July, 2016

Yokohama

"Yes ma'am," Atsushi replied, holding the phone between his ear and shoulder as he quickly typed out the order. "And you want the orange roses?" He deflated a little. "No problem. Orange roses represent support and happiness and are typically used to express gratitude. Yellow roses symbolize…" he trailed off. "Oh, you don't like yellow." He scribbled in his notes even though the order had previously stated 'yellow' and 'orange.' "No problem. We will have your order ready for you. Have a good-"

Bleep.

Atsushi placed the phone down with a tired sigh, already feeling like he had run a marathon from that one call. Placing the order in despite his eyelids burning, he inhaled the sweet scent of the shop. The backroom contained all of Dazai's personal plants; the basil he was desperate to save, the hydrangeas he was experimenting with, and the potted succulents Atsushi was so attentive over.

He sat at the desk with the warm sun caressing his back from the window that overlooked the garden. Closing his eyes, Atsushi withstood the deep desire to curl up beneath the sunbeam and rest.

The sharp ringing of the phone rudely jolted him out of his comfortable lull. Scrambling for the phone, he cleared his throat. " Eve's Vineyard and daffodils rock," Atsushi supplied. "How may I help you?"

"Yes, I am looking to place an order that spells out incompetent, fool, and wasted bandages."

Atsushi brightened up, a smile blooming across his face. "Geraniums and yellow carnations with white roses."

The caller harrumphed. "I'll take a dozen if it means my coworker will drag his sorry ass back to work."

Atsushi sat back with a grin. The tightness in his shoulders relaxed. "I thought today was his day off."

"Today is," Kunnikida growled. "Yesterday was not."

"Ah. I thought it was a bit suspicious when I woke up to the smell of warm pancakes yesterday."

"So that idiot can cook!" There was a long pause. "Or you were poisoned."

"I think I'll be fine," Atsushi chuckled. "Do you still want those orders?"

"It might be a waste on him," Kunnikida grumbled. He sighed. "How are you anyway kid? It's been a while since you stopped by."

Atsushi felt a twinge of guilt tug at his heart. The Agency was a place he would normally visit. Seeing Tanizaki and Naomi outside of school was pleasant, and there was something special about seeing Dazai in his work element while he bugged Kunnikida.

Atsushi glanced at his wrist where the long sleeves of his shirt hid the tattoo, the tattoo he proudly displayed at school yet hid at home.

"I know," he answered. "We've been good. Business has been steady and Dazai is looking forward to the cherry trees blooming. I'm really looking forward to school ending."

"That's in a few days," Kunnikida huffed. "You feel confident about your exam score?"

"Of course!" Atsushi exclaimed. "I had a great tutor." Kunnikida, drawing on his teaching experience, had been a relentless tutor, drilling equations and quizzes into Atsushi's head that he began to see pi in his sleep.

"Well that's good," Kunnikida said, a bit of the bluster fading from his voice. "I am…sorry I have to do this to you, but when you get the chance, make sure Dazai calls me before the day is out."

Atsushi straightened up. "Is there trouble?"

"Nothing we can't handle," Kunnikida assured, or attempted to by the way his voice softened. "But it would be helpful to have all hands on deck."

Atsushi swallowed as his gut clenched with worry. "Okay," he said with forced cheer. "I'll be sure he gets the message."

He stared at the phone for several minutes, long after Kunnikida had hung up. It wasn't unusual for Dazai to sometimes spend nights at the Agency, depending on how busy they'd be.

It was almost time to close their doors for the day. It was more of a side business, a way for Dazai to earn extra income from his hobby. It was nice to steal those few hours of alone time together.

Atsushi pushed off of the bench and glanced at the back window. He could make out the lone figure working tirelessly in the garden. The sun was still warm and cast a honey-brown shine to Dazai's hair.

Atsushi stepped out onto the emerald green lawn, the scent of pink petals and greenery washing over him. He made his way over to where Dazai was picking at the small tomato plants, the small bucket by his side slightly filled with red cherry tomatoes or various red and orange hues.

"I might just curl up here and take a nap," Dazai said, standing up from his work. The knees of his pants were dirty and slightly damp, but his eyes were invigorated.

Atsushi grinned. "You might need it. Kunnikida called."

