I have seen everyone else do this so I guess I need to as well.

I own nothing of Bungo Stray Dogs. I only have the privilege of playing with the characters.

Hello every one! This was started merely on a whim.

Please let me know if you like it or hate it. This is my first Fan -Fic.

Any pointers would be greatly welcome.

I decided that separating this into two separate chapters didn't feel right.

Sorry for all the editing. This is more difficult in the beginning.

Dazai's speaking

Everyone else speaking

Dazai's thoughts

Rachel's thoughts

CH 1 Rhythm

-Dazai-

The steady rhythm of the rain seemed to set the tone for the mood in the agency today.

Kunikida was typing at his desk to the same beat without even realizing it.

Ranpo was asleep with his feel on his desk while nearby Atsushi was showing Kyouka a card game he learned in the orphanage to pass the time.

Dazai was watching the rain from the window while humming a song about suicide to annoy his coworker. All the while thinking about that woman he met while being held hostage at the Port Mafia.

She turned out to be crucial in him acquiring the information on who put the bounty out on his little were-tiger. Yet the only thing he knew for certain is that she wasn't a current member of the Mafia.

He knew she had been at one point due to the same tattoo he has on his left wrist. Which she did a particularly poor job of hiding under her gloves.

For some reason, he couldn't remember ever meeting her when he was an executive. Absolutely no recollection of her. He was supposed know everyone of interest. Chuuya knew her thou….

OIIIIII! DAZAAIIIII!

Kunikida had been screaming at him for some time but Dazai had been intentionally ignoring him until now since this one included Kunikida shaking him silly.

Nei, Kinikida don't you know it's rude to interrupt such a beautiful song about suicide?

Its rude for you to ignore someone when they are asking you a question!

Awwweeeee but Kunikida-kun I was just at the best paaartt. Dazai whined at the control freak.

You need to finish and submit your paperwork within thirty minutes or the boss will have all our heads.

He wants a full report of what happened while you were slacking off when we were all tracking down Atsushi.

Eh? Didn't you realize I had already finished and submitted everything last night. The paper work is already on the boss's desk. You can achieve better focus and maintain better posture when you work latter than everyone else.

Really?

Yes, Yes. Hurry you need to write that down.

Oh, yeah right.

-Kunikida starts writing furiously in notebook-

I am messing with you.

DAZAAAAIIIIIIII! -Kunikida dose the classical breaking of pen on notepad then starts yelling and shaking Dazai-

Ranpo-sama do you think he will ever learn? Asked Atsushi

Kunikida already has. My guess is that this is their way of coping with each other. It is relatively entertaining don't you think Atsushi

Yeah, your right. I just wonder if there isn't a better way to do it though.

Did you just say, you find me entertaining? -A fuming Kinikida pushes his glasses up and then reaches to grab Ranpo and Atsushi who promptly jump backwards-

I need to take a walk and get some fresh air. See ya.

You can't just leave now were not finished with our conversation. Says an irritated Kunikida to the back of Dazai as he shut the door to the agency behind him.

Kunikida turns to give the others work to do just to find the room is now empty.

Well Dazai was partially right. I can get more done with no interruptions. Today's is only slightly behind schedule.

-Kunikida returns to his desk and starts typing again-

-Rachel-

Rae was sitting at her favorite café sipping on a latte watching the rain hit the sidewalk and the people who scurried out of the rain as if they would melt into nothingness if they stayed in it too long.

Rain was calming to her. A type of release that she just couldn't find elsewhere. A cleansing that only nature could grant her despite her best efforts. But it also brought with it a memory that she could never get rid of. Or maybe that she just didn't want to forget. One that filed her with hatred for the Port Mafia yet also brought her a divine sense of justice to protect the city that her brother had so loved. He had taught her so many things after her arrival to Yokohama city.

