Work Text:
Tonight, there is no full moon. Tonight, there are no stars. Tonight, there is no complete darkness. Tonight… is just a dull night.
Atsushi puts his pen down. Looking over what he has written, his gaze shifts to his window. Outside, the sun is beginning to set and the sky is no longer blue. Shifting towards the window, Atsushi looks out to stare as his newly planted flowers.
Yesterday was his birthday and he received these flowers from everyone, along with additional individual gifts from each member of the Agency. He’s happy with all the gifts, wanting to cherish each and every one. But, his soft smile changes when his expression turns contemplative. Atsushi weirdly feels hollow, not sure as to why. It’s not like he’s discontent, but he simply feels empty, melancholic.
Standing up from where he sits, Atsushi decides that taking a walk will be a nice break from his writing. He changes out of his lounge wear, and puts on some beige capri pants, a light blue T-shirt, and a dark blue hoodie. Putting on his socks and shoes, Atsushi leaves his apartment and begins to walk. He walks and walks, past a pot, past a weed, past a cat. The cat follows.
Walking till he reaches a port, the cat behind him, he sits down and watches the sun slowly disappear behind the horizon. The cat settles next to him and Atsushi watches how it’s hair ruffles from the strong winds.
“Why are you here?”
A question that leaves Atsushi’s mouth. Is the question for himself? For the cat? No, it’s ultimately for himself. He will have to live with himself for the rest of his life. Where does this emptiness go? Looking back at the sea, Atsushi stares at the movement of the ocean, its ripples and waves.
‘I live for myself. I live for my happiness. And my happiness is the people around me. Yes. My purpose? Is this my purpose? Or is this too much? Is this so important? No. There is no denying allowed any longer. I will grow too.’
Atsushi’s eyes focus once more, no longer glazed from staring at the ocean. The sun is barely peeking over the horizon now. Standing up and moving his legs around to dissipate the stiffness, the cat is now leaving. The cat, a beautiful black cat, sleek and elegant with a hint of uniqueness with its white feet and white-tipped tail, stretches a final time before leaving. It leaves for the darkness of the night and Atsushi watches. He watches till he too decides that it is time for him to return home.
Walking home, he turns his back to the ocean, to the weed, to the pot. Entering his home, Atsushi brews a cup of tea, and this time, he settles. Picking up his pen from where he placed it before, he begins anew.
The sun shines. It is bright. But the colors disperse the light, and the darkness soothes the burn. Tonight is no different from usual, but comfort is given to the unusual. Light follows me home as darkness welcomes me home. Tonight is suddenly beautiful, tonight is the usual.
Setting down his pen, Atsushi once more looks at his flowers. They really are adorable. The door opens and Kyouka is home. Getting up, he welcomes her home. Tonight, he’s decided they’ll be going out to eat. Tonight is a good night.