Dazai sighed, a smile still playing on his lips. "Oh? And how is my little Kuni-chan doing?"

"He ordered Geraniums and yellow carnations with a side of white roses."

"How sweet!" Dazai removed his gloves, picking up the bucket. "But I think red roses would suit the mood, don't you think?"

Atsushi followed Dazai back into the house. "Sure. It'll match the blood rushing to his head. Best to leave the thorns on as a metaphor."

"Now when did you get to be such a smart-mouth?" He dropped the gloves on the counter. Despite the protective layer, there was still dirt staining his nails. The teasing tone in his voice did not waver.

Atsushi sat on the swivel chair, grinning. "I had a role model."

"I need to talk to Yosano about that." Dazai fingered one of the green plants in the pot, running the green stem between his fingers.

The creak of the swivel chair as Atsushi sat down was the only sound in the room, aside from Dazai's shuffling around the room. It took Atsushi a moment to realize why this seemed so off. Normally, Dazai would chat away about anything to fill the silence.

He waited one more beat, but when Dazai moved to fill a small canister with water without saying anything, Atsushi sighed.

"So," he started.

"Ah, so you've found me out," Dazai interrupted, throwing him a smile over his shoulder. "You'd make a great detective."

Atsushi blinked. "So…there is something going on?" Worry formed in the pit of his stomach. "Do you have to work overnight? Kunnikida did say-"

Dazai shrugged, wiping his hands on a towel. "I will eventually. There's been some concerning movement on the Mafia's part, but nothing incriminating just yet." His smile, the false one that was reassuring to others, crossed his features. "But when school is out, I was thinking we could go somewhere. Your grades have been good?"

Atsushi rolled his eyes. "You know my grades have been good." All thanks, Atsushi would silently admit, to Akutagawa who tirelessly worked on quiz him on every single detail. Both Akutagawa and Kunnikida, if they ever met, would have been a terrifying educational force. Atsushi knew that there were two different types of students: the math students and the literature students. Somehow, Akutagawa managed to achieve both.

"If we are going to study together," he had said, "then I will not have you falling behind."

He still smiled fondly at Akutagawa's rough tone, the exasperation and worry coloring his words as he snagged a pen from the cup and scribbled in elaborate writing on the crisp white paper.

"As expected," Dazai continued, pulling Atsushi out of his thoughts. "There's this nice little resort with a hot spring a few hours away. I was thinking we could go there to celebrate your survival of yet another term."

It was said with such sincerity and hope that Atsushi felt every fiber in his being freeze. He stared at Dazai who was conveniently looking at the small plants in the pot. Sensing such young eyes on him, Dazai looked up and smiled at Atsushi.

"Really?" Atsushi breathed. "A vacation for the two of us?"

Dazai huffed. "Have I really deprived you of such-"

"No, no!" Atsushi exclaimed, leaping down. "That's not what I-" he stopped when he saw Dazai's teasing grin. Sitting back, Atsushi felt his face heat up as he looked away. "Jerk," he muttered.

"How mean!" Dazai whined. "And here I am, the so-called jerk, taking you out on vacation." His expression shifted, hiding the impish delight. "But what's with the reaction?"

A swirl of emotions filled Atsushi, and he could only smile softly. He shrugged. How could he explain that he would feel safer and happier knowing that Dazai was away from danger? A few hours away from the inner city and the late nights, and he wouldn't have to stay up with worry, wondering if the front door would never open.

But still, Dazai was waiting expectantly for an answer, and Atsushi was not going to leave him believing that he had deprived Atsushi of such a wonderful childhood.

"It's just…we've never done something like this before."

Dazai's smile held a touch of sadness, and Atsushi caught it before he had turned away to focus on one of the plants. "I know."

Atsushi's thoughts did stray to Akutagawa. While they never openly spoke about how they planned to use their time off from school, Atsushi wondered what Akutagawa would do to keep himself occupied.

Atsushi shoved the thought away. Whatever. Akutagawa would be fine. He always fussed that Atsushi was too clingy anyway.

xXx

April 14, 2006

Yokohama

His hands burned from the effort of holding on to the monkey bars, yet his stubborn fingers refused to uncurl and let go. Pumping his legs, Atsushi worked to swing upwards before hooking his legs onto the bars. With a triumphant grin, he hung upside down to stare at his companion.

