Disclaimer: I don't own jack!

Birthday Part II

Discord Prompts

Pairing: Poe/Kagome

Crossover Series: Bungou Stray Dogs

Doubt

Poe shifted uncomfortably. He threaded his fingers together over his lap as the woman in front of him scanned over several pages. It was the manuscript for his newest book. As his editor, she often had the first say in what did and did not work. She was gentle yet effective. It was her encouragement that kept him going for so long.

"You've got a really good start here. The characters feel fleshed out and there's enough intrigue to keep the readers interested." She started smoothly, "It's around the middle that things get a little hazy. I get that you want a good reveal at the end but sometimes streamlining the plot needs to take precedence." Azure eyes flicked to his, "Now let's focus our attention on that. What is it that you want to emphasize the most with this section?"

He took a moment to consider what she was saying.

What was it that he wanted to emphasize?

Poe pressed a knuckle to his chin thoughtfully.

The young woman smiled at him, "If you're unsure then let's look at things from another angle. What is it about this section that'll make your ending that much more surprising? Keep your audience in mind when you decide on the path you want to take."

She flipped through the pages once more, "If you like, you can use your ability on me. Being able to see this first hand might give us a better idea of where we can improve."

His face suddenly paled.

Send her… inside?

"I can't do that!" Poe waved his hands frantically, "It's too dangerous! There's fifteen murderers and over a hundred suspects! Even if the book itself has a decided ending, you could be in very real danger!"

It wasn't that he didn't trust her. Far from it. She was the first person who truly accepted his work and didn't mock him. She praised his skill with the pen and fought hard to help him improve his craft.

The last thing he wanted to do was put her life at risk.

Her smirk softened, "I had a feeling you'd say that. So I decided to call in an acquaintance."

She tipped her head over her shoulder, "Come on in, Ranpo."

The door swung open, revealing his friend and rival. The man's lips were pulled in its usual cheshire smirk.

"We meet again," The male teased. "This young lady called me over with an urgent request so I found that I couldn't deny her. Now then, where is this new book I've been hearing so much about?"

Poe scrambled to grab at the manuscript.

"It's not ready yet!" His eyes went wide as he glanced between the two of them. "When I show it to you, I want it to be at its best!"

It wouldn't be much of a challenge if he presented Ranpo with something that was half-finished at best. He wanted to do this right.

Ranpo puffed his cheeks out in a pout, "Well that's no fun. Here I was hoping you'd be all for it. Very well, I suppose I'll just have to entertain myself."

He turned to face his editor.

"Would you mind showing me the way back? I'm not very good at navigating the train station." Emerald eyes flicked over her form in an appreciative manner.

If Kagome noticed then she spoke nothing of it.

"Of course, will Atsushi or Kunikida be waiting for you at the station?" Her smile remained light as she spoke to him.

Poe swallowed thickly.

For some reason the thought of those two alone bothered him. It caused his skin to raise uncomfortably. He wanted to talk to her, but more specifically, he didn't want Ranpo to look at her like that. It'd disturbed him.

"They're waiting there right now," Ranpo's cheshire grin grew even wider. "But if you wanted to grab some lunch…"

Poe pushed at his back.

"I'll walk you there myself," He ushered his friend towards the door. "Kagome would you mind watching Karl for me?"

He didn't wait for her to respond before he'd gotten his friend out the door of his office and down the corridor.

Ranpo cocked his head over his shoulder, "You know I wasn't going to say anything but you've got it bad, don't you?" Emerald eyes lightened at the flush that he knew burned in his cheeks. "Here's a hint, if you want her to look at you then make sure she knows how you feel. It'll take only one instant before that chance is gone. Better get a move on."

Poe stared after his friend's retreating back.

Had he just helped him?

He shook his head. That didn't matter!

Ranpo was right about one thing.

He had to tell her.

Kagome was more than just his editor. She was his inspiration—his muse.

Poe clenched his fists, "I'll do it!"

His stomach coiled nervously as he made his way back.

Whatever happened from this point forward would be up to her. Regardless, he wouldn't hide it.

Not anymore.