks to a certain pair.
Rushed footsteps followed another in pursuit on the long hallways of the Port Mafia. The former trying to catch up, she knows she can easily do so but she also knows that he can quickly get away.
"Chuuya," Firm was her voice, but futile it was when the boy continued on like nothing happened, like nobody spoke. Seeing this, she tried again, "Chuuya."
A warning.
"What, Ane—san?" His tone was one of a child's, trying to run away from confrontation, only to be caught red-handed. A deer caught in headlights, you might say.
'Rude, but finally.' She then says, "Talk to me."
"What's there to talk about?" He groans as he faced her for the first time in a while, a small pout on his lips. Definitely like a child caught in one of his schemes.
"A lot, actually." Comes her reply.
"Like what?"
"Like the rumour I heard about you and," She hesitates, not convinced this was a good idea, but she wouldn't know until it's done, right? "..Dazai."
And that's when she knew she hit jackpot when the boy froze, eyes wide like saucers.
Truthfully, she only heard the news, or rather, the rumour, an hour ago, when their boss, Mori Ougai, pulled her away after one of their meetings as executives. He seemed jittery and it didn't seem like it relates to work, so she didn't really pay attention that much, but when she heard the name of the boy she raised (not really) roll off of the demon man's tongue, that's when she put her undivided attention to the matter.
A while after that, she immediately went in pursuit for one of her fellow executives, and not too soon did she finally saw him leaving his personal office, which brought them here now.
"Him?" Chuuya voiced out loud, disbelief at the mention of a certain ex—mafioso, maybe a bit offended too, if you ask Kouyou, "What about him?"
"Doesn't matter, all I want to know if something happened between the two of you, if it's true. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any rumour about you two at all."
Chuuya's face scrunches up in distaste, "Nothing happened."
She sighs, "You're lying, lad."
"'M not,"
"Yes, you are, and we both know it."
A roll of his eyes, "Even if I was lying, there's no need to worry," Suddenly, the wall looks easy to glare now, "And certainly no need to mention that bastard's name."
"We have every right to worry. Who do you think put up with you two for four years?" She smiles a little, nostalgia catching up to her. The memories of irritation, annoyance, and tiredness just by watching the duo, replaying in her mind. Even though there were times where she regretted every moment, all she feels now is longing.
"Okay, fine!" He shouts, frustrated beyond at that point, "But my point still stands, you have no need to worry, Ane—san."
Clearly, Kouyou disagrees, "That's not all, either. You've been distant for days, Chuuya. The same time those rumours started to circulate." She knows it's dumb to believe rumours, given her line of work, but when even the organization's boss brought concern to the matter, she knows she can't ignore it. Rumours won't just show up without proofs, that's why she has to investigate.
When the boy didn't reply, she continues, "We're worried, Chuuya. We all are. So, please tell us what's happening." She grabs his shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze.
It was quite between them for a while. All Kouyou could do was observe Chuuya, every flinch, every twitch, as he was in a dilemma. Most likely, about whether he should tell her or not. Strangely though, she doesn't sense any tension or heavy feelings at all in the boy. She expected something bad had happened between the pair, something that explains why Chuuya had been so distant, never really engaging with others, save for work.
So you can't blame Kouyou when Chuuya looks up, she expected sadness to overcome the male's face, despair and grief.
But all that she sees, was a smile.
A smile. Of all things, she expected.
A smile so bright it could go through hundreds of catastrophes but still stands.
A smile, on the supposedly sad, Chuuya.
"As I said before, nothing happened, Ane—san." Why does it sounds so cheerful?
"At least, nothing important." An upward twitch of his lips.
Chuuya looks so happy.
"Dazai and I just broke up, is all."
What the actual fuck?
—
"Dazai—san looks unwell today." The weretiger thinks out loud. His point wasn't baseless, after careful observation, he's sure of it, Dazai appears like he's about to drop dead, right then and there.
"You think so too?" Speaking up from beside Atsushi was Kyouka, with her usual nonchalant tone, watching carefully at Dazai from afar.
He replies with a nod, "He's doing his job on time too, which is rare, but still, he's suffering."
"Maybe something happened?" Tanizaki suggests, unsure of his claim. He taps his chin in a thoughtful manner.
"Doesn't seem like he's medically injured." Yosano joins in with the group. She was passing by, when she noticed them staring at Dazai who was working at his desk, although slowly and struggling, "Perhaps it's a personal matter? He looks tired."
"Definitely, a personal matter." Kyouka says, scavenging the files on her arms for something needed for work.