In response, Akutagawa grunted, unimpressed. "Foolish monkeys and smoke share a liking for high places."

"I'm working on my muscles!" Atsushi continued to swing, feeling the blood rush to his head. The dizzying effect filled him with ecstatic glee, and he held on for a precious few minutes. He pulled himself up, feeling his breath pinch for a bit, before he was sitting upright on the monkey bars. "Come up!"

Akutagawa merely leaned against the rails. "No thanks."

Atsushi felt a pout form. "But I want to talk to you!"

"We're talking right now."

"But not face-to-face."

"Then come down."

Atsushi rolled his eyes. It had been over a month since Akutagawa had broken into his bedroom. He had yet to figure out why, even with his dismissive attitude, that Atsushi still sought the moody child out.

He briefly contemplated climbing down and forsaking his precious high place on the monkey bars, when a snide voice cut through.

"Hey, move it!"

Banging his knee against the bar in his startlement, Atsushi stared down at the rude interloper. "There's room." Although he didn't like the idea of making room for someone else, especially someone he was not familiar with, the concept of sharing had been drilled into him so thoroughly that it was one of his core ideals.

Green eyes glared up at him. "I'm not sharing with you."

"Don't listen to him," Akutagawa shouted. "Stand your ground."

"I can't stand," Atsushi trembled, tightening his hold on the bars. "It's dangerous up here."

Akutagawa rolled his eyes. "Idiot." With a snap of his book, Akutagawa sprung from his position on the ground and began climbing up the monkey bars.

"We're not going anywhere," Akutagawa declared, hanging from the bars and pulling himself up.

The kid scowled and grabbed Akutagawa's dangling foot. "I said get down!"

"Let go of me," Akutagawa ordered, swinging his foot and kicking the kid in the shoulder.

A horrified gasp emerged from his mouth. "You kicked me!"

"So what?" Akutagawa positioned himself right behind Atsushi. Emboldened with the presence of his friend, Atsushi tightened his grip on the bars and stared defiantly down. The added height and comfort of another's warm body next to his surrounded him like a cocoon, and a rush of power settled within him.

The kid stomped his foot. "I'm going to tell the teacher!"

"I'll tell her you tried to pull me down," Akutagawa snipped.

"My mom will come and the teacher will listen to her and not you because your dad is too young and my mom is old!"

"So old she'll be in a coffin."

Worried that a gush of tears would explode as a result of Akutagawa's latest barrage, Atsushi knocked his shoulder into his friend. "Be nice, and don't joke about death" he admonished. "And you too," he said, glaring at the kid. "It's not nice to make fun of other parents!"

"I don't have to be kind to lowlifes like you!" the kid screamed. "Especially with bastard baby making machines!"

Atsushi blinked as his heart gave a sudden twitch, like he was uncomfortably assaulted with a needle to his chest. It was too hard to swallow, he was too high up, he felt dizzy, and he longed for the feeling of the ground beneath his feet.

"I think I want to get down," he whispered to Akutagawa. He didn't wait for Akutagawa's response. His clammy hands clamped down on the bars, and he was losing his balance and falling. Electric shockwaves traveled from his feet to his ankles, and he stumbled to the ground. The intrusive rubber mulch dirtied his pants, and he was suddenly staring up at his glaring classmate. The kid sneered, and Atsushi realized that there was a significant height difference between the two of them. He was aware that he was such a small child, but the reminder of that fact made him want to crawl away.

Now he knew why Dazai was so insistent that he eat his vegetables.

Atsushi squirmed. "Please move."

"Why? Am I bothering you?"

Be strong. Just like Dazai. Be nice. Don't cause trouble for Dazai.

Atsushi let out a trembling breath. "Yes."

"You gonna go cry? Cry to your mommy!"

Atsushi blinked. "I…I don't have a mommy." He didn't feel like he was going to cry. But when he did cry, Dazai had the best hugs that always put Atsushi to sleep.

"You don't have a mommy because your dad is a kid like you and got hooked on drugs." He poked at Atsushi's chest. "Now get lost drug-baby-"

Atsushi wasn't aware that Akutagawa had leapt down from the bars. Unlike Atsushi, he had not lost his footing when he landed. He was a dark blurr, standing between Atsushi and the kid.