- Flashback -

Rae was sitting outside of a beautiful clock tower in the middle of a garden square enjoying the sunshine. The storm finally broke after almost a week of constant rain. Everything was clean and had a fresh smell with all the flowers opening to greet the sun. A gentle voice said it truly is nice out after a good rain eh? Rae opened her eyes to see a middle-aged man sitting next to her.

She gave him a small smile despite the shock of not hearing the person approach her. Which was unusual at best.

Yes, it is very nice out this evening.

-Rae leaned back and rested with her hands propping her up in a very unladylike fashion-

This made the man chuckle slightly.

Sooooo, what brings you here out directly after such a harsh rainfall? Waiting on someone? Said a strange male voice.

-The man seemed concerned-

I just like the way everything feels right now. Plus, it makes it easier to get through the city when there are less people out. Replied Rachel.

-Rae finished with a small smile-

So, you live close? The strange man asked.

And why is that any of your business? Asked Rachel testily.

You're just a nice girl and there are a lot of creepers out at time like this. Responded the man coolly

-For the first time, she looks directly at the strange man-

Trust me my friend, I can take care of myself. There are very few things that startle me at this point. However, I must say you did and you haven't properly introduced yourself. Are you saying I should be concerned about you? Rachel asks raising an eyebrow.

-The man puts his hands up and waves them around in front of him-

No no no that is not what I meant at all. My deepest apologies. My name is Oda Sakunosuke. You can call me Odasaku. I live in an apartment complex overlooking this square and when I saw that person continuously walking around the edge of the garden with you sitting in the center I figured I would come down to see if you were alright.

-Rae starts giggling almost uncontrollably-

You said all that way too fast, Rae says during her giggle fit.

Well Odasaku my name is Rachel but please call me Rae. I noticed the person you are talking about a while back. He really is not anything worth worrying about but thank you for your concern.

-Odasaku looks at Rae sternly-

Rae that man who was circling the garden is a renowned serial killer. You should take a little more care in your surroundings. Said Odasaku with a stern voice.

Speaking of which Oda-san, I was paying attention to my surroundings. How is it that you could sit next to me without my noticing at all? Asked Rachel sincerely curious.

-Odasaku looks down at his hands palms up-

It's a prerequisite for the type of work I have.

Oh. Rae sighed. I can understand that. Used to do something similar in America. You could say I came to Yokohama to get away from all that mess.

How was that even possible, Odasaku asked.

You could say I ran to Yokohama without any real plans. Rachel said.

-Rae flashes another small smile at Odasaku-

How is that working out for you? Odasaku asked.

-Rae's stomach makes a loud embarrassing noise and she hugs it to quiet it then looks up sheepishly-

Well, not great but could be worse. Rachel said rather quietly.

-Smile-

Come up to my apartment I'll make you some food and we can talk more without prying ears. Odasaku said holding out his hand.

-End Flashback-

-Rae stirs her coffee lost in thought-

Hey Rae-chan I am about to close up shop would you like anything else? The shop owner asked looking slightly concerned about his favorite customer.

No Kumo-san thanks again enjoy your holiday.

Thank you so much for the clock Ray-chan, it adds quite the flair which was missing from my small café.

At least the customers will be entertained for a while.

It's the least I could do to thank you Kumo-san don't mention it.

Ok be safe out there. You know I'll be open again in an hour if you need anything.

-the cuckoo clock trills out the first hour cuckoo and a big eye pops up in the upper door above the little bird-

Will do Kumo-san take care my friend.

I wonder how the river is looking right now, probably should check it out maybe it is high enough this time.

A little background on Rachel's side of things. Now one to the main events and the mystery!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Please Read and Review to let me know how you feel.

I would love to hear from you good and bad.

There are a few chapters pre-written but I am waiting on some friends to review them before publishing.

If any of the character seem to far out of character please let me know.

It seems they have their own personalities when I am writing this. ^_^

I will plan on getting into more mature details latter on in the story.

I do my best to keep them in check and still in the AU.

Thank You so very much.

Until next time. -Flaris23- =^_^=