Atsushi frowns as he turns to the girl, "We don't know that, though."
"Well, we won't know til we ask, right?" A new voice pipes in. All heads turned around, only to face their star detective, Ranpo.
"That's true.." Replies an uncertain Tanizaki.
To that, Yosano smiles. A wicked smile that leads to no good, "Then what are we waiting for?!" She slams her hands, on Ranpo's desk full of snacks, causing them to jump at the sound, "Let's ask him!"
With that, everyone moves their way to the brunette on his desk, hands on brown hair in frustration. That only spiked up more of their worry for the man, but still, they continued on, determined to get to the bottom of this, and help Dazai with whatever he's dealing with.
"Dazai—san." Looking up from his hands, Dazai looked around, only to see a group of his co—workers surrounding him in his own desk.
With a look of confusion and brows furrowed, Dazai asked, "What's happening? Is something wrong?"
"No!" Atsushi waves his hands in denial, "Not at all! Uhm, actually—"
Yosano, being the confident girlboss she is, cut in, tired of beating around the bush, "We noticed you look bummed out. Dazai, did something happened?"
For a moment, Dazai was stunned, mouth gaped and eyes wide. But before anyone could think much of it, Dazai shook it off and laughed at the doctor's words, "Uhm, no? Why would you think that?" His eyed twinkled with hidden nervousness (and something else?).
"Don't lie to us, Dazai." Yosano rolled her eyes.
The man in question whined in denial, "But I'm not!"
"Ahaha! You totally are!" Ranpo pointed out, sending a smug and prideful smile to his glaring co-detective.
Atsushi sighed, clearly seeing through his mentor's not-really-well-kept lies, "You're not fooling anyone, Dazai—san."
Betrayal was immediately shown on his mentor's face, "How could you say that, Atsushi—kun!? Oh, the betrayal!"
As he dramatically wept, no one blinked at the pathetic show in front of them. Seeing as there's no reaction from either of his co—workers, Dazai flushed, embarrassed.
Clearing his throat, Tanizaki interrupted the awkward silence in the office, "Uh, moving on, Dazai—san, you were saying?"
At his words, Dazai slumped completely at his chair, a deep frown and glossy eyes. The others were completely confused and worried at the sight. Their very own, mysterious and suicidal co—worker, who was usually an eccentric character, was in sadness right in front of them.
Just before they were about to tell Dazai not to force himself to talk his heart out, he says, "It's ridiculous but," The man paused, not having the courage to look at his co—workers in the eye.
"Chuuya and I broke up."
...
Cue the collective oh's.
Well that solves the mystery.
Everybody knew about the duo's relationship (save for Kunikida, poor man, but it's for his own sake and also for Dazai's entertainment. Poor man, indeed). At first, it was a little surprising but after seeing the two of them in one room, it seemed natural, to say the least. Nobody really minded their relationship. But after a while, it was disgusting to see how those two are so in love. They kept quiet, of course, witnessing Dazai so happy, put them at ease.
"I'm sorry about that, Dazai—san." Atsushi frowns, he was one of the biggest supporters of the duo's relationship, so seeing how it the relationship turned out, he almost felt like crying (almost), but he has to put his mentor's feelings first before his.
Dazai waves him off, sniffling as he tries to keep the tears in, "Don't be, Atsushi—kun. It was bound to happen eventually."
'Bullshit', was what everyone thought. They knew Dazai and Chuuya were meant to be, despite the countless claims of despise and hatred for the other. That's just simply how they work. Even if the duo left the others more confuse every time after seeing them, it was still decided they were for each other.
Question is, why did they break up?
"Why did you break up, Dazai—san?" Kyouka asks, she always seem like she reads their minds.
To this, Dazai was on the verge of tears, "That's the thing!" He cries out, "I don't know! He just called it off so suddenly. My precious dumb hatrack, how could you be so cruel?!"
He cries as they all share a look. That's when they knew how to help their fellow co—worker.
But first, obtaining information.
—
It's a dumb idea and they know that. They all know this. But even so, they still have to do this, all for the sake of their friend.
Doesn't mean they have to like it, though.
"The Armed Detective Agency?" Steps resonated from behind the group, gradually coming closer with each step until they eventually landed a few feet away from them, "What are you doing here? On Port Mafia territory no less."
"Akutagawa." And Akutagawa it was. Still the same dark coat, same ridiculous black with white tips hairstyle, and same nonchalant attitude.
Surprisingly not, Atsushi was the first to greet him out of the group with a rather 'I'd rather die than talk to him but I have to' tone.