The punch sent the kid falling back. Akutagawa was breathing hard, eyes hardened as he stood in front of Atsushi. Stinging, warm tears bit at the back of Atsushi's eyes, and he bit his lip to keep it from trembling.

"He doesn't do drugs!" Atsushi wailed, embarrassed that he couldn't keep his voice from trembling.

"He's not worth your tears," Akutagawa grumbled. The kid was now on the ground, crying and holding his nose. Atsushi started forward to help.

"Please stop crying," he begged. "We'll get in trouble."

The kid's eyes flashed and he scurried away, his cries turning into screams. A few kids stopped to stare at the commotion before returning to their activities.

Atsushi felt sick, but Akutagawa tugged on his arm. "C'mon," the dark-haired boy said. "You wanted to play on the slide, right?"

He did. But that only resulted in both of them hiding in the tunnels. A few kids poked their heads in, but upon seeing that the tunnels were occupied, they merely scurried on, their joyous screams muffled.

Atsushi hugged his knees to his chest, trembling.

"What if he can never smell again?" Atsushi trembled. "And his nose falls off?"

Akutagawa shrugged, unconcerned. "Serves him right. Chuuya always said something about life-lessons."

Atsushi brightened up only slightly. "Oh? So you taught him something?"

"Yeah. To never talk about you or…or Dazai like that."

Atsushi hugged his knees tighter. "Dazai doesn't do drugs," he whispered vehemently. "They're the bad things."

Akutagawa was quiet for a moment before he moved closer. "Want to go down the slide?"

Atsushi shook his head. "I want to stay here. Like hide-in-seek."

"Who's looking for us?"

"The teacher."

When the bell rang, Atsushi dully emerged from the tunnel with Akutagawa confidently leading the way. Atsushi fiddled with his hands, glancing at Akutagawa's and wishing desperately that he could hold it. Instead, he settled for tugging on Akutagawa's sleeve.

They didn't make it far into the classroom before they were intercepted by a teacher. They were brought to an office that Atsushi had never seen before, but one that Akutagawa seemed to know the location for.

Atsushi hung his head low like a guilty martyr. He sneaked a glance at Akutagawa who was sitting in the chair, hands folded on his lap while staring up at the angry mother of the child he had punched.

Atsushi felt the intense fear and shame build up. He had never gotten in trouble before. He had been terrified when he heard that they were calling Dazai because of this incident. What was going to happen? Did he have to stay at school by himself? His eyes darted around the room in search for the elusive ruler the teacher usually carried.

What was going to happen to Akutagawa? He didn't seem concerned, but then again, he never looked concerned or worried. He stood straight and tall, staring up at the mother as she shook her finger at him.

His eyes landed on the kid who was sitting in the corner, bandages on his nose. Why had he said that about Dazai? What did it matter if he didn't have a mom?

Akutagawa looked past the mother and stared squarely at the teacher. "I was taught that lying was wrong. So no, I will not say I am sorry."

Amidst the guilt and turmoil, warmth and admiration swelled up within Atsushi's chest, and he could only stare in awe at the brave stance his new best friend was taking.

Atsushi puffed up his chest, suddenly filled with determination. "I take back my apology!"

The mother rounded on him, and Atsushi squeaked, trembling at the sudden and intense focus of her glare. But no, Akutagawa had not shown any fear. He had stared the adults straight in the eye.

"Don't get mad at him just because he's honestly revealed where you failed as a parent," Akutagawa quipped. "You raised a bully to pick on orphans."

Feeling the need to contribute, Atsushi stuttered. "Yeah! And you're angry because…because you're mean and he's nice!"

This time, Atsushi did not squeak as the mother turned her enraged gaze on him. No, he was too breathless from his outburst for that.

The door burst open, and Atsushi's gaze was drawn to the small figure at the door, and his eyes widened. Dazai was gripping the doorknob, breathing heavily as if he had sprinted down the halls. His coat was open to reveal his rumbled shirt with one sleeve not fully rolled down to reveal crisp white bandages.

The tears sprung in Atsushi's eyes once more, rolling down his cheeks. Dazai had come from work? How much trouble was he really in?

Dazai's concerned gaze landed on him. Open honesty and worry clouded his pale features as he hurried into the room. Atsushi didn't even remember running to him. He was just suddenly clinging to Dazai, wishing he was back home and curled up on the couch.

"What happened?" he heard Dazai demand. "You said he got into a fight?"

"He was involved in a fight," the teacher corrected.

"They said I don't have a mommy!" Atsushi quipped through tears.

"So he hit my son just because of one comment," the mother huffed. "This is why some people shouldn't be parents." She narrowed her gaze. "And you're too young to have children anyway."

Dazai shot the woman a bitter smile. "Older women like you preying on young men like me contribute to the problem."

The words were snatched from the mother's mouth. She gaped as if deprived of air. "Y-you should be raising a better example for your child!"

Feeling the desperate need to defend Dazai, Atsushi pulled back to glare. "He's not my dad!"

Dazai stiffened before rising up. Atsushi still clung to his hand, mourning the feeling of warmth he had previously received.

"Atsushi," Dazai looked down at him. "Did you hit your classmate?"

Atsushi opened his mouth, only to close it. He didn't want to get Akutagawa in trouble. It felt like a betrayal. His friend had been so brave and had not said anything that would get Atsushi in trouble. His gaze shifted over to where Akutagawa had been, only to find the space empty.

Good. At least he was able to escape. Akutagawa had always told him to be strong and get rid of his weakness. He had given him the tools, and Atsushi would make his friend proud!

Just imagining Akutagawa's impressed face at his boldness caused Atsushi to straighten up. He looked back up at Dazai. "I took back my apology because I'm not sorry. They said bad stuff about you."

Instead of a beaming smile of pride, the tired gaze in Dazai's eyes only deepened. Still, he fixed the teacher with a look, and Atsushi realized just how big all of the adults were in the room compared to Dazai.

Dazai pulled his hand from Atsushi's grip to fold them before him. Rooted to the spot, Atsushi did not move even as he craved to burrow as close to Dazai as possible.

"I apologize," Dazai started. "I have clearly not taught him well. You see, he was raised in a loving home, a home I am trying to recreate." He paused to let out a breath. "I will teach him to throw a proper punch so that your son's suffering is quick when his nose falls off."

Atsushi's wide-eyed gaze turned on Dazai despite the sudden uproar in the room. Dazai's lips twitched into a smirk, and he was holding Atsushi's hand again.

xXx

Akutagawa scrambled down the halls. Normally, he would wait in the office until Chuuya came in to save him from another lecture.

But when he saw Dazai standing in that doorway, and how Dazai was looking at Atsushi with such concern and…and emotion, it hurt.

And terrified him.

He suddenly couldn't breathe. His lungs had pinched, and eyes widened with such fear he nearly went blind. He was running out the door, his escape undetected, with no clear destination in mind. There were several places he could hide and wait for the school day to be over, and he desperately grasped at those locations, trying to settle on his next course of action.

So absorbed in his own thoughts, he didn't notice the individual he ran into. His lungs screamed for air at the impact, but firm hands grabbed him to prevent him from falling back.

"Oh no you don't," a familiar voice sighed.

Akutagawa looked up with wide, terrified eyes.

Chuuya began dragging him back to the very same office he had fled from.

The office Dazai was still in.

"Trying to escape, huh? I'm actually curious to see what trouble you've gotten into this time."

Akutagawa stared at the looming hallway, fear clawing at his throat.

What would happen to Dazai if Chuuya saw him? What would happen to Chuuya? Atsushi was still in there, probably crying and clinging to his guardian. What would happen if Dazai laid eyes on Akutagawa for the first time in over a year?

He couldn't…he couldn't take it. He couldn't take those cold, disapproving eyes landing on him, the eyes that once glowed with such warmth and concern for Atsushi. Warmth that he was capable of sharing but one that Akutagawa was not worthy of.

A sniffle caused Chuuya to stop in his tracks before he whirled around to see Akutagawa holding back tears.

"H-hey!" Chuuya exclaimed, startled. "Why are you crying?"

"I-I'm not," Akutagawa choked, rubbing his eyes. But they had stopped walking, so he could finally breathe again. He sucked in a shuddering breath, willing the tears to absorb back into his eyes where they belonged.

Chuuya kneeled down, observing him with worried eyes. "Hey, it's okay. I'm right here. What happened?"