"Weretiger."
Said tiger groaned at the nickname, "Would you stop calling me that? I have a name you know!"
"Never," Was the older male's response, before having to cover up his cough. He tries to suppress a possible coughing fit, only for his efforts to be fruitless.
All hostility left the white—haired boy's face, when he saw his partner current condition. He quickly went to the other's side, rubbing his back in comfort. After a while, not too long, the coughing stopped, but both still remained in their places subconsciously.
"Are you okay, Ryuu?" To which the older of the two nodded in thanks. Atsushi beamed at the small gesture, glad to be of help.
The sweet sweet moment was shattered when a throat cleared out from where Atsushi was once were.
"Are you done, lovebirds?" Kyouka did not look impressed one bit. Witnessing the moment was almost too painful for Kyouka to bear.
At her words, the two pulled apart, flushed at the sudden confrontation.
Beside Kyouka, Yosano coed at the two. The three of them were sent to the Port Mafia building to gain any information of a certain pair's break—up while the rest stayed at the Agency, "Why'd you break them up, Kyouka—chan? It was so cute to watch!"
"More like gross." The younger female grumbled. She never really accepted Atsushi and Akutagawa's relationship, for reasons obviously shown why.
Akutagawa clears his throat, uncomfortable with the topic, "Anyways, what are members of the Agency doing here?" He asked, smoothly changing the topic.
"We're looking for information of something." Kyouka answers, she didn't mind the change of topic, it was making her irritated.
Akutagawa's eyebrows shot up, "Information? What kind?"
Yosano sighs, "It's about your ginger mafioso boy and Dazai."
"We're wondering if you heard something about what happened to their relationship."
Akutagawa sported a thoughtful look, "Recently? No, I haven't heard anything at all." Worry bubbles up on his stomach at a troubling thought, "Why? Did something happened?"
The members of the ADA shared a look.
Atsushi sighed, tiredness starting to catch up to him, "We, um, heard that," He trails off, not sure of how his partner will react to the news.
"That?" The elder male urges on, obviously impatient by nature.
Kyouka steps in, trying not to drag this out far longer, "That they broke up."
To her words, the mafioso froze, like child told by their parents that they weren't allowed to have any for the rest of their life. The members of the ADA watched Akutagawa process the information and take it all in.
"Who told you that?" His tone dropped and monotone, he asked.
"Dazai—san, himself."
Akutagawa nodded. Snapping out of his stunned state, he turned around, urging them to follow him, "Follow me."
Reluctantly, they followed. They all left the main entrance of the five buildings the Port Mafia considers as their bases. Eventually, they ended up following Akutagawa into an elevator taking them to one of the highest floors of the building. And soon, they were in front of Kouyou Ozaki's office, one of the five executives of the Port Mafia, and the second person who knew Chuuya best. (Obviously, Dazai is the first person, considering they were partners for years.)
In the dark hallways, her office stood out like a light. For one, it was in a shade of dark pink, and it was embodied with designs you might see at castles and museums. What's more, her office had two big doors, with her name etched into the wall right next to the left door, in beautiful perfect cursive writing.
Akutagawa raised a hand, knocking on one of his superior's door.
"Who is it?" Silk—like and venom like honey. A voice no other belonging to one of the most strongest assassins around. Her voice was stern and professional, but intimidating as well.
"It's Akutagawa, Kouyou—san."
"Oh!" Within a second, her tone was light, almost like one receiving ice cream on a Saturday morning, "Come in, come in!"
With that, Akutagawa opened the grand door, and the sight of it made all of them gasp.
It was gigantic. Inside, were fancy furniture, paintings, and plants. The windows were huge and overlooks the sight of Yokohama. The walls were painted velvet and the sunlight coming through made the office a bit more lighter.
In the middle, on the desk, sat Kouyou Ozaki in all her glory. Beautiful and graceful as ever. From the looks of it, she was writing reports until they came in. She didn't seem to mind though, once she saw Kyouka was a part of the group, she glowed. (But her eyes twitched the minute her pink eyes landed on the weretiger.)
"Akutagawa—kun, to what do I owe the pleasure of having you (and the Agency too) in my office?" The woman smiled, almost like one of a mother's.
The man in question bowed at the red—haired female, "Sorry to intrude, Kouyou—san."
His superior waves him off, never minding. Her pink eyes roamed the group of people before her. They land on Kyouka first, who she gives a small smile, making a mental note to talk to her later. Then they find their place on the Agency doctor, who gives her a nod of appreciation and slight wary. Lastly, they land on the weretiger, whatever his name was, and immediately, she gives him a glare.