Akutagawa nearly folded in on himself. They were still dangerously close to the door. The room where Dazai was in. If Dazai and Chuuya were to see each other…Chuuya was still wearing his black coat. Did that mean he came back from work? What would happen?

More hot burning tears trailed down his face despite his furious rubbing. Anger and despair made itself known in his stifled sobs. "I…I want to go home," he hiccupped. "P-please."

To his startlement, Chuuya scooped him up. "Okay. We're going home." To Akutagawa's disbelief and relief, they were walking towards the exit. "I'll talk to your teacher later." His hand rested reassuringly on Akutagawa's head as they left the building, the sun burning at Akutagawa's unshed tears. He buried his head further into Chuuya's shoulder, sniffling.

"I hit someone," he confessed, voice raw and ashamed.

Chuuya sighed. "Did you now?" He didn't sound surprised. The school was fading away at Chuuya's rapid pace. There was no motorcycle around. Had he walked here?

That was when Akutagawa's eyes fell on a black car sitting at the edge of the road. Akutagawa clung to Chuuya's coat. It had been months since he had seen a Mafia member. He wasn't ready yet.

But Chuuya stormed past the car, keeping his gaze fixed firmly ahead. Moments later, the engine of the car started before it drove away.

Akutagawa's grip on Chuuya relaxed. "They called my friend's…dad a bad word because he doesn't have a mom."

Chuuya's steps faltered. "Well, I hope they learned their lesson, and I hope you learned yours. I'll teach you how to deal out punishments without getting caught."

"Okay." Akutagawa's tears had dried, his face red and raw and his eyes itchy. But he felt his emotions settle as the air filled his lungs once more. The pounding in his head did not lessen, so he merely kept his head resting on Chuuya's shoulder, feeling the comforting weight of Chuuya's hand on his back.

xXx

June 2016

Yokohama

There was nothing significant in the notebook that Akutagawa was staring at. He was merely doodling aimlessly, watching the ticking clock.

Chuuya moved through the space with a loud, powerful presence. His voice was not boisterous, but his movements were. Every footstep, every tool he handled delicately, brought a sound that Akutagawa knew to immediately associate with Chuuya.

It was comforting, falling back into the lull. He preferred it to the silence that often occupied the space.

The books were all updated, the store was closed but the blinds were still pulled back. Akutagawa was glad they didn't have windows facing Atsushi's house. Stepping outside, if one really looked, the flower shop was easily seen through the foliage.

Chuuya walked past him, carrying a broom and a dustpan. His hair was pulled up in a high ponytail, yet several strands were escaping to frame his face.

Akutagawa watched him. "I already swept the floor."

"Yeah, well some jerk was shedding and left their residue all over the place." Though he couldn't see it, Akutagawa could just imagine that Chuuya was scowling. "Are we running a barbershop?"

Akutagawa stood up, peeking into the parlor. "Did you have to shave his arm?"

"No! That's the thing. I don't even know where all this hair came from!"

Chuuya's grumbling and the sound of the sharp broom sweeping against the hardwood floors washed over Akutagawa, only for the sound of the bell above the door to invade the peace.

"We're closed," Chuuya said, not looking up. "Come back to make an appointment tomorrow."

"No exceptions for a dear friend?" The voice was milky smooth, creamy and soft. Akutagawa's eyes widened, yet he forced himself to remain seated.

Chuuya was equally surprised, head snapping up at the newcomer. "Ane-san," he greeted, a smile warming his tone.

"I was expecting a warmer welcome," Kouyou said, leaving her parasol at the door before fixing her gaze on Akutagawa. Her very presence filled the room, touching every hidden corner, and Akutagawa closed his notebook out of reflex.

"Let me see the little one," she cooed, striding forward with the grace of a fay queen. Akutagawa stood rigidly, spine straight and shoulders tight.

Kouyou examined his face with a smile. "Oh my, you are certainly growing." She clucked her tongue. "Chuuya, how dare you keep him hidden from the rest of us. You really should bring him around more often."

Chuuya dropped a rag into the bucket beneath a bench but did not grace her with a comment. "You here for an appointment?"

"I'm here to check in on my two boys," she replied.

Akutagawa used this opportunity to duck into the kitchen area. Kouyou's flowery perfume still clogged his senses, and he coughed. Making tea busied his hands and gave him an excuse to avert his eyes.

Kouyou was already sitting down demurely, watching the place with a critical eye. Akutagawa did his best to remain alert without being completely obvious that he was watching her every move. Why was she here? Was it for a meeting? Chuuya would have said something about it. It crossed his mind for a brief moment that this could be a courtesy call, yet the Mafia didn't do that. Everyone seemed to respect the fact that Chuuya did not want to be disturbed in his personal life, and any business was conducted outside of the home.

Chuuya helped him gather the cups, and they both fell into a rhythm. Akutagawa glanced at him and noticed how Chuuya's eyes were shifting at every sound, mouth placed in a firm line. But when he turned to Kouyou, he was back to portraying a lazy grin.

"What does the boss want this time?"

Kouyou sipped her tea. "I am not his messenger, so how would I know?" She focused on Akutagawa. "Now, tell me, how is school?"

Akutagawa shrugged. "School has been good."

"He finishes in a few days," Chuuya added. "Perfect scores on everything."

Akutagawa stared, unaware that Chuuya knew about that. Well, of course he would, but it wasn't anything to brag about. Now, if he was Atsushi, then yes, brag because it was such a rare feat to effortlessly pass, what with his studying habits as a chaotic yet well-meaning student.

Kouyou sighed. "Ah, I remember those times. Just like you when you were his age."

"I didn't go to school," Chuuya muttered, sipping his tea. "And I was sixteen."

"Are you doing anything special to celebrate his achievements?"

Chuuya's eyes flickered over to Akutagawa, open yet hesitant. He was looking to Akutagawa to take the lead.

Akutagawa stirred his cup, hesitant to reply. What achievements? For doing what he was supposed to do? For earning his keep? It all seemed tedious.

He was saved from the uncomfortable question when the phone rang. Akutagawa jumped, desperate to grab it. He looked at the phone and kept his face neutral.

"Excuse me," he muttered, moving out of the room, feeling Chuuya's gaze on him. He still felt like his open blue eyes were staring at him through the walls, so he ducked into the hall to sit at the stairs. Once seated at the bottom step, he answered the phone with a sharp hiss. "You idiot! Why would you call now?"

"Well, I saw a suspicious black car pull up and a vaguely familiar red-haired woman in a pink kimono enter the building," Atsushi purred. "I wondered if you were in need of rescue. Or," his voice lowered conspiratorially. "Are you hosting an illegal meet?"

Akutagawa rolled his eyes. "What a fool. What did you really call for?"

Atsushi was silent for several moments. "I just…wanted to check in on you. That's all."

"Did Dazai find out about the tattoo?"

"What? No!"

"Good." He lowered his voice. "We'll have to talk later."

"That bad huh? That's fine. I'll see you at our usual spot. I got candy!"

He rolled his eyes again. "I want dark chocolate with raisins."

"Gross." But despite the protest, Akutagawa knew there would be a bag of chocolate covered raisins waiting for him at their next meet-up.

He stared at the phone, even long after he had hung up. The blinking blue light stared back at him, like a teasing wink.

He leaned against the wall, gathering his thoughts and savoring the silence and moment away from the two individuals in the room.

He could hear the soft murmurs of Chuuya and Kouyou in the other room. If he strained his hearing, he could make out Chuuya's deep tone and the whisper of Kouyou's voice.

He hesitated, relishing the comfort of the dark. He was well comfortable with allowing Chuuya to take care of this situation.

xXx

"No wine?"

Kouyou's teasing tone had Chuuya raising his eyebrow. He held his teacup like he would normally hold a glass of wine. "I'm guessing I have to work, and I don't drink on the job."

"Now why would you think that?"

"Because as much as I enjoy your company, Ane-san," he set his cup down, "I know you don't make house calls. Does the boss need me for something?"

"He always needs something," she hummed. "But no, consider this a premonition." She tapped her finger. "And a blessing. My guess is…you might fulfill your goal before Akutagawa graduates."

Chuuya started, eyes wide. "What?"

Kouyou smiled. "Mori runs things differently, but he is an honorable man, Chuuya. He has not forgotten your conditions for staying."

Clenching his gloves fists to hide the trembling, Chuuya let out a breath. "After all these years…with no clue…and he decides now-?"