"We have something to ask you."
"Oh?" Her lips perked up in interest at the slightest, "And what is this something?"
Atsushi, although afraid of the woman and still occasionally reconciles the amount of times she stabbed him, speaks up, "It's about Dazai—san and Chuuya—san."
Immediately, her brows furrow in concern, "Why? Did something happen?"
Yosano chuckles, a bit uncomfortable in the office so she ruffles her hair in slight comfort, "You could say that."
"Kouyou—san," Akutagawa speaks, causing her to glance at him, "Apparently, they've 'broken' up."
At his words, Kouyou's mouth formed an 'O' in slight realization. She sported a thoughtful look on her face as she takes in the information, hand in chin.
Truthfully, the others expected a look of concern or even surprise to take part. Yet, none of those were shown by the female ginger. Does she know something?
"I know." Was her reply.
That solves the mystery, again. I guess.
"You know?" Atsushi repeats, clearly stunned at the woman's response.
"Since this morning. Boss heard unsettling rumours going around the organization and asked me to figure if it's true. I confronted Chuuya and he told me he and Dazai did break up."
Everyone nodded, a look of understanding at each at their faces.
"Although," Kouyou looked concern as she started, "He looked happy, which was odd for a break—up."
Kyouka raises a brow, "Happy?" To which, Kouyou nodded.
"He must have been the one who called it off then." Akutagawa states, coming into a conclusion
Yosano shrugged, "Must be."
Atsushi pipes up, still not ready to give up, he has a friend to help, after all, "Did he say anything else?"
Kouyou shakes her head, in disappointment, "Nothing. He walked away after that. Must be work."
For a while, no one spoke. They try to soak all the information in their heads and make new ideas but have come to an end.
"So, that's it, then?"
"Maybe so," The ginger shrugs, itching to go back to work or have a talk with Kyouka.
"That's that, then." Yosano said, already prepared to leave as soon as possible, "We'll try to find more on why they broke up, maybe we'll ask Dazai and Chuuya, head—on."
"Okay," Agreed the holder of Rashoumoun, "We'll try as well."
Kyouka faced her once mentor, bending her waist into a respectful bow, "Thank you for your help."
To which, the older smiles, "It's no problem."
"Thank you!" Atsushi shouted as he raced to follow Yosano who was already out of the door, Kyouka in tow.
Once the door shuts, the two left mafioso's were covered in silence. Akutagawa peeked at the woman in the corner of his eye in slight curiosity on how she felt.
Just before he speaks, Kouyou sniffles, "I haven't had the chance to talk to Kyouka—chan, yet."
—
It's safe to say that they didn't have the best luck on obtaining information.
Of course, they tried very hard but it's ten times harder when you're dealing with the duo, Double Black.
For one, they're have to face the ever mysterious and secretive, Dazai Osamu, who just gave them very vague answers, and then just full on sobbing while thinking of, and I quote, "my sweet and adorable chibi who has tacky tastes but that's okay, I love him so much".
Sometimes, his rants full of adoration just takes a whole 180.
"ARGH! I hate that chibi! How dare he break it off with me?! I'm the most charming person he ever met and then he pulled that?! Forget him, I can just find another person to do a double suicide anyways."
And he does just that, plus finding more ways to commit a perfect suicide, without his darling chibi, of course.
With Chuuya, they see no way in asking him. First, he's off the country for work and they don't know when he'll come back. Second, apparently, he turned off all communication with anyone in Yokohama, save for his boss. And even if he was still here, they knew he was a stubborn person. He'll never peep a single word and continue to avoid them like a plague.
At this point, they gave up. Not even the help they got from various Port Mafia members who were all tired of this ordeal, helped. They were thankful of course, but it still didn't mend the relationship of one Dazai and Chuuya.
They see no point now. No clue, no lead, nothing.
That is until, a few days later.
—
"President, you called for us?" It was 17th of July, early in the morning, when the president of the Agency, Fukuzawa Yukichi, called them all in for a meeting.
"Yes, it's important," A single nod as he urges them to sit down on the many chairs of the meeting room. Walking up to the front, the members followed. As soon as everyone was settled, he started the meeting.
"We have a new mission today. This one is slightly different from the others, though." He pauses, as he changes the slide he put up for the meeting, "We'll be stopping one of the largest human traffic rings in the country. It isn't really an easy job, and we would've been fine on our own if it wasn't for the countless ability users that they were rumoured to have. So this will have to do."