"Don't let your emotions get the best of you." Her tone was not yet sharp, but the warning was present. "Many go far longer without getting what they want. Most die before that even happens. But you are exceptional. Mori recognizes that."

Chuuya looked down. The tea in his cup was suddenly too bitter for his taste. "Do we even know…is she alright?"

Kouyou shrugged. "She is one of our top assassins, and a lieutenant of the Black Lizard. What more is there to say? Really, she's breathtaking."

All information Chuuya already knew. All common knowledge among the Port Mafia. He tightened his grip on his cup, biting down his impatience.

Kouyou sipped her tea, peering at Chuuya beneath her long lashes. "But, if you want a personal statement about her health and well-being, you will have to ask Hirotsu."

Chuuya's sigh came out like a hiss. "You know I can't." He looked up, despite the sinking of his hope. "What do you know? How did you find out about this information?"

"I only know that you will enjoy the fruits of your labor sooner if you act now. This is merely a warning. You might want to stay on base for a few days." Her expression softened. "I understand that you have qualms about leaving the boy. He is always welcome at the office."

Chuuya's frown deepened. Instead of answering, he downed the rest of his drink.

After a moment of silence, Chuuya spoke. "When do you need me?"

"The car is ready whenever you are."

His heart sank lower, but he nodded sagely. He ignored how Kouyou rose from her seat. "The tea was wonderful," she complimented, before gliding out of the room.

Chuuya just stared at the fading light of the windows, already wanting to crawl into bed and trap himself in the blankets.

Eventually, he would have to get up and clean the teacups. Eventually, he would have to lock the house down and ensure that Akutagawa did not starve. The boy had such poor taste in food, and he had to monitor to make sure he ate everything on his plate.

It was easier now that he was older…but as a child…the struggles it took to have him keep food down-

He cut off that thought, grabbing the cups and storming to the kitchen. With unnecessary carelessness, he dropped the mugs into the sink, only to scowl and pick them up to reexamine them for any chips.

His anger was not directed at Kouyou. She had done all she could to provide him with this life, a life with one foot in the dark of the mafia and the other in the light of a potential family. He needed to remain in that light for Akutagawa's sake. With each passing year, as Akutagawa came closer to graduation and success away from the criminal underworld, Chuuya felt like he could breathe.

Until he remembered that this was Mori's city. Mori had made his displeasure known about the loss of Akutagawa's potential abilities in the mafia.

"If one could show such rapid potential at a young age, imagine what we could do with two."

Chuuya banished the thought from his head, the smooth voice of his boss pulling away like a chilly fog. He respected Mori, but he drew the line at creating child-soldiers.

There was a reason there was an extra, untouched bedroom in the home. Although Akutagawa passed by the room, he never asked why it seemed like Chuuya was preparing for another permanent visitor.

Akutagawa was suddenly beside him, towel in hand and drying the mugs before Chuuya even registered his presence. He stared at him, noting that Akutagawa was taller than him now. The summer was kind to him, unlike it had been to Chuuya. He was still so small, the large sweaters hiding the once sickly frame.

Akutagawa's gaze flickered over to him, and he shot him a curious look. The last mug he was drying was suddenly tight in his hand. "Something wrong?"

Chuuya leaned into the counter, biting back a sigh. "I have to go in."

A beat of silence. Then, "okay."

Chuuya did not look up, withholding his flinch. "Just for a few days."

The sound of a cup being placed on the counter was unnervingly loud. "Okay."

He swallowed. "Kouyou's waiting for me."

"Then go." Akutagawa was drying the sink area, gaze fixed firmly ahead. "I've got this covered."

His words were locked, stuck in his throat. There was so much he wanted to tell him, so much he wished to share. But every day, he feared he would receive word that the deal with Mori was off, shattering Akutagawa's tentative hope.

Chuuya pushed away from the counter. "There's soup in the fridge. I expect it to be gone-eaten, not flushed down the drain-when I get back." He hesitated. "Normal bedtime, homework…lock the doors."

Akutagawa only nodded, scrubbing furiously at the sink.

Chuuya grabbed his hat and shrugged on his coat. The sound of the sink's running water and the clattering of dishes followed him like persistent bullets, yet he did not look back. With a finality that caused Chuuya to wince, the door closed behind him, leaving Akutagawa alone in the kitchen with the fading light.