"We wouldn't be alone in this job?" Dazai asked, legs on table in an uncaring manner. He plays with the pen in his hand, already thinking of a plan for this mission.
Fukuzawa shakes his head, "No. The Port Mafia will be joining us."
At his words, everyone paused. Almost all of the Agency is on the secret mission right now, well, save for Kunikida and Dazai, of course. This will be a great opportunity for Chuuya and Dazai to meet! And also figure out what's been going on between the two.
However, the oblivious Kunikida doesn't seem too thrilled at the fact as he scrunches up his nose in distaste, "Why does it have to be them?"
Immediately, Yosano cut in, hands banging down on the table, leaning forward, "Forget that! Will the higher—ups be there too? Say, the executives or something?"
Turning to the blonde male, the President answers, "Yes, Kunikida, they have been troubling the Port Mafia, lately. Mori—sensei want's to get rid of them as soon as possible." Then he glances at Yosano, "Maybe one or two executives will be there, considering how large this ring is."
Everyone secretly rejoiced at the fact, now they can finally know!
"Alright, now that's out of the way, here is our plan—"
—
Later on that day, the Agency and the mafia stood side by side in front of an abandoned building, not too close to the city. The building seemed like an office once, most likely the company went bankrupt. Even if it looks abandoned, there was no doubt it was used recently with the countless amount of footsteps littered all around in front of the entrance.
Other than that, there weren't really signs of life. Pretty sure, it's a different story inside.
Luckily for the people of the secret mission, Nakahara Chuuya was in all of his glory. Fresh out of France.
Neither the two men of Double Black noticed each other, or maybe they did, but chose to avoid and ignore each other, setting their plans a step back.
"Alright, this is it." Kunikida says as he closed his notebook.
Higuchi nodded from beside him, she then turns behind her and shouts, "We're starting the mission! Everyone in their places!" All of them quickly obeyed, running to their positions in this operation.
A voice cut through to all the commotion as the Agency stared at Nakahara Chuuya's figure coming up to them. The man didn't spare them a glance, however, opting to look at their very own suicidal maniac, "C'mon, Mackerel, it's show time."
To say they were surprise is an understatement, they were really really confused.
Dazai, though, groaned at the sight of his partner, "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." He then turns to his co—workers with a smile, "You guys go, I'll catch up to you after this."
Receiving nods, Dazai got the confirmation he needed and left with the gravity manipulator, bickering all the way.
"What the fuck?"
—
Time passed, and eventually, the building was destroyed, thanks to the two pairs of Double Black and the New Double Black, finally free from the occupants of human traffickers, and with that, the mission was done.
It was a clean wipe out. Some were injured, but nothing the doctor of the Agency can fix. So it was safe to say, it was a successful mission. All of the captives were free, and all people involved in the ring, were captured for the police to take.
But it wasn't a success for the people of the secret mission; Save Double Black's Relationship. To say the least, their plan failed, simple as that.
Double Black never really got to talk, only speaking to each when they needed to for the mission and it bummed them out. Perhaps they needed, one bigger push?
Before they could scheme again, however, Fukuzawa picked up this opportunity to address the situation, "Attention! Thank you for everyone helping today, we really needed your help," He bows, before turning to Hirotsu beside him, "Please send my regards to Mori—sensei."
"Of course, Fukuzawa—san."
Soon enough, all of them decided to pack for the day and ready to head home. And well, that's when it happened.
"Oi, Dazai," The familiar rough voice of one Nakahara Chuuya, called him out in front of the Agency.
Like a whole switch, Dazai immediately began jumping around, a whole 360 degrees from his attitude earlier, when they split up for the mission, "Chuuya~!" He yelled waving enthuastically at the ginger.
The man rolls his eyes, wait a minute— hold up, is that fondness? "C'mon, let's go home. I'll cook you crab since I just came back from my trip."
At his words, Dazai eyes shone like stars in the night sky. He squeals, running up to Chuuya, perching himself to his side like glue, "Welcome back."
Chuuya grinned, chuckling at the other's behavior, "Yeah, yeah, missed you too."
Not noticing the baffled faces of every single person on site, the two walk away, arm in arm with absolutely no idea what they just did to Yokohama.
Watching as their figures leaving, Akutagawa raises a shaky finger, obviously in shock. But all that leaves his lips were, "What—"
"—the actual,"
"Fuck?!"
Then Double Black have the complete audacity, to kiss, not a short one either, mind you, just right in front of their faces. After everything, their friends have gone through just for them.
The complete audacity of these two.
"Wait, so they didn't break up